Weatherford is a program looking to find a track of success. The Kangaroos have not made the playoffs since 2007 and have not finished with a winning record since 2005. On top of that, head coach Weldon Nelms retired at the end of the season.
As of this article, Weatherford has not named their next head coach. Whoever does take over will try to get the Kangaroos back on track after losing two district games in overtime last year. Can Weatherford break through in District 3-6A?
Key Losses
DL Zach McKinney, DE Jake Beaird, TE/DE Marcus Buckley, S Nick Rodriguez, QB Lane Gilley
The Roos lose a lot on defense, but the hardest losses will be felt on the defensive line. bigger that defensive tackle Zach McKinney. The Oklahoma commit was a District 3-6A first team selection and a force to be reckoned with up front.
He, along with Jake Beaird and Marcus Buckley were mainstays up front and the second team all-district selections will have to be replaced. Buckley also showed off his versatility, playing on both sides of the ball.
Safety Nick Rodriguez was also a difference maker for Weatherford in the secondary. He is one of the leading tacklers leaving and was voted a defensive MVP by his team at the end of the year.
Finally, the Roos lose one of their starting quarterbacks in Lane Gilley. He split time with Corban Campbell last year and was one of the team’s best offensive players. He emerged as a playmaker during the second half of the year and that leadership will have to be picked up, most likely by Campbell.
Key Returners
QB Corban Campbell, WR London Williams, WR James McAfee, LB Cody Henderson, LB Ethan Irsik
For what the new coach loses on defense, the Roos have quite a bit coming back on offense. After starting the first half of the year, Corban Campbell will most likely be the starter heading into next season, looking to bounce back with his team.
He’ll have two very good targets coming back in London Williams and James McAfee. Williams was a first team District 3-6A selection. McAfee (27 rec, 389 yards, 3 TD) was the second leading receiver for Weatherford last year and the passing offense looks to be a strength heading into 2017.
On defense, linebackers Cody Henderson and Ethan Irsik are both back next season. Henderson was a first team All-District selection while Irsik made the second team. Both of them will look to provide stability and leadership on defense for Weatherford.
Verdict
It’s not fully known how different Weatherford will look until they have a new coach in place. Heading into 2017 however, the Kangaroos look strong on offense with the amount of weapons they have at receiver.
The question is if they can avoid another slow start on offense. If they can do that, the Kangaroos might have a chance to sneak into the playoff conversation in District 3-6A.
