Kyler Read, Dalhart football, Soph.
On the field: It was emotional night for Dalhart prior to last week’s game at home against Spearman, especially for the Read family. A week after the Golden Wolves opted to cancel their game against Sundown due to the death of junior varsity player Yahir Cancino, quarterback Kyler Read, son of Dalhart coach Joey Read, took the field still in mourning over the passing of Cancino, a good friend of his and frequent visitor to the Read home. Kyler Read honored Cancino in the best way possible, with the game of his life. Read completed 13-of-20 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 121 yards and two more scores on 18 carries to lead the Wolves to their first victory of the season, 43-35. Behind Read’s play, Dalhart jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half and held on after a late Spearman charge. It was a rewarding night not just for the Reads but the town, as the Wolves played before a packed house and had every player wear a No. 22 sticker on their helmets (Cancino’s number) to honor him.
Coach Joey Read: “I would say it was because of his teammates. The offensive line had a tremendous game. The receivers were catching better than they’ve caught. It was just one of those things where everything happened to go our way offensively. It was pretty fun to watch. (Offensive coordinator Kiel) Kitchens said if (Kyler) ran it eight times in a game it would be eight times too many and he ran it 18. I’m very, very proud of him, I’m proud of the team. Their goal was to play a great game and honor Yahir. He stayed at our house quite a bit. He was like a son to me. I didn’t just get to know him as a kid who showed up to school and I got to coach him during the period. He was the life of the party. (Kyler) had almost 200 yards passing against Perryton (in the season opener), ran for two scores and threw for one. This is a very close-knit group, and we don’t have very many seniors. The seniors we do have are lifting up the other kids. We’re playing quite a few sophomores and juniors.”
Kyler Read: “I was really happy. I knew I was going to play that good because of who I was playing for. I think that’s what really pushed me to the way I played. My receivers were on, my line was outstanding and everything just kind of clicked together, but I really think it was playing for Yahir and having him on my shoulders the whole game is what pushed me into doing so great. We were so close I don’t even call him my friend; I call him my brother. There wasn’t a weekend I remember where we weren’t together. We always saw each other in school and always had fun with each other. Him not being here really, really hurts. We were determined on Friday night to get that win for him and that’s one of the main reasons and I think that’s one of the main reasons we played so good. I’m friends with a lot of people around the 806 and I don’t really think my name’s getting out there just yet, but I’m pretty happy to have such a good game. I hope we get some momentum going. It was a great win, but we’ve got to look at the next game.”
About Read
Favorite band or musician: Motley Crue
Favorite social media platform: Snapchat
Favorite athlete: Derrick Henry
Bet you didn’t know: Says he’s pretty much an open book
Parents: Joey and Jennifer Read
