Paint Rock Indians have renewed playoff hope for 2022 football season
The Paint Rock Indians have shared a district with state powers in recent years, so they'll be making no apologies for the UIL realignment placing them in "the worst district in the state" the next two seasons.
That's how Paint Rock head coach Jeff Shelton referred to the outside perception of District 14-1A Division II, which is comprised of four teams that all missed the playoffs last year.
Paint Rock, which had a 5-5 record last year, will be joined by Rising Star (5-4), Panther Creek (3-6) and Moran (2-7).
Every team must be thinking the same thing -- two playoff spots and a district title are there for the taking.
"At our district meeting, we were laughing about it, because most people from the outside are viewing us as the worst district in the state in six-man, and we know that," Shelton said. "I think Rising Star is going to be the team to beat in our district, but I think our kids can compete."
Paint Rock is dropping from Class 1A Division I, where the Indians were among the schools with the lowest enrollment, so they should be more competitive from a numbers standpoint.
Paint Rock also returns four starters on both sides of the ball and 11 lettermen overall, though the Indians will have to replace All-West Texas running back/linebacker Brandon Belk.
"He was probably 90% of the offense, so we lost a lot of on-field production there," Shelton said.
Seniors Sal Fuentes and Mason Meares have picked up the slack with their leadership heading into this season, Shelton said.
"For seniors, when you're changing schemes and coaching styles, sometimes it can be hard to adjust. But they've adjusted well, and they've done a good job leading our kids," Shelton said.
Sophomore Jayden Hernandez is projected to take over as the spread back on offense, while junior Brian Herridge will be at running back. Junior Eric Jefferson, who Shelton called "probably our strongest pound-for-pound guy in our program," could be used as a playmaker around the formation or on the line.
Senior lineman Landon Calhoun is also expected to play an important role on both sides of the ball, Shelton said.
Paint Rock will open its season Friday, Aug. 26 at Lohn. The Indians' home opener will be Sept. 2 against Medina.
The only ranked team on the Indians' schedule is No. 15 Rochelle, which will visit Paint Rock on Sept. 9.
"I've learned over 20 years of coaching that injuries can be a factor, grades can be a factor, luck can be a factor. But if we can stay healthy and improve every week, I like our chances," Shelton said. "We have a good mix of size and speed, and as the kids start to click with our concepts, we're going to be competitive."
Paint Rock Indians
District: 14-1A Division II
Head coach: Jeff Shelton (0-0; 0-0 at Paint Rock)
Last year’s record: 5-5, 0-4 district
Last district title/playoff appearance: 2011/2015
Enrollment: 56
Stadium: Indian Field
Returning lettermen: 11
Returning off./def. starters: 4/4
Base offense: Tight
Base defense: 3-2-1
Team strength: Experience
Team weakness: Depth
Players to watch
WR Landon Calhoun (6-0, 190), DB Sal Fuentes (5-7, 140), WR Mason Meares (5-10, 165), ATH Jerron Kirkpatrick (5-10, 160), OL/DL Eric Jefferson (5-10, 225), SB Jayden Hernandez, RB Brian Herridge, RB Joey Hernandez, DL Daniel Reyes
2022 schedule
Date Opponent
Aug. 26 at Lohn
Sept. 2 Medina
Sept. 9 Rochelle
Sept. 16 Trent
Sept. 30 at Veribest
Oct. 7 Blackwell
Oct. 14 Midland Holy Cross
Oct. 21 at Rising Star*
Oct. 28 at Moran*
Nov. 3 Panther Creek*
*District game
2021 results
Lohn W 52-7
Olfen W 56-12
Rochelle L 7-59
Trent W 59-38
Zephyr W 35-14
Midland TLCA W 52-7
Irion County L 0-49
Veribest L 14-25
Eden L 12-58
Water Valley L 0-47
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Paint Rock Indians have renewed playoff hope for 2022 football season
