New era begins for Stratford football in 2023
It's new dawn, a new day, it's a new life for the Stratford Elks.
And yes, they're feeling good.
Two-years removed from another state championship and coming off an outstanding 11-1 season, there is certainly a lot about this year's Stratford team that is new.
For one, former head coach Matt Lovorn has departed to become the offensive coordinator at Canyon, his alma mater. Jon Murphy, an assistant for the Elks since 2015, moves up to take his place.
Gone also are most of the contributors from the past two years as only three starters return on each side of the ball. That kind of uncertainty could unravel many teams.
But yet again, the Elks seem to be feeling good.
"We're quietly confident," Murphy said. "There isn't often a whole lot of hooplah, just quite confidence which is no different than the past couple of seasons. These guys are up here at 6:30 in the morning lifting all summer and they're quietly ready to get after it."
QB1
There's no other way of saying it: The Elks have a ton of production to replace on offense.
Running back Zane Burr worked his way up to legendary status with the Elks, as did tight end Luke Braden. Offensive lineman Emiliano Alvarez was a first team member of the Amarillo Globe-News Super Team and he, too, is gone. Add in running back Mauricio Duran and the bulk of the offensive line and you've got a whole lot of shoes to fill in one year.
Still, the Elks remain confident in what they bring back.
Luke's younger brother Bryce Braden is back at quarterback for the third consecutive year. He tossed 19 touchdowns to just three interceptions on a mere 100 attempts while also rushing for 960 yards and 15 scores in 2022. The dual threat is still just a junior and should be in line for another great season.
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Karston Long, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound right tackle, will be back to anchor the O-line and help less experienced players like Joaquin Michel and Angel Robles develop. Lane Uttley has experience at tight end while Santi Ibarra, Julio Valdez and Omar Jacquez are expected to factor into the receiver room.
Senior Vince Morillon and junior Israel Licon are expected to takeover in the backfield for Luke Braden and Duran.
"Those skill guys are ready to go in and they're going to do great," Murphy said. "They were guys that may not have started, but they got a ton of reps on the field and they're ready to help those younger guys that may not have had the chance to get in there."
Next man up
The defense has just as many holes to fill as the offense.
In addition to be a stellar O-lineman, Alvarez was also the team leader in sacks with six. Alfredo Duarte finished tied for third in the Panhandle with five interceptions and he's gone too. Six other starters will have to be replaced on D as well, marking yet another challenge.
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Valdez is back after leading the team in tackles after recording 84 last season. Uttley and Ibarra were All-District performers last year with Valdez and Ibarra each hauling in three interceptions. Bryce Braden totaled 66 tackles and three sacks at linebacker and Jacquez finished with 44 total stops.
So while the quantity of starters back may be low, the quality is solid.
History on our side
It can't be stated enough that the Elks are in a time of transition.
District 1-2A Division I rival Panhandle has a tradition of success just like the Elks. Farwell returns one of the top two-way players in the area in Corey Stancell, West Texas and Highland Park have their arrows pointing in the right direction and Philip Wiggins will always have Sanford-Fritch ready to go. This year won't be easy.
When Lovorn left for Canyon, he couldn't speak highly enough about Murphy's ability as a coach. The Elks have four state championships in five appearances since 2000 and the expectation will always be to win it all each and every year. It may be a taller task than normal this season, but with Braden, Ibarra and others on hand, the Elks are confident.
"We want to be a good football team," Murphy said. "We always want to fulfil our potential, live up to expectations and do all of the little things that matter. We know that we have an enormous amount of potential. If we leave anything on the table, it's not going to be a successful season for us. We need those kids to grow and improve every week. If we do that, I think we'll be a successful team."
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STRATFORD ELKS
Head coach: Jon Murphy
2022 record: 11-1 overall, 5-0 in district
Base offense: Split back
Base defense: 3-4
Last playoff appearance: 2022
Top returners: Bryce Braden, Santi Ibarra, Lane Uttley, Julio Valdez, Karston Long, Omar Jacquez
SCHEDULE
Aug. 25: at Stratford, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1: vs. Sunray, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: at Gruver, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: vs. Vega, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: OPEN
Sept. 29: vs. Perryton, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6: at Farwell, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: at Panhandle, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: vs. Sanford-Fritch, 7 p.m.
Oct. 27: at Highland Park, 7 p.m.
Nov. 3 vs. West Texas, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Stratford Elk football enters a new era in 2023
