Eagles approach 2024 football season with 'WE' before 'Me' attitude
BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
Everyone inside the Canyon Eagles football locker room is burning with desire and determination to build upon a 2023 season that ended in the second round of the Class 4A Division I playoffs.
According to Canyon head football coach Todd Winfrey, “You know us, expectations are always high. We graduated several key players so have to develop some young kids, just like we did last year. We are excited about how many skill players that we have that got varsity experience last year.”
The Eagles went 9-3 in 2023 and reached the Class 4A Division I Area playoffs.
This season, though, Winfrey returns 19 lettermen with four offensive and three defensive starters from that 2023 team.
Among those returning starters on offense are senior quarterback Boston Bell and wide receiver Jacob Burris, both expected to put up ‘big’ numbers in the Eagles spread offense.
“Always great to have a returning quarterback,” Winfrey said on two-year starter Boston Bell. “But also a returning backup quarterback in Noah Sanchez, so, like every spot, the quarterback position is up for grabs and will be an open competition.”
Bell, who gained varsity playing time in 2022 as a sophomore backing up then starter Derrek Clements, proved to be the leader Winfrey was looking for in 2023.
“Boston has grown physically and mentally,” Winfrey said since that sophomore season. “Understanding the WHY has been huge for him. ... Really has shown exponential growth.”
Through 10 games as a junior in 2023, Bell completed 89 of 135 passes for 1,401 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Bell also carried 21 times for
72 yards.
The brunt of Canyon’s offensive attack came through a powerful running game as outgoing seniors Christian McGuire and Sam Johnson led the way.
Under new offensive coordinator and former Eagle quarterback Matt Lovorn in 2023, the Eagles philosophy was ‘smash’ through opponents with an experienced offensive line and a backfield that showcased four different running backs.
McGuire and Johnson combined for
more than 1,600 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns going into the 2023 playoff season. Colt Cruth and Ryan Rivera also added another 1,200 yards together with 11 total touchdowns.
McGuire and Johnson have since graduated and both are furthering baseball careers in the fall at Amarillo College.
Now, it’s Cruth and Rivera time for the Eagles.
“Those two got tons of experience last year and we will count on them, but also
have a couple of other backs that may step up and help us with production,” Winfrey said.
Winfrey noted that there is “absolutely no way to replace Sam (Johnson) and Christian (McGuire).
“They were also great leaders and helped develop some young players, who are ready to take the reigns,” Winfrey said.
Another strong component of Canyon’s offense will be the receivers, where senior Jacob Burris and junior tight end Tripp
Wright return after productive 2023 seasons.
“Jacob Burris speaks for himself ... our best receiver last year,” Winfrey said. “Tripp Wright works as hard as anybody. He has focused on his route running and ball skills and is also a great blocker.”
Winfrey added that the Eagles need production from Caleb Tunnell, Bayler Schilling, Breccan Crockett and Caden Barrow throughout the upcoming season.
Three of the returning skill playersBurris, Schilling and Sanchez - played a huge role in the Eagles advancing to the 2024 Class 4A State Baseball Tournament.
“When you have a baseball season like that, you continue to learn how to win,” Winfrey said. “(Those three young men) bring that same attitude onto the football field.”
Burris, in nine football games in 2023, pulled down 24 passes for 402 yards and four touchdowns. Wright, meanwhile, caught 22 passes for 358 yards and three touchdowns.
Winfrey knows the importance of the skill positions to the Eagles’ season, but it doesn’t happen without the offensive line.
“This group (offensive line) must be led by Garrett Rosser and Zach Garcia, but also by Calvin Meador, who didn’t play a lot last year,” Winfrey said. “Then, there’s a lot of young bucks that have to grow up fast.”
As strong as the Eagles’ offense was during the 2023 season, the defense was a force to reckon with under the physicality of outgoing linebackers Rece Davis, Christian McGuire and Sam Johnson.
Winfrey and first-year defensive coordinator John Quint, who comes to Canyon from Randall, will have several new faces on defense this season.
“Losing eight starters is huge, so we have to grow up fast, but also learn to trust each other, in our play and our communication,” Winfrey said.
Johnson, Alex Kilgore and Darion Cash.
“This is where we really have to replace them by committee ... can’t do it with just one person in a position,” Winfrey said.
“That is what those guys meant to our program.”
