Alba-Golden's Jake Hallman.

District 9-2A Division I

OUR PICKS

1. Cooper 2. Honey Grove 3. Alba-Golden 4. Rivercrest 5. Wolfe City 6. Quinlan Boles 7. Como-Pickton

COOPER BULLDOGS

COACH: Rod Castorena (6th season, 43-13)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 542-453-38

STADIUM: Fred Wilkerson Field at Bulldog Stadium, 11119 US 281, Cooper 75432 (Capacity: 2,306)

2022 RESULTS: 13-1, regional finalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 12/13

LETTERMAN LOST: 14

OFFENSE: Flex Bone Pistol

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Canon Ingram, Sr., 5-11, 185 … Slot Markell Smith, Sr., 5-11, 184 … RB Adryean Finney, Jr., 6-0, 182 … RB Keywine Denson, Sr., 5-10, 170 … OL Alfred Wilkerson, Sr., 6-4, 235 … OL Ross Moody, Sr., 6-7, 300 … Slot Jackson Fogelberg, Jr., 6-0, 175 … OL Tristen Wicks, Sr, 6-1, 190 … OL David Roush, Jr., 5-10, 190 … Slot Malichi Jeffrey, Jr., 5-8, 160 … OL Tyler Rutledge, Sr., 6-0, 180 … WR Austin Pecina, Jr., 6-0, 165 … QB John Ramos, Jr., 5-10, 165 … RB Julian Castorena, Soph., 5-8, 170 … TE Tyler Hoskison, Soph., 6-2, 210

DEFENSE: Split Defense 4-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Canon Ingram, Sr., 5-11, 185 … LB Markell Smith, Sr., 5-11, 184 … DB Adryean Finney, Jr., 6-0, 182 … LB Keywine Denson, Sr., 5-10, 170 … DL Alfred Wilkerson, Sr., 6-4, 235 … DB Jackson Fogelberg, Jr., 6-0, 175 … LB Zach Harper, Jr., 5-10 … DL Tristen Wicks, Sr, 6-1, 190 … DL David Roush, Jr., 5-10, 190 … LB Malichi Jeffrey, Jr., 5-8, 160 … DL Tyler Rutledge, Sr., 6-0, 180 … DB Austin Pecina, Jr., 6-0, 165 … LB John Ramos, Jr., 5-10, 165 … DL Tyler Hoskison, Soph., 6-2, 210

2023 OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs are going for their fourth consecutive district championship and fifth in six years. Catorena has had this program rolling since he arrived with the Bulldogs winning at least eight games in four of his five seasons at the helm, including a 24-2 record the past two seasons. Ingram (1,514 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns; seven catches, 225 yards, two touchdowns) is a big-time weapon. Smith also rushed for 1,000 yards and had 21 total touchdowns, and Finney had 895 rushign yards and 13 touchdowns. Moody anchors the offensive line, pacing the way for the big rushing attack. Ingram (86 tackles, nine tackles for loss), Denson (71 tackles, 21 tackles for loss), Wilkerson (132 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks), Fogerlberg (60 tackles) and Harper (94 tackles) are back on defense. Abraham Lopez returns as the team’s kicker.

HONEY GROVE WARRIORS

COACH: Shane Fletcher (2nd season at Honey Grove, 9-3; 112-86-1 overall)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 575-440-40

STADIUM: Warrior Field, 17th St. at Maple St., Honey Grove 75446 (Capacity: 2,612)

2022 RESULTS: 9-3

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 16/21

LETTERMAN LOST: 8

OFFENSE: Shotgun

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: TE Brody Mahan, Jr., 6-4, 240 … QB Ryelan Morris, Soph., 6-0, 165 … WR/QB Jarrmez Daniels, Soph., 5-11, 145 … WR Dre Patt, Jr., 5-5, 140 … OL Tate Banker, Jr., 5-11, 265 … RB Deon Morris, Sr. 6-0, 170 … OL Luis Mendez, Sr., 6-2, 275 … OL Cortney Cooper, Sr., 5-11, 225

DEFENSE: Multiple

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Levi Beavers, Jr., 6-0, 210 … DL Asher Price, Jr., 6-3, 225 … DL Brody Mahan, Jr., 6-4, 240 … DB Lucas Morrison, Sr., 6-1, 160 … DB Dre Patt, Jr., 5-5, 140 … DL Kobe Patt, Soph., 5-8, 230 … LB Kendal Wolfe, Jr., 6-0, 190 … DL Cortney Cooper, Sr., 5-11, 225

2023 OUTLOOK: With 11 starters back on offense and 10 back on defense from a nine-win team, expect the Warriors to be a strong contender in 2023. Morris threw for 678 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another 1,198 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. Beavers had 154 tackles, six fumble recoveries, three sacks, two blocked punts and four defensive touchdowns and is back to lead the defense. Mahan (81 tackles, four sacks) is also back.

