The football team that reached the Class 5A Division I state championship gears up for the 2024 season with some new and some familiar faces.
The Rangers, with only eight returning starters, will put their newest version up against Roosevelt starting at 7 p.m. today at Comalander Stadium.
Going into the game, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football ranked the Rangers as No. 5 in the state behind College Station, Highland Park, Denton Ryan and Aledo. The team also tops the San Antonio Express-News Sub 6-A predictions.
Dual threat Cade Spradling takes over as quarterback, replacing Ryland Walker, in addition to his linebacker duties.
“It’s exciting,” Spradling said. “ It’s one last ride with all the seniors, but we also have some new guys in the locker room and we all get along, so I’m excited to see what we can do,”
As Spradling steps into his new leadership role, his teammates recognizes his previous contributions to the team.
“Cade stands out to me because he is a leader, and he played a key role last year on our team,” junior wide receiver Quinten Sampson said.
Also returning to the backfield is senior Brad Sowesrby, who rushed for 1,187 yards in 192 carries and 18 touchdowns. He will share carrying duties with junior Daniel De Hoyos, who ran for 494 yards on 68 carries and 7 touchdowns.
Gone are the University of Texas commits Freddie DuBose and Jackson Duffey, who have been replaced with letterman Brody Day, 397 yards on 33 receptions and 2 touchdowns.
“It’s different, but every year, seniors leave and new guys step up,” Spradling said. “I think we’re gonna be just fine.”
Veteran P.K. Moeller, who had three punt returns for 30 yards and an interception in 2023, will split time with junior Quentin Sampson at wide receiver.
“P.K. played on the state team last year, so he has a lot of experience being a football player, a teammate, a leader,” Sampson said. “I think I can learn a lot from him and I am good friends with him so we get along pretty well.”
They both will serve as returner specialists along with Day and senior Diego Davila.
Day also takes over punting duties for Clayton Amaya, Texas Sports Writers Association first team All-State kicker, while little brother junior Trenton Amaya moves into the kicker position.
Cisco Carvajal, who saw some action as a backup quarterback (19 of 21 passes for 133 yard, 1 touchdown) takes over as fullback with Braxton Sawyer as backup.
Tight end Preston Baker had 10 catches for 72 yards, 1 touchdown this past season.
Spradling will have to count on a new set up linemen for protection, including left tackle Ayden Fulton, left guard Cannon Wheeler, left guard Kyle Gugliotti, center Parker Miller, right guard Anthony Acosta and right tackle Aiden Verette.
On defense, highly recruited defensive end Hudson Woods will be joined on the other side of the line by Caleb Barrow. Davila, who scored the safety in the 2023 state championship game, brings back his prowess as a safety along with Moeller. Sophomore Caleb Peagler, who ran 104 yards on 26 carries and one touchdown, moves to the linebacker slot along with Spradling and Colton Hornsby.
Defensive tackle Justin Roberts (37 tackles and one fumble recovery in 2023) made the Along the Wire’s San Antonio Area top 30 for the Class of 2026 along with Woods.
“Every year we try to carry on the winning tradition, but we just take it one week at a time,” Spradling said. “We treat all practices the same, and we just go out and tackle the day. We’re looking to do that more this year.”
