FORT DAVIS As members of the Fort Davis football team took a water break after the first session of practice, Fort Davis first-year head football coach Kyler Roach said his level of anticipation remains high.
Roach previously coached at Kress, Forestburg and Lazbuddie, which were all six-man programs.
This is the first time Roach will coach at the highest level of six-man and he explained this is the most talented roster that he’s coached.
“It’s been great. I couldn’t ask for harder working kids,” Roach said. “We’ve got good numbers. We’ve got good size. We’ve got good speed. I see a lot of talent on the field. They want to work hard.”
Roach added: “This is going to be my first time having this type of group of kids. As a head coach, that makes me very excited. I can’t lie about that.”
The Indians finished the 2021 season with a 6-5 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs to Rankin.
Fort Davis was 2-1 in the district with its only loss to Van Horn.
The Indians return four starters on offense and five starters on defense.
Roach said in the short period of time since he’s taken over at Fort Davis that a number of players have impressed him.
He said those players include seniors Henry Downing, Elian Trevizo and junior Kevin Perez. Roach said they are all pushing each other.
Since practice started on Aug. 1, the Indians haven’t lost anybody. If fact, they gained a couple of players.
“I think the boys making the playoffs last year, they realized they have the potential and right now it’s just a matter of pushing them so they can reach that potential,” Roach said. “They’ve bought in and now we just have to keep working harder and harder everyday.”
Fort Davis is scheduled to begin its season with nondistrict opponent Dell City at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26.
The Indians defeated Dell City during last season’s opener 56-12.
Roach said since the team has made the playoffs the last two years that has become the standard and his message to the team is to build a quality program that can continue that tradition.
“When I came here and I mean it, everyone is going to play,” he said. “We have large numbers. I’m trying to make as many JV games as I can.
“I don’t like to 45 people if I’m even given that blessing. I’d rather play four quarters because I believe that game-time experience is more important than anything.”
>> ON THE AIR: The Indians will be livestreaming this season, with one condition: “We are. One of the rules is that it’s OK with the other team,” Roach said. “We have to have their permission as well and as long as we have that we are going to livestream as many games as possible.”
>> Follow Royal McGregor on Twitter at @SirRoyal
FORT DAVIS INDIANS
— COACHES —
>> Head coach: Kyler Roach.
>> Coach’s overall record: 0-0.
>> Coach’s record at school: 0-0.
>> Assistant coaches, duties: N/A.
— TEAM INFORMATION —
>> 2021 overall record: 6-5.
>> 2021 district record: 2-1 (Second).
>> Last district title: N/A.
>> Last playoff appearance: 2021 (Lost to Rankin, 77-30, in bi-district).
>> Stadium name: Bart Coan Field (1,500).
>> Base offense: N/A.
>> Base defense: N/A.
— PLAYERS —
>> Returning lettermen: 15.
>> Returning starters: 9 (4 offense, 5 defense).
>> Key returners: Isaac Ramos, 5-8, 145, Sr., Ath.; Elian Trevizo, 5-9, 155, sr. Ath.; Henry Downing, 6-0, 155, Sr., OL/DL; Kevin Perez, 6-0, 185, Jr., Ath.
>> Key newcomers: Adrian Chavez, 6-1, 210, OL/DL; Levi Rubio, 5-9, 175, C/DL.
FORT DAVIS INDIANS
Date Opponent Time Site
Aug. 26 Dell City 7:30 p.m. Fort Davis
Sept. 2 Sierra Blanca 7:30 p.m. Sierra Blanca
Sept. 9 Grandfalls-Royalty 7:30 p.m. Fort Davis
Sept. 16 Fort Hancock 7:30 p.m. Fort Hancock
Sept. 23 Sanderson 7:30 p.m. Sanderson
Sept. 30 Balmorhea 7:30 p.m. Fort Davis
Oct. 7 Open
Oct. 14 Lubbock Titans 7:30 p.m. Lubbock
Oct. 21 Buena Vista 7:30 p.m. Fort Davis
Oct. 28 Marfa 7:30 p.m. Marfa
Nov. 4 Van Horn 7:30 p.m. Fort Davis
