Blevins, Essler stepping into larger roles for Henrietta

Henrietta has become one of the area's most consistent high school football teams, earning a playoff berth in nine consecutive seasons. A steady stream of talented players has been key to the Bearcats' success.

The Bearcats lost two of the area’s top offensive players last year in quarterback Braden Bell and wide receiver Baron Brown. However, coach Michael Johnson has another group of talented athletes predicted to lead Henrietta to another playoff berth.

Junior Garrett Blevins was a “Swiss Army Knife” for Henrietta last year, leading the team in rushing yards per game and scoring 13 touchdowns, which fell one short of Brown for the team lead. Defensively, Blevins tied for second on the team with four interceptions while also serving as the team’s kicker and punter.

Playing multiple positions last year while getting snaps in practice as the backup quarterback has Blevins prepared for a breakout season as the Bearcats’ signal-caller.

“He played receiver and running back last year and got to see the offense from a different perspective. He can recall when he was wide open every time we called this play. So it kind of gives him that advantage there,” Johnson said. “Since the spring, he's done an outstanding job of working hard to learn the intricacies of what we do, and I'm proud of him. He's a lot further ahead than I thought he would be at this point, and I'm incredibly excited about that.

“He reminds me of a Jim Thorpe-type of player being a jack of all trades, and he's got a strong leg and has a little bit of a soccer background, and you can see it when he plays. He's just an all-around very skilled kid.”

Another recent Henrietta trend has been a player with the surname of Essler dominating the opposition on Friday nights. Junior Klein Essler led the Bearcats in tackles last year and will see time at tight end while handling the middle of the defense at linebacker.

“I think there's been an Essler rolling through this program for a while, and they've all done a great job,” Johnson said. “He is taking on a more prominent role and growing as a young man, who I think is extremely talented. He’s got a big frame, and you'll see that frame get bigger when he gets to college.

“Defensively, he just has a knack for the football. He's one of those kids that you can tell he's grown up around the game. He's a very intelligent kid, so he knows how to put himself in good situations and make plays. He's a weapon that I'm thankful that we have on our side.”

OFFENSE

Essler provides Blevins with a tall target at tight end, and Ty Deaton is another playmaker for Henrietta, who will mainly play wide receiver while rotating into the backfield.

“He's another kid with great athleticism, and he has a chance to do some tremendous things for us as well,” Johnson said. “It's about getting the ball in his hands and letting him go to work. You're not going to find a kid who pours himself into the weight room and the track and does everything he can to make himself better all the time. He's a smart kid who understands what we're trying to accomplish.”

DEFENSE

Henrietta will have a solid defensive line with Logan Taylor, one of the team leaders, lining up next to defensive tackle Connor Ulbig.

“I'm extremely excited for Connor, and he's an integral part of what we do. He's an unbelievable young man in the locker room and how he leads our team by example,” Johnson said. “He understands how to play the game, he's not scared to mix it up daily in practice, and you see the results on Friday nights.”

EXTRA POINT

Henrietta has made the playoffs in 18 of its last 19 seasons, beginning in 2003. However, the Bearcats have only claimed five district titles during that span and only one since 2009.

Henrietta Bearcats

Head Coach: Michael Johnson

Last year’s record: 7-4

Returning starters: 6 offense, 8 defense

Base offense/defense: Multiple Spread/Multiple Stack

Last playoff appearance: 2021 (Lost to Millsap in bi-district)

Last district title: 2016

SCHEDULE

Aug. 26 vs Windthorst 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 at Millsap 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 vs Bowie 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Archer City 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Jacksboro 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 7* vs City View* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 14 at Holliday* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 vs Callisburg* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28 at S&S Consolidated* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 4 vs Valley View* 7:30 p.m.

PLAYER TO WATCH: OL/DL Connor Ulbig (Sr.) – The key to success begins in the trenches, and the 6-foot-1, 260-pound lineman is one of the most talented in the area.

GAME TO WATCH: Oct. 14 at Holliday – The Bearcats begin a pivotal two weeks in their district title hopes against the Eagles, followed by a home game against Callisburg.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Henrietta Bearcats 2022 high school football preview and schedule