With Week 1 of the Texas High School Football season in the rearview mirror, let’s take a look at some of the top performances from across the Amarillo-area and South Plains.
Slade Russell, West Plains, RB, Jr.
The Junior running back was explosive and a mismatch for the Seminole defense. Behind Russell, the West Plains Wolves looked as good as advertised in a 33-10 victory as the junior went for 170 yards rushing on 23 carries with a touchdown. Russell showed his versatility snagging a 14-yard first quarter score from quarterback Reid Macon.
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Jude Dunivan, Amarillo High, RB, Sr.
Dunivan and the Amarillo High Sandies offense picked up where they left off last year. The Sandies offense put up 562 yards of offense in a 55-12 thumping of Odessa High. Dunivan was part of that big night for AHS. The senior tailback made the most of 10 carries piling up 153 yards with three touchdowns.
Sam Adams, Tascosa, LB, Sr.
The Tascosa Rebels had an outstanding defensive effort in a high-profile season opener shutting out rival Palo Duro 10-0 on Thursday night at Dick Bivins Stadium. Adams did his part and then some racking up seven tackles with a sack. This was the first Tascosa shutout against Palo Duro since 1997. Adams father, Brit, was on that Tascosa team that blanked Palo Duro.
Isaac Acosta, Boys Ranch, QB, Jr.
After a year away from Boys Ranch, Acosta made his presence felt in a huge way helping the Roughriders to their first win in almost two years during a 70-24 victory against Silverton. It was also the first Six-Man win in program history for Boys Ranch. Acosta had it going through the air going 11-of-16 for 331 yards with eight passing touchdowns.
Rocky Ferguson, Sanford-Fritch, RB-LB, Sr.
Behind Ferguson’s play, the Sanford-Fritch Eagles may have had one of the most surprising wins of Week 1 in the Texas Panhandle. Sanford-Fritch jumped out on River Road and never let up getting a 34-14 victory. Ferguson did his job on both sides of the ball. On offense, Ferguson toted the rock 14 times for 57 yards with a touchdown. Defensively, Ferguson was in on 10 tackles, three of those for a loss, with a sack.
Kaison Benton, Randall, QB, Sr.
It was quite the showcase night for senior gunslinger Kaison Benton. Helping lead the Raiders to a 44-23 road win at Plainview, Benton beat the Bulldogs with his arm and his feet. Through the air, Benton was extremely efficient going 18-of-24 for 255 yards with a pair of scores. On the ground, Benton used his feet to rush for 61 yards on only eight totes with three more scores.
Cayde Winters, West Texas High, QB, Sr.
Cayde Winters is back to doing Cayde Winters things in the season opener. Winters was a complete mismatch for the Lockney defense in a 53-20 home victory. Winters was tame with his arm going 5-of-9 for 86 yards with two touchdowns but went wild with his legs rushing for 235 yards on 15 carries with three touchdowns.
Josue Sigala, Muleshoe, RB, Jr.
Welcome back Josua Sigala. Sigala missed the second half of the season for the Mules after suffering a severe leg injury but has put in the work and proved he is good to go during Muleshoe’s 42-12 season-opening victory. The shifty Sigala still has that blazing speed taking 13 carries and racking up 134 yards with four touchdowns.
Cooper Martin Shallowater, QB, Sr.
Martin showed he is able to do it all helping the Mustangs to a 28-6 win at Monahans on Friday night. Martin dazzled when flushed out of the pocket rushing for 123 yards on 11 carries with a pair of scores. Martin also did his job in the passing game going 8-of-17 for 143 yards with a touchdown.
Callen Kane, Wellington, QB, Jr.
Kane and the new-look Wellington offense lit up the Snyder sky during a 57-13 win against Alpine. Kane led a balanced attack and was extremely efficient going 16-of-18 passing for 203 yards with five touchdowns. The win was a special one for Wellington head coach Greg Proffitt as he earned his 100th victory in his coaching career.