The Seminole football team has been working under a new leader since February.
Head coach Greg Poynor took over the program after coaching in Pampa for seven years and he is hoping to get the Indians back to their winning ways.
Seminole went 4-7 last year, advancing to the Class 4A Division II playoffs where they fell 50-20 against Greenwood.
The Indians went 2-2 in District 2-4A play.
When the team first set out to participate in fall practices under Poynor, the head coach was impressed with what he saw.
“It’s a new system offensively from what they’ve been doing and it’s also a new system defensively, but we’ve got smart kids here,” Poynor said. “We had some of the spring and all of the summer to do our stuff, but I feel like they’re picking it up pretty well.”
Although the team has shown encouraging signs, Poynor believes there is still a lot of work to be done before the season opener.
The head coach was attracted to the Seminole opening because he felt he needed a change and he was familiar with the area.
He grew up in Portales, New Mexico and coached Pampa to a 45-35 record during his time leading the school’s football team.
Some of Seminole’s returning players have already seen a positive lift since Poynor took over the program and brought new concepts in.
“Every time you talk to him, you feel great after talking to him,” senior linebacker Jude Edwards said.
Like Poynor, Edwards thought Seminole needed something new if they wanted to achieve regular season and postseason success.
Offensive lineman Austen Gray felt that the environment was better for each player as soon as they started working under their new leader.
Before they can focus on making a postseason run, the Indians will play tough regular season opponents.
The Indians’ non-district slate features a season opening matchup against Amarillo Palo Duro at home and a road game against Andrews on Sept. 18.
Edwards said he and his teammates have always had a close bond, so that should help them grasp the new systems they are learning over the season.
“I don’t think we have to worry too much about the chemistry,” Edwards said. “We’ll just keep building relationships and do our thing.”
When Poynor took over the team, he noticed that the previous coaching staff had already set up a leadership council of players to lead their teammates.
The things those veteran players learned have carried to this fall and that was an encouraging sign for the new head coach.
“We’ve got several guys that have been leaders,” Poynor said. “That’s one thing I’m really excited about, I think we’re going to have great senior leadership this year.”
Poynor has also seen a number of new players join in and quickly grasp the offensive plays he and his coaching staff are putting in.
He added that one of the team’s best receivers didn’t play last season and he’s anxious to see what the player can do with a new playbook.
Poynor believes his new team has the talent to be successful in its challenging district, he just wants to continue building a strong culture for everyone to follow.
As the team continues to build confidence, he can see everything moving a little slower for his players.
“I think we’re going to be talented enough to win, but I want to do a good job of fixing our culture with the coaching staff and the kids,” Poynor said. “I think we’ve done that.
“A lot of it is just confidence and getting off to a good start. I think all that is going to take care of itself.”
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SEMINOLE INDIANS
— COACHES —
>> Head coach: Greg Poynor.
>> Coach’s overall record: 72-71.
>> Coach’s record at school: 0-0.
>> Assistant coaches, duties: Brian Poynor, co-coffensive coordinator; Steven Flowers, co-offensive coordinator; John Richmond, defensive coordinator; Del Smith; Joe Carter; Will McCallister; Bo Dickinson; Michael Mann; Vince Lavalle; Jay Ragland; Matt Gerber;
— TEAM INFORMATION —
>> 2020 overall record: 4-7.
>> 2020 district record: 2-2 (District 2-4A Division II).
>> Last district title: 2018.
>> Last playoff appearance: 2020 (lost to Greenwood in bi-district).
>> Stadium name: Wigwam Stadium (5, 129).
>> Base offense: Air Raid.
>> Base defense: 4-2-5.
— PLAYERS —
>> Returning lettermen: 12.
>> Returning starters: 10 (5 offense, 5 defense).
>> Key returners: Blake Flowers, QB, Jr.; Nate Leyva, RB, Sr.; Trey Villalve, WR, Sr.; Noe Ybaben, OL, Sr.; Sloan Rowland, LB, Sr.; Rikter Connally, DL, Sr.; Andrew Banman, DB, Sr.
>> Key newcomers: Seth Bucio, LB, Jr.; Knight Davis, RB, Jr.; Jydo Portillo, WR, Jr.; Cuyler Cramer, WR, Jr.; Alan Mendoza, DL, Jr.; Darran Casarez, OL, Jr.
