Experienced Farwell football team expecting to make a deep playoff run in 2022
The Farwell Steers put together an 8-3 season last year while its JV squad went 9-1. Eight starters on each side of the ball are back for more in 2022, including the star running back and starting quarterback.
So when head coach Darren Kelly said the goal for Farwell is to win multiple playoff games this season, you should know that it's not just hyperbole.
The Steers play in a top-tier district that features defending Class 2A state champion Stratford, along with Panhandle, West Texas and other talented squads. Farwell is putting in the work that they need to in order to compete against such challenging groups.
"These kids work hard every day at practice Monday thru Thursday," Kelly said. "We don’t have to yell at them to get them to work hard which is the fun thing. It’s important for them to be faster, stronger and win football games.”
A big reason the Steers should continue winning football game this year is because of their backfield.
Running back Corey Stancell returns for his junior year after leading the Panhandle in rushing with 2,096 yards and 33 touchdowns last season. He'll be joined once again by starting quarterback Alec Actkinson, forming a formidable rushing combo.
Kelly advised teams to beware, however, that Actikinson has been working on his spiral this summer.
"The good news is you’re going to have to stop those two from running the ball and that makes it so we can throw it a bit more," Kelly said. "Alec has done a good job of passing the ball a little bit because we’ve worked on some of that stuff and improved the passing game from last year.”
Passing should be made easier by a strong stable of receivers.
Senior Adrian Nunez and junior Ceasar Snyder return as downfield threats and are joined by newcomer Ryder McElroy. That trio will give the Steers legitimate deep threats while Walker Williams presents them with a solid possession receiver to help Actkinson transition to an expanded role.
The Farwell defense should be a strength this year like it was most of last year. Nunez has started at safety since his freshman year while linemen Bud Woods and Andrew Husted possess all-district potential. Leading the way will be middle linebacker Joe Crume, who will serve in a leadership capacity for the Steers.
"Joe’s been our sparkplug guy that gets everyone’s motor running every day at practice," Kelly said. "You can always hear Joe talking so he’s definitely someone you want on your team."
McElroy and Snyder helped lead the way for that 9-1 JV team last season. As such, Farwell should see a solid combination of experienced veterans helping guide young and talented players.
If it all clicks, that could be very good news for them.
With that said, nothing ever comes easy in football. When you play in the same district as the defending state champion, that is especially true. Farwell had an outstanding season last year and even Kelly said the Steers "kind of fell apart" in their opening round playoff loss to Post.
Playing such a tough schedule should pay dividends in the postseason, in theory. As such, assuming the game against Post was a fluke, Farwell could be poised to make a run this season.
Anything less than that will be a disappointment to them.
“If we can make plays, be competitive in district and win a couple playoff games, that would be a successful season," Kelly said. "We’ve got to win a couple playoff games to make it a successful season."
FARWELL STEERS
Head coach: Darren Kelly
2021 record: 8-3 overall, 4-1 in district
Base offense: Pro-Style Offense
Base defense: 3-4
Last playoff appearance: 2021
Returning Lettermen: 21
Top returners: Corey Stancell, Alec Actkinson, Adrian Nunez, Joe Crume, Bud Woods, Andrew Husted
SCHEDULE
Aug. 26: at New Deal, 7 p.m.
Sep. 2: vs. Vega, 7 p.m.
Sep. 9: vs. Sundown, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 16: at Texico (NM), 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 23: vs. Friona, 7 p.m.
Sep. 30: OPEN
Oct. 7: at Stratford, 7 p.m.*
Oct. 14: vs. Sanford-Fritch
Oct. 21: vs. Highland Park, 7 p.m.*
Oct. 28: vs. West Texas, 7 p.m.*
Nov. 4: at Panhandle, 7 p.m.*
* - Denotes district game
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Experienced Farwell team expecting to make a deep playoff run in 2022
