For the Wimberley Texan football team, a bounce back year is on the horizon after they limped to a 4-7 record a season ago.
So far throughout fall practices, Wimberley head coach Doug Warren likes what he sees from this year’s team heading into the first game of the season.
“Right now, I like their demeanor, I like the way they attack things,” Warren said. “When it’s 105 (degrees) outside and a 130 on the turf, they come with a great attitude and work as hard as they can. So that’s all you can ask, and if we can do those things then we will be alright.”
Wimberley returns a plethora of experience on both sides of the ball heading into the 2019 season. A roster comprising of upperclassmen gives the Texans veteran leadership at key positions.
Wimberley head coach Doug Warren said he is excited about the depth at wide receiver, which includes seniors Kolby Goforth and Kennedy Strange, and juniors Luke Wray, Christian Marshall and Josh Limely.
On offense, senior quarterback Cooper McCollum returns after missing most of his junior season due to injury. McCollum will have a ton of weapons to distribute the ball to as the Texans are deep at wide receiver position.
Warren said he is excited about the depth at wide receiver, which includes seniors Kolby Goforth and Kennedy Strange, and juniors Luke Wray, Christian Marshall and Josh Limely.
“There are six to seven guys across the receiving core that can really do some damage.” said Warren.
At running back, Wimberley will have a one-two punch from a pair of sophomores in the backfield. Moses Wray and Juan Olmedo will get the bulk of the carries with each bringing a different skill set to the table. Wray uses his power while using his ability to break long runs, while Olmedo has the element of speed.
Stellar play on the offensive line will be critical for success on offense, said Warren. The Texans have a veteran led offense line with seniors Cameron Coburn, Heath Schake, Collin Kincaid, Zach Starr, and junior Ryan Rubio returning as the primary five starters.
“We’ve been able to throw a lot at them, throw a lot at them and try and get them acclimated to things,” Warren said. “They’ve handled it well, and they’re handled everything we’ve done so I’m really pleased with them.”
On the other side of the ball, Warren lauded the leadership and toughness of linebackers Rory Hughes (senior) and Cole Schroeder (junior) and what they bring to the middle of the defense. Warren also mentioned junior safety Dalton Blackburn and senior defensive end Jadon Potts as players who’ve stepped up their game in fall practices and scrimmages.
On Aug. 22, the Texans had their final scrimmage of fall camp against a tough La Vernia squad that went 12-2 last season. Physical play and explosive touchdowns from both teams highlighted the two quarters simulated at the end of the scrimmage, with Wimberley ultimately scoring more points than the Bears by the end of the second quarter.
“I was pretty pleased with them,” said Warren. “We got hit in the mouth early, but the good thing about it, we responded. The kids really responded and came back and fought. We got after a really good football team and it’s good for us.”
Heading into the season Warren and the Texans have the same goal set that they do entering every new season.
“I mean the goal has never changed here, there is always aspirations of a state championship,” Warren said. “That’s the goal. How we attack that on a week by week basis, if we decide we are going to come to work hard everyday and do the best that we can then this team has a chance to be really, really good.”
Wimberley kicks-off its season with a home-opener against Burnet Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Texan Stadium.
