Happy running back Stetson Jameson (4) breaks away from a Groom defender during a nondistrict game at the Cowboy Corral on Friday. [Tom Carver/ Press Pass Sports]
1. Break out the Happy Cowboys
The Happy Cowboys shocked many with their 68-20 mercy-rule downing of state-ranked Groom, who advanced into the Division II state quarter finals a year ago. The Cowboys looked like the teams of years past led by senior running back Stetson Jameson. Jameson torched the Tigers with 249 yards rushing to go with seven touchdowns, and 13 tackles on defense.
2. Is this the year for White Deer?
White Deer has the pieces in place for a push to December football behind coach Justin Rucker. In a season-opening test Thursday,
the Bucks were able to snag a 48-36 against Strawn, the No. 7-ranked team in Division II.
Hunter Warminski and Kaydon Johnson made a 1-2 punch in the backfield. Warminski toted the ball 17 times for 165 yards and a score. Johnson added 154 yards on 11 carries with a pair of TDs.
The Bucks now get what could be a Division I semifinal preview at Rankin Friday.
3. Wildorado collects first UIL win
Wildorado played an outlaw JV schedule last year but no one could tell the difference Friday night when the Mustangs trounced Darrouzett 67-0 in their first ever UIL varsity game. Senior Harris Albracht was the story for the Mustangs rushing for 137 yards with four touchdowns. He added an interception for a score, a fumble recovery for another TD, ending the night with 9.5 tackles.
4. How bout them Owls!
Since their last winning season in 2016, the Owls have only mustered up two wins. Friday night, Hedley turned heads gaining a big-time victory in the opening game of the season over Chilicothe 47-44.
The Owls have had a rough go of it in recent years, but this win could be a sign of new things to come.
5. Follett gets win, Guthrie stays strong
The Panthers seem to be back to the teams of old after a rebuilding year last season.
During a 48-0 win against Guthrie on Thursday night, sophomore Shayne Franks showed his talent scoring scampering for 155 yards with five touchdowns, while adding one more score on a pick-six.
This contest was also played with heavy hearts, and the ultimate sportsman ship.
Follett joined Guthrie in memory of fallen teammate Rue McNeil, a Guthrie teen who passed last week. Both the Panthers and Jaguars wore a No. 56 decal on their helmets. Guthrie has dedicated the remainder of their season to the memory of their fallen friend.
6. Linman set to make return to McLean
It didn’t take long on the schedule for Miami’s new head coach Clint Linman to make his return back to McLean. The Warriors travel to face the Linman’s former team Friday in what should be quite the Homecoming for Linman who spent an incredible three years at the helm of the Tigers program. In those three years, Linman totaled an incredible record of 41-4, that included the program’s first ever Class 1A Division I state title in 2018, followed by a state runner up in 2019.