High school football preview: Estacado coach William Blaylock expects 'jump' in Year 2

What difference does a year make? Estacado football coach William Blaylock is eager to find out.

With inexperience no longer an issue, and all but one member of his maiden staff back, Blaylock feels the time is now for the Matadors to put it together en route to a deep playoff run.

He's not afraid to let them know, either.

"I'm very honest with our kids, and I told them the expectations are high," Blaylock said. "They know what it's like to be in tight ball games. They know what it's like to go on the road. So there's no excuse of we're young anymore. …

"Our kids want to play deep into December. They want to be the next team from Estacado to make a run. We talked about (how) this'll be the 40th anniversary since the last time a Lubbock ISD football team has been to a state championship, which was Estacado in 1983."

Ending that drought would coincide with another milestone.

"I turn 40 this year. I told them I'd appreciate a great birthday gift in December," Blaylock quipped.

The Matadors return 16 starters from a 7-5 area qualifier. All but two are back on offense, and Blaylock feels more comfortable putting his speedy playmakers in place.

In addition to Division-I prospect Bobby Ross at running back, Blaylock will also utilize the services of Cedric Ross and James Bozeman. Cedric Ross and Bozeman, the anchor, made up half of Estacado's 800-meter relay that reached the state track meet in May.

Add in 6-foot-4 standout receiver Devoryea Boyd and 2022 starting quarterback D.J. Johnson and it's understandable that Blaylock is so optimistic.

"I think we should see a good jump, especially with our staff, from Year 1 to Year 2," Blaylock said. "… We know what guys can do and kind of what they can't do, whereas last year it was kind of finding out during the season. … We can put guys in a lot better position, and I think it'll make us a lot better, more well-rounded football team."

Delton Johnson and Donivan Torrez rounded out the state-qualifying relay, and both play on defense. Blaylock expects overall team speed to be one of the Matadors' biggest boons.

"I think we're lightyears faster than we were last year," Blaylock said. "That was something we worked on a lot in the spring and in track season."

The coach said his three returning linebackers will power the defense, and they too "can fly." Nate Orta, Kei'Sean Harris and Kyree Baxter each topped 100 tackles last year.

Dee'Ondric Green had nine interceptions in 2022 and is back to lead a revamped secondary. Torrez and Antonio Willis figure to be key defensive backs, and Boyd will see time at cornerback as well.

With talent and experience in tow, Blaylock said taking the next step will require attention to detail.

"The main thing is July 31 hitting the ground running," Blaylock said, "making sure that everybody's ready and cleared to go. Just taking care of the little things is what this team is working on. We know that they have athletic ability. It's the little stuff we want to harp on, and those little details, because that's what helps you win big games."

Estacado Matadors

Head coach — William Blaylock (7-5, all at Estacado)

2022 record — 7-5 overall, 3-1 in District 2-4A Division I

Last district title/playoff appearance — 2021/2022

Base offense — Multiple spread

Base defense — 3-3-5

Returning lettermen — 25

Returning off./def. starters — 9/7

Players to watch — Bobby Ross, RB; Devoryea Boyd, WR/DB; Dee'Ondric Green, DB; Nate Orta, LB; Cedric Ross, ATH; Kei'Sean Harris, LB; D.J. Johnson, QB/WR; Kyree Baxter, LB

2023 schedule

* — denotes District 2-4A DI game

Aug. 24 — vs. Midland Greenwood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 — at Dumas, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 — at Amarillo Palo Duro, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 — vs. Levelland, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 — vs. Canyon West Plains, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 — at Sweetwater, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 — at Andrews*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 — vs. Brownwood*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 — at Big Spring*, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 — vs. San Angelo Lake View*, 7 p.m.

2022 results

at Midland Greenwood W, 28-24

Dumas L, 34-7

Amarillo Palo Duro L, 31-20

at Levelland W, 39-13

at Canyon West Plains L, 35-14

Sweetwater W, 24-7

Andrews* W, 42-36

at Brownwood* L, 52-14

Big Spring* W, 24-21

at San Angelo Lake View* W, 61-7

El Paso Bowie W, 54-7 (bi-district)

Canyon Randall L, 27-14 (area)

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: High school football preview: Estacado coach William Blaylock expects 'jump'