With only a few weeks left until the 2024 high school football season begins, expectations are high for teams across the Panhandle.
These expectations are based on the abundance of talent in the region. Whether it’s a record-setting quarterback or a hard-hitting linebacker, the Panhandle is blessed with plenty of guys who can take over a game.
Here’s a look at the top 13 players, in alphabetical order, to keep an eye on this year.
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LB Zy Aokuso, Amarillo – The Sandies expect their defense to be even better this fall, and the 210-pound Aokuso will play a key role as the senior enters his third year on the varsity team.
WR Dawson Bennett, Sunray – For Armando Lujan, the Bobcats return an established receiver corps, and Bennett – who caught 14 TD passes in 2023 – is the leader of that unit.
QB/LB Bryce Braden, Stratford – One of the best quarterbacks in Class 2A. One of the best linebackers in Class 2A. The heart and soul of the top-ranked team in 2A Division II.
WR/LB Jacob Burris, Canyon – A leader on both sides of the ball for the Eagles, Burris caught six touchdown passes and made 63 tackles as a junior.
LB Brayson Choate, Panhandle – The Panthers’ offense gets most of the attention, but Choate is a two-time All-State linebacker who leads a veteran unit.
LB Wyatt Davis, Canadian – After being named to the All-State first team as a junior, Davis returns in 2023 to lead a defense that allowed just 16 points per game.
QB Armando Lujan, Sunray – One of the most productive quarterbacks the Panhandle has ever seen, the strong-armed Lujan returns for an encore after a 61-touchdown junior season.
QB Reid Macon, West Plains – The only starting quarterback the Wolves have ever known looked more assured as a sophomore, throwing for 3,306 yards and 35 touchdowns. It’s scary considering Macon still has two years left.
QB Broxton Robinson, Panhandle – Robinson led an offense that averaged 54 points as a junior, while rushing for 3,910 yards and 58 touchdowns, and with the return of 10 offensive starters, the numbers from the video game are expected to continue.
QB Briggs Satterfield, Gruver – He’s lost some of his top targets, but the junior is a dual-threat playmaker who should benefit from a second year in coach Kurt Haberthur’s offensive system.
TE/DT Caleb Strickland, Wellington – After his junior season, in which he was selected to the All-State first team as a center, Strickland is expected to play as a tight end.
DB TJ Tillman, Tascosa – The three-star defensive back has eight DI offers and counting. Tillman intercepted three passes as a junior and is also a weapon when the Rebels decide to throw.
WR/LB Julio Valdez, Stratford – The Elks have no shortage of talented young players. The 6’1″ Valdez caught 915 yards and made 129 tackles in his junior season.
Honorable Mention: WR Colton Caudle, Clarendon; LB Jaxon Fetsch, Bushland; OL Holt Humphrey, Bushland; LB Jackson Jones, Wellington; DB Johnny Marquez, Dumas; RB David Meeks, Follett; OL/DL Braeden Massengale, Randall.
