Fall Sports 2018

Fall Sports 2018

Comin' atcha Supplement to the Hereford BRAND

2018 Fall Sports Preview

2 | Hereford BRAND

September 1, 2018

‘Golden opportunity’ awaits Hostile Herd

By John Carson BRAND Managing Editor

If the opening of 2018 high school football season was a classic 1930s film, then preseason was blackand-white as the Hereford Whitefaces open the door into full Wecolor and begin a journey down their own yellow brick road.

“We have a golden opportunity in front of us,” Hereford coach Don DeLozier said. “We all think we have moved ourselves to a level where we’re ready to really compete again.

“We’re excited about starting the season and seeing where it will take us.”

Just as Dorothy knew the Emerald City lay at the end of her quest, the Herd already knows they will headed to the gridiron promised land when the regular season.

Thanks to reclassification and a drop to 4A – which is placed into two division by the UIL – the Whitefaces ended up in a rare, fourteam district that also includes former 3-5A opponents Canyon and Dumas, along with perennial 4A contender Pampa.

The up side is as a fourteam district, every team qualifies for the playoffs – regardless of season outcome.

“A lot of the opportunity is due to reclassification and the fact we’re already in [the playoffs],” DeLozier said. “If we can take of business in the season to qualify where we need to for the postseason, then there a favorable draw.

“I am encouraged by those facts. The opportunity we have is huge. Whether we get there, we don’t know – but the opportunity is there.”

While logistics on reclassification give the Herd a hoof up – as it were – during the season, DeLozier had plenty of reasons beyond that to be looking forward to the 2018 campaign after the Herd finished 2017 at 6-4 – the first winning season since 2010.

First, the Whitefaces have

Hostile Herd 2017 Results (6-4

overall;

3-4 District 3-5A)

Sept. 1 LBK ESTACADO W 35-27 Sept. 8 at Borger W 42-7 Sept. 15 at Pampa W 52-19 Sept. 29 CANYON* W 53-14 Oct. 6 PLAINVIEW* L 20-21 Oct. 13 at Amarillo* L 14-23 Oct. 20 RANDALL* L 6-21 Oct. 26 at Palo Duro* W 26-7 Nov. 3 DUMAS* L 14-38 Nov. 10 at Caprock* W 35-20 Home games in ALL CAPS *denotes District 3-4A game

a bevy of talent returning.

Six starters are back on offense and four more players return with significant play-

ing experience.

On defense, six starters return from last year’s squad with another four having

seen plenty of playing time.

The focal point for the Herd as the season gets underway is the return of what is legitimately the top backfield tandem in the district – and perhaps Panhandle – in senior quarterback Dodge DeLozier (6-3, 210) and senior running back Seth Dixon (5-9, 180).

Despite missing one full game and three quarters of another, Dixon lit it up last season with 1,569 yards to lead 3-5A in rushing while averaging 7.0 yards per carry and scoring a league-high 21 rushing touchdowns.

In the eight complete games he played, Dixon gained more than 100 yards and scored at least 2 TDs in each, while cracking the 200-yard mark in six of those that included a careerhigh, 344-yard effort in the season finale against Caprock.

In addition, he is the team’s top returning receiver after snaring 11 passes in

2017 for 319 yards (29.0 per reception) and 4 scores.

Meanwhile, DeLozier will be in his third year as a starter – second as full-time – after putting his budding talents on display last season.

In addition to connecting on 81-of-163 passes (49.7 percent) for 1,287 yards with 8 TDs and 8 interceptions – 4 in one game – DeLozier was the team’s second-leading rusher with 437 yards on 92 carries (4.7 per carry) and 7 touchdowns.

“His comfort in what we’re doing has increased tremendously,” coach DeLozier said of his starting QB and son. “He’s seeing the total picture, not just what his job is.

“He’s not the only one who is seeing that. There are several players who are seeing it. Dodge and them know what we’re trying to do overall.”

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2018 Fall Sports Preview

September 1, 2017

HERD: FROM PAGE 2

The biggest dilemma facing the Whiteface offense is literally the biggest – replacing three stalwarts on the line.

The departure of guard Bryce Simnacher and tackle Logan Butler – both 6-4, 280-pounders – as well as center Cy Valdez, has left the Herd with a bit of rebuilding process along the front.

Team co-captain Christian

Guerrero (6-1, 260) returns to start at one guard with Isaias Martinez (6-0, 240) back at a tackle.

The center spot is a battle between senior Jaxon Warlick (5-10, 200), senior Brendon Guzman (5-10, 185) and senior A.J. Tamez (5-10, 205) with whomever does not start still seeing plenty of playing time.

The same holds true at guard where junior Lucas Byrd (6-0, 280) and senior Ernesto Rodriguez (5-9, 200) will split snaps.

The tackle spot opposite

Hereford Whitefaces Football 2017 statistics (through games of Nov. 10) Rushing player

att.

S. Dixon 225 D. DeLozier 92 M. Garcia 55 J. Collier 7 H. Castaneda 5 A. Ricenbaw 2 A. Ayala 1 S. Cruz 1

yards

avg.

long

1569 437 244 64 6 4 3 3

7.0 4.7 4.4 9.1 1.2 2.0 3.0 3.0

64 33 28 22 13 3 3 3

TD

21 7 3 0 0 0 0 0

comp.

att.

pct.

D. DeLozier 81 163 H. Castaneda 4 6 J. Collier 0 1 TEAM 85 170

yards

TD

49.7 1287 66.7 21 00.0 0 50.0 1308

8 0 0 8

Int

long

8 1 0 9

66 15 0 66

Receiving player

rec.

J. Collier 19 E. Ellis 18 S. Dixon 11 S. McCracken 8 G. Rodriguez 7 S. Escamilla 7 A. Ayala 7 S. Grajeda 2 R. Casarez 1 M. Garcia 1

yards.

325 208 319 109 125 107 80 4 1 -2

avg.

17.1 11.5 29.0 13.6 17.9 15.3 11.4 2.0 1.0 -2.0

long

TD

52 31 66 35 41 23 21 5 1 -2

1 2 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Scoring player

TD

S. Dixon 25 D. DeLozier 7 L. Loya 0 M. Garcia 3 E. Ellis 2 S. Escamilla 1 S. Cruz 1 J. Collier 1 M. Herrera 1 2018

returnees in bold

2pt

XP-XPA

0 0 0 0 0 36-39 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FG-FGA

0 0 1-5 0 0 0 0 0 0

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Passing player

Martinez will be filled by senior Lalo Carrasco (6-2, 295).

A veritable herd of new faces fill the receiving corps as only three of last season’s top 10 pass catchers are back – and the leader of those is a running back.

Junior Slader McCracken (6-4, 190) was fourth in receptions last season with 8 for 109 yards and will start at one wide receiver slot with senior Ray Ponce (5-11, 185) penciled in at the other.

Others to see time on the outside will be senior Gabriel Rodriguez (5-9, 170) and junior Cesar Ortega (58, 160).

Working out of the slot will be returning senior Shawn Escamilla (5-8 165), junior Tye Davis (6-0, 165), senior Christian Mendez (59, 155), senior Jordan Martinez (5-9, 180) and junior Sebastian Grajeda (6-2, 175).

Tight end will be manned by junior Andrew Lucio (510, 215), junior Jaden Cano (6-0, 190) and junior Damien Lucio (6-2, 245).

Junior Xavier Gonzalez

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2018 Fall Sports Preview

4 | Hereford BRAND

September 1, 2018

2018 Hereford Whitefaces No.

name

ht.

wt.

pos.

