The Wellington Skyrocket seniors know what it’s like to cap off an undefeated season with a state title. In 2013, the seniors stood on the sidelines at AT&T stadium and watched as the Rockets handily defeated Falls City 43-20. This year, the seniors would like nothing more than to return to Jerry’s World and end their last year as a Rocket with a title.
“That was a great experience for this class of seniors,” said Rocket head coach Wade Williams. “Several guys experienced quite a bit of playing time so they remember what it’s like to be in that atmosphere.”
Dropping to DII in class 2A during the UIL’s realignment in February, Wellington could very well become a wrecking ball in the post season. Picked to win their district, the Rockets are loaded with talent and perhaps one of the best coaches in the Panhandle in Williams. Since Williams took over the Rockets in 2008, they have posted an 84-17 record, a state championship and have made an appearance in the playoffs every single season.
Williams walks the same sidelines as his father, the late James Williams, who coached the younger Williams at Wellington in the early ’80’s. Now, Williams walks the sidelines and coaches his son, Luke. Since the beginning of two-a-days, Williams has been impressed with the work ethic of his squad.
“Our goal is to start the season at the level we were playing at the end of last season.” stated Williams. “Being in one of the toughest districts in the entire state last year, really helped these guys step up and play.”
Wellington made it to the regional round of the playoffs in 2015 and will look to capitalize on experience, size, speed and depth to make another deep run.
QB Luke Williams (6′, 155) returns as the Rocket’s play caller this season after stepping in that role as a sophomore.
“We didn’t pass the ball a whole lot last year, but I think Luke has matured a lot in the off season,” Williams said. With a year’s experience behind him, Williams could likely double his 1,001 passing yards from last season.
The Rockets will place the majority of the offensive workload on FB Jose Tellez (5’10, 180) and WR Arturo Tellez (6′, 170). FB Tellez ran for 1,145 yards and 15 touchdowns while WR Tellez hauled in 410 yards and four touchdowns last year. Williams will also eye WR’s Cooper Richardson (6′, 170), Weston Wright (5’8, 165) and Steven Wilbur (5’7, 150).
With an offensive line which includes one of the biggest players in the state, Wellington could light up the scoreboard often during their 2016 campaign. The Rocket’s offensive line is pretty stout with Trevor Roberson (6’11, 334), Dylan Valles (6’1, 195), Brenden Stephens, Drake Welch, and Isaac Rodriguez. Their defense will be salty as well with J. Tellez and A. Tellez seeing time at linebacker and free safety, respectively. Defensive backs quick to make tackles include Richardson, Wilbur and Kaden Hunter.
“Our defense is going to be pretty tough this season,” Williams expressed. “I’m excited to see what they do.”
Wellington’s road to the post season will begin with a district opener against the Memphis Cyclones, who are the Rocket’s biggest rival.
“Wellington and Memphis were rivals when I was playing for Wellington and that hasn’t changed,” Williams firmly stated. “In a game like this, you pretty much throw everything out the window and know it’s going to be a playoff type atmosphere game.”
If the Skyrockets pick up the district crown and the Cyclones do as well as what they are expected to this season, a rematch would happen in the quarterfinals.
Heading into the 2016 season with an 83.2 win percentage and experienced squad, don’t be surprised if you see Wellington make another run for a state title.
