ress Pass Sports spoke with Amarillo High head coach Chad Dunnam during fall workouts. Dunnam is entering his ninth season with the Sandies and has yet to miss the playoffs during that time. Dunnam and the Sandies will look to replace most of the offense this year but do return eight on defense. Dunnam talked about building an identity within the offense and his excitement about the defense being the strength of his team.

2025 resume

Head coach: Chad Dunnam, ninth season at AHS, 52-40. 13th season overall, 90-57
2025 Record: 2-9 overall, 2-4 in District 2-5A Division I. Class 5A Division I bi-district finalist.

Returning starters 

Offense: 4
Defense: 8
Season opener: vs. Palo Duro, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, Dick Bivins Stadium.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Creed Cavalier, 5-foot-11, 170-pounds, WR-DB, Sr.

The senior and soon-to-be three-year starter has served his legendary’s family name proud. Cavalier is a trusted defensive back the past two seasons and is coming off a breakout year as a junior with 90 tackles and picked off three passes with nine breakups.

Grant Ladd, 6-foot-4, 305-pounds, OL, Sr.

Returning to a solid foundation on the offensive front is a leader in Ladd. The three-year letterman not only has the size to push defenders around, but is highly intelligent and counted on by the coaching staff. Ladd is extremely athletic and a valuable asset in the Sandies system.

Oliver Crinella, 6-foot-1, 220-pounds, DL, Sr.

The biggest strength and experience returning for Amarillo High is its defensive front. Crinella is one of those key weapons back and looking to make an impact in 2026. Crinella is very skilled and athletic and has a nose for the football. Last season, Crinella had a superb season tallying 62 tackles with 6.5 sacks.

Photo gallery by Tyler Anderson: