McLean football looking to punch its ticket back to the playoffs this season
The McLean football team came so close to the playoffs last year they could almost taste it. By head coach David Donnell's estimate, they were four seconds away from punching their ticket to the postseason. They came up short, but still finished a respectable 7-3 on the year.
With nine kids coming back and five departed, the Tigers are in position to make some noise again. With the likes of Cruz Rodriguez and Scott Caldwell coming back, McLean fans should be feeling awfully optimistic.
"Camp has been going great," Donnell said. "We've got some experience, but we've also got some really good youngsters coming up. We've got about 19 (players) out here so that's pretty good for a small school."
Caldwell was a defensive force last tear as he racked up 100 tackles, 12 for loss, forced four fumbles and hauled in two interceptions on the way to first team all-district honors. Rodriguez had 45 tackles and six sacks to go with two forced and recovered fumbles. Junior Noah Dickey will continue to play an integral part in all the Tigers do while quarterback Jack McGee is back after missing most of last season with a shoulder injury.
"Those guys have stepped up," Donnell said. "We've got a lot of weapons coming back and we mainly just need to work on our defense."
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Donnell said he expects several young players to step up who are new to the team while Caleb Steward is expected to be the new running back.
"We have nine freshmen coming in and two of those guys will be on varsity," Donnell said. "They'll contribute a lot and we've got some guys that played off and on last year that are sophomores and juniors this year."
District 1-1A Division I is a gauntlet, no doubt. Follett was the district champ last year and while they lose Shayne Franks, they still have an imposing squad. Miami brings back almost everyone, including QB Haiden Thompson and LB Luke Wheeler. White Deer is expected to be much improved as well, so clinching one of those top two spots won't be easy.
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However, McLean knows how close they were last season. Donnell believes having the mixture of experience and youth to go with assistant coaches Zachary Kidd and Jordan Parsons will be enough to send the Tigers back to the postseason for the first time in four years.
"Our goal is a gold football," Donnell said. "I think we're right in there for a district championship and that's our goal. We work for that every day and we've been doing a great job, but we can't settle. We may be doing well, but you can't settle. Our immediate goal is to win the district."
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MCLEAN TIGERS
Head coach: David Donnell
2022 record: 7-3 overall, 1-2 in district
Base offense: Multiple set
Base defense: 3-2-1
Last playoff appearance: 2019
Top returners: Scott Caldwell, Cruz Rodriguez, Noah Dickey, Caleb Steward
SCHEDULE
Aug. 26 (SATURDAY): vs. Van Horn, 12 p.m. in Jayton
Sept. 1: at Benjamin, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: vs. San Jacinto, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: vs. Lefors, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: at Groom, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29: vs. Wildorado, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6: at Happy, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: OPEN
Oct. 20: at White Deer, 7 p.m.
Oct. 27: vs. Miami, 7 p.m.
Nov. 3: at Follett, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: McLean High School football eyeing six-man football playoffs in 2023
