The Canadian Wildcat legacy is now permanently engraved in history. For the last ten years, the Cats have dominated their Panhandle opponents and carved a well-worn path to the state championships, winning back-to-back state championships in 2007 and 2008, and again in 2014 and 2015.

Canadian football program has compiled an impressive resume: five years as reigning region champions, with six consecutive appearances in the playoffs; seven years as area champions; and an impressive 17-year record of opening the playoffs with a win in the bi-district round.

Their regular-season feats are just as notable. The Wildcats are seven-year reigning district champions—six of those compiled while remaining undefeated in district play. Canadian has not lost a district game in the last 32 competitions.

After nine years as head coach, Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Famer Chris Koetting is clearly a key to the Wildcats’ success. During his tenure here, Koetting has only been denied a perfect district season once. His overall record is a staggering 114-16, with only two losses last season—the second in the state-championship game.

This year’s Wildcat players aren’t resting on those laurels, though. “We’re always striving to get better,” said Junior Joshua Culwell. “We’re really reloading the team.”

“This is something we have always worked for,” said senior Colton Risley. “We want to get back to the championship and win it this year.”

Expect this mentality from the 2019 Wildcats all season long. With a roster loaded with 19 seniors, there is no deficit of either leadership or experience. Those lettermen have advanced to at least the state semifinals for three years now. They will lead a 33-player roster stacked with 14 juniors onto the field, with plans to claim a seventh straight district championship and what they hope will be state championship No. 5.

All of them know, going into the season, there is work to do. After losing 13 seniors—nine of them starters—from last year’s roster, the Cats have a few questions to answer.

On the offensive side of the ball, the absence of starting linemen Noah Carter and Brenden Wyatt leaves a big hole to fill. Last year’s squad weighed in at a total of 5,940 pounds—100 pounds heavier than this year’s. Only six players—including kicker Edgar Salazar and three linemen—will tip the scales at plus-200, making size a chief concern for the Wildcats.

While the 2019 Wildcats may not boast the biggest players, they will be among the fastest. In addition to strength and conditioning workouts this summer, the Wildcats have focused much of their attention on quickness and acceleration.

“We have been working hard in the weight room,” said senior Grant McCook, “and many players have stepped up and really started leading the team.”

“I feel the atmosphere in the weight room is really good,” said junior Joshua Culwell. “Everybody is ready to get the season started and to show what we can do.”

The loss of key targets Trent Evans and Garrison McCook pose challenges for this year’s Wildcats. McCook’s All-State Honorable Mention-winning performance (77 rec, 1,244 yds, 18 TD, 3 int) will be difficult for any receiver to replicate. In addition, the offense lost quarterback Casen Cavalier, whose record (257-410, 3,594 yds, 43 Td, 13 INT, 194 carries, 1027 yds, 15 TD) earned TSWA All-State 1st Team honors.

Whoever the Wildcats put under center will have plenty of options on the outside with returners Jack Koetting, Twister Kelton, Tate Mitchell, Grant McCook, Josh Culwell, Reagan Cochran, Bill Koetting—all key contributors last season.

Running backs will not be a problem. Starter Hayze Hufstedler (127 carries, 983 yds, 12 TD). Hayze will share time with senior Isreal Guerrero (48 carries, 197 yds, 2 TD). They will have the benefit of an experienced line led by Rhet Pennington, Colton Risley, and Saul Escamilla.

Defensively, the Cats will be led by a trio of TSWA All-State selections: defensive backs Jack Koetting (189 tckl, 15 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INT) and Bill Koetting (141 tckl, 7TFL, 3 INT), and defensive lineman Colton Risley (101 tckl, 29 TFL, 6 sacks). While All-State honoree Cutter Kelton (201 tckl, 23 TFL, 5 sacks) and Honorable Mention Caleb Martinez (177 tckl, 22TFL, 3 sacks) will both be greatly missed at linebacker, returning junior Reagan Cochran (138 tckl, 14 TFL) will be a key contributor on the defensive side for the Black Swarm.

The defensive line lost both Brenden Wyatt and Noah Carter, but will split time this season between seniors Colton Risley, Saul Escamilla, and Rhet Pennington, each of whom bring hard-nosed pass rushing experience to the field.

Special teams will continue to be a weapon with returning All-District kicker Edgar Salazar (75-87, 30-yd FG).

Around the state, the Wildcats are seen as more than capable of putting together another deep run, with a chance to bring home another championship trophy. Both the Associated Press and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football rank Canadian number two behind last year’s state champion Newton—and the Cats will have their eyes set on the defending champions, as well.

But the Wildcats take nothing for granted. High on their list of opponents are district rival and area runner-up Childress, and the Spearman Lynx, who fell to Canadian in the regional playoffs. Let’s not forget about the powerhouse Abernathy Antelopes, who put up a tough fight before losing to the Cats 19-7 in the state quarterfinals.

“I’m most excited for the Grapevine Faith game because last year I went down before it, and it was a big game,” said Grant McCook. “I didn’t get to play in it, and wasn’t able to help my team how I wanted to.”

“I would say the Childress game,” said Culwell, on his most looked forward to game this season. “I didn’t get to play them last year; I want to show them that things have changed.”

The Wildcats will get to officially kick off the 2019 season at West Texas Stinnett at 7 pm.