After 17 seasons at Leonard, Coach Fletcher made the move to HG. Fletcher has had some great seasons over the years at Leonard, including a trip to the state semifinals in 2013. He brings winning tradition and a new system to Warrior land.

ALBA-GOLDEN PANTHERS

COACH: Drew Webster (5th season, 17-24)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 115-281-2

STADIUM: Alba-Golden Stadium, 1373 CR 2377, Alba 75410 (Capacity: 1,435)

2022 RESULTS: 6-4

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 20/16

LETTERMAN LOST: 15

OFFENSE: Multiple

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Payton Dickinson, Sr. 6-0, 178 … RB Jake Hallman, Sr., 5-7, 160 … QB Easton Campbell, Sr., 6-0, 174 … HB Luke Sutton, Sr., 5-8, 149 … WR Cameron Lennon, Jr., 5-6, 145 … WR Wyatt Sutton, Jr., 6-2, 182 … RB Layton Williams, Soph., 6-2, 261 … OL Dylan Nichols, Sr., 5-8, 227

DEFENSE: 4-3

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Payton Dickinson, Sr. 6-0, 178 … DB Jake Hallman, Sr., 5-7, 160 … DB Cameron Lennon, Jr., 5-6, 145 … DB Wyatt Sutton, Jr., 6-2, 182 … DL Jaxen Carver, Jr., 6-3, 268 … DL Layton Williams, Soph., 6-2, 261 … DL Seth Converse, Sr., 6-1, 292

2023 OUTLOOK: The Panthers have posted a winning record for consecutive seasons for the first time since 2014-15. With eight starters back on each side of the ball, Alba-Golden should be in line for another winning campaign and be in contention for a playoff spot. Campbell threw for 1,652 yards wihth 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season. He’s got weapons around him with Dickinson, Luke Sutton and Hallman. Dickinson carried the ball 34 times for 397 yards, and he had 11 catches for 191 yards with 12 touchdowns. Luke Sutton had 26 crabs for 375 yards and three touchdowns. An injury limited Hallman to just one game, but he had four carries for 49 yards and Webster describes him as “an explosive player who can change the game in one touch.” Lennon is back on defense after compiling 44 tackles and four interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns. Carver had 11 tackles for loss and three sacks for the Panthers. Dickinson had 40 tackles and four interceptions in six games.

RIVERCREST REBELS

COACH: Travis McClain (1st year, 0-0)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 248-325-12

STADIUM: The Swamp, Rivercrest Rebel Stadium, 4126 Hwy 271 South, Bogata 75417 (Capacity: 1,965)

2022 RESULTS: 5-6

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 24/12

LETTERMAN LOST: 8

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Mark Grider, Jr., 5-11, 160 … WR Cameron Lowe, Jr., 5-8, 150 … OL Aaron Raulston, Sr., 6-0, 205 … RB Connor Young, Sr., 5-10, 150 … FB JaQuan Brown, Jr., 6-0, 205 … OL Cade Easley, Jr., 6-0, 205 … OL Braxton Cheney, Jr., 6-3, 230 … WR Connor Herring, Jr., 5-9, 150 … OL Jake Ross, Jr., 6-0, 190 … WR Cason Fields, Sr., 5-10, 150 … RB Chance Duffer, Jr., 5-9, 160

DEFENSE: 3-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Cameron Lowe, Jr., 5-8, 150 … DL Aaron Raulston, Sr., 6-0, 205 … DB Connor Young, Sr., 5-10, 150 … LB JaQuan Brown, Jr., 6-0, 205 … DL Cade Easley, Jr., 6-0, 205 … DB Connor Herring, Jr., 5-9, 150 … DL Jake Ross, Jr., 6-0, 190 … DB Cason Fields, Sr., 5-10, 150 … LB Chance Duffer, Jr., 5-9, 160

2023 OUTLOOK: McClain takes over as head coach of the Rebels after previously serving as the offensive coordinator at Celina. Grider was one of the Rebels’ top receivers last year with 33 catches for 567 yards and six touchdowns. Now, he takes over at quarterback. He still has some weapons around him with Lowe, Young (33 catches, 439 yards, five touchdowns), Brown (27 carries, 167 yards, one touchdown) and Herring (24 catches, 404 yards, three touchdowns). Raulston (41 tackles), Brown (108 tackles, one interception) and Duffer (51 tackles) are among the key players on defense.

