The youthful Madill Wildcats are expected to be a work in progress as the football season goes along for newheadcoachWadeCouch.
Limited numbers and experience will put a host of newcomers on the spot while learning on the fly. The Wildcats sported 32 total players a week into fall drills but are hoping to bump that number to 40 participants by the start of the season.
“I am really pleased with the attitude and effort despite our lack of numbers,” Couch said. “With limited numbers it’s always a delicate balance trying to avoid injuries in practice.Wewanttoseethem at full speed to see how things will go in games though. For the most part we’ve rolled along pretty well and have seen some positive things that we will build upon.”
Versatile senior Landon Clutter is expected to be the Wildcat catalyst both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. He will start at running back on offense and shoulder much of the load with sophomore quarterback Christian Smith, especially early on. Brayden Gray and Moises Bautista are also going to be counted on to step in and tote the football often as well.
At receiver, the Wildcats arelookingforbigthingsfrom basketball stalwart Ryan Anderson, who joined the footballteamthisyear.Justin Smith and freshman Braden Valles are also penciled in at receiver along with starting tight end Braylon Gibson.
On the offensive line a pair of seniors will lead the charge with Aaron Diaz expected to be at left guard and Ramiro Rangel at the center position. Kevin Garcia should be at left tackle with the sizeable freshman duo of Dagoberto Gonzalez and Abraham Osornio tentatively slated to fill the right side of the line. “We are going to try and be creative offensively,” Couch stated. “It’s still a work in progress to see how things will work out. We could have multiple backs on the field at one time. We are going to use the run to set up the pass. You’ll probably see a lot of play action. We are still working to try and develop a downfield passing game.
“We were tickled to get Ryan Anderson from basketball, and he will really help us at receiver. It has been fun seeing those linemen develop during the early part of camp. They have some size but a lot of them can move really well. We are pleased with how they have been coming together. We have several others that can rotate in.”
Defensively the Wildcats will likely be fueled by Clutter at inside linebacker along with Anderson and Valles on the outside. Stephen Moreno is expected to see plenty of action.
Up front, many of the offensive linemen will see defensive action as well with Garcia, Osornio, Gonzalez and Romero and Gibson rotating in frequently.
GrayandJustinSmithare going to be impact players in the secondary.
“We’re going to be real fluid defensively based on the opponent,” Couch added. “We’vebeengoodaboutlining up against different sets in practice. It’s not ideal but we are going to need a lot of guys going both ways. They have to be resilient and spell them and get some breathers when we can.
“It will be a work in progress as we go along. We haveideasbutmaychangeas we get answers to questions. We are going to face a lot of very talented teams. I am excited to see those talented groups we are going to play. I am looking forward to it.'