Winfrey has high expectations for Colt Cruth, Jacob Burris and Caden Barrow to lead Canyon’s defensive attack.
“Having a new DC, John Quint, will be unique. We haven’t had to worry about that in seven years. But he is already doing great and we are excited about what our defense will look like.”
Quint takes over Canyon’s defense after former coordinator Jed Anderson was recently named the new head baseball coach for the Eagles.
Among the defensive playmakers that Winfrey and Quint will need to replace are Rece Davis, Christian McGuire, Sam
“... After that, we need to see who this season will start at 7 p.m.
Senior experience guides Lady Eagle volleyball into 2024 season
BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
Seniority rules when it comes to Canyon Lady Eagles volleyball in 2024.
With six returning starters –all seniors – Canyon head coach Sara Morath speaks highly of their experience and the expectations for the upcoming season.
“We have put in some serious work this offseason,” Morath said. “We have several experienced players returning for our 2024 season. Every starter will likely be a three or four year varsity player.
“With that many experienced players on the roster, who have put in a lot of work since last fall, we should make a pretty good run at it this season.”
Morath will lean on the senior leadership of Sydnee Winfrey, Brooklyn Kinsey, Alainna Bellino, Landri Jay, Isabell Hunt and Cali McKinley as the Lady Eagles begin preseason workouts in early August.
“We also have some experienced younger players who will play a vital role as well … Aiva Kerr is one of our most disciplined and fundamental players on the team and will be a huge part of our back row defense,” Morath said.
“Maddie Haugen, a junior, will be a force in the middle, as well as our youngest returner –Laney Jones – who will provide consistent offense for us on the outside.”
With the huge senior class – six players – Morath says “leadership will be key.”
“We have some great competitors in this group which makes practices intense and
fun,” Morath added. “Having that kind of intensity daily has and will continue to help our team thrive in different kinds of environments and situations.”
Two of the key seniors –Winfrey and Kinsey – have participated on varsity since their freshmen season.
“Sydnee (Winfrey) and Brooklyn (Kinsey) are some great athletes who have obviously contributed to our program greatly since their freshmen year,” Morath said. “We expect them to continue to be a pivotal part of our team but what we have this year is depth.
“We have so many girls who have grown and matured and will be just as big of a force on the front row as those two have been.”
Morath added, “All of our front row hitters will be experienced returners which means we will be able to spread the ball around a lot.”
With so many explosive hitters, Canyon’s setter – Bellino – will have plenty of different options at her disposal.
“Our setter Alainna (Bellino) will be one of the seniors who has had a couple of years of varsity experience under her belt. Last year, we had Laney (Jones) setting but this year, we may transition her to focus just on hitting and we are looking at a newcomer in London Gibson to help us out in the setting position, as well,” Morath said.
“Alainna and London both do a great job of playing defense and being able to adjust to all of our different hitters’ needs.”
Since Morath inherited the Canyon volleyball program after a prolific high school and college playing career at Amarillo High
School and West Texas A&M University, her philosophy has centered around ‘tenacious defense.’
“Defense is such an important part of the game and we will have a strong back row,” Morath said. “Landri (Jay) has been our libero for the past couple of years and we see her continuing to thrive in that role as the top libero in the Texas Panhandle.
“We also have Aiva (Kerr) returning as a junior this year and like I mentioned earlier, she is probably the most polished, fundamental player we have on the team. She makes digs look easy and effortless. She reads hitters so well and will be one of our key defensive players this year.
“With Aiva and Landri in the
back row, it is going to be tough for hitters to get much on them.”
According to Morath, the motto is still in the works.
“Transitioning from the season to the offseason, we have been focusing on trusting our teammates and not relying on one single person,” Morath said. “We will have so much depth this year and we want to spread out the offense as much as we can.”
The depth will be put to the test early in August as Canyon opens with Bushland and several tough tournaments across Texas.
“Our non-district schedule is tough by design as well as the tournaments we choose to attend. Mansfield and Granbury are always filled with top ranked
schools and we get to compete at a high level and recognize our strengths and weaknesses early on in the season,” Morath said.
“This will be the second year we go to the Randall Showcase at the end of August and again, every team there is a highly competitive team who will help prepare us for district.”
By district, Morath hopes the Lady Eagles are clicking and playing with a lot of fire and grit.
“It’s no secret our district is one of the toughest in the state,” Morath said. “It makes every Tuesday and Saturday exciting. Every team is a team to beat.