year

1

Dallas Morrow

5-11

155

DB/WR

12

2

Tye Davis

6-0

165

DB/WR

11

3

Seth Lopez

5-8

170

WR

11

4

Jordan Martinez

5-9

180

WR

12

5

Orion Ramirez

5-11

180

LB

12

6

Christian Mendez

5-9

155

WR

12

7

Jacob Ramirez

5-9

175

LB

12

8

Britt Cave

6-0

155

QB

11

9

Dodge DeLozier

6-3

210

QB

12

10

Cesar Vazquez

5-8

160

WR

11

11

Cesar Ortega

5-10

155

WR

11

12 Jordyn Valdez 5-9 150 WR 12 13

Zach Strowd

5-8

145

DB

11

14

Shawn Escamilla

5-8

165

DB/WR

12

15

Ray Ponce

5-11

185

WR

12

17

Gilbert Ramos

5-9

155

DB

11

18

Andrew Lucio

5-10

210

TE

11

20

Xavier Gonzalez

5-9

180

LB/RB

11

21

Seth Dixon

5-9

180

LB/RB

12

22

Alexis Delval

5-10

145

DB

11

23

Luis Huerta

5-11

160

DB

11

24

Jeremy Mireles

5-8

150

DB

12

25

Sebastian Grajeda

6-2

175

WR/DB

11

30

Jaden Cano

6-0

190

LB/RB

11

31

Brian Box

5-10

160

LB

12

32

Jake Kelso

6-0

150

DB

12

33

Brandon Box

5-10

180

LB

12

37

R.J. Montano

5-11

155

DB

12

39

Tyler Scoggins

5-9

170

LB

11

40

Mitchell Carnahan

6-0

170

LB

12

42

Robert Cantu

5-11

190

LB

12

44

Damien Lucio

6-2

245

DL

11

48

Joe Alcala

5-9

173

LB

12

50

Brendon Guxman

5-10

185

OL

12

52

Isaias Martinez

6-0

240

OL

12

53

Alfredo Guerrero

5-8

185

LB

12

56 Carson Altman 6-0 240 DL/OL 12 58 Ivan Torres 5-9 205 DL 12 59 A.J. Tamez 5-10 205 OL 12 60

Christian Guerrero

6-1

260

OL

12

63

Marcos Ortiz

6-1

225

DL/OL

11

64

Jacob Gonzalez

6-0

175

DL/OL

11

65

Lalo Carrasco

6-2

295

OL

12

67

Kevin Gonzales

6-2

255

DL/OL

11

69

Isreal Camargo

5-10

225

DL

12

71

Ernesto Rodriguez

5-9

200

OL

12

72

Landon Paz

5-10

260

DL

12

73 Jaxon Warlick 5-10 200 LB/OL 12 76

Joan Sanchez

5-11

230

DL/OL

11

77 Joel Tijerina 5-10 225 DL 12 79

Lucas Byrd

6-0

280

DL/OL

11

80

Joseph Dennett

5-7

160

WR

12

82

Gabriel Rodriguez

5-9

170

WR

12

85

Luis Loya

5-11

155

K/WR

11

88

Slader McCracken

6-4

190

WR

11

89

Gregory Enriquez

5-8

130

WR

12

September 1, 2017

2018 Fall Sports Preview

Hereford BRAND | 5

Selected as captains for the 2018 Hostile Herd are Carson Altman (56), Seth Dixon (21), Christian Guerrero (50), Shawn Escamilla (14) and Dodge DeLozier (9).

BRAND/John Carson

The returning backfield tandem of RB Seth Dixon (21) and QB Dodge DeLozier (9) accounted for almost 3,500 yards in rushing and passing yards and 32 touchdowns in 2017. BRAND file photo

Hostile Herd 2018 Football Schedule Aug. 24

LUBBOCK (scrimmage)

7 p.m.

Aug. 31 CAPROCK 7 p.m.

Sept. 7

at Midland Greenwood

7 p.m.

Sept. 14

at Randall

7 p.m.

Sept. 21

at Lubbock Estacado

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 PLAINVIEW# 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Andrews 7 p.m.

Oct. 12

SAN ANGELO LAKEVIEW

Oct. 19

open

7 p.m.

Oct. 26 PAMPA* 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Canyon* 7 p.m.

Nov. 9 DUMAS* 7 p.m.

Nov. 16

Senior Shawn Escamilla (14) is being looked to anchor the team’s receiving corps as well as return to his starting spot in the secondary. BRAND file photo

Bi-District playoffs

Home games in ALL CAPS # Homecoming *denotes District 3-4A game

TBA

2018 Fall Sports Preview

6 | Hereford BRAND

HERD: FROM PAGE 3

(5-9, 180) will spell Dixon at RB, and junior Britt Cave is the back-up quarterback.

