Here’s a look at the West Texas High Comanches heading into the 2025 football season. Press Pass Sports reporter Lee Baker chatted with head coach Jeff Smith at a recent practice. Smith talked about a strong group returning, setting a successful culture and his standout quarterback Cayden Winters.
2024 resume
Head coach: Jeff Smith, third season at West Texas High 11-11. Ninth season overall, 36-48.
2024 Record: 7-4 overall, 3-2 in District 1-2 Division I. Class 2A Division I bi-district finalist.
Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 8
Season opener: vs. Lockney, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29.
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Players to watch
Cayden Winters, 5-8, 185-pounds, QB-LB, Sr.
After missing his entire sophomore season with an injury, Winters showed his capabilities last season as a junior helping West Texas High to seven wins and a playoff appearance. The dual-threat quarterback is sneaky quick and scary in the open field. On the ground, Winters toted the rock 205 times for 1,704 yards with 31 touchdowns. He also threw for 1,098 yards with 16 more TDs.
Deacon Smith, 6-7, 340-pounds, OL-DL, Sr.
His size alone is intimidating at 6-foot-7, 340-pounds but add the fact that Smith can move and is athletic makes him even a bigger threat. The son of head coach Jeff Smith had a big year last year in the trenches and is expected to be a leader up front and pave the way for the Comanche skill positions.
Jasper Rippetoe, 5-10, 180-pounds, WR-DB, Jr.
West Texas High has an arsenal of receivers and Rippetoe is one of them. The speedy wideout makes Winters decision to move from the pocket a little bit easier. Last season, the now junior caught 21 catches for 384 yards with five touchdowns. Rippetoe is also a role player in the Comanche secondary.