It’s a tough life, being on the precipice in DFW. You’ll likely have to contend with one statewide powerhouse in district play, if not two. Then, if you reach the playoffs, you’ll likely play a powerhouse from another district. The big cities are no longer a place where the weak-hearted play football.
Wylie was once in that powerhouse category. They have a title from their 2A days in 1977, they were state finalists in 2008, made it to the semifinals in 2010, and the quarters in 2013. There’s no doubt that Wylie’s built something that we can call a winning culture, so when they miss the playoffs, even in a tough district, we’re surprised.
The Pirates didn’t miss the playoffs in 2016, but they did run into a good Southlake Carroll team in the first round. They lost that game, 28-3. They didn’t have a bad district run, but they did lose to Allen and Denton Guyer.
Wylie has the curse and the blessing of playing in DFW. If they get out of that region, they’re dangerous, because you know that they beat some great teams to get there. They’re still in this difficult district, and even though they lose some key pieces, there’s real reason to put stock in Wylie attempting a very real playoff run in 2017.
Key Losses
QB Emilio Ames, C Barry Dubose, WR Justin Pegues, DT/DE Taylor Green
The majority of Wylie’s production in the passing game will have to be replaced, as first team All-District QB Emilio Ames will graduate. Ames also lead the Pirates in rushing attempts. Dubose was a more than capable blocker, and Pegues could be depended upon from his slot position. Taylor Green was excellent on the edge or in a 4i.
Key Returners
WR Andrew Nwachukwu, WR Donovan Ollie, RB David Addo, OLB Kevin Watts, MLB Jordan Hunt
Here’s some really good news for Wylie fans and everyone involved with the program – There is a lot of explosion returning for the Pirates. Donovan Ollie and Andrew Nwachukwu were both All-District performers, and David Addo was the team’s leading rusher in terms of yards last year, with 517 total, and averaging 6 yards per carry.
On the defensive side of the ball, there is some attrition, especially off the defensive line, but key pieces in the secondary return. The biggest bright sign of entire returning class is the linebacking corps, Wylie will return 4 members with at least game time experience if not starting experience, headlined by Kevin Watts and Jordan Hunt
The Verdict
Wylie will be a good team, but there will be some hurdles. They’ll have to contend with Denton Guyer and Allen in district play, and they’ll get another one of those powerhouses in the first round again, barring some slip ups. The big difference here is experience, there won’t be any more youthful mishaps. Whoever inherits the quarterback position from Ames will be in a very good position in terms of weapons he can get the ball to, and the defense has some key experience. Wylie will be sitting good, but it’ll be difficult to predict how far they can go until we see the new quarterback in action.
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