Wylie Faces Tough District, Tougher Non-District
The only thing tougher than the Wylie football team’s district schedule this fall is its non-district schedule.
Five of Wylie’s six non-district opponents are ranked in the top 20 in the Texas AP Preseason Football Poll.
The Bulldogs kicked off the season against Argyle, ranked No. 2, and followed that up with a battle against Burnet, ranked No. 17. Next up is a battle with No. 4 ranked Graham, followed by a game against No. 12 ranked Liberty Hill. Vernon is the lone school on the non-district schedule that did not receive any votes in the preseason poll. Wylie is ranked No. 15 in the poll.
Wylie head coach Hugh Sandifer likes to schedule his team a tough preseason to get them ready for a tough district, and it is a philosophy that his players buy into.
“It gives us experience going into district,” said quarterback Tyler Ward. “It’s huge going against these teams that are top 10 starting off in week 1.
Running back Jared Asbill said playing the best teams in the state makes the team better – regardless of whether they win or lose.
“As long as we go out there and play our best game and play as best we can, it’s only going to benefit us,” he said of the difficult schedule.
The experience will be crucial for a Bulldogs team that lost a large group of graduates. The defense was particularly hit hard losing seven players who earned All-District honors, including the district MVP and the district’s defensive player of the year.
But linebacker Riley Hedge said younger guys are ready to step up.
“We’ve got some guys coming back, and we’ve got a lot of young potential which is good,” he said. “Coach (Clay) Martin is a great defensive coach. I’m not worried at all about this year’s defense.”
Riley, Tyler and Jared are part of a strong senior class that gained experience as juniors and are ready to lead the team into the 2015 season.
“We have a lot of senior leadership,” Jared said. “All of the seniors are stepping up and showing the underclassmen a good work ethic. They are starting to figure out this is how Wylie does it.”
Jared got experience last year filling in at running back when the seniors were injured. That experience will be helpful this season, he said.
“It’s going to help this year knowing the game speed, and to know I’ve been there before,” he said.
Tyler also got experience last year, splitting time at quarterback. He said the experience from last year will help him this year.
“I basically have a lot more confidence coming into this season,” he said.
Senior Jaxson Money said the experience Tyler got as a junior will be a huge benefit for the team this season.
“He knows how to handle himself in big games and in clutch situations,” Jaxson said.
Jaxson played a key role in the receiving corp last year and was named 1st team All District wide receiver. He also has years of experience working with Tyler and the pair have great chemistry.
“We basically know exactly what each other is thinking on the field,” Tyler said. “Having Jaxson coming back is going to be huge. He’s the leader of that receiving group.”
On the defensive side, Riley earned All-District 1st team honors last season and returns to play linebacker, while fellow seniors Lane Bourland and Blake Johnston earned 2nd team honors and return as defensive backs.
Hedge said the senior class has a special chemistry that will be one of the strengths of the team this season.
“We have a really strong bond together,” he said. “We are really good friends. That helps a lot.”
Jared agreed.
“We’ve been together since 7th grade,” he said. “We know each others strengths and each others weaknesses. We help each other. We have a brotherhood around here. I think it’s a plus for us as a team.”
The Bulldogs play in what is considered one of the toughest districts in Texas. Brownwood, Snyder and Big Spring always find a way to keep their programs strong and waiting for Wylie at the end of the district schedule is No. 6 ranked Stephenville.
“Stephenville will be a huge challenge,” Riley said. “They are a good team and their players know how to play.”
Wylie has a whole schedule of big challenges to face before Stephenville comes to town, however, and Jaxson said the team needs to work hard for each and every game.
“Working together as a team will be the thing that makes us better,” he said. “It’s the seniors job to lead the younger guys and show them how we do things. We are out here working hard, and it’s going to pay off.”