Prep Football Preview
Sept. 8
7 p.m.
Dick Bovines Stadium
3101 SE 10th Street, Amarillo
Preview
The Midland Bulldogs (2-0) have shown offensive prowess early, putting an average of 43.5 points on the board in their first two games. The defense has held its own, as well, holding each of the first two opponents at 14 or fewer points per game.
This week, they’ll be traveling to take on the Amarillo Sandies (1-!), who lost to Midland's district rival Midland Legacy in the season opener, but bounced back to defeat New Mexico’s Cleveland team, 28-27, in overtime.
Midland’s defense held Coronado scoreless in the final three quarters Friday while the offense relied on four running scores to take a 29-13 halftime lead that they built on in the second half to woin 48-13.
Elijah McCoy has put up 259 yards on the ground in two games this year, scoring one touchdown. The attack is balanced with a passing game, where Anthony Kolb is averaging almost 7 yards per catch, including one touchdown reception.
Athen Dominguez has been a defensive force, with eight solo tackles and 12 assists to go with one interception. Noah Crumpler pressures the opposing quarterback and has one sack.
Amarillo’s Rylan Leathers proved he can take over a game, pulling down two fourth-quarter passes for scores on Friday to force the extra session. Another Sandies player who can make big plays is Jaylend Brashears, who fielded a kick after a bounce and scampered 95 yards for a touchdown against Cleveland.
The Sandies defense also stood tall, stopping a two-point conversion in the overtime and saving the victory. The Sandies come into the season with a track record of playoff appearances, as well.
Teams
Midland
6A Region 1, District 2
Enrollment: 1,245
Amarillo
5A-1 Region 1, District 2
Enrollment: 2,140
Coaches
Head Coach Thad Fortune, Midland
3rd Season, 8-13 all-time record heading into 2023
Playoff Appearances: 0 in 2 seasons
Head Coach Chad Dunnam, Amarillo
6th Season, 37- 21 heading into 2023
Playoff Appearances: 5 in 5 seasons
Records
Midland
2023: 2-0
2022: 5-5
Amarillo
2023: 1-1
2022: 6-6, lost 56-28 to Midlothian in second round of playoffs
Last Meeting
Sept. 8, 2022
Amarillo 27, Midland 8
Players to Watch
Midland
SB Anthony Kolb (Jr.)
RB Elijah McCoy (5’8, Jr.)
FS Athen Dominguez (Sr.)
Amarillo
WR/DB Rylan Leathers (6’1, 170, Sr.)
RB Pius Vokes (6’0, 220, Sr.)
RB/OLB Eddy Mpela (6’2, 211, Sr.)
RB/CB Jaylend Brashears (5’9, 170, Jr.)
Season Schedules
Midland
Week 1: Midland 39, Montwood 14
Week 2: Midland 48, Coronado 13
Week 3: at Amarillo
Week 4: vs. Monterey
Week 5: at Andress
Week 6: bye
Week 7: at San Angelo Central
Week 8: at Frenship (district)
Week 9: vs. Odessa (district)
Week 10: at Midland Legacy (district)
Week 11: vs. Permian (district)
Amarillo
Week 1: Midland Legacy 35, Amarillo 7
Week 2: Amarillo 28, Cleveland 27 OT
Week 3: vs. Midland
Week 4: at Odessa
Week 5: vs. Tascosa (district)
Week 6: vs. Caprock (district)
Week 7: at Lubbock-Cooper (district)
Week 8: vs. Coronado (district)
Week 9: bye
Week 10: at Abilene (district)
Week 11: vs.Monterey (district)