Mason Hix, Happy, 6-foot, 210-pounds, OL-DL, Sr.
A virtual unknown heading into last season, Hix made himself relevant in a hurry to offensive coordinators around the Amarillo-area by racking up 81 tackles, 37 of those solo while getting four sacks in the playoffs. The Region I-1A Defensive MVP will now be the focus of opposing offenses on a traditionally tough Cowboys defense while also taking over at center for a Happy offense that loves to run the ball.
Kayle Rogers, Nazareth, 6-foot-2, 220-pounds, TE-DL, Sr.
It may feel like Rogers has been at Nazareth forever but that’s because the talented Swift has been making his mark since his freshman year. Now a senior, coach Tyler Goodwin will look to his big man to be a force up front leading the way for Zane Schulte while wreaking havoc on opposing defenses. A two-time Press Pass Sports All Six-Man Team player, the best part of his game may be his soft hands and deceptive speed that makes him a dangerous target in the passing game.
David Meeks, Follett, 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, Sr.
Better known to many by his nickname “Wid”, Meeks has been a menace on defenses for several years now. A true dual-threat spread back, Meeks rushed for 1,320 yards and threw for 749 yards on his way to Second-Team All-Region honors last year. Follett could make a deep run in the Division II playoffs this year and this elusive Panther will be counted on to lead the charge on both sides of the ball.
Jaxon Stoker, Happy, 5-foot-8, 150-pounds, RB-DB, Sr.
A First-Team All-Region runner from last year, the gritty Cowboy rushed for 792 yards and 10 scores while recording 62 tackles, 28 of those solo, from his safety spot last year. Stoker isn’t the biggest or fastest runner around, but he gets the most out of every carry and will shine more this year as Happy looks to make another deep run in the playoffs.
Zane Schulte, Nazareth, RB-DB, 5-10, 155, Soph.
Schulte burst on the scene last year as a freshman rushing for 903 yards with 21 touchdowns while throwing for 303 yards and four scores. A tough as nails runner, last year’s All-State Division I Newcomer of the Year will now be a big staple in the Swifts offense and will be counted on more on the defensive side as Nazareth looks to make its mark in a competitive region.
Kris Gorecki, Miami, 5-foot-10, 245-pound, OL-DL, Jr.
All eyes will be on Micah Hinshaw and Breken Early but it’s Gorecki who will be the key to success for the Warriors. With the loss of two key lineman from last year’s state quarterfinal team, first-year coach Paul Hale will lean on Gorecki to anchor an attack that will want to run the ball. Defensively, Gorecki will look to get even better after notching 96 tackles, 23 of those for loss, last year.
Jacobe Gonzales, Boys Ranch, 5-foot-9, 180-pounds, RB-LB, Soph.
Despite Six-Man football being known as a high-octane offensive game, coaches will tell you that a dominant running game is the key to success. Offensive minded coach, Louis Kelley III, will turn to the gifted Gonzales to shoulder the load as the Roughriders have high expectations in year one. The speedy youngster with shifty moves will find the wide-open field to his benefit and that could lead to some lofty rushing totals.
Chase Nelson, Booker, 6-foot-2, 175-pounds, QB, Sr.
Kiowa country found Six-Man football to their liking last year posting a 7-4 outlaw record. Booker is now favorite to many for a District 1-1A Division I title. A big part of those expectations rest on the shoulders of Nelson. In his second season at the helm, the senior gunslinger brings leadership and a command of the offense which should bolster his numbers through the air from his junior season.
Jace Alvarado, Silverton, 5-foot-9, 180-pounds, RB-LB, Sr.
Replacing Sawyer Francis won’t be an easy task, but head coach Kevin Hurn has confidence in Alvarado as his go to back. The senior spent time in the backfield last year so he’s no stranger to running the ball. Alvarado is a solid runner with deceptive speed who can pick up those extra yards when needed. He’ll also look to take over for Francis’ production at the linebacker spot.
Bryan Torres, Follett, 5-foot-9, 160-pounds, Sr.
While David Meeks will get most of the attention don’t sleep on Torres who will join him in the backfield this year. Torres is a solid runner but is also seen as a threat in the passing game to give the Panthers a nice 1-2 combination. Defensively, he’s going to be counted on at the linebacker position where he garnered honorable mention All-Region accolades last year.
Best of the rest
(Alphabetical order)
Reid Backus, Nazareth, 6-0, 170, RB-LB, Sr.
Elijah Bolton, Boys Ranch, 5-10, 160, QB, Jr.
Andrew Britten, Holy Cross Catholic Academy, 5-11, 170, QB, Sr.
Breken Early, Miami, 6-1, 180, RB, Sr.
Kole Gibson, Happy, 6-2, 180, TE-DL, Sr.
Stran Henderson, McLean, 5-11, 150, RB-DB, Soph.
Davin Hext, White Deer, 5-9, 145, RB-DL, Jr.
Micah Hinshaw, Miami, 6-0, 165, RB, Jr.
Marshall Minter, San Jacinto, 5-8, 155, ATH, Sr.
Zaden Ortiz, Silverton, 5-8, 160, QB-DB, Sr.
Greyson Peet, Groom, 6-0, 165, QB-DB, Sr.
Adrian Rosales, Booker, 5-7, 130, WR-DB, Sr.
Bryson Shuck, Groom, 6-0, 175, OL-LB, Sr.
Damian Valdes, Valley, 5-10, 185, ATH, Soph.
Blu Washington, Wildorado, 6-0, 155, RB-LB, Sr.