“We have to stay consistent on our end and make sure we stay focused throughout every practice and match.”
2024 CANYON LADY EAGLES
VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
2024 CANYON EAGLES FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
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Canyon Netters place strong emphasis on 'winning every point'
BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
Inside the Canyon High School Tennis Center, it’s all about ‘winning’ and playing with a aggressive mentality.
Under head coach David DeLeon’s leadership, Canyon puts a strong emphasis on getting better with each point and each match played.
“Our outlook and goals are the same that they have been the last couple of years, and those are to compete for a district championship and a regional team title,” DeLeon said. “This is the toughest team tennis district in the state so we feel confident in our ability on the state level if we can be successful against our neighboring schools.
“We feel like that has become our standard and will always be the goal for Canyon Tennis.”
Canyon lost five seniors to graduation and are returning seven varsity letterwinners with match experience, according to DeLeon.
“We are young and inexperienced but our kids worked really hard this summer, so the 11 underclassmen will need to step up and learn on the fly in order for us to play big this fall season,” DeLeon added.
“I will be asking a lot out of our No. 1 players on either side, in particular our girls team. Our top six girls are a Top 5 team in the state of Texas in their own right. They have experience and skill that we will depend on as a unit in order for us to accomplish our goals.”
DeLeon has been impressed with Samantha Melear, thus far.
“Samantha has started our season on fire going 16-2 to start the year. She is closing in on 100 career wins early in her junior year and I couldn’t be more proud of her growth,” DeLeon said.
“I have to also brag on Bradley Enriquez. He is still in the rehabilitation process from an injury last spring but that has not derailed his work ethic and dedication to our team and also his game.”
So far, Canyon has stayed local in its first five matches this fall season.
“I am happy from the growth I have seen thus far and the level of competition that we played,” DeLeon said. “I prefer to grow and compete rather than pad the record. I truly believe in challenging ourselves before we start district.
“Some like to gain confidence by stacking up the wins and inferior opponents, but the Eagle Tennis team is going to travel just about anywhere for a competitive match. We have played a lot of tight sets or third set matches, and you cannot put a price on that sort of experience.”
As for the district, DeLeon and many others know the road to state goes through Randall.
“As far as competition goes, the champs are the champs until they ain’t the champs anymore so Randall is the top dog around here,” DeLeon said.
“We got really close to beating them (Randall) all three times last year and we are hoping to keep that rivalry competitive and soon flip that result.
“West Plains and Hereford are also
top contenders in the state so in order for us to achieve our goals we are really knocking off some tough competition along the way.”
DeLeon noted that this has been and will continue to be the most competitive district in the state.
“Two team state championships with four appearances in team tennis in the last six years tells you all that you need to know, but when you factor in the amount of state qualifiers and champions this district has (about 20 qualifiers and around 10 state championships) the case is closed,” DeLeon said.
“Our kids work really hard and we compete all year long so that when the rubber meets the road, we are still playing tennis in deep October as well as the finally weeks of school in May.
“We have a motto ‘One more ball baby’ and I think it encapsulates our identity as a program, both in how we play literally and figuratively.”
Sherwood's message to Raiders in 2024... "Have fun and enjoy the moment"
BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
Expectations are high in Year 2 of the Dan Sherwood era at Randall High School.
And why not when you return 10 offensive and 9 defensive starters from a Raiders team the finished 7-5 and reached the second round of the Class 4A Division I playoffs in 2023.
Sherwood believes that the sky is the limit for the Raiders, and his emphasis this season is all about ‘having fun’ and ‘enjoying the moment.’
The former Baylor and West Texas A&M offensive lineman knows that in order to be one of the best teams in the state you have to be physical in the trenches.
The Raiders will be just that in 2024 as the return of Braeden Massengale (6-3, 255) will anchor the offensive line in his third season on the varsity.
Massengale’s job as the left tackle will be to keep the pressure off junior starting quarterback Kaison Benton.
Benton, who split time in 2023 as a wide receiver and quarterback, prepares to take over the signal-caller role for the Raiders and possesses a strong up-side with plenty of arm strength.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Benton brings a lot of poise and promise to the Raiders’ backfield, and gives Sherwood a proven leader.
Alongside Benton, the Raiders will lean on three-year starting tailback Dylan Ray (5-9, 180) to get the majority of carries. Ray, who also shines on the Raiders baseball team, possesses 4.5 speed and is dynamic with the ball in his hands.
At the receiver position, Benton will have plenty of options as junior Collin Miller (5-11, 165) and Tayren Combs (6-3, 185) return this fall. Also vying for playing time at receiver will be Phoenix Sherwood (5-5, 150).
Tight end Breken Melton (6-2, 220) is back for his senior season and expects to be one of Randall’s top scoring threats in the red zone. Melton also doubles as a tough-nosed third baseman for the Raiders baseball team in the spring. Defensively, the Raiders are going to attack opponents with plenty of tenacity and aggression.
The main stalwarts on Randall’s defense will be defensive end Breken Melton, defensive tackle Braeden Massengale and defensive backs RJ Matthews, Collin Miller, Tayren Combs and Kaiden Miller.
Going into the 2024 season, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine predicted Randall to finish third behind Canyon ISD rivals West Plains and Canyon.
The Raiders kick off the season Aug. 30 in their home opener against Plainview at Happy State Bank Stadium. Other nondistrict games will include traveling to Monahans (Sept. 6) and Perryton (Sept. 13) before returning to HSB Stadium on Sept. 20 against Wichita Falls Legacy and Sept. 26 against Lubbock Estacado.
District 2-4A Division I competition gets under way on October 11 with the opener at Dumas. Randall will host Hereford on Oct. 18 and the first-ever showdown with West Plains will take place on Oct. 25.
Randall closes out the regular season with district games against Pampa (Nov. 1) and Canyon (Nov. 8).
Randall volleyball leaning on the motto... "Together We Will Win"
BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
Haleigh Burns didn’t leave the cupboard dry when she resigned to take over the Amarillo High volleyball program this fall.
Instead, first-year Randall Lady Raiders head coach Karli Morrison inherited a squad that is senior-laden and eager to get back to the Class 4A State Tournament.
“We have high expectations and want to get 1 percent better every day,” Morrison said.
Morrison accepted the Randall in the spring after leaving her head coaching post at Weatherford High School.
“Honestly, it was my friend that recommended me to the (Canyon ISD) administration,” Morrison said upon learning about the Randall head coaching job.
“I am so thankful to be here and thankful to have the team that I have for this year. There is something special about (Texas) Panhandle kids and their work ethic.”
The former Dalhart volleyball standout will lean on four seniors to set the foundation in her first year. Sidney Soria, a four-year setter and future University of North Texas player, anchors the Lady Raiders’ lineup.
The other seniors suiting up this season for the Lady Raiders include outside hitter Brooke Henderson, outside hitter Havi Valdez and middle blocker Layla Romero.
“We have four seniors this year and they are all starters,” Morrison said. “Each leader brings something different. Brooke (Henderson) is the reliable one and does everything to pursue excellence. Havi (Valdez) is my one that has overcome so many injuries and still loves to play and wants to get better. Layla (Romero) has grown so much since her injury in basketball and has become one of our offensive threats.
“Sidney (Soria) is our captain and the quarterback of our team. She is the voice and the reason to why we do what we do.”
Early on, during pre-season workouts, Morrison preached ‘working on things we can control’ to her team.
“We want to be the best version of ourselves,” Morrison said.
Offensively, Morrison wants her team to be “aggressive and work on good first contacts.”
Defensively, the Lady Raiders will possess ‘grit and work for the hard ball.’
Over the course of the past 10 years, the Lady Raiders have been a mainstay at the Class 4A State Tournament and Morrison hopes that doesn’t change in the near future.
“The standard has been high, but the pressure is a privilege,” Morrison said. “Every day, our practice has a focus and a standard that is set.”
This year’s Lady Raiders lineup includes: Benett Moore, Sidney Soria, Lyn Chavarria, Kamlyn Garica, Kambree Gonzales, Amber Matthews, Brooke Henderson, Layla Romero, Kyleigh Turner, Nevaeh Conner, Havi Valdez and Natalie Cockrell.
Morrison said the seniors had a say in determining the motto for the season.
“They (seniors) chose the theme … Together We Will,” Morrison said. “They want this team to do it together and want to do it for the person beside you.”
The Lady Raiders opened the season Tuesday night with a road duel against Frenship and Abilene Wylie in Wolfforth and then closed out the week at the Round Rock Westwood Tournament.
In August, the Lady Raiders will compete on the road with matches at Lubbock Cooper and the Glen Rose Tournament before capping off the month with the Randall HS Showcase.
Two non-district matches to open September has the Lady Raiders battling Lubbock Cooper Liberty on the road and Wichita Falls Memorial in the regularseason home opener at the House Of Doom (RHS Gymnasium).
District 4-4A competition gets underway with the opener on Sept. 14 at Perryton.
“I’m thankful to be in a hard district with great competition and lots of tradition,” Morrison said. “It will push us and make us better.”
Randall shoots for 3rd consecutive trip to State Tennis Tourney
BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
Around the state of Texas, the Randall High School tennis program carries a great deal of respect and prestige.
Veteran head coach Darby Norman has built his program into a premiere ‘powerhouse’ and year in and year out, Randall is competing for a state championship.
The mindset this season, according to Norman, is getting back to the state team tennis tournament for the third year in a row.
“Our kids have come to set high expectations, and they are working hard to achieve them,” Norman said.
“We should once again be competitive this fall season. We only lost one player to graduation, so as always, we have lofty goals for our team.”
Those goals center on winning district, regionals and advancing to state.
“We have most of our team returning from last year. We lost our No. 1 boy, Bryson Shelton, to graduation and we had one young lady choose not to play,” Norman said.
Randall’s core this fall will be guided by strong senior leadership.
“Dax Betzen, Orlando Ingersoll and Parker Land are our three senior boys,” Norman said. “Dax is coming off a second place finish at the (4A) state tourney last spring.
“On the girls side, we have our defending state champion doubles team of Gabby Dishong and Kynley Craddock back. Emmalee Sillivent is our other senior girl, and she has improved a ton and is emerging as one of our top players and a great senior leader along with Gabby.
“We have a slew of talented juniors besides Kynley Craddock including Sawyer Eason, Damian Martinez, Elisha Godwin, Gavin Taylor, Marc Ramirez, Keaton Daniels and Jazzy Phillips.
“Then, we have some very talented sophomores including Lily Harding, Lily Brooks, Bonnie Mick, LynnLee Ramirez and Cesar Macias. Finally, we have some very good freshmen who are already making an impact on our lineup. Jensen Betzen, Abri Hays, Autumn Bell and Gavin Yarber will all have storied careers before they are finished playing.”
Looking at the pre-season rankings, Norman believes Randall will be one of the top teams this fall.
“When the pre-season rankings come out, I would expect us to once again be ranked in the Top 5 in the state,” Norman said. “Honestly, 4 of the Top 10 teams in the state are in our district. Canyon and West Plains will be tough to beat, and Hereford, despite losing some of their top players, should be really good.
“Vernon and Burkburnett are two other teams in our region who should be vying for a trip to state.”
Norman noted that Canyon, West Plains, Hereford, Vernon and
Burkburnett will be Randall’s toughest competition this fall.
“We are trying to fit as many matches into the preseason as possible,” Norman said. “We are currently 10-0 and have our first district match the day before school starts. It is a grueling fall season, and we are just getting it going.”
Norman added, “We are playing in the toughest district in the state. And, our region is by far the best in the state. When you get to state out of Region I, you are a contender for a state championship.”
As for the motto this season around the Randall Tennis Complex, Norman noted that it’s ‘Winners focus on winning, and losers focus on winners.’
“We are focused on taking care of our own business and not getting caught up in the extraneous distractions,” Norman said. “We know we have a huge target on our back and when you are the hunted, you have to be ready for every match.”
QB Macon "definite leader" of West Plains football program
BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
When it comes to the game of football, nobody studies film more than West Plains starting quarterback Reid Macon.
The 6-foot junior signal caller enters his third varsity season with big goals and plenty of offensive weapons at his disposal.
“Reid (Macon) is a definite leader on our team,” West Plains head football coach Adam Cummings said. “Being his third season at quarterback there are obviously expectations, but no one has to explain that to him. He puts more pressure on himself than anyone else. That’s why he is a great leader.”
Cummings ... three years ago ... took over the West Plains High School football program after a heralded career at Sundown. His first item of work when he got to West Plains was establish an identity and find a starting quarterback.
That identity ‘Full Benefit’ was set in stone ... with emphasis on Jeremiah 29:11 and following the plan or process with doing things the ‘Wolfpack Way.’
All that was needed was a leader in the huddle, the locker room and around campus. Cummings quickly placed the keys in Macon’s hand as a freshman in 2022 and three years later, he’s still in charge.
“What he did as a freshman was impressive,” Cummings said on the way Macon competed in varsity competition. “But to watch his growth from then to now has been more impressive. He never lets it get to his head and continues to find ways to improve his craft and improve as a player and leader.”
In 2022, Macon completed 197 of 336 passes for 2,273 yards with 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Then, as a sophomore
in 2023, Macon was 258-of-362 passing for 3,306 yards and 35 touchdowns with 7 interceptions.
What excites Cummings about his threeyear starting quarterback is the way he competes.
“Probably the most exciting thing about watching him (Macon) compete is that he doesn’t need outside motivation,” Cummings said. “He is an incredibly driven young man and uses that determination to positively impact the people around him.”
In the huddle or the locker room, Macon possesses great character and a strong work ethic, according to Cummings.
“When you combine those two things, it makes leading by example natural,” Cummings added. “What he has continued to build and improve is his ability to lead with his voice and be that presence in the locker room and on the field. But at the end of the day, guys are going to follow those that lead by example and he does that as well as anyone I’ve ever coached.”
This summer, Macon has participated in football camps at West Texas A&M University, OU, Texas Tech, North Texas, Arkansas and Kansas State.
Macon is among 19 returning lettermen that have started from the ground up in building the Wolfpack football program. In 2022, the Wolves went 7-5 in their first varsity season and finished second in District 2-4A Division II with a 3-1 record. That 2022 season, the Wolves advanced to the Class 4A Division II Area Finals.
A year ago, in 2023, the Wolves reached the Class 4A Division II State Quarterfinals with a 12-2 overall record and were the District 2-4A Division II champions with a perfect 4-0 mark.
“Going into our third season as a program,
the expectations are high,” Cummings said. “Our kids and coaches know that the standard has been established and that there is an expectation to uphold that standard and continue to raise the bar.”
To do so ... playing with that championship mentality ... it starts with having strong leadership in place on both sides of the ball.
The Wolves graduated several core leaders in Dawson Hall, Jarrett Diggs, Brock Blaser, Jordi Hernandez and Crockett Henry ... all of which Cummings leaned on for two years after those young men moved over from Randall High School in 2022.
What those young, enthusiastic freshmen
(now juniors) learned in 2022 is playing for second is not part of the ‘Wolfpack Way’.
In 2023, West Plains raised some eyebrows across Texas as being one of the teams to watch in Class 4A for many years to come.
What made the 2023 Wolves a strong playoff contender was each member put the “TEAM” first.
This season, Macon returns in the offensive backfield, but West Plains will be without two-year starting tailback Jordi Hernandez, who graduated and signed a college football scholarship with Eastern New Mexico.
Hernandez compiled a West Plains resume that included rushing for 1,917 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior and 1,476 yards and 18 touchdowns his junior season.
In his place this season will be sophomore tailback Slade Russell, who gained experience in 2023 backing up Hernandez midway through the season.
“Those are some big shoes to fill for sure,” Cummings said on replacing Jordi Hernandez. “We have several guys competing for time at the running back position. Obviously Slade (Russell) has returning varsity experience and has a lot of potential to be a really dynamic player for us at that position.”
Russell, in 10 varsity games as a freshman, carried 38 times for 231 yards and four touchdowns.
At Macon’s disposal will be a ‘fast and furious’ group of wide receivers - led by juniors Boston Ladd, Kaden Hooker and Kane White-Tinsley.
“This is really the only position where we feel like we’re returning a lot of depth from last year,” Cummings on the receivers. “Several guys got quality minutes on varsity last year and that will be crucial as we start this season. Having players like Kane, Boston and Kaden returning will be key in developing our offense early.”
Again, West Plains graduated several skill receivers in King Tallant, Jeremiah Gutierrez and Kyron Wooten from the 2023 team that reached the Class 4A Division II State Quarterfinals. Tallant recorded 94 receptions for 937 yards and nine touchdowns to lead the Wolves. Wooten also finished with 39 catches for 828 yards and nine touchdowns. Gutierrez contributed with 24 receptions for 297 yards and three touchdowns.
Cummings expects White-Tinsley, Ladd and Hooker to fill those roles and bring excitement to the Wolves’ offensive attack.
In 2023, Hooker appeared in 14 games with 19 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns. White-Tinsley played in 14 games with five catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Ladd, primarily used on defense as a starting safety, registered three catches for 72 yards in 13 games.
The offensive line, though, is a position that Cummings sees as a question mark going into the 2024 season.
“With only one returning starter from
2023 in Jae Harrison, there is lots of competition to earn those four remaining spots. Jae will definitely be a leader on our offensive line going into his third year on varsity,” Cummings said. “He’s had a great spring and summer and there are big expectations for him this year.”
Harrison is a 6-foot-3, 335-pound offensive lineman in his third year at West Plains.
Other offensive linemen battling for playing time are Javier Medina (Sr., 5-9, 180), Samir Mukov (Sr., 6-1, 215), Ackland Bankston (Sr., 6-3, 215), Kelton Wright (Sr., 5-11, 285) and Mason Yarnell (Sr., 6-0, 280).
The offensive philosophy, according to Cummings, won’t change much for us year in and year out.
“We want to be physical up front and establish our run game, as well as take what the defense gives us, while taking care of the football,” Cummings said.
Defensively, Cummings and the Wolves pride themselves on being ‘the most aggressive’ team in the state.
“We’re excited about our defense and
some of the changes we’ve made going into this season,” Cummings said. “We like our depth at the linebacker spots and in the secondary. With some of the changes we’re making up front, we’ll have the ability to rotate a lot of guys on our defensive line.”
Cummings is expecting great things from key defensive players in Kaidon Breitling and Brody Tupin.
“These two seniors do all the little things right and have been leaders on varsity for two years going into this season,” Cummings said.
Breitling and Tupin will look to feel the leadership roles vacated by Hall and Diggs on defense.
“Again, big shoes to fill with those two guys ... definitely played a huge part in laying the foundation for West Plains football,” Cummings said on the impact of Dawson Hall and Jarrett Diggs, who were two-year starters and now compete for Eastern New Mexico University.
West Plains’ defensive line will be by committee, according to Cummings, as far as their approach this year.
“We feel like we have a lot of guys that
can contribute in a big way up front,” Cummings added.
In the secondary, Cummings likes the return of Boston Ladd to the safety position.
“Boston has a high football IQ and really understands the game,” Cummings said. “He’s like having an assistant coach on the field. He’ll be key in our success on all three sides of the ball.”
For West Plains to win another district championship, they will have to go through the likes of Canyon ISD rivals Canyon and Randall.
“Our district will be a very good district from top to bottom,” Cummings said. “We’ll have our work cut out for us each and every week. We’re excited about getting to play both CISD schools this year - both will be very quality programs with great staffs and players.”
West Plains will open the season on Aug. 16 with a preseason scrimmage against Palo Duro at West Plains High School. The first regular season game is Aug. 30 at Seminole. The first home game at Happy State Bank Stadium is September 13 against Estacado for Homecoming.
WHATEVER IT TAKES: West Plains volleyball sets sights on 4A State Tourney
BY TIM RITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
If there is one thing that excites West Plains head volleyball coach Kaitlyn Cornelius about the 2024 season, it’s having eight returning starters and three explosive players on the front row.
Three years into building her program, Cornelius has West Plains among the best in the state of Texas ... and ready to knock on the door of giving the school their first-ever trip to the Class 4A State Tournament.
In 2023, West Plains came within two matches of playing for a berth in the state tournament, falling to Stephenville in the Region I-4A Semifinals.
“We are going to have a strong team this year,” Cornelius said with the return of senior outside hitter Piper Patterson and junior middle blockers Aaniyah Kitchen and Kynzie Ward.
“We have lots of returning players who will continue to contribute, and some new faces as well. We have high hopes for this season, and our girls have been working relentlessly since our season ended in November to keep building on the foundation we have created these past two years.
“We have some really big goals as a team, and hope to have a long season.”
In order to make this season a “November to Remember” ... the Lady Wolves are attacking each day with a “Whatever It Takes” mentality.
“I actually tasked our seniors this year to come up with our motto for this season, something we want to embody in everything we do,” Cornelius said. “This season the plan is to do ‘Whatever It Takes.’ This really represents a selfless, no excuses mentality.
“Whatever challenges we may face and the goals that we have this season, we plan to face them head on as a team, and do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
For the previous two seasons, Cornelius and the Lady Wolves have
been building the foundation to get to year three and beyond.
“We showed a lot of grit these past two seasons. I think the first season was a challenge because there were a lot of unknowns being a brand new program,” Cornelius said. “We had to adapt and adjust daily. This created that sense or resiliency that I still see in the girls today. The second year, we had more of a solid ground to stand on, so we were really able to push past those barriers to keep reaching our full potential. It also
helps when you have kids and coaches who are fully committed to the culture of excellence we are still trying to build each season.”
The nucleus of those first two seasons - strong senior leadership - enabled West Plains to have back-to-back playoff runs.
Cornelius credited her first two senior classes for playing a crucial part in the Lady Wolves’ success.
“They helped give our new seniors and upperclassmen behaviors to mirror
and grow on as we begin another season,” Cornelius said. “They played and led with so much passion. They each brought something different to the table, which is so important when building that team chemistry and finding our success.”
Kitchen and Ward will be expected to lead by example and bring that experience to the Lady Wolves’ front row and locker room every day.
“I think early on, we will work to put all of the pieces together. These two
(Kitchen and Ward) will definitely be big contributors to our offense and our first line of defense, but we have a lot of depth,” Cornelius said on her junior middle blockers.
“It’ll be crucial that we use those first few weeks to really identify what our strengths and weaknesses are and build around them.”
What does Kitchen and Ward bring to the Lady Wolves’ front row?
“Confidence is huge,” Cornelius said on having a pair of starters preparing for their third year on the varsity. “Both of these players have grown into their role so much over the past two seasons. They are more vocal and more aggressive.
“I can put them anywhere across the front, and they will be successful. The best thing about it is they work for it. Yes, their height is a huge advantage, but they have worked tremendously to really capitalize on that by getting stronger and quicker across the net and really perfecting their craft.
“They (Kitchen and Ward) have been grinding it out for these last two seasons, and are good teammates, which is exactly what we need.”
The return of senior outside hitter (Piper) Patterson - entering her fourth season of playing varsity volleyball - will be the strength behind the Lady Wolves’ run toward the state tournament.
“Piper Patterson plays with a lot of passion and has continued to grow in her abilities over these past two seasons,” Cornelius said. “Not only in skill but in leadership as well. Her presence is definitely known anytime you walk into our gym, and I know that will shine through in our upcoming matches.
“Piper brings the energy and it’s fun to see all of the girls build on that and turn the energy into intensity and execution.”
Cornelius added the “outside hitter position is a crucial part in any offense.”
“Traditionally, they get the most number of sets in a match, so they need to be strong and consistent both in and out of system. Our team does a good job of spreading the ball, which creates more flexibility within our offense,” Cornelius said.
At the setter position, the Lady Wolves welcome back junior starter CC Murillo, who Cornelius has high expectations for
“Any coach will tell you that the setter is the quarterback on the volleyball court,” Cornelius said, “and CC does a great job of communicating and controlling the tempo of our game. I have no doubt she will continue to do a phenomenal job in running our offense.
“We also have some new varsity players who have been working hard this summer, and will be ready to fill another setter position.”
Defensively, the Lady Wolves have big shoes to fill with the graduation of McCall Sims, who is now at Amarillo College continuing her career.
“From the get-go, we have tried to build the mentality that every ball is a ‘diggable’ ball with our liberos and defensive specialists,” Cornelius said. “We have a strong group coming in that does a great job of just being scrappy and relentless. Defense doesn’t always look perfect, but controlling that first contact is a huge part of our offense and defense and something we are working to perfect each day.”
West Plains opens the preseason in August with tough tournament competition and several key local matchups before entering District 4-4A action in September.
“Our preseason schedule is tough, but designed with a lot of intention behind it,” Cornelius said. “It helps to prepare us for our district, and allows us to go up against tough competition early so we can identify our strengths and weaknesses.
“It gives us time to put the puzzle pieces together, and make any adjustments that we need to make to help us be more successful in our competitive district and in the postseason.”
As for District 4-4A, Cornelius expects to be one of the teams to beat along with Randall, Canyon and Hereford.
“It is definitely going to be an exciting year in our district. Yes, we have lots of changes happening, but we are just going to take it one game at a time like we do each season,” Cornelius said. “We know that each team in our district is always going to be ready to compete, and play their best match.
“As a coach, it’s my job to make sure that we are prepared and have a game plan for each week. From there, we need to stay disciplined and keep putting in the work.”
2024 HAPPY COWBOYS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
