Stratford High School

Stratford Elks 2009

Turns out all those moans and groans emanating from Class 1A coaches throughout Texas when Stratford moved down from 2A were legitimate. All the Elks did upon their re-emergence into 1A was go 14-1 and win a state championship. “We overcame some early-season injuries to cap an outstanding season,” said coach Eddie Metcalf. “The kids played extremely hard all season. It was a great year.”

The fun began when Stratford edged Childress 29-25. Wins over Sundown (44-10) and Spearman (42-14) followed before the Elks’ only stumble, a 39-21 road loss to Bushland, which went unbeaten before losing to eventual state champion Muleshoe 34-20 in the first round of the Class 2A Division 1 playoffs. Stratford got back on the winning track with a 17-7 win over Friona. Except for another 17-7 decision over Division 2 state champ Canadian in the second district game, the Elks weren’t really challenged again. That included district victories over Sunray (46-21), Gruver (40-0), Booker (54-6) and West Texas (56-13). Once the Division 2 playoffs started, Stratford made short work of Nazareth (41-7), Sundown (48-30), Iraan (55-13) and Albany (28-0) prior to meeting Region 3 champion Cayuga in the state finals in Abilene. Cayuga put up a good fight, but the Elks prevailed 24-13.

The state title was Stratford’s third championship in the last nine years, and the Elks have not reached at least the state semis in just two of those seasons. Additionally, Stratford has made the playoffs every season since 1999, and that shouldn’t change this year as the Elks return about half of their starters from last year. Fourteen lettermen graduated, but 11 are back, including six starters on offense and five on defense. “We’re excited to get things going again,” said Metcalf, who is 62-12 in five seasons in Stratford.

The Elks must have an excellent effort from their 11 seniors, including two-way regular Klinton Keener (6-0, 190, 4.9), a second-team all-district running back and linebacker last season. Keener rushed for 824 yards and seven touchdowns on 142 carries while on defense made 91 tackles (60 assists) with four sacks and two fumble recoveries. He also averaged 36 yards per punt. The only other returning skill player coming back on offense is senior receiver Luis Ortega (6-0, 170, 5.0), who made 21 catches for 217 yards in ’08.

The rest of the starting experience is all up front with seniors Cody Carter (6-0, 210, 5.1) and Elias Torrazas (5-10, 230, 5.3), a second-team all-district pick a year ago, and juniors Byron Saloga (6-0, 220, 5.0), a first-team all-district performer and Tyler Wright (6-2, 200, 4.9), an honorable mention selection. Metcalf called Carter the “leader on the offensive line” and Wright “a very smart player.”

Another player who must come through for the Elks in ’09 is junior Kyle Horsford (6-3, 190, 4.9), who takes over at quarterback in Stratford’s split back offense which last season piled up 3,421 yards. Horsford, who attempted eight passes all last season, started at linebacker a year ago, earning honorable mention all-district honors for his 94 tackles (64 assists), four sacks and two interceptions. Another honorable mention all-district junior linebacker is Bryce Cummings (6-0, 170, 4.7) while veterans up front are seniors Victor Carrera (5-9, 250, 5.1) and Braden Hamilton (6-1, 215, 5.1), both honorable mention all-district players. Metcalf called Carrera, who had 44 tackles (27 assists) and two sacks last year, “a strong, physical player” and Hamilton, who had 38 stops (32 assists) and a couple of fumble recoveries, “a strong defensive player.” Carrera also kicks.

Others the Elks are counting on in ’09 are senior lineman Tony Ruiz (5-10, 180, 5.0), senior receivers Christian Alcala (5-8, 160, 5.1) and Chandler Henderson (6-0, 170, 4.9), junior receivers Trevor Christian (6-3, 160, 5.2) and Michael Ortega (5-10, 150, 4.8), junior linemen Coy Dean (5-10, 180, 4.8) and Chris Hart (5-11, 175, 4.9), Edgar Guerrero, Justin Mungia and sophomore lineman Casey Lantelme (6-0, 230, 5.3).

Stratford begins defense of its title against Childress on Aug. 27 back where last year’s season and playoffs began – Amarillo’s Dick Bivins Stadium. Another neutral site game at Canyon’s Kimbrough Stadium against Sundown follows before a trip to Spearman. The Elks’ make their home debut Sept. 18 and get a chance to avenge last season’s lone loss against Bushland for homecoming. A trip to Friona precedes an open week prior to the start of district play in Sunray. A showdown of state champs occurs Oct. 16 when Canadian visits, then it’s at Gruver, home against Booker and at West Texas.

Besides Canadian, Metcalf feels Sunray and West Texas are the district’s other top-level teams.