It’s been a struggle for the Haltom Buffalos in recent years. The program has made the playoffs only twice since 2000 and no appearances since 2009. However, the Buffs showed some progress in 2016, finishing the season 4-6 after winning just one game the previous two seasons.
The Buffalos also had a couple of close calls late in district play. Despite finishing just 1-5, the Haltom lost two of their final three games by less than eight points. Head coach Jason Tucker will look to build off of a 3-1 start to the season as he tries to lead the program back to the postseason.
Key Losses
RB J.Q. Reed, FB/TE Taylor Lunkwitz, LB Gavin Ricks, S Brad Coker, CB Jeffon Evans
On offense, the Buffs lose both quarterbacks that started during the regular season, but their best playmaker is also gone in running back J.Q. Reed. The District 3-6A first team selection was the biggest threat for Haltom, finishing with 1,181 yards and six touchdowns.
Finding his replacement will be key along with finding a blocker and pass catcher in Taylor Lunkwitz. He didn’t put out any eye-popping stats (20 rec, 321 yards, 3 TD) but his value in blocking can’t be overstated.
On defense, the Buffalos will have to replace three all-district selections from the back season. Linebacker Gavin Ricks was a first-team selection this past season. He finished with six tackles for loss and made a number of key plays in terms of forcing turnovers.
In the secondary, safety Brad Coker and corner Jeffon Evans are also gone for next season. Coker (40 tackles, 5 pass breakups, INT) was all over the field for Haltom this past season and both he and Evans (39 tackles, 10 pass breakups, INT) made life a little tougher for quarterbacks this season. Finding guys to step up will play a pivotal role for the Buffalos next season.
Key Returners
WR Imiee Cooksey, LB/RB Zacc Smith, S/LB Quenton Banks, DT Brian Duran, DL Chris Skinner
Whoever comes in as the starting quarterback next season for the Buffalos will have a good target to go to in Imiee Cooksey. Cooksey was a District 3-6A second team selection and after a good junior year (31 rec, 425 yards, 5 TD), he will move up to be the number one target for the Buffalos next season.
On defense, the Buffalos have two versatile players coming back in linebackers Zacc Smith and Quenton Banks. Smith saw time at both offense and defense this year and even had a 98-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the Buffalos’ season opener. No matter where he lines up, Coach Tucker will lean on him for his versatility.
As for Banks, he racked up an impressive 67 tackles last year, including 19 in a game against Abilene High. Whether he’s on the outside as a linebacker or in the secondary, he will also be another key piece for Haltom.
Finally, the Buffalos have two good defensive linemean leading the way up front in Chris Skinner and Brian Duran. Skinner (74 tackles) finished the season strong, finishing with double digit tackles in four of Haltom’s last five games. Duran was a second team selection and he will look to take on a bigger role in the middle of that Buffalo defensive line.
Verdict
This is a Buffalo team that appears to be trending in the right direction. After a couple of close calls last year, this might be the year Haltom break through and get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
The Buffalos may have to ride their defense to start, but once the offense gets their footing, they could present a formidable challenge. It will all come down to how they close out those tough games they weren’t able to a year ago.
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