Under new coach, Pirates aim to repeat in playoffs

Buddy Ray’s strategy of three yards and a cloud of dust will be the new offense for James Bowie as the Pirates were the only team to change coaches during the offseason.

Ray takes over the JB program that went 3-2 in district play and finished second behind Rivercrest.

Derek Simmons at Linden-Kildare and Gary Schultz at Honey Grove both begin their second seasons with their respective programs.

LINDEN-KILDARE

The Tigers return 18 lettermen, including eight starters on offense and nine on defense, for Simmons’ second season at the helm.

Marty Johnson returns at quarterback with favorite target and big threat Ja’Kevian Rose back for his senior year as well. The lines will be anchored by Dre’Shawn Williams, Draydon Delese, Caleb Cunningham and Nic Kunze.

LaDavian Johnson takes over at tailback after starting all 10 games on defense last year.

JAMES BOWIE

The Pirates returns half its roster from a playoff team last season, and there will be position changes under Ray.

Bailey Obenoskey transitions from QB to running back with transfer Evan Barron moving to quarterback. The lines will be manned by returners Ty Watts, Lucas Stephenson and Kutter Walker.

The key for James Bowie will be building from week to week and improving their execution of the new schemes and play-calling.

HONEY GROVE

The Warriors bring back 19 lettermen from a 2-8 team under Schultz, who moved to Honey Grove from Linden-Kildare.

HG will need for some young players to continue to develop to turn around its fortunes.

QUINLAN BOLES

Boles has limited numbers returning, but most are starters with seven back on offense and six on defense.

The Hornets have gone 4-7 two years in a row, and they look to make a deeper push in the postseason this fall.

Jason Henderson takes over at quarterback, and Josiah Wilson (1,00 yards, 19 TDs) and Kyle Green (700 yards) will be the offensive firepower in the backfield.

BOGATA RIVERCREST

After a 10-0 regular season, the Rebels took an early exit in the playoffs.

Rivercrest returns 13 lettermen and seven starters each way. Lucas Strickland

WOLFE CITY

The Wolves have eight starters back on offense and nine on defense from a 6-5 team that went 3-2 in district play. Wolfe City brings back 16 lettermen total as it aims to challenge for the league championship.

Devonta Brown picked up nearly 2,00 yards rushing and Cody Greenway and Dylan Wilson added 600 yards each as well as being defensive standouts.