Wylie will rely on seniors again

SUBHEAD

By Joshua Parrott
Reporter-News Staff Writer
August 24, 2003

Few high school football programs could bounce back after losing a player as talented as former Wylie standout Tommy Felts.

Even fewer programs could bounce back after losing 38 lettermen and all but two starters from a district championship team.

But after 128 wins in 17 seasons as Wylie High School head football coach, Hugh Sandifer has proven he has built more than just a football program — he’s built football tradition.

“We a senior-led team every year,” said Sandifer, whose team returns 28 lettermen from last season’s 9-3 regional semifinalist team that lost to eventual 3A champ Everman in the playoffs. “We feel that we had a good spring, and that we have a great group of kids coming back.”

Just because Sandifer lost the multi-talented Felts, who now runs track at Texas Tech, and returns only two starters doesn’t mean Wylie is running low on talent. Senior Eric Wilson returns to man the center position, while junior Tyler Crump returns to the defensive line after dominating opposing offenses last season.

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Wilson and 6-foot-2, 320-pound Crump have impressed the Wylie coaches and will garner plenty of attention from college scouts.

“Eric is a smart kid and is a real leader for us,” Sandifer said. “Tyler really came into his own last season and is going to be a real player for us this season. How they do this season will really determine what other schools start showing interest.”

Wilson started last season at center after playing defensive tackle in 2001. Crump blossomed in 2002 as a sophomore, haunting opposing defenses with his aggressive and physical play, totaling 77 tackles (including 40 solo), 12 quarterback hurries and four tackles for losses.

Wilson said he is prepared to carry this team, but he trusts his teammates will do their jobs.

“I’ve got confidence in my guys, and they’ll pull their weight,” Wilson said. “Everybody will do their job. It feels good (to be a senior), you just wish there were more of us.”

Last season’s two-pronged quarterback attack of Caleb Martin and Cole Landers is gone, although Sandifer isn’t hurting for prospects to man the position.

Senior Jordan Hibbs, junior Scott Casselberry and sophomore Case Keenum are all in the running for the starting job, but Sandifer isn’t afraid of inexperience at such a vital position.
“I’ve had two kids start for me three years at quarterback, one start for me two years and then about 13 start (their) senior year,” Sandifer said. “As far as a guy with no experience stepping in there, that doesn’t scare us.”

Seniors Cody Lawson and Justin Munns are expected to start in the backfield for Wylie, while seniors Aaron Philpot, Lance Miller and Jason Reynolds will all see time at wide receiver.

On special teams, the Bulldogs return Philpot, who connected on 5-of-8 field goals and 28-of-30 extra-point attempts.

Philpot said the team needs to focus on one goal: being successful.

“We’re all looking to one point,” said the 6-foot, 170-pound kicker/wide receiver/strong safety. “We’re just trying to get to that one game.”

Sandifer said the most important questions for his team will be answered by the time district play starts in Oct. 10 at Clyde. Until then, a preseason scrimmage against Class 4A power Brownwood High School and University of Miami-bound quarterback Kirby Freeman will do nothing but help this group of Bulldogs.

“As strong as Brownwood is, that helped us a bunch,” Sandifer said. “It helped us shore up some areas. I think it’s natural to want to get going, but we hope this is a distance race and not a sprint.”

Contact sports writer Joshua Parrott at parrottj@reporternews.com or 676-6711.

SCHEDULE

August
29 SA Lake View 7:30 p.m.
September
5 at Snyder 7:30 p.m.
12 Aledo-x 7:30 p.m.
19 at Graham 7:30 p.m.
26 Sweetwater 7:30 p.m.
October
10 at Clyde* 7:30 p.m.
17 Early* 7:30 p.m.
24 at Comanche* 7:30 p.m.
31 at Brady* 7:30 p.m.
November
7 Ballinger* 7:30 p.m.
* District games
x-in Brownwood

• School colors: purple and gold
• District: 6-3A
• Last year’s record: 9-3 (5-0, first place)
• Last playoff appearance: 2002
• Last district championship: 2002
• Head coach: Hugh Sandifer
• Career record: 137-58-4
• Years at current school: 18th
• Assistant coaches: Clay Martin, Jeff Crider, Kerry Habbitts, Terry Barrington, Eddie Lang, Greg Ruffin, Darrell Daily, Kelly Smith, Joey Rodriguez, Russell Perkins
  n Returning and/or probable starters: C-DT Eric Wilson, 6-3, 250, Sr.; OT-DT Tyler Crump, 6-2, 300, Jr.; WR-FS Aaron Philpot, 6-0, 170, Sr.; WR-LB Lance Miller, 5-10, 155, Sr.; OLB Brandon Jordan, 6-0, 170, Sr.; TB Cody Lawson, 5-9, 180, Sr.; LB Bobby Owen, 5-11, 180, Sr.; WR-DB Jason Reynolds, 6-0, 160, Sr.; FB-LB Nick LaFave, 5-9, 180, Sr.; FB-LB Justin Munns, 5-9, 230, Sr.; OT-DL Zach Cofer, 6-2, 220, Sr.; G-DT Levi Wolfe, 5-10, 240, Jr.; QB Jordan Hibbs, 5-10, 160, Sr.; QB Scott Casselberry, 6-2, 170, Jr.; QB Case Keenon, 6-1, 170, So.; OL-DL Don Crowder, 6-0, 230, Sr.
• Position changes: none listed
• Returning all-district players: DT Crump, C Wilson, K Philpot
• Returning All-Big Country players: none listed
• Returning all-state players: none listed
• Top new players: none listed
• Transfers: none listed
• Team strengths: tradition
• Team weaknesses: none listed