Spearman hoping for better health after injury ravaged 2021 campaign
Look up and down the Spearman Lynx's 2021 roster, you'd be hard pressed to find a regular contributor that didn't miss time due to injuries. Combined with their brutal schedule, Spearman ended up performing below their own expectations.
The fact that they still strung together a 6-5 record and a playoff appearance even with the injuries they endured should also tell you how deep they should be in 2022.
"We have a lot of guys coming back and a lot of kids that got on the field last year due to some unfortunate injuries," head coach Aaron Witten said. "They had to play up and get on the field earlier than we were hoping for, but that gave them some good experience and confidence coming into the year.”
Of course, the biggest loss for Spearman comes from do it all athlete Brenen Thompson, who is now playing football for the Texas Longhorns. However, Thompson missed time last year as well, allowing others to gain valuable experience.
“It’s not very often in Spearman, Texas that you have a Division I football player on your team," Witten said. "Losing him hurts a lot, but this past year we had some guys step up when Brennen was out...They saw his work ethic and how he studied the game and that’s going to help us."
Cason Mackey and Cade Seaman are expected to fill the void Thompson left on offense. Seaman only hauled in 18 catches last year, but eight of them went for touchdowns. Tossing the ball out of the backfield will be junior Carson Seaman, who returns after starting last year. The 6-foot-1, 200 pounder completed 93 passes last season, 19 of which went for touchdowns.
Witten said point blank that the offensive line was going to need to grow up quickly. That unit was hit hard by graduation and will need two-year starter and returning all-district performer Johan Hernandez to lead the way for the youthful crew.
“He’s absolutely going to be the leader of that group," Witten said. "He’s played against some really good teams so they’re definitely going to lean on him with his experience and his knowledge.”
For all of the question marks on offense, the Lynx defense is loaded with returning performers. Cade Seaman (60 tackles, two interceptions) and Mackie (105 tackles, five for a loss) all played huge roles last season and will continue to do so this year. The leader of the unit, however, should be linebacker/defensive end Jack Pipkin.
Pipkin was astonishing last year in compiling 112 tackles, 15 for a loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. The 6-foot-4, 210 pound senior also brought down 21 catches for 459 yards and four scores at tight end.
For all the talent and experience at key positions, the Lynx will still have pieces to replace. Additionally, the schedule doesn't get any easier this year playing in a district with Canadian, Childress, and Friona. With a district like that, Spearman will have their hands full.
There remains a great deal of optimism all the same. The Lynx have the necessary pieces to put forth a talented squad once again, even with the loss of Thompson. If they can get a little more luck in the health department, Spearman should be playing at an even higher level this season.
“If we can’t stay healthy it’s going to be a tough year for us," Witten said. "If we can stay healthy and these kids continue to grow each and every week, I think we’ll be able to look back and be happy with how it all turned out.”
SPEARMAN LYNX
Head coach: Aaron Witten
2021 record: 6-5 overall, 3-3 in district
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 3-3
Last playoff appearance: 2021
Returning Lettermen: 13
Top returners: Jack Pipkin, Cason Mackie, Cade Seaman
SCHEDULE
Aug. 26: at Stratford, 7 p.m.
Sep. 2: vs. Sanford-Fritch, 7 p.m.
Sep. 9: at Dalhart, 7 p.m.
Sep. 16: vs. Wellington, 7 p.m.
Sep. 23: vs. Gruver, 7 p.m.
Sep. 30: OPEN
Oct. 7: at Dimmitt, 7 p.m.*
Oct. 14: vs. Canadian, 7 p.m.*
Oct. 21: at Childress, 7 p.m*
Oct. 28: at Friona, 7 p.m.*
Nov. 4: vs. Tulia, 7 p.m.*
* - Denotes district game
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Spearman hoping for better health after injury ravaged 2021 campaign