“When you have proven offensive production sitting there, you feel good about your offense moving and the choices that can be made,” DeLozier said.

Although six starters return on defense, the Whitefaces were in the identical graduation situation as on the other side of the ball with the departure of Simnacher, Valdez and All-District DE Sergio Cruz.

The defensive front does have one returning starter in senior Carson Altman (6-0, 240) at end with Damien Lucio and junior Marcos Ortiz (6-1, 225) to also see time.

Senior Landon Paz (5-10, 225) is penciled to take Simnacher’s spot at tackle.

The linebacker corps is anchored by 2017 3-5A Defensive Newcomer of the Year Cano on the inside. Senior Orion Ramirez (5-11, 180), junior Tyler Scroggins (5-9, 170) and senior Robert Cantu (5-11, 190) will be part of the rotation.

On the outside, senior

Mitchell Carnahan (6-0, 170) returns and will be joined by junior Alexis Delval (5-10, 145) and Dixon.

The quartet of Grajeda, Davis, junior Luis Huerta (5-11, 160) and junior Zach Strowd (5-8, 145) will play at cornerback, while Escamilla, senior Jake Kelso (6-0, 150) and Davis will patrol the middle at safety.

Junior Luis Loya returns to handle the kicking duties, and Dodge DeLozier will also be the team’s punter.

The drop in classification is something Hereford coaches have been waiting for – not because it moves the Herd into any easier competition, but because it tremendously helps level the metaphorical playing field.

“Reclassification is a big deal,” coach DeLozier said.

“It is not just good for football, but for all athletics, academics and band. The teams we will see are like us – one-school towns dealing with the same day-to-day issues.

“The competition is no less or weaker in 4A. Our district has quality teams and quality players. We’ll have to play well to get the things done we want done.”

YOUR FUTURE AT AMARILLO COLLEGE

Whiteface JV 2018 Football Schedule Aug. 24

LUBBOCK (scrimmage)

Aug. 30

at Caprock

Sept. 6

vs. Midland Greenwood#

7 p.m.

Sept. 13

RANDALL

5 p.m.

Sept. 20

LUBBOCK ESTACADO

5 p.m.

Sept. 27

at Plainview

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 ANDREWS 7 p.m.

Oct. 11

vs. San Angelo Lakeview@

7 p.m.

Oct. 18 open Oct. 25

at Pampa

7 p.m.

Nov. 1 CANYON 5 p.m.

Nov. 8

at Dumas

Home games in ALL CAPS #at Lubbock Estacado @at Lubbock Lowrey

5 p.m.

September 1, 2018

For more information: www.actx.edu/hereford 1115 West 15th Street Hereford, TX 79045 (806) 379-2700

2018 Fall Sports Preview

September 1, 2017

Whiteface Freshman 2018 A-Team Football Schedule Aug. 24

LUBBOCK (scrimmage)

5 p.m.

Aug. 30

CAPROCK

Sept. 6

vs. Midland Greenwood# 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 13

at Randall

Sept. 20

at Lubbock Estacado

5 p.m.

Sept. 27

PLAINVIEW

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 ANDREWS 5 p.m.

Oct. 11

vs. San Angelo Lakeview@

5 p.m.

Oct. 18 open Oct. 25

at Pampa

5 p.m.

Nov. 1

at Canyon

5 p.m.

Nov. 8 DUMAS 7 p.m.

Home games in ALL CAPS #at Lubbock Estacado @at Lubbock Lowrey

Whiteface Freshman 2018 B-Team Football Schedule Aug. 24

LUBBOCK (scrimmage)

5 p.m.

Aug. 30

CAPROCK

Sept. 6

at Friona

Sept. 13

at Randall

Sept. 20

PALO DURO

5 p.m.

Sept. 27

PLAINVIEW

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

4 p.m.

Oct. 4 ANDREWS 5 p.m.

Oct. 11

TBA

Oct. 18 TBA Oct. 25 FRIONA 5 p.m.

Nov. 1

at Plainview

5 p.m.

Nov. 8 DUMAS 5 p.m.

Home games in ALL CAPS #at Lubbock Estacado @at Lubbock Lowrey

Hereford BRAND | 7

8 | Hereford BRAND

2018 Fall Sports Preview

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2018 Fall Sports Preview

Hereford BRAND | 9

TENNIS

Herd already making 4A noise

By John Carson BRAND Managing Editor

With lofty aspirations heading into the season, the Hereford Whiteface tennis team is already well down the path to bringing those to fruition with a fast start to the 2018 fall season.

In a season that opened on Aug. 7 and had 14 matches before school started on Aug. 21, the Herd has flexed its collective muscle on the court and made a statement in its foray back into Class 4A. Following an Aug. 28, 19-0, romp over Borger, the Whitefaces have won six matches in a row and eight of their last nine to stand at 14-4.

That record features a win over 5A playoff nemesis Abilene Cooper and a third-place finish at the

prestigious Top of Texas Tournament, as well as a sweep Aug. 25 of Class 4A powers Seminole and Andrews.

“We have big goals this season,” Hereford coach Cody Crouch said. “We want to among the top five in the state, and we want to make the regional tournament.

“We also want to pull off an upset against Canyon.

Canyon is the top dog in 3-4A and will be a tough task to overcome.”

The drop in classification brought a new – and somewhat unique – district structure that included a long-time rival.

Making the drop to 4A with the Herd was Canyon, and the Eagles have been placed in the same district (3-4A).

In fact, Canyon is the only common opponent for the Whitefaces, who

are effectively in three different districts depending on the sport.

Also in 3-4A is Levelland, however, district foes in other sports besides football Lubbock Estacado and Lamesa do not sport tennis programs.

To form a required fourteam district with Hereford, Canyon and Levelland, the UIL granted exception for Brownfield, which dropped from 4A to 3A and into a district where no other team plays tennis, to play up a classification and join 3-4A. Aside from the playoffs being a lock because of the four-team district structure, the postseason was expected for the Herd with the bevy of talent returning.

Anchoring the Whiteface lineup will be senior Tommy Villalovos, who is returning for a second sea-

Hereford Whitefaces 2018 Fall Tennis Schedule

Aug. 7 PLAINVIEW TBD Aug. 8 at Argyle 3:30 p.m.

Aug. 9 at Keller Tourney 9 a.m.; 2 p.m.

Aug. 10 at Keller Tourney 9 a.m.; 2 p.m.

Aug. 11 at Chisholm Trail 9 a.m.

Aug. 13 PALO DURO 1 p.m.

Aug. 14 at Lubbock Monterey 9 a.m.

Aug. 14 at Lubbock Cooper 2 p.m.

Aug. 15 vs. Abilene Cooper# 11 a.m.

Aug. 17 at Top of Texas@ 8 a.m.; 1 p.m.

Aug. 18 at Top of Texas@ 8 a.m.; 1 p.m.

Aug. 21 CAPROCK 4 p.m.

Aug. 25 at Seminole 9 a.m.

Aug. 25 vs. Andrews$ 3 p.m.

Aug. 28 at Borger 4 p.m.

Sept. 6 CANYON* 4 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Brownfield* 4 p.m.

Sept. 15 DUMAS 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 at Levelland* 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Vernon 1 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Canyon* 4 p.m.

Oct. 2 BROWNFIELD* 4 p.m.

Oct. 11 LEVELLAND* 4 p.m.

Oct. 15-16 Bi-District Playoffs TBA Oct. 19-20 Area Playoffs TBA Oct. 22-23 Reg. 1 quarterfinals TBA Oct. 26-27 Region 1 Tourney TBA Nov. 1 4-A State Tourney TBA Home matches in ALL CAPS *denotes District 3-4A match #at Lubbock Monterey @at Amarillo $at Seminole

Leading the Herd on the court this fall are senior Tommy Villalovos, left, and, right, sophomore Victoria Betzen at the No. 1 singles spots.

BRAND/John Carson

son as No. 1 singles.

A fixture at mixed doubles last season, Villalovos has moved to the No. 1 boys spot.

