District 2-3A Division I Football Season Outlook: Clyde, Jim Ned, Sweetwater

(Photo courtesy of Coach Jonathan Haddock)

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Clyde

Clyde returns an experienced squad this fall after finishing 7-4 overall and 3-2 in district and advancing to the Class 3A Division I playoffs in 2025.

2025 season: Finished 7-4 overall, 3-2 in district; qualified for the Class 3A Division I playoffs.

Coach Johnathan Haddock welcomes back 25 lettermen, including 9 offensive starters and 10 defensive starters.

Key offensive players:

• Devan Wright (Sr. QB): District Offensive MVP; rushed for 1,392 yards and 18 TDs while passing for 1,433 yards and 14 TDs.
• Miles Wilsher (Sr. RB/LB): Team’s second-leading rusher; key two-way contributor.
• Kaden Booker (Jr. WR/DB): 18 receptions, 185 yards, 3 TDs as a sophomore.

Other top offensive contributors include Harley Griffen (Sr. RB/WR/DB/K), Jeffery Watson (Sr. TE/LB), Hunter Dematties (Jr. RB/WR/DB) and Jacob Hernandez (Sr. WR/DB).

Offensive line leaders: Garrett Tackett (Sr. OT/DT), Sterling Wilson (Sr. TE/DE), Corwyn Tucker (Sr. C) and Ridge McClain (So. OL/DT).

Defensive leaders:

• Miles Wilsher (Sr. LB): 125 tackles and 8 sacks in 2024.
• Garrett Tackett (Sr. DT)
• Sterling Wilson (Sr. DE)
• Bryson Nichols (Jr. LB)

Clyde moves into the newly aligned District 2-3A Division I and will face Sweetwater, Jim Ned, Kermit, Lamesa and Odessa Compass Academy.

Jim Ned

Jim Ned is coming off one of its best seasons in recent years after winning a district championship and advancing to the Class 3A Division I regional semifinals.

Coach Johnathan McClure returns 13 lettermen, including 1 offensive starter and 2 defensive starters, from a team that finished 11-2 overall and 5-0 in district.

2025 season: Finished 11-2 overall, 5-0 in district; won the district championship and reached the Class 3A Division I regional semifinals.

Key offensive players:

• Tucker Deal (Sr. QB/LB): Expected to take over at quarterback.
• Cason Cumby (Sr. RB/DB): One of the team’s top returning playmakers.
• Cole Chittum (Sr. RB/LB): Expected to play a major offensive role.
• Braxton Powell (Jr. WR/DB): Key receiving threat.

Special teams leader:

• Mason Clark (Sr. K): Returns as the team’s place-kicker.

Defensive leaders:

• Cason Cumby (Sr. DB): Team leader in returning tackles and interceptions; recorded 7 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles last season.
• Ty Holguin (Jr. DL): Team’s top returning sack leader.

Despite significant roster turnover, the Indians will look to defend their district title in the new District 2-3A Division I, which includes Clyde, Sweetwater, Kermit, Lamesa and Odessa Compass Academy.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater reached the playoffs in Brian Hodnett’s first season as head coach and hopes to build on that success with an experienced returning group.

2025 season: Finished 4-7 overall, 3-2 in district; qualified for the Class 3A Division I playoffs before falling to eventual state semifinalist Peaster in the bi-district round.

The Mustangs return 15 lettermen, including 7 offensive starters and 8 defensive starters.

Key offensive players:

• Caiden Ortiz (Sr. QB): Four-year starter; passed for 1,652 yards and 17 TDs last season.
• Nick Avila (Sr. RB/LB): Rushed for 73 yards and 7 TDs while contributing 64 tackles on defense.
• Darwin Blueford (Sr. WR): Team-high 48 receptions for 532 yards and 5 TDs.

Other key offensive contributors include Mason Blueford (Jr. RB/WR/FS) and Dodge DeLaRosa (Sr. OL/TE).

Offensive line leaders: Christian Gonzalez (Sr. OL), a two-year starter, and Dodge DeLaRosa (Sr. OL/TE/DE).

Defensive leaders:

• Nick Avila (Sr. LB): 64 tackles in 2024.
• Marcus Diaz (Sr. LB)
• Dodge DeLaRosa (Sr. DE): 2 sacks last season.
• Mason Blueford (Jr. FS)

Sweetwater will compete in the newly configured District 2-3A Division I alongside Clyde, Jim Ned, Kermit, Lamesa and Odessa Compass Academy as it seeks a return trip to the playoffs.

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