White Deer failed to win a district game in 2022, but the Bucks weren’t far off from their 1A Division competition. They fell to Miami by only two scores and McLean by just two points.
And despite only returning one starter on each side of the ball this year, head coach Justin Rucker believes his Bucks will be better this season because of the young talent they have rising up in the program.
Running back/linebacker Brodie Weathers earned all-district honors on both sides of the ball a year ago and should be the leader for the Bucks on both sides of the ball.
Many of the other key contributors will be from a strong sophomore class, which Rucker referred to as “grinders.” He believes their coachability and desire to win will be the driving force for White Deer improving in the win column this year.
Full back/defensive lineman Leland Allen, running back/defensive end Davin Hext, and quarterback/cornerback Foster Black are all sophomores Rucker expects to have a significant impact for the Bucks this season.
The Bucks certainly have some question marks surrounding them heading into this year as they will rely heavily on young talent. But if the sophomore class reaches the potential Rucker believes they will, the Bucks should find themselves in the middle of a fight for their first playoff berth in three years.