For the Lady Whitefaces, Victoria Betzen leads another deep lineup.

Coming off a stellar freshman season where she only lost two district matches, Betzen will top singles play and be part of a doubles team with Klarise Hill that has played at No. 1 and No. 2.

“We need [Tommy and Victoria] to be reliable and always be able to count on them to come through when it gets tough,” Crouch said. “We have lot of familiar names return-

ing on the girls side, but all of them are moving up considerable spots after we lost Nos. 1-3 from last year.”

Those jumps up the playing ladder have not proven for the Lady Whitefaces with a lineup that has sizzled so far.

Following Betzen in singles are returnees Ally Hubbard (No. 2), Aubrey Schueler (No. 3), Hill (No. 4), Kamille Hicks (No. 5) and Macy Warlick (No. 6).

The tandems of BetzenHill and Hubbard-Schueler have flip-flopped some between No. 1 and No. 2 doubles, while Hicks and PLEASE SEE TENNIS | 10

10 | Hereford BRAND

2018 Fall Sports Preview

September 1, 2018

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The Whitefaces will sport the talented freshman this season as Nicky Villalovos has already moved up to No. BRAND/John Carson 2 singles.

TENNIS: FROM PAGE 9

Liddy Flood man the No. 3 spot.

Although Villalovos (No. 1), Kevin Nguyen (No. 3) and Jacen Saenz (No. 6) are back in the Whiteface lineup, there are three new faces manning the other singles spots.

Leading the group is freshman Nicky Villalovos, who has burst onto the scene and climbed to the No. 2 spot. The other new faces are John Ferris at No. 4 and Luis Avila at No. 5.

Crouch has juggled his

boys doubles lineup with Tommy Villalovos, Nicky Villalovos, Saenz, Nguyen, Avila and Ferris teaming up in different combinations.

Replacing Tommy Villalovos and Schueler as the Herd mixed doubles tandem are Carl Ramos and Warlick.

“There is no time for the boys to grow,” Crouch said. “They will be the key to our success or failure.

“We have to be better mentally. We are in a position to see success Hereford tennis hasn’t seen in 20-plus years. We must realize our potential.”

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2018 Fall Sports Preview

September 1, 2017

CROSS COUNTRY

Returnees, depth big boost to Herd harriers

By John Carson BRAND Managing Editor

The 2018 cross country season for the Hereford Whitefaces is one of lofty expectations.

The Herd boys and girls both boost experience and depth as they make their foray back in the Class 4A circuit.

That confluence of situations has Hereford coach Jose Huerta casting a hopeful eye to seeing his team on the course come November.

“The team seeks to be at the state meet,” Huerta said about this year’s prospectus.

He has plenty of reason to feel that way.

Anchoring the team is senior Sabbatha Taylor.

The reigning District 3-5A champion and twotime district title winner, Taylor is looking to qualify for her fourth straight state meet after top 10 finishes as a freshman in 2015 and junior in 2017.

PLEASE SEE XC | 14

Senior Sabbatha Taylor has a shot at that Class 4A state title this season after top 10 finishes 5A finishes in two of the past three years.

BRAND/John Carson

Herd Cross Country 2018 Schedule

Aug. 11 at Vega TBA Aug. 31 at Clovis, N.M. TBA Sept. 8 at Perryton TBA Sept. 15 at Snyder TBA Sept. 22 at Lubbock TBA Sept. 29 at Austin TBA Oct. 4 at Hobbs, N.M. TBA Oct. 11 District 3-4A meet# TBA Oct. 22 Region 1 meet# TBA Nov. 3 4A State meet@ TBA #in Lubbock @in Austin

Hereford BRAND | 11

12 | Hereford BRAND

2018 Fall Sports Preview

September 1, 2018

VOLLEYBALL

Maturing to be key for Lady Herd on court

By John Carson BRAND Managing Editor

The Hereford Lady Whiteface volleyball team may finally be working out some kinks as they continue a rebound from a slow start to the 2018 season.

Although talent returns from a 2017 playoff team, the infusion of several new players at key positions resulted in a 3-15 start from Aug. 7-15 that included runs of 2-6 and 0-8 through the Mansfield Rotary and Northwest ISD tournaments, respectively.

