ALEX LONGHORNS
Coach – WADE WHATLEY
OFFENSE
The Longhorns are coming off a 6-5 season a year ago and entering the 2021 season with new leadership. First-year head coach Wade Whatley is excited and ready to see what his team can do. “We are going to be young and exciting,” he said. “A bunch of kids is going to get a lot of playing time this year. We are going to ask a lot of some talented guys. But we are not absent of senior leadership, we have some guys who know how to handle themselves and can be vocal when called upon. We are excited to get back to challenging for the district championship and deep runs in the playoffs.” The team only returns two starters from last season’s offense, so there will be a bit of a learning curve. Konner Shebester (5-9, 155, Jr.) will be looking to make big plays at the wide receiver position. Nick Brandon (So.) is going to be called upon to lead the Longhorn offense. He is an electric, no-nonsense athlete, who puts his best into every rep. Rilan Neil will be stepping into some big shoes in the backfield, but he is a strong kid with excellent athletic ability.
DEFENSE
With only three starters coming back on the defensive side of the ball, the Longhorns will be looking for guys to step up and fill the vacant positions. Shebester will be playing at defensive back and will be working to keep the opponent’s big plays to a minimum. Another player to keep an eye on this season will be Baylan Byrd, who coach Whatley says is as hard of a worker that he has seen. “Baylan is a constant for our team. He works sun-up to sun-down and he is always willing to help out the school, team, and community. Old man Byrd, as I call him, is the prototypical good ole boy that is going to dedicate himself to group success.” Assistant coaches for the Longhorns will be Mark Anderson and Ronnie Fulks.
8-27 – vs. Destiny Christian
9-3 – vs. Tipton
9-10 – at Central
9-17 – vs. Davenport
9-24 – at Cyril
10-7 – at Bray-Doyle
10-14 – vs. Velma-Alma
10-22 – at SW Covenant
10-29 – vs. Caddo
11-5 – at Strother
