Lefors football seeking improvement in 2023
Things didn't go the Lefors Pirates' way in 2022, no doubt. They finished 1-7 with a 1-3 mark in District 1-1A Division II. With that being said, the Pirates have one thing going for them that most high schools don't on a yearly basis: Continuity.
While Lefors graduated Luis Fulton, who starred for them last year, everyone else is back in the starting lineup. Of the 10 players on last year's squad, eight return overall and the Pirates have freshman help on the way as well. It stands to reason that Lefors will see improvement in 2023.
"We feel a lot better than we did last year," head coach Cameron Armstrong said. "We knew where we were at and where we needed to go, but we fell short of that with a tough schedule. The guys I have coming back have bought in and we've got some younger guys coming up that are going to help. With that combination I think we'll definitely be better than we were last year."
While the loss of Fulton hurts the rushing production, Kade Parks returns under center to lead the way in a dual-threat capacity. Devin Hardy, Jonathon Cardiel and Thomas Porter will be back on both sides of the line while Ben Schroeder will be counted on as the lead receiver.
"Kade is our go-to," Armstrong said. "He's been our spread back, he's a threat on defense, he kicks, he punts, he just does everything. We've got a lot riding on his shoulders. Losing Luis was big for us since he was a key player, but Kade is going to be able to pick up some of those pieces."
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In addition to Hardy, Cardiel and Porter up front, Parks will man the defensive backfield with Schroeder joining him. Sophomore Justice Trevathan will likely get the first crack at replacing Fulton on both sides of the ball. Freshman Joe Johnson and Chase Cook should factor in as well.
"Joe is a pretty physical kid who played some spread back and linebacker in junior high," Armstrong said. "Him and Chase both were pretty good. I could see both of them getting playing time as freshman."
The toughest challenge for the Pirates will again be their district. While Darrouzett is in its second year back in football and Hedley loses star Joshua Booth, Groom and Silverton are expected to be just as tough as ever. Getting to a top-two finish won't be easy.
Still, with so many experienced players returning, there's no reason to believe the Pirates won't at least be better this fall.
"By the time it's all said and done I think we have to start making playoff runs," Armstrong said. "Everyone wants to win and when we want to be a staple in the playoffs."
LEFORS PIRATES
Head coach: Cameron Armstrong
2021 record: 1-7 overall, 1-3 in district
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 4-2
Last playoff appearance: 2017
Top returners: Kade Parks, Ben Schroeder
SCHEDULE
Aug. 25: vs. Wildorado, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1: vs, Miami, 7 p.m.
Sept. 7 (Thurs.): at Follett, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: at McLean, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: vs. PCHEA, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29: OPEN
Oct. 6: at Silverton, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 13: vs. Hedley, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: OPEN
Oct. 27: at Groom, 7 p.m.
Nov. 3: vs. Darrouzett, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Lefors football seeking improvement in 2023