Since then, the Lady Herd have won seven of the last nine – including a thirdplace, Gold Bracket finish at the Lubbock ISD tourney – and four in a row to improve to 10-17 with District 3-4A looming on the horizon.

“We have several returnees this season, and I expect big things from them all,” Hereford coach Catherine Foerster said. “Many of them have been on varsity for three years. I hope they use the different strengths and weaknesses from those teams to help us grow stronger as a unit.”

Leading the group of returnees is 6-0, senior middle blocker Carmen Flood, who emerged as a scoring and defensive threat last season.

She is joined in the starting lineup by fellow returnees Rainey Aven, Darcy Dodd, Danielle Pena and Alyssa Vallejo.

The hole graduation left was effectively in the middle, where the stalwart trio of Jenna Lowry, Ferrin Yosten and Faith Castaneda are gone.

Stepping into Lowry’s spot as both a defender and scorer is 6-2 freshman Taytum Stow with fellow freshman Bonnie Vallejo providing depth at setter and in the backcourt.

“We have some freshmen who are really stepping up

time. Our overall weakness is the inability to control matches, inconsistency and energy.”

With the jury still out on whether returnees will become the team leaders needed and newcomers will fulfill expectations, the Lady Whiteface do have some time to finish ironing out wrinkles before District 3-4A play begins.

The Lady Herd have seven more matches before the round robin with district foes Lubbock Estacado, Lamesa, Levelland and Canyon begins Sept. 25 to close out the regular season.

“In order for us to be successful, we are going to have to mature,” Foerster said.

“We need to be able to compete and control matches all the time.”

Lady Whitefaces 2018 Volleyball Schedule

Senior middle blocker Carmen Flood will shoulder much of the scoring mantel for the Lady Whitefaces this season.

BRAND/John Carson so far,” Foerster said. “I expect these young players to contribute with their individual skills and to the team’s growth.

“They are extremely talented, and I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish as we progress through the season.”

Experiencing growing pains in the season’s early going as returnees and new

players learned each other, the Lady Herd look as if they have started to mesh.

That learning process among the players has been apparent as Foerster assessed her teams high and low points.

“Our team strength is our hitters,” she said. “Right now, they are reaching a lot.

Still, we have multiple weapons on the court at the same

Aug. 7 at Lubbock Cooper 1 p.m.

Aug. 7 at Lubbock Coronado 5 p.m.

Aug. 9-11 at Mansfield Rotary Tourn. TBA Aug. 16-18 at Northwest ISD Tourn.

TBA Aug. 21 vs. DUMAS 7 p.m.

Aug. 24-25 at Lubbock ISD Tourn.

TBA Aug. 28 vs. PLAINVIEW 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 at Dalhart 11 a.m.

Sept. 4 at Dumas 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Bushland noon Sept. 11 at Tascosa 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 vs. PAMPA 1 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Frenship 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Caprock 1 p.m.

Sept. 25 vs. ESTACADO* 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Lamesa* 1 p.m.

Oct. 2 vs. LEVELLAND* 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Canyon* 1 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Estacado* 1 p.m.

Oct. 16 vs. LAMESA* 6 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Levelland* 1 p.m.

Oct. 23 vs. CANYON* 6 p.m.

Oct. 30 Bi-District Playoffs TBA Nov. 3 Area Playoffs TBA Nov. 6 Region 1 quarterfinals TBA Nov. 9-10 Region 1 Tournament# TBA Nov. 16 4A State Tournament@ TBA Home matches in ALL CAPS *denotes District 3-5A match #at Snyder @in Garland

2018 Fall Sports Preview

September 1, 2017

GOLF

Returnees highlight 2018 links squads

By John Carson BRAND Managing Editor

Optimism roams the greens for the Hereford Whitefaces as they prepare for the 2018 fall golf season.

A bevy of returning talent spotlights both the Whiteface and Lady Whiteface lineups with the drop in classification to Class 4A. “I expect both teams to advance to regionals and possibly farther [this fall],” Hereford coach Chris Sims said.

