Powell set to build off strong debut season at Old High
Grant Freeman had seen Eric Powell’s running style before but had rarely witnessed it in someone that young.
It didn’t take long for Freeman and the rest of the WFHS coaching staff to realize they had something special in a freshman running back.
“One of the things we noticed about Eric from the get go was how violently he ran,” Freeman said. “He sought contact and ran through contact. That’s rare for a freshman. I really don’t know how else to put it other than to call it a violent running style. He runs with a purpose and that purpose is to run over somebody.”
Powell’s physicality made for a productive freshman season, rushing for 834 yards and eight TDs as Old High’s No. 2 running back. Powell admits he was surprised by his immediate success at the varsity level.
“At first, I was really nervous,” Powell said. “I thought I was too small, but the team took me in like family. I just came in and worked. I had to change my mindset and learn from my mistakes.”
Now with Cameron Gould graduating, Powell becomes the feature back in the Coyote backfield.
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“It means a lot to me that they trust me to be that guy,” Powell said. “I”m gonna show the coaches what I can do. I have a goal to rush for 1,500 yards and just ball out.”
Freeman has seen Powell’s commitment to reaching his goals.
“He’s had a great offseason. He’s added a lot of muscle, especially in his lower body,” Freeman said. “He’s a compact runner. His lower body is incredibly strong. Some guys look like he does but don’t run like he does. He runs with a certain violence I haven’t seen in a long time.”
If Powell can achieve his goals, he’ll be the last prolific running back in a program noted for producing great players at that position.
“It’s gonna hurt to see this be the last season at Old High, but I’m going to cherish it,” Powell said. “Everybody on the team knows we want to go as far as we did last year. It’s going to take a lot of work, but we know we’ve got what it takes.”
OFFENSE
The Coyotes won’t rely only on Powell at running back.
Junior Jordan Mitchell flashed great potential last season with limited carries. Mitchell will also play some at outside receiver.
Ean Beasley is one of the fastest athletes in the area, giving the Coyotes a different dimension at tailback.
Old High has a quarterback battle between juniors Cameron Jones and Zage Gravitt. Freeman expects to choose his starter after Thursday’s scrimmage with Hirschi.
Ke’ondrae Fleeks is back to lead the receiving corps. The senior is a tall, athletic deep threat with a knack for the big play. Jackson Mitchell is a varsity newcomer the Coyotes are excited about. Gravitt, if he doesn’t win the QB battle, would give the Coyotes experience at the position.
The Coyotes have three returning starters on the offensive line, including Kyler Boone, Isaac Ybarra and Jordan Davenport. Jalen Leal takes over at center, while sophomore Josh Hart is an athletic option at tackle.
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DEFENSE
The Coyotes have several voids to fill but also return great experience.
Jacobey Clay is a three-year starter at middle linebacker. He’ll be joined there by Braylon Kinzie and Christian Velasquez.
In the secondary, twin brothers Ivy and Ivory Kelley give the Coyotes experience and playmaking ability. Ivy will play the middle safety in the Coyotes 3-3-5 scheme with Ivory shifting to corner.
Israel Villegas, Roman Lunsford, Ricky Paniagua, Jordan Luera and Carlos Moreno will have roles in the secondary.
The defensive line returns no starters, and Freeman expects to rotate at least six players consistently.
EXTRA POINT
The Coyotes scored 444 points last season, which is the ninth most in program history. It’s the most points by an Old High team since 2000 when the Coyotes scored 541 points en route to the state semifinals.
WFHS Coyotes
Head Coach: Grant Freeman (seventh year)
Last year’s record: 9-5
Returning starters: 7 offense, 2 defense
Base offense/defense: Spread/Multiple
Last playoff appearance: 2022 (Lost to Decatur in state quarterfinals)
Last district title: 2002
Aug. 25 at Rider 8 p.m.
Sept. 1 at Hereford 7 p.m.
Sept. 7 vs. Plainview 7 p.m.
Sept. 15 vs. Canyon Randall 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 vs. Iowa Park 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 at Graham 7 p.m.
Oct. 6 vs. Mineral Wells* 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 at Decatur* 7 p.m.
Oct. 20 vs. Burkburnett* 7 p.m.
Nov. 3 at Springtown* 7 p.m.
PLAYER TO WATCH: RB Eric Powell (So.) – The city’s next great running back made a splash as a freshman (834 yards, 8 TDs) and will be featured heavily this fall.
GAME TO WATCH: Oct. 13 at Decatur – It was the Eagles who controversially wrestled a district title away from the Coyotes and then also ended their season. Part III should be can’t-miss theatre.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: 2023 Wichita Falls High Coyotes Texas high school football preview
