Keller Timber Creek generated some buzz early on in the season as they got off to a 3-0 and start and had some eyebrows raised as the potency of their offense was beginning to emerge on opponent’s radars.
Timber Creek ended up struggling a bit down the stretch due to a tough district schedule where they went 3-3. However, they did manage to put themselves in the playoff picture for only the second time in its school history before a tough Cal Vincent led San Angelo team ended their season in the second round to put them at 7-5.
Despite some bumps on the road, Timber Creek has all the reason to be excited come next season due to the rise of a few underclassmen that helped their team average 36 points on the season. The production of sophomore running back Blake Irving and astronomical rise of junior wide receiver Eric Ezukaunma are sure to keep Keller Timber Creek competitive in the District 3-6A race.
Key Losses
QB Cade Schrader, OT Alan Ali, WR Jerome Jackson
Cade Schrader was an integral part of the Timber Creek offensive machine as he dissected defenses and threw for 3,312 yards and 28 touchdowns with a 62% completion rate. Schrader was able to impose his will with his offensive unit being anchored by All-District offensive tackle Alan Ali who stood at 6-foot-5, 275-pounds.
Eric Mills was a big part of the offense too, posting 934 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He churned out some good numbers in his final year to propel the Falcons in the postseason.
Key Returners
RB Blake Irving, RB Nathan Grimes, WR Eric Ezukaunma
Blake Irving was only a sophomore was trusted enough to carry the ball 110 times for 629 yards and nine touchdowns. With his return and a better understanding of the Timber Creek offense he should definitely be considered one of the more dangerous backs in the district next season.
Nathan Grimes should also help provide a formidable one-two punch after posting 319 yards and six touchdowns to give Timber Creek a tandem that defenses will have to account for leaving their receivers to have favorable matchups.
One receiver that should benefit greatly from those two coming out the backfield is Eric Ezukaunma. Ezukaunma became a familiar name after the first few contests of the season. He posted staggering stats, 88 receptions for 1,447 yards and 20 touchdown receptions to be exact. He proved himself to be an all-around athlete and rushed for 383 yards and four touchdowns. He will be one of the more prominent names when it comes to home run threats around the state.
The Verdict
Timber Creek, for what they will be losing, still has many weapons at their disposal. Should Timber Creek have a strong non-district showing, then come district they should be able to compete even more. While they are perhaps not yet at the level where they can run away with the district title, they are at a level that any program wishes to be at, which is to be competitive.
Brought to you by:
