HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Revealing the 2023 Red River Preseason Super Team
Three years ago, we expanded the Red River 22 tradition to include a Preseason Super Team.
This season we’re taking it a step further and bringing back a version of the TRN Sports all-star teams that had unfortunately faded away in recent years.
The Red River Super Six was created by former TRN Sports writer Zach Duncan to highlight the area’s best six-man football players. When our full-time staff dwindled to one, the Super Six team was lost during the transition.
We recommit to its existence today, reintroducing it as part of the 2023 Red River 22 Preseason Super Team.
The preseason team differs from the postseason version in that it doesn’t separate the schools between large and small. This is a collection of the top players in the area regardless of classification.
On offense, we choose one quarterback, five skill position players and five offensive linemen.
We don’t limit our defensive picks to a specific formation, trying to get the best 11 on the team. This year’s unit would run a 3-3-5 scheme that’s becoming more popular at the high school ranks.
Finally, we add one special teams player to the 11-man football list.
In the Super Six version, the top players are chosen regardless of position.
We also include a list of “On the radar” candidates with each position. This is our version of a preseason watch list.
QUARTERBACK
Lando Belcher, Sr., Jacksboro — Belcher is the area’s top returning passer, completing 188 of 308 throws for 2,896 yards, 37 TDs and 10 interceptions. He leads a high-powered Jacksboro offense with nine returning starters.
On the radar — Parker Allen, Sr., Iowa Park; Joe Castles, So., Rider; Brady McCasland, Sr., Nocona; Jimmell McFalls, Jr., Hirschi; Collin McKiddy, Sr., Electra; Jacobe Monroe, Sr., City View; Kale Sherrill, Sr., Vernon; Ty Thompson, Jr., Graham.
RUNNING BACKS
Rylan Monsey, Jr., Graham — Monsey had a breakout sophomore season, rushing for 1,265 yards and six TDs. He’ll be the featured back in an experienced Graham offense.
Eric Powell, So., WFHS — Powell’s inaugural season on the varsity was impressive, rushing for 834 yards and eight TDs. He profiles as the Coyotes’ top back in the program’s final season.
On the radar — Tyler Camacho, Jr., Windthorst; Cannon Cody, Sr., Henrietta; Demone Contee, Sr., Hirschi; Jordan Demoss, Sr., Petrolia; Jeremiah Durham, Sr., City View; Jevon Fanner, Sr., Vernon; Ethan Flye, Jr., Munday; Elijah Jackson, Sr., Rider; Kyler Kirkland, Sr., Burkburnett; Brayden Loyd, Jr., Seymour; Jordan Mitchell, Jr., WFHS; Tyrese Polite, Sr., Holliday; Luke Sams, Jr., Jacksboro; Ty Scott, So., Vernon; Cyler Sosa, Jr., Olney; Landon Smith, Jr., Archer City; TJ Thomas, Sr., Vernon; KD Worthy, Jr., Hirschi; Kaison Yow, SR., Holliday.
RECEIVERS
Ke’Ondrae Fleeks, Sr., WFHS — Fleeks is a big play threat, who is also a very capable blocker in an offense that often leaned toward running the ball more during the postseason. Fleeks still caught 41 passes for 622 yards and eight TDs.
Peyton Kinman, Sr., Graham — Kinman and quarterback Ty Thompson have great chemistry, making for a prolific pairing. Last season, Kinman caught 43 passes for 775 yards and 13 TDs. He’s also one of the Steers’ best defensive backs.
Cannon Valenzuela, Jr., Jacksboro — Valenzuela led the area in receiving yards last season, catching 60 passes for 989 yards and 13 TDs as a sophomore. He’s also one of Jacksboro’s top defensive players.
On the radar — Isaiah Anderson, Jr., City View; Ashtyn Berry, Jr., Holliday; Harrison Brockway, Jr., Graham; Klein Essler, Sr., Henrietta; Hayden Greensweigh, Sr., Hirschi; Ty Harrison, So., Holliday; Charlie Fuller, Sr., Nocona; Grey Johnson, Jr., Rider; Cy Jones, Sr., Quanah; Kendrick Jones, Fr., Hirschi; Bradley Lovelace, Sr., Burkburnett; Ian McKiddy, Fr., Electra; Brayden Riggins, Jr., Graham; Jaxon Stark, So., Windthorst; Chance Warren, Sr., Archer City; Desmond Whiteside, Jr., City View; Isaac Willden, Jr., Seymour; Rody Williams, Sr., Iowa Park.
More: Jacksboro tops initial TRN High School Football Top 10
OFFENSIVE LINE
Drew Anderle, Sr., Windthorst — Anderle isn’t just the Trojans’ top blocker, he’s their leading tackler, too. He was third in the area with 138 stops last season.
Cape Johnson, Sr., Rider — Johnson emerged as a cornerstone of the Rider offensive line and is an all-state candidate in a position group that should be a strength for the Raiders.
Norman Mendieta, Sr., Rider — Mendieta enters his third season starting on the offensive line for the Raiders. His experience is invaluable to the Raiders this season.
Buddy Owen, Jr., Burkburnett — Owen has started every game for the Bulldogs since he was a freshman. He’s the anchor of an offensive line that has grown into a strength for this program.
Cooper Turner, Sr., Holliday — Turner will enter his third season starting for the Eagles and is just as important on the defensive line.
On the radar – Ethan Bainbridge, Sr., Burkburnett; Matthew Balderas, Sr., Hirschi; Nathan Belcher, Sr., Seymour; Kyler Boone, Sr., WFHS; Geo Cedillo, So., Electra; Brett Corn, Jr., City View; Jett Davenport, Sr., Jacksboro; Jorge DeLeon, Jr., Bowie; Isaac Dickey, Sr., Hirschi; Caleb Foster, Sr., Holliday; Aiden Fugett, Sr., Henrietta; Benny Fuselier, Sr., Olney; Sterling Harrington, Sr., Bowie; Blaine Hill, So., City View; Talon Ledesma, Sr., Iowa Park; Brendon Mason, Sr., Archer City; Matthew Page, Sr., Nocona; Gideon Perez, Sr., Rider; Isay Saldana, Sr., Rider; Barrett Thornton, Sr., Henrietta; Peyton Valdez, Sr., Olney; Kyson Walker, Sr., Seymour; Jaxon West, Sr., Windthorst; Wyatt Wolf, Sr., Windthorst.
More: Hirschi narrowly considered District 3-4A Division II favorite over Graham
DEFENSIVE LINE
Brayden Berend, Sr., Windthorst — Berend is the reigning Red River 22 small-school MVP for his versatility on the defensive side. He’s capable of playing defensive back and rushing the passer while lining up on the line of scrimmage. Berend is also the Trojans’ top returning receiver with 710 yards and 10 TDs on 42 receptions last season.
Javian Frazier, Sr., Hirschi — Frazier is going to play running back and linebacker this season, but he will be utilized at the position he’s made his own the last three seasons, rushing the passer from defensive end. He’s already the Huskies’ career leader with 26 ½ sacks and 57 tackles for loss. He should be the program’s career leading tackler by the end of the season.
Jailyn Gibbs, Sr., Rider — Like Frazier, Gibbs will be branching out this season, playing some linebacker for the Raiders. But with 17 sacks in the past two seasons, he’s made his name getting after the quarterback.
On the radar – Carson Ayres, Sr., Rider; Reid Baughman, Sr., Burkburnett; Payton Cherry, Jr., Hirschi; Reginald Demps, Sr., Hirschi; Jre Donnell, Sr., Rider; Kavion Hall, Sr., Electra; Bonner Hand, Sr., Windthorst; Cayven Hull, Jr., Hirschi; Jordan Jacoba, Sr., Olney; Kasch Johnson, Jr., Nocona; Gage McDonald, So., Henrietta; Lance McMahen, Sr., Electra; Marcus Olivarez, Jr., Jacksboro; Keshawn Perry, Jr., City View; Kristian Perry, Sr., Hirschi; Marcus Roberson, Sr., Seymour; Shyne Rodriguez, Sr., Vernon; AJ Smith, Sr., Iowa Park.
LINEBACKERS
Jacobey Clay, Sr., WFHS — Clay has started every game for the Coyotes since he was a freshman. He was third on the team in tackles last season, providing invaluable experience and leadership in the middle of the defense.
Parker Jones, Jr., Holliday — Jones has come back from a knee injury that cut his sophomore season short late last year. He’s an impact player no matter where he lines up and teams with Collin Hays to give the Eagles an impressive linebacking duo.
Johnathan Stone, Sr., Nocona — Stone had a breakout season as a junior, leading the Indians in tackles (130) and rushing yards (1,146) with nine touchdowns.
On the radar – Barrett Brown, Sr., Iowa Park; Ben Carr, Sr., Rider; Noah Cornell, Jr., Archer City; Kylen Crawford, So., Munday; Will Cross, Sr., Bowie; Blaze Deaton, Jr., Henrietta; Cam Devaughn, Jr., City View; Klein Essler, Sr., Henrietta; Isaiah Flores, Jr., Hirschi; Kiauntre Gresham, Sr., City View; Collin Hays, Sr., Holliday; Ramsey Hensley, Jr., Petrolia; Xander Jackson, Jr., Quanah; William Jetton, Sr., Henrietta; Braylon Kinzie, So., WFHS; Kline Mayo, Sr., Archer City; Jackson McComis, Sr., Jacksboro; Bryson McKnight, Sr., Iowa Park; Mason Milton, Jr., Graham; Tanner Poirot, Sr., Rider;Luke Sams, Jr., Jacksboro; Steele Skinner, Jr., Holliday; Cooper Waldrip, Sr., Nocona.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Kaleem Howard, Sr., Jacksboro — Howard’s speed makes him a valuable weapon on both sides of the ball. He was the Tigers’ second leading receiver with 785 yards and 14 TDs on 51 receptions.
Ivy Kelley, Sr., WFHS — Kelley is the Coyotes’ top returning tackler and finished second in the area last season, behind teammate Cameron Gould, with 174 stops.
Tyrone Morgan, Sr., Rider — Morgan is Rider’s most explosive athlete and a focal point on both sides of the ball. His biggest impact has been as a cornerback, but his offensive load will increase as a running back and slot receiver. Morgan had five interceptions last season.
Kole Stovall, Sr., Archer City — Stovall led the area with nine interceptions last season and had a knack for making big plays in the most important games.
Kolby Teakell, Sr., Windthorst — Teakell is 6-4 and a matchup nightmare on offense, totaling 561 receiving yards and five TDs on 39 receptions. He’s also an important DB capable of defending larger receivers. He had four interceptions as a junior.
On the radar — Carson Anderle, Jr., Windthorst; Jacob Cahill, Sr., Rider; Isaac Dieguez, Jr., Archer City; Tanner Doyal, Sr., Windthorst; Caden Gaston, Jr., Nocona; Michael Hansboro, Jr., City View; Garrett Hubble, Jr., Jacksboro; Ryan Jones, Sr., Rider; Ivory Kelley, Sr., WFHS; Elijah Maldonado, Sr., Burkburnett; Camron McComack, Jr., Olney; Annetrell Mims, Sr., Hirschi; Dallas Pecot, Sr., Holliday; Zathin Reyes, Sr., Graham; Juaquin Sanchez, Sr., Hirschi; Kasey Swan, Sr., Jacksboro; Adarius Williams, Jr., Vernon; Malachi Williams, So., City View; Corby Wingfield, Sr., Hirschi; Sammy Worthy, Sr., Hirschi.
More: Windthorst blessed with trio of tall, athletic receivers
SPECIAL TEAMS
Garrett Blevins, Jr., Henrietta — Blevins qualifies for this spot because he serves as Henrietta’s punter. But he earns a spot on this team by being the only player with more than 1,000 yards passing and rushing. He’s the area’s top returning rusher with 1,464 yards and 16 TDs on 179 carries. He also completed 105 of 228 passes for 1,267 yards, 13 TDs and 13 interceptions.
On the radar — Jacob Hernandez, Sr., Olney; Kenji Johnson, Jr., Rider; Justyn Judie, Jr., City View; Michael Longoria, Jr., Henrietta; Jesus Lucio, Sr., Graham; Jeremiah Murphy, Sr., Electra
SUPER SIX
Bryson Callaway, Sr., Knox City — Callaway enters his fourth season as the Greyhounds starting quarterback. Last season, he threw for 1,202 yards and 27 TDs, while rushing for 303 yards and four TDs. On defense, he had 80 tackles, four interceptions and five fumble recoveries.
Jacob Gaspar, Sr., Throckmorton — Gaspar is the centerpiece of the Greyhound offense, rushing for 2,206 yards and 30 TDs last season. He also had 12 passing TDs. On defense, he registered 80 tackles.
Devin Guillory, Sr., Knox City — Guillory is Knox City’s most explosive player, catching 28 passes for 584 yards and 16 TDs and carrying the ball 25 times for 177 yards and five TDs. He also had seven interceptions on defense.
Isaac King, Sr., Newcastle — King transferred into Newcastle and made an immediate impact in 2022. He rushed for 1,604 yards and 22 TDs, adding 636 yards and 12 TDs passing. On defense, he had 80 tackles, four interceptions and six fumble recoveries.
Grayson Rigdon, Jr., Benjamin — Rigdon is the two-time Class A Division II Player of the Year and his team has won a state title in both seasons — first at Strawn and then at Benjamin. He rushed for 1,875 yards and 45 TDs on 74 carries last season. He completed 24 of 28 passes for 672 yards and 14 TDs. On defense, he had 37 tackles and eight interceptions, returning four for scores.
Ty Strawbridge, Sr., Newcastle — Strawbridge forms a solid 1-2 punch with King, passing for 683 yards and 17 TDs and rushing for 882 yards and 21 TDs. He had 79 tackles with three fumbles on defense.
On the radar – Clayton Alvarado, Sr., Crowell; Caleb Arrieta, Sr., Knox City; Tristin Baxter, Sr., Knox City; Matthew Brooks, Jr., Northside; Jayon Grace, Sr., Gold-Burg; Kaden Hall, Jr., Northside; Chance Hand, SR., Bryson; Tallon Hayes, Jr., Benjamin; Keegan Hayes, Fr., Benjamin; Austin Hernandez, Sr., Crowell; Robert Jorgensen, Sr., Throckmorton; Kenney Jones, Sr., Newcastle; Hayden Makovy, Sr., Throckmorton; Jeremiah Perez, Sr., Forestburg; Kasen Ramsey, SR., Harrold; Ryan Shaver, Sr., Knox City; Kadin Stone, Jr., Chillicothe; Gaidan Turner, Jr., Newcastle.
More: Benjamin, Knox City, Throckmorton chosen to repeat as district champions
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: 2023 Red River 22 preseason super team
