6A

Team Preview: Byron Nelson Bobcats

by
Adam Ogburn
July 15

Head Coach: Travis Pride (8^th season)

Last Season: 11-2; 6-1 in district (Lost to Denton Guyer in regional semifinals)

Byron Nelson Key Players and Storylines

The Bobcats are riding a wave of success following the past two seasons. They’ve advanced to the regional semifinals both years and also set a school record in 2022 with their 11-win season.

This year, the Byron Nelson coaching staff expects to have another successful year in district play. And once the postseason rolls around, they hope to be able to overcome the hurdle the regional semifinals have been for them the past two seasons.

In 2022, the Byron Nelson offense blew other teams apart by averaging over 49 points per game. However, with five three-year starters graduating on that side of the ball, look for the Bobcats to lean on their defense this season.

And what a defense it is.

Nine starters return, including six three-year starters. Even the two new starters have seen significant playing time, so inexperience won’t be a problem.

The secondary will be strong with three-star prospects David Kabongo (64 tackles), an Oklahoma State commit, and Jonathan Kabeya, who transfers in from Colleyville Heritage. In the front seven, keep an eye out for linebacker/edge Eze Osondu (39 tackles, seven sacks) and defensive lineman Kaleb Coleman (41 tackles and 10 TFLs). They were Byron Nelson’s two leading sack-getters in 2022.

On the other side of the ball, inexperience will be something the Bobcats have to overcome. Just four starters return from last season’s squad. However, the Byron Nelson coaching staff is excited about the unit’s overall potential.

Tom Von Grote is poised to take over at quarterback after the graduation of the district’s Offensive Player of the Year Jake Wilson, who threw for over 4,000 yards a year ago.

Byron Nelson’s five leading receivers from a year ago have also graduated, opening the door for receiver Landon Farco (276 receiving yards and five touchdowns) to step into a much bigger role this season. Up front, offensive guard Abe Sakiri will bring some crucial experience as a returning first team all-district honoree.

The Byron Nelson athletic program as a whole has been on a high. Every team advanced to at least the second round of playoffs a year ago. With so much momentum surrounding the program, the Bobcats’ stout defense will be one to watch as the offense settles in for what Byron Nelson hopes will be a season that lasts long into November.