Palo Duro’s Tre’sean Monroe finds running room against Seminole on Friday night at Wigwam Stadium. [Michael Bauer/ Press Pass Sports]
Tre’sean Monroe, Palo Duro, Jr. RB
The junior running back did everything he could to help get coach Eric Mims his first win, and the Dons their first season-opening victory in over five years. Monroe put his team on his back during a thrilling 34-26 overtime thriller at Seminole carrying the ball 30 times for 155 yards with two touchdowns. He also had a key 2-point conversion in OT.
Jayden Whiteside, Tascosa, RB-DB, Sr.
Whiteside was impressive on both sides of the ball during the Rebels 40-21 dismantling of Abilene High at Dick Bivins Stadium on Friday night. Offensively, the senior took advantage of three carries tallying 38 yards, but defensively is where Whiteside shined. The safety made eight solo tackles and added a scoop and score off a fumble for a touchdown.
Corey Stancell, Farwell, So. RB-LB
No sophomore slump seems to be happening for the Farwell’s playmaker. During a 42-21 thumping of Ralls, Stancell was unstoppable toting the ball 25 times for 228 yards with four touchdowns. Defensively, the linebacker added seven tackles.
Braxton Burd, Randall, QB, Sr.
What a performance from the senior QB in Randall’s 20-13 first “GOAT” victory against Canyon. After the Eagles had rallied back to tie the game, 13-13, Byrd led the Raiders down the field and connected to Isayah Hernandez for the eventual game-winning score midway through the fourth quarter. Byrd ended the night combining for 240 yards of offense.
Stratford’s Cody Rinne looks to throw during a game against Spearman on Friday night at E.L. Sam Bass Stadium in Stratford. [Ernie Bowen/ For Press Pass Sports]
Cody Rinne, Stratford, QB-DB, Sr.
Rinne made the most of missing all of last season by leading the Elks to a dramatic 29-22 victory against Spearman in the closing seconds. Rinne led a 12-play, 75-yard drive in the final three minutes that resulted in him keeping the ball for a 3-yard go-ahead TD with seven seconds to play. Rinne ended the game 245 yards of total offense, three combined touchdowns, and 11 tackles on defense.
Lamont Nickelberry, Childress, WR, Jr.
One of the teams that made their mark in Week 1 was the Childress Bobcats thanks to a 68-27 win at Panhandle. Nickelberry sure did his part. The speedy junior had an 80-plus yard kickoff return for a score, a 74-yard punt return for a TD, and snagged four passes for 43 yards and two more touchdowns.
Camren Cavalier, Canadian, QB, So.
What a debut for the sophomore QB. Making his first career start, not to mention replacing state MVP, Joshua Culwell, Cavalier helped the No. 3-ranked Wildcats pick up where they left off last season in a 69-6 thumping of West Texas High. Cavalier was masterfully efficient completing 14-of-17 passes for 211 yards with four TD tosses.
Stetson Garcia, Perryton, RB-LB, Jr.
Garcia was part of a physical, tough rushing night that catapulted the Rangers past Dalhart, 27-6. The junior had 15 carries for 82 yards finding the endzone two times. Defensively, he made eight tackles, adding a fumble recovery.
Jose Duque, Hereford, LB, Sr.
First-year coach Adam Naron’s defense may be a problem this season, and it helps to have a player like Duque. The junior linebacker had two interceptions during a 13-7 win at Caprock with one of those picks leading to a Whiteface touchdown. He also added five tackles during the victory.
Parker Hartman, Valley, DB, Jr.
In one of the more competitive games of Week 1, Hartman was flying to the football during a 33-32 win against Ira in Jayton. Hartman couldn’t be blocked racking up an eye-opening 19 tackles. If that wasn’t enough the junior also scored on a 78-yard pick six.
