By Sportswriter Greg Jaklewicz
Photo Courtesy of Aden Valdez
Recent History
The Wylie Bulldogs have beaten Brownwood just three times over the past six years.
The last win was in 2022, and by just six points.
Those are stats that will get your attention.
Wylie squeezed off wins of 30-24 (2022), 49-21 (2021) and 28-7 (2020) over the Lions after getting blanked 33-0 in 2019.
To be fair, Wylie could have a fourth win over Brownwood but last year’s road game was cancelled due to weather.
But the year before, in front of a sea of purple and gold fans, the Lions rolled Wylie 35-21. That was a good Brownwood team, one that went 12-2, losing by only 10 points to perennial powerhouse Stephenville and then by three points to Decatur deep in the playoffs.
In short, Brownwood is a winnable season-opener, but recent suggests it won’t be easy.
Season Outlook
The Bulldogs open the 2025 season with the expectation that a third district championship in four years is an attainable goal. It could come down to a Halloween evening monster mash in Lubbock against Lubbock-Cooper.
That journey, however, begins at 7 p.m. Friday against the Class 4A-Division 1 Lions.
Brownwood’s Side
The Lions made the playoffs last year, finishing 6-5. A shocker to some fans came in the offseason - BHS graduate and six-year coach Sammy Burnett’s contract as head coach was not renewed.
He won 51 games and two district titles. The Lions made the playoffs for the 16th straight year.
But remember, Brownwood is home to Gordon Wood Stadium. Coach Wood won seven state championships there.
The last came, however, in 1981 and Lions fans are hungry.
A New Era for the Lions
Jeryl Brixey is the new coach, and Wylie coach Clay Martin said Wylie has had to prepare for the team he will field. He was the offensive coordinator at Class 6A Katy High School, a big-school powerhouse. Katy scored 525 points in 13 games, an average of 40.1 a game.
“Brownwood is going to present some challenges,” Bulldogs coach Clay Martin said. “With a new coaching staff and new schemes on both sides of the ball, they are going to be well coached.”
Brownwood Players to Watch
Brownwood returns a number of seasoned seniors and eight starters on offense.
Quarterback: Judson Coalson, who threw for more than 1,600 yards and accounted for 16 touchdowns, was the all-district quarterback. He threw three TD passes to Carson Noe.
Receiver/Linebacker: Carson Noe had 38 catches on the season and was all-district. He also plays linebacker alongside second-team all-district choice Brinson Martin.
Secondary: Caven Webster (second-team all-district), Wyatt Wolf (junior, honorable mention), Raven Prado (honorable mention).
Kicker: Eli Valenciano did not miss a PAT and converted one of two field goals, earning second-team all-district honors.
“They are going to try to control the football,” Wylie coach Clay Martin said.
“They are very multi defensively,” Martin said. They operate out of a 3-3-stack “that stems into a lot of defensive looks.”
The Lions had the summer to jump into the Brixey plan, and Brownwood could be a team that improves dramatically as the season goes on.
Wylie’s Approach
For Wylie, the scrimmage against Abilene High was more about looking at players. This week, it’s about execution and minimizing the penalties that early games can bring.
Martin said the focus in his team’s preparation has been to understand what Brownwood will want to do on the field.
“You don’t see a lot of people in I-formation with the quarterback under center any more,” he said. “Our preparation and our recognition will be huge this week … but I think our kids excel in the areas of preparation and study.”
Quarterback: Wylie likely will start junior Jadin Karleskint. Expect to also see Bo Kates, who will lead the defense from his linebacker slot.
Running Back: Four-year letterman Julius Laine will lead the way, though others will share carries to build depth.
Defense/Special Teams: Martin expects both units to stand out in the early going.
Final Word
In summary, it should be another good Wylie vs. Brownwood matchup, a learning experience for both football teams.
Other Week 1 Games
Thursday
Amarillo Palo Duro vs. Amarillo Tascosa
Wichita Falls Memorial at Fort Worth Wyatt
Friday
Abilene Cooper at Azle
Lucas Lovejoy at Lubbock-Cooper
Canyon Randall at Plainview
Lubbock Coronado at Wichita Falls Legacy