Experience meets first-timers when Wellington football takes on New Home in regional final

What's become old hat for Wellington will be a foray into uncharted territory for New Home.

The teams meet Friday at Happy State Bank Stadium to determine the champion of Region I-2A Division II, with the winner facing Albany or Collinsville in the state semifinals.

It's an exciting opportunity for the Leopards, who are celebrating the milestone in their fifth season since returning to the 11-man ranks.

"The feeling's been great," New Home coach Jon Ward said. "Our kids have put in a ton of work, not just this football season, (but) the summer and the last season preparing for what hopefully would be a long run this year. Credit to them; they've done a really good job."

While the first regional final for New Home, its the fourth year in a row Wellington is playing in the state quarterfinals. The Skyrockets have used their tried and true formula — stout defense and the Wing-T offense — to return this season.

Wellington (12-1), which has won its past 11 games, advanced with a 26-7 victory over Vega. The Skyrockets have allowed 13 points in the playoffs, which included the team's fifth shutout. Wellington hasn't surrendered more than one score since a 26-13 win over Panhandle on Sept. 23.

Skyrockets coach Greg Proffitt said it's been a group effort, declining to credit any defenders by name.

"I don't have anybody that's any better than anybody else," Proffitt said. "… I don't think there is one thing that sticks out for us defensively. Our kids take pride in the way that they play defense — doing their specific job every time that ball's snapped."

Ward has liked the performance from his defense, too. The Leopards (12-1) slowed high-powered offenses in consecutive games, including in a 14-8 win over Clarendon last week. On the season, New Home has allowed 11.5 points per game.

Two-way star Logan Addison leads the Leopards defense from his linebacker spot, while defensive back Jackson Raines made a key interception last week. But Ward attributes the unit's success to a similar team approach.

"Playing playoff football, it kind of elevates their play a little bit," Ward said. "They've played consistently good all-season long. Our defensive coordinator, Steven Keys, has done a great job, and they continue to do that here in the playoffs. It's just 11 guys doing their job and not trying to do more than they're supposed to."

Three Skyrockets found the end zone against Vega, led by Gumaro Rincon's two touchdowns and 85 rushing yards. Quarterback Carson Tarver conducts the offense, which spreads the ball to multiple runners.

New Home hasn't set the world on fire offensively the past two weeks, but Addison has proven to be a handful in the backfield. Starting quarterback Caleb Cook did not finish the game against Clarendon, with Brazos Beck stepping in to lead the go-ahead drive. Whoever starts will have the services of tight end Brody Emert, who scored the Leopards' first TD.

"I think you have to credit the defenses the last couple of rounds," Ward said. "They've had really good game plans. We want to be able to run the football. That's what's gonna get us to continue to move on, and we've found ways to do that. These last couple of weeks we've scored just enough points to be successful."

Wellington vs. New Home

Region I-2A Division II final

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Happy State Bank Stadium, Canyon

Records: Wellington 12-1; New Home 12-1

Coverage: Follow @byStephenGarcia, @NathanGiese and @annierice_photo on Twitter for live updates, with postgame analysis, videos and images at lubbockonline.com and amarillo.com.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Wellington football faces New Home in regional final