2023 Preview: Lexington Wildcats

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's new leadership at Lexington with the return of former running back Dustin Curtis as head coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For returning players like senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='208887' first='Taiden' last='Mines']</strong>, the team goals and aspirations remain the same.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“It's always to win the region, then go to state,” he said. “But we try to take it game by game. So, we're trying to win our game, win our play, win our down and we do that successