The Wellington Skyrockets finished last season at 13-1, narrowly missing a trip to AT&T Stadium for the first time since 2013. Their exit came at the hands of eventual State Champion Windthorst in the State Semi-Finals. The Skyrockets are loaded with 14 returning starters, including seven on each side of the ball for third-year Head Coach Greg Proffitt.
While this team will be experienced with veterans all over the field, they will need a few underclassmen to step into big roles. On the offensive side of the ball, the Skyrockets will once again be led by First Team All-State senior running back Marc Ramirez. Not only did Ramirez lead the Texas Panhandle in rushing a season ago, he’s also the top returning rusher in the state with 2,542 yards and thirty touchdowns.
He’ll be joined by an offensive line that has experience protecting him from opposing defenses. The team returns four of the five starters from a year ago. Seniors Willy Olvera and Antonio Rodriguez will start at tackle. At guards are junior Rey Ramirez and newcomer sophomore Fabian Pina. Tying it all together at center junior Blake Strickland.
Coach Proffitt said, “I tell our lineman every week that we’re going to win and lose a football game because of you guys. They know they’re not going to carry the ball, but they want to wear people out upfront and take pride in doing it.” The Skyrockets will be young at the tight end position but bring back receivers, junior Jordan Nation and senior Kayden Valles along with their signal caller in three-year starter, senior Creighton Killian.
On defense, the team lost key defensive leaders in Mason Folk, Gavin Wood, and John Ramirez, the latter two coming from a depleted defensive line where the team will have to replace the most.
“We have some puzzle pieces to put together with a defensive end spot, but obviously you lean on those guys who’ve played a lot of games. Like our Seniors, they’ve won a lot of games. You can build on that, tradition goes a long way,” Proffitt added.
Both linebackers are back including Marc Ramirez in the middle and Junior Barret Phillips, who really came on late in the year and led the defense in interceptions. The secondary stays together with corners Jordan Nation and sophomore Carson Tarver. At free safety, Killian will once again anchor the middle of the field with holdover Nixon Folk and his versatility moving up to strong safety. Speed and playmaking ability will be strengths.
“We had a good talk day one about expectations and where they’re at and our goals. Yes, we’re picked high, but we’re trying to get better for us. We don’t worry about anything else on the outside. We have to grind every single day.”
The Skyrockets will first take the field at Halliburton Stadium against Duncan, Oklahoma on August 27 at 7 p.m.