AHS Cowboys Back In The Saddle Again

 AHS Cowboys Back In The Saddle Again

by 

Erik Graefe

Football returned to Abilene on Friday night as the 2015 edition of Cowboy Football was on display for a gathering of enthusiastic orange-clad fans. The west side of Cowboy Stadium was full, giving the appearance of a game more meaningful than a pre-season scrimmage.  Steve Simpson begins his second season as head coach hoping to build upon an N.C.K.L. championship and a record of six wins against three losses.

Steve Simpson Head Coach AHS (photo from USD 435 Website)

The scrimmage consisted of four periods in which players were divided in to two teams: one team wearing orange, the other wearing white. In the first and third periods, orange and white teams were made up of upperclassmen while the second and fourth periods showcased mostly sophomores and freshmen.  The night was filled with both spectacular play and a bit of just plain sloppy play.

Quarterback Harley Hazlett, flanked by Riley Sliechter, Carter Wildey, and Ryan Wilson.
(Photo by Stephanie Hazlett)

Following an early turnover by the white team, orange team quarterback Harley Hazlett led his team to an early touchdown by sneaking in from inside the one yard line. The white team fumbled again on their second series, and the orange team capitalized. This time, Trey Bender scored on a run from inside the five yard line. The white team settled down on their next possession. Senior quarterback Ryan LaCombe connected with junior fullback Parker O’Neal for a beautiful 25 yard gain on a pass behind the orange linebackers. 

The momentum was short lived however as the white team fumbled again on the very next play. Those three early turnovers left coaches and fans wondering whether the Cowboys are an opportunistic defensive team or a sloppy offensive one. That is the problem with a game in which opponents are also teammates. The remaining highlight of the first period was a 43 yard touchdown pass from Hazlett to Dylan Ford which was called back because of a penalty. The gorgeous pass and reception epitomized the night for the Cowboys as incredible skill and potential was tempered again and again by mistakes. That is another problem with the first scrimmage of the year, more often than not, there are mistakes. 

Good thing it was only a dress rehearsal.

Friday night lights return to Paul Dennis field
(Photo by Pam O’Neal)

By the mood of the fan base, the Cowboy faithful were moved more by the skill and potential than worried by the easily correctable mistakes. Why wouldn’t they be? The night featured a bevy of playmakers in both orange and white on both sides of the ball. Jovany Garcia displayed ability on the defensive line all night. In addition to Ford, Ryan Wilson, Carter Wildey, and Ryan LaCombe flashed glimpses of fine offensive ability as pass receivers. Trey Bender ran the ball well and will likely carry the bulk of the offensive weight running the ball for Abilene this year, but will receive a ton of help from juniors Parker O’Neal and Parker Base. Hazlett should be very good again this year at quarterback. In addition to these skill players, the Cowboys return four offensive linemen from a fine group last year. Expect good things from seniors Andy Tope, Bailey Fitzgerald, and Hayden Funston. Junior Sam Burt returns as well to the offensive line. The potential was on full display Friday night at Paul Dennis Field, and no one could blame fans for smiling as they filed out of the stadium on a warn August night anticipating the coming football season at Abilene High School. 

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