School Spotlight: Olney High (TX

If you asked any person around the small town of Olney, Texas how their football team was a few years ago, there would be no positive things that come out of their mouths. You may get some words like “winless”, “awful”, and “laughable”. Now, however, the complete culture of the program is changing, and it all starts with their head coach returning to smash-mouth, old-school football.

Coach Jody Guy of the Olney Cubs is entering his fifth season and has completely turned this program around. From 2008 to 2019, the Cubs combined for just 13 wins. Thanks to a combination of coaching and experience from older players, Olney has thrown this track record out of the window. They have now made back-to-back playoff appearances and won their first playoff game since 2000 last season. This former free win for opponents has now transformed into legitimate playoff contenders in a record turnaround.

With 10 players coming back on each side of the ball, this year should be no different for the Cubs. Olney looks to be poised to make a powerful push in a division that is highlighted by state favorites such as #3 ranked Hawley and #4 ranked Cisco. A combination of their depth at the running back position and their flex bone, run-heavy offense is a major reason that this team is on the rise. Coach Guy commented on the experience of his team, as well as their district opponents, saying, “By having the number of returners coming back, it makes for a smooth transition to summer and then to fall camp. These kids have the mindset that anything is possible. We are mostly juniors and seniors with only one sophomore on the varsity team. This makes our time very mature and able to handle different situations. We have two top 5 teams and another that is a perennial playoff team. Getting prepared to play this competition is going to be vital. If we are fortunate to make the playoffs, our district should prepare us for the playoff run that we want to make.” Jody Guy, HC This depth and explosiveness have the Olney Cubs poised to make their deep push in a stacked district. The immaculate turnaround performed in Olney has many residents looking upon the team in a new light, but this season will be a proving time for the Cubs. Coach Guy had high praise for a multitude of his players coming into the year.

“A.B. Marquez is a Senior that had a season-ending injury early last season. He is back and playing with a vengeance. He plays linebacker and is the heart of our defense. Gatlin Guy is our QB and has been a varsity starter since his freshman year. Other kids like Peyton Valdez (OL) and Jovani Rockmore (RB) dedicated themselves this summer and were there every day. That time has paid off for those kids. They are physically bigger and stronger.” Jody Guy, HC

By: Will Harper