Canadian football ready to begin a new chapter under Andy Cavalier
For the first time in 13 years, someone new will roam the sidelines for the Canadian Wildcats.
Well, sort of.
Chris Koetting, who led the Wildcats to three state titles and has more postseason wins than any coach in the history of the Panhandle, announced his retirement earlier this year due to health reasons. Canadian turned to a familiar face to take over his spot in Andy Cavalier, who has spent the past nine seasons as the Wildcats' defensive coordinator.
While the role may be new for Cavalier, his familiarity with the team was one of the leading factors in his promotion. So far, he's taking the new adjustments in stride.
"I'm thankful that coach Koetting is still here in town and I've certainly called him a few times as I'm trying to wrap my head around everything that this job entails," he said. "I'm also grateful to have such a great staff here that's been in place for a long time. I've been chasing my tail the first few weeks to make sure I've got all my bases covered and all, but I'm so thankful to be here in Canadian and I can't imagine a better place to be."
What to expect in 2023
While there's a new man in charge, the tradition of Canadian is still alive. The Wildcats have made it to the state semifinals or further eight of the past nine years and they have a few things going in their favor that should help them in their quest to make it nine of the past 10.
Three key players will make their return on offense at the skill positions for Canadian led by one of the best quarterbacks in the Panhandle: Camren Cavalier, coach Cavalier's son,. The senior was the definition of a dual threat this past season, throwing for 3,069 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and rushing for 1,537 yards and 36 touchdowns including the playoffs.
He won't be alone as his top weapon and primary running back return as well. Preston Miller will look to close out his career with another dominant season after hauling in 69 catches for 1,319 yards and 15 scores last year. Flowers battled through injuries last season, missing the first six games of the regular season, yet he finished with 624 yards and nine touchdowns on 74 carries.
On the other side of the ball, the Wildcats return four starters, but that includes Wyatt Davis (151 tackles, 37 for a loss, four sacks and two interceptions), Nathan Wagner (107 tackles, 29 TFL, 10 sacks) and Julian Dominguez (87 tackles, eight TFL, 12 pass breakups). That trio should lead the way for the defense.
"Nathan Wagner up front is our lone returning two-way starter on the line" Cavalier said. "We've got a lot of young guys that are going to be playing up front so that's really going to help having him there.
While there's a ton to like about this year's squad, Koetting won't be the only one they have to replace. Amarillo Globe-News Defensive Player of the Year Matt McLanahan is gone along with the entire starting offensive line. For a team that's long built its foundation on its toughness upfront, that will be especially challenging to deal with.
Still, Cavalier said he is confident that with time and experience through the non-district season, the Wildcats should be in good shape when they get to District 3-3A Division II.
"We've got a bunch of other guys that just haven't had their opportunity yet and that's about to change," Cavalier said. "One of the things that's happened year after year for the past several years here in Canadian is that when guys have gotten their opportunity they've stepped in and played at a very high level. I'm looking forward to seeing this group of guys do the same thing."
In addition to the players needing to be replaced, Canadian should be going up against a vastly improved district. Childress enters year two under Bo Helm, Friona made the postseason last year and Spearman was the Cinderella story of the postseason. The district championship won't be handed to the Wildcats this year.
This is still a team that's been to four state championships in the past nine years and seven in the last 16. The tradition and history is there. Now it's up to the "new" regime to keep it going.
"Our expectations are extremely high," Cavalier said. "Our district and our region are going to be stronger this year and I feel great about the group that we have coming back. We have a lot of really big holes to fill, but I really like the young kids that are filling those roles. I'm just excited to get started, take it week by week, try to get better and hope that we're full strength come playoff time so we can try and win some championships."
CANADIAN WILDCATS
Head coach: Andy Cavalier
2021 record: 12-3 overall, 5-0 in district
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 3-5-3
Last playoff appearance: 2022
Returning starters: Five on offense, four on defense
Top returners: Camren Cavalier, Preston Miller, Luke Flowers, Julian Dominguez, Nathan Wagner, Wyatt Davis
SCHEDULE
Aug. 25: at Seminole (OK), 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 1: vs. Bushland, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: vs. Elk City (OK), 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: at Perryton, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: OPEN
Sept. 28: at Randall, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6: vs. Childress, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: vs. Spearman, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: at Friona, 7 p.m.
Oct. 27: vs. Tulia, 7 p.m.
Nov. 3: at Dimmitt, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Canadian football ready to begin a new chapter under Andy Cavalier
