The Kennedale football team and their fans get their first taste of the 2022 football season when the Wildcat line up against La Vega this Friday evening in Waco.
About the Pirates (enrollment previous year 937) …
La Vega is ranked #8 in Class 4A D1 according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, calling them “always dangerous.” The Pirates play in District 5/4A, one of the most competitive in 4A D1, along with Stephenville, China Springs, Alvarado and Waxahachie. Stephenville won the state 4A D1 title last year. Waco La Vega lost in the championship in 2019 after winning it all in 2018. (Note: Kennedale lost in the title game the year before, 2017 against Carthage, and was a semifinalist in 2016).
Last year La Vega finished 9-4 on the season, 2nd place in the district, and went 3 deep into the state playoffs. La Vega lost some key players from last year but is still returning 8 on offense while just 3 on defense. Watch for sophomore running back Bryson Roland to provide some fireworks. He made a splash last year as a freshman.
About Kennedale (enrollment previous year 987) …
Kennedale is ready as it is going to get at this point according to Head Coach Richard Barrett. “We have our bumps and bruises and there may be a player or two that will sit out this game but nothing really serious or season-ending.” Barrett is excited about the season starting and doesn’t mind that it is on the road. “I like playing on the road. There is something exciting about it. It is just the feeling that I get when we go on the road.”
History is on his side for the season start. Kennedale won its opener last year versus Decatur 21-7. In fact, the Cats have only lost twice in the last 10 years either on the road or not when playing the first game of the season.
Kennedale 2022-23 Varsity
# -Name – Grade #- Name – Grade
1 Jaylen Webb SR ** 25 Jeremiah Clea JR
2 Cameron Lyles SR ** 28 Kacee Current SR
3 Daute Scott JR 33 Avery Cox SO
4 Reggie Mapps SR 51 Justin Valle JR
5 Tyler Choice SR ** 52 Julian Jayme SR
6 Damari Harrell-Jones SR 53 Julian Parker SR
7 Kameron Sallis SR 54 Jose Balderas SR
8 Lawrence Hodge JR 55 Mitchell McBroom SO
9 Laurence Watkins SO 60 Isiah Morris JR **
10 Jackson Hammonds SO 62 Isaiah Corbert JR
11 Shane Hull SR ** 64 Weaver Inlow JR
14 Caleb Blaze SR 65 Samuel Mahserjian SR
15 Jacorey Jackson SR ** 75 Evan Massey SR
20 Adan Houston SR 76 Ethan Massey SR
21 Zach Conner SR 82 Lance Pate SO
22 Tyler Greenfield SO 90 Daniel Cooper JR
23 Corey McWhorter SR 99 Poasa Utu SR **
** All District 2021-22
Athletic Director and Head Coach: Richard Barrett
2022-23 Football Coaching Staff: Matt Casey, Patrick Hughes, Cody Burtscher, Paul Trantham, George Griffin, Charlie Hammonds, JW Scott, Chad McBroom, Corey Taylor, Doug Groff, Matt Munson, Justin Daniell, Ben Rhoades Note: These coaches, who in addition to classroom teaching each day, also coach other sports throughout the school year.
