The Ganado Indians are strong favorites to win the 2024 state title in 2AD1 football. Winning the title would be their first. But understand, they will have fierce competition, namely from the Hawley Bearcats, the Mason Punchers, the Refugio Bobcats possibly and least likely, from the Centerville Tigers among others.
Hawley won in 2022 and has done exceptionally well on the gridiron since Mitch Ables was named the head coach in 2014. In his first year, the Bearcats were 7-5 and they improved from 2015 through 2017 before winding up 2018 with a 10-2 record; The Bearcats were 22-1 for 2023 and 3024. When they claimed the title in 2022, they were 16-0, soundly defeating Refugio in the final, 54-28.
For 2024 Hawley returns qbs Rodey Harper and Leagan Ables. whose younger but bigger brother, Camden, 6’4” should play key roles at TE and WR.
If, however, experience is the measure of team’s strength, the Mason Punchers perhaps should be our #1. The Punchers under HC Michael McLeod have a strong senior class and a total o 21 lettermen returning. Sutten Silerio and Clancy Osbourne should do well at running back with a productive offense directed by QB Carlton Schmidt.
As is now well known, Drew Cox will be the Refugio helm, replacing Jason Herring who did exceptionally well in that position from 2007 through last year.. Herring continues as the Bobcat Athletic Director.
Drew Cox has been with Herring since they were together in Sonora before they jointly moved to Refugio in 2007; Cox knows the system well and has said that he expects little change but may run the ball more with John King at fullback. A well-experienced Kelan Brown returns at quarterback. Due to realignments, Refugio will play mostly teams from South Texas, and not meet Shiner, which has been moved down to 2AD2. But will the Bobcats play well enough under Cox to take stop Mason’s advance in the playoffs? Great question, to be decided.
Centerville is our sentimental choice at #5. Under Kyle Hardee they seem always to finish strong but never able to move on to the state finals. This year could be the exception.
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