The Whitefaces have every player from 2017 and bolster the lineup with addition of two freshmen and a senior.

Leading the way for the Herd will be Hector Cavazos Jr., Raj Bhakta, Nixon Monroe, Ben Collier and Slader McCracken.

While the Lady Whitefaces did lose a pair of players to graduation, there are what Sims called five “strong players” coming

back – topped by Samara Garcia and Hailey McMillan.

“I believe Samara and Hailey can compete for the district’s individual title this year.” Sims said. “Hector, Raj and Nixon will be fighting for the top medalist spot for the boys.

“I do not know my incoming freshmen, but they have told me they are excited about learning to play golf.”

One of the strengths to the team Sims particularly noted was the desire for young players to prove themselves and the team as a whole to prove itself in a new classification and district.

In terms of tee to cup, players have shown a proficiency when they get around the green – something Sims said will definitely be needed for success this season.

“Our players will need to focus on their short game PLEASE SEE GOLF | 14

Lady Whitefaces 2018 Fall Golf Schedule

Sept. 7-8 HEREFORD INVITATIONAL Sept. 15 at Borger triangular Sept. 22 at Plainview triangular Sept. 29 at Dumas triangular Oct. 12-13 at Lubbock Red Raider Home matches in ALL CAPS

9 a.m.

TBA TBA TBA TBA

Whitefaces

2018 Fall Golf Schedule Sept. 7-8 Oct. 5-6 Oct. 19-20

HEREFORD INVITATIONAL at Abilene Invitational at Dumas Invitational

Home matches in ALL CAPS

9 a.m.

TBA TBA

Hereford BRAND | 13

14 | Hereford BRAND

XC: FROM PAGE 10

“Sabbatha needs to be that freshman girl who was not afraid,” Huerta said. “She will have to battle against a 4A class that has some very talented runners.

“But, with the miles under Sabbatha’s legs, she should be on top – state champ.”

Not far off Taylor’s pace and back for another season is Katie McCathern.

McCathern consistently placed in the top 10 of meets throughout last season and proved a valuable running mate to Taylor.

Huerta also noted Ruby Trevino as a newcomer to watch in the Lady Whiteface lineup.

For the Whitefaces, they

GOLF: FROM PAGE 11

for better scoring to become district champion,” he said. “All the Herd players hit the ball well tee to green, but sometimes struggle to score well inside 100 yards.

“I, as a coach, attended classes and conferences this summer that stressed the ultimate importance of wedge play and putting. I am very excited to see these young athletes perform this upcoming golf season.”

When it comes to performing this fall, the Lady Whitefaces will get one more chance than their male counterparts with a schedule that features two additional matches.

2018 Fall Sports Preview will rely on returnees Jaydon Garcia and Abraham Cervantes to lead the way.

Garcia showed ongoing improvement throughout 2017 before eventually placing third at the district to qualify for area and region.

Cervantes has made strides over the past two seasons and provides additional experience.

Joining them as the top runners for the Whitefaces is newcomer Gerardo Rodriguez. “ T h e strength of this team is our depth,” Huerta said.

“We have a chance to be successful this season, but we have to remain injury free.”

The Herd cross country team opened the season Aug. 11 in Vega and ran Aug. 31 in Clovis, N.M. The next meet is Saturday, Sept. 8 at Perryton.

Both teams open the season Sept. 7-8 when they host the Hereford Invitational at John Pitman Golf Course.

The Lady Herd then play the next three straight weeks with triangular matches at Borger (Sept.

15), Plainview (Sept. 22) and Dumas (Sept. 29).

They close the fall season Oct. 12-13 at the Red Raider 2 in Lubbock.

After the opener, the Whitefaces don’t play again until an Oc.t 5-6 date at the Abilene Invitational.

The final boys match – which also closes the fall varsity season – is Oct. 19-20 at the Dumas Invitational.

The JV boys are slated to play Nov. 1 in an Amarillo JV tournament.

September 1, 2018

Hereford

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September 1, 2017

2018 Fall Sports Preview

Hereford BRAND | 15

16 | Hereford BRAND

2018 Fall Sports Preview

September 1, 2018