Crosbyton football coach Brent Rider feeling comfortable entering first season

Brent Rider didn't move into his new town until a week before practice began.

That hasn't stopped the new Crosbyton football coach from feeling right at home.

Despite the recent arrival, Rider said there's already a trust with the players. That will help as the Chiefs try for a return trip to the playoffs.

"The kids have been awesome," Rider said. "They've worked hard. I'm really surprised how much they've bought in. I'm their fourth coach in four years. I honestly feel like I've been here a while. … The effort's been great every day. I can't be happier with their effort and attitudes."

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A Claude native, Rider spent the past two years as defensive coordinator at Yorktown, a fellow Class 2A Division II program in South Texas. He has previous experience as head coach at San Angelo TLCA and Bronte, before the Longhorns dropped to six-man football.

Rider said his first objective was establishing relationships with his players. From there, he laid out his blueprint for the team.

"We're gonna do things the right way," Rider said. "We're gonna be disciplined. We're gonna take care of the little things. They made the playoffs last year, and we want to build on the success they've had."

A handful of starters on each side of the ball return, though the Chiefs will have to replace quarterback A.J. Pesina. Rider said the competition is coming down to Devin Williams and Dylan Doss.

Whoever doesn't start at quarterback will be the team's top receiver, Rider said. That was a title Doss held as a sophomore last season, and his coach raved about his ability.

"He's kind of learning everything right now, from running back, quarterback, receiver," Rider said. "He's kind of, right now, our utility guy. … Really, I think wherever we put him, he's going to be one of our playmakers."

Running back Kevon Coleman-Cruz will ease the load as well. Rider called the sophomore a "complete" player who can run inside or outside. Coleman-Cruz has also impressed with his route-running.

"I really think he's a guy that we can move all over the field," Rider said, "and make defenses look for where he's at and try to stop him."

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Senior center Marcos Guerrero has taken ownership of the offensive line, Rider said. He'll be an integral piece to the defense, too.

Guerrero will be in front of newcomers at linebacker in Adam Barela and freshman Nick Godinez. Coleman-Cruz provides experience in the group. Doss and Williams will lead the secondary.

Last season's postseason berth ended a two-year drought. Crosbyton now moves into Region I, with only Lockney and Ralls as returning district foes. Bovina, Hale Center and Sudan round out what should be an interesting district.

"I'm excited about it. I think it's gonna be a fun district," Rider said. "I think it's gonna be competitive. It's gonna be a fight every week, which is what you want."

Crosbyton Chiefs

Head coach — Brent Rider

2021 record — 4-7 overall, 1-3 in District 5-2A Division II

Base offense — Spread

Base defense — Even

Returning lettermen — 16

Returning off./def. starters — 5/6

Top returners — Dylan Doss, Jr., QB/WR/DB; Kevon Coleman-Cruz, So., RB/LB; Marcos Guerrero, Sr., OL/DL; Bam Marquez, Jr., OL/DL

2022 schedule

* — denotes District 3-2A Division II game

Aug. 26 — vs. Smyer, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — at Morton, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — at Hamlin, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — at Tahoka, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 — vs. Sunray, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 — vs. Lockney*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 — vs. Bovina*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 — at Sudan*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28 — vs. Ralls*, 7 p.m.

Nov. 4 — at Hale Center*, 7 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Crosbyton football coach Brent Rider entering first season with Chiefs