WOLFE CITY WOLVES

COACH: Brad Smithey (1st year, 0-0; 8-23 overall)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 448-460-31

2022 RESULTS: 5-6

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 22/12

LETTERMEN LOST: 7

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Caydon Herron, Sr., 5-10, 180 … TE Warren Richardson, Sr., 6-1, 190 … TE Cavan Armstrong, Sr., 6-4, 200 … OL Alex Puentes, Sr., 6-0, 220 … ATH Jarrett Tisdale, Sr., 5-11, 175 … ATH Jadon Forniglia, Sr., 5-9, 160 … WR Adin Barnes, Jr., 5-10, 160 … OL Gage Sanders, Jr., 6-1, 225 … RB HD Davis, Soph., 6-0, 185 … OL Yunior Burciaga, Sr., 5-10, 190 … WR Harry Martinez, Sr., 6-1, 175 … OL Cody Killgo, Sr., 6-0, 255 … WR Landin Tomiello, Sr., 6-0, 170 … OL Triston Leonard, Jr., 5-11, 195 … TE Trey Jones, Soph., 5-10, 170 … ATH Reagan Bradshaw, Jr., 5-9, 160 … RB Bladen Creed, Soph., 5-9, 165

DEFENSE: Multiple

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Caydon Herron, Sr., 5-10, 180 … DL Warren Richardson, Sr., 6-1, 190 … DL Cavan Armstrong, Sr., 6-4, 200 … DL Alex Puentes, Sr., 6-0, 220 … LB Jadon Forniglia, Sr., 5-9, 160 … DB Adin Barnes, Jr., 5-10, 160 … DL Gage Sanders, Jr., 6-1, 225 … LB HD Davis, Soph., 6-0, 185 … LB Yunior Burciaga, Sr., 5-10, 190 … DB Harry Martinez, Sr., 6-1, 175 … DL Cody Killgo, Sr., 6-0, 255 … DB Landin Tomiello, Sr., 6-0, 170 … LB Triston Leonard, Jr., 5-11, 195 … LB Trey Jones, Soph., 5-10, 170 … LB Bladen Creed, Soph., 5-9, 165

2023 OUTLOOK: Smithey comes to Wolfe City after three years as the head coach at Corpus Christi West Oso, compiling a record of 8-23. The Wolves started slow last season, winning just one of their first five games before winning four of five to get into the postseason. Herron, Richardson and Armstrong should lead a very sold defense. The Wolves have athletes. Finding a quarterback will be the key.

QUINLAN BOLES HORNETS

COACH: Jawny Cannon (2nd year, 3-7)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 129-132-0

STADIUM: Kevin Kiper Memorial Stadium, 423 Panther Path, Quinlan 75474 (Capacity: 2,259)

2022 RESULTS: 3-7

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 12/11

LETTERMAN LOST: 11

OFFENSE: Gun-T

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Jon Cruthird, Sr., 6-2, 175 … WR Layton Morgan, Jr., 5-10, 155 … QB Kole Lively, Sr., 6-0, 195 … OL Eric Dickerson, Sr. 6-0, 225 … RB Garrett White, Jr., 5-10, 195 … RB Grayson Drennan, Soph., 5-8, 155 … OL Jayden Joy, Soph., 5-8, 205

DEFENSE: 50

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jon Cruthird, Sr., 6-2, 175 … DB Layton Morgan, Jr., 5-10, 155 … LB Kole Lively, Sr., 6-0, 195 … DL Eric Dickerson, Sr. 6-0, 225 … DB Ethan Selden, Jr., 6-0, 165 … LB Garrett White, Jr., 5-10, 195 … LB Grayson Drennan, Soph., 5-8, 155 … LB Jayden Joy, Soph., 5-8, 205

2023 OUTLOOK: Quinlan Boles just completed its 25th season of varsity football and moved back under .500 all-time. The Hornets missed the postseason for the fifth time in six years but do have some pieces back that give them a chance to contend for a playoff berth. Lively threw for 1,132 passing yards, and will have Cruthird (20 receptions for 300 yards and five touchdowns) and Morgan (500 all-purpose yards) back at his disposal. Dickerson is a force up front on both sides of the football.

COMO-PICKTON EAGLES

COACH: Jeremy Phillips (1st year, 0-0)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 209-356-4

STADIUM: Ton Heflin Field, East on FM11, Como 75431 (Capacity: 2,000)

2022 RESULTS: 1-9

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 8/10

LETTERMAN LOST:15

OFFENSE: Slot-T

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Ian Rodgers … RB Julian Rodriguez … RB Kevin Hernandez … RB Alex Estrada … WR Giovanni Munoz

DEFENSE: 4-2-5

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Ian Rodgers … LB Julian Rodriguez … DB Kevin Hernandez … LB Alex Estrada … DB Giovanni Munoz

2023 OUTLOOK: Como-Pickton has had a winning record just once since 2005 — 6-4 in 2017 and missed the playoffs that season. The Eagles did make the postseason three straight seasons from 2018-20 but have missed the past two years. Phillips takes over after previously serving as the offensive coordinator at Hughes Springs. The Eagles have just 25 varsity players after graduating 15 players.