The wide open plains of the Texas Panhandle is ripe with some fantastic small school football. Schools all across this region start another campaign in a couple weeks from now. Here are some of the top games to check out from week one:
Canadian vs. Bushland (9/1) Wildcat Stadium
Canadian’s offense will need lots of rebuilding, but the Wildcats are seemingly always loaded with up-and-coming talent. RB Alexis Flores (10 TDs) and QB Casen Cavalier leads the crop of newcomers on offense. Five starters return on defense, including DE Jackson Anderson (117 tackles, 8 sacks) and LB Wyatt Bishop (176 tackles)
One of the top pass/catch duos in the region return for Bushland, as QB Colton Moore (2,106 yards passing, 22 TDs) and WR Gage Climer (1,013 yards receiving, 12 TDs) back to lead the Falcons. Back on defense is first team all-district DE Blaine Trimmell and LB Trent Welch, back after missing most of last season with an injury
Last Result: Bushland 38, Canadian 35 (2016)
Muleshoe vs. Levelland (9/1) Benny Douglas Stadium
Muleshoe has qualified for the postseason in every season since 2004 (including a state title in 2008), a streak the Mules continued last season, winning a pair of playoff games. Muleshoe is well set to continue the trend. While Luke Del Toro and Matt Alarcon battle for the role of starting quarterback, the offense will be led by RB Michael Lozano (704 yards rushing, 5 TDs) and WR Yoel Reyes (441 yards receiving, 4 TDs). DE Moises Vasquez (66 tackles, 5 sacks) and LB Isaac Mendoza (66 tackles, 5 INTs) are back to lead the defense.
Levelland tallied two of their best seasons in school history, including three playoff wins in 2016, but the Lobos will have some work to do on the roster in the first year under new head coach Curtis Lowery. Back to take on more of a leadership role is RB/DB Chris Gerber (1,384 yards rushing, 14 TDs), he’ll see more time in a more run-oriented offense. The defense was a stout unit towards the end of last season; five players return from this unit including LB Chris Perez (70 tackles).
Last Result: Levelland 56, Muleshoe 31 (2016)
Vega vs. Springlake-Earth (9/1) Longhorn Field
Vega turned things around in the 2014 season; after going 3-7 the season prior, the Longhorns qualified for the playoffs the next year, and every year since. 12 total starters return to keep the streak alive, including RB Colbi Luster (715 yards rushing, 10 TDs), Vega’s top weapon. ATH Austin Newkirk (72 tackles), LB Garrett Busby and OL/DL Jacob Haschke return to lead the defense.
Despite a 4-7 record, Springlake-Earth kept their playoff streak alive last season, and the return of seven offensive and nine defensive starters gives the Wolverines hope to reach the postseason again, and with a winning record. QB Isaiah Solis returns under center, and he’ll be joined again by RB Daniel Lopez (700 yards rushing).
Last Result: Springlake-Earth 20, Vega 0 (2016)
Stinnett West Texas vs. Gruver (9/1) Comanche Field
West Texas finished third in district competition, qualifying for the playoffs, and the return of 14 total starters gives the Comanches an opportunity to hop over the third place hump. QB Jalin Conyers (21 touchdowns) was brilliant in his debut, he’s back along with WRs Emilio Hernandez and Jaykob Hernandez, who combined for 10 scores in 2016. DE Dalin Williams and LB Seth Young combined for 165 tackles last season, and are back to lead the defense.
Gruver also finished third in their district, and return 15 total starters, including eight on defense. RB/LB Ulysses Garcia (791 yards rushing, 9 TDs) earned all-district honors last season, and is joined by ATH Brayden Howard to spearhead the Greyhounds ground game. WR/DB Creed Spivey is back on defense, he picked off five passes in 2016.
Last Result: Stinnett West Texas 36, Gruver 7 (2016)
Borden County vs. Petersburg (9/1) Coyote Stadium
Borden County won their fourth state title last season, but the Coyotes will have some rebuilding to do in their title defense. Returners include 1A DI Defensive MVP Trace Richey (180 tackles, 6 INTs), who is also a potent offensive threat (639 yards receiving, 14 TDs). All-state kicker Easton Edwards (6/8 FG, 94% PATs) returns, and he’ll see time on offense as well.
Petersburg won a playoff game last season, and with the return of 10 total starters are primed for a deeper playoff run in 2017. Back for the Buffaloes is one of six-man’s top rushers in RB Tristan Garza (1,606 yards rushing, 40 TDs). With the additional returns of QB/S Gabriel Hinojos (326 yards passing, 3 TDs; 91 tackles) and TE Yovahn Marroquin, Petersburg might just be a force to be reckoned with.
Last Result: Borden County 52, Petersburg 14 (2011)
Follett vs. Ira (9/1) @ Jayton’s Jaybird Stadium
Follett won a pair of playoff games in 2016, and the Panthers are ready for more with the return of 10 total starters. RB Fabian Gordillo is a dynamic dual-threat on offense (1,262 yards rushing, 28 TDs; 1,345 yards passing, 29 TDs), but was also named second team all-state on defense (98 tackles). WRs Holden Born (922 yards receiving, 18 TDs) and Jared Shawn (107 tackles) were named honorable mention all-state as well.
Ira reached the postseason in 2016, but will have to field a completely new team in 2017. The JV program compiled a 9-0 season however, so hopes are high for the Bulldogs.
Last Result: Ira 69, Follett 24 (2011)
Nazareth vs. Guthrie (9/1) @ Jayton’s Jaybird Stadium
Nazareth claimed the district title and won a playoff game in 2016, and returns a bevy of talent for another run. Back for the Swifts is a dynamic backfield featuring QB/S Traytan McLain (1,700 yards passing, 33 TDs) and RB/DE Jake Gerber (1,160 yards rushing, 18 TDs; 102 tackles), both second team all-state last season.
Guthrie also won the district title and a playoff game last season, but will need rebuilding for a fifth straight playoff appearance in 2017. Half of the defense returns, including OL/DE Kolby Jones (91 tackles).
Last Result: N/A (First Meeting)
Happy vs. Richland Springs (9/2) @ Jayton’s Jaybird Stadium
Happy looks to have another big season in 2017, as the Cowboys return 10 total starters, including five all-state picks. RB/DB Colton McCarley (373 yards receiving, 6 TDs; 102 tackles) is a weapon on both sides of the ball; he’s joined on defense by FB/DE Jayton Walden (851 yards rushing, 19 TDs), named second team all-state on defense.
Richland Springs continues their six-man dynasty, winning yet another state title last season. And guess what? The Coyotes are favorites to go all the way once again, especially with the return of eight total starters. Returning talent includes 1A DII Player of the Year RB Walker Tippie (2,193 yards rushing, 43 TDs), and defensive MVP LB Hutton Lusty (92 tackles).
Last Result: Richland Springs 78, Happy 32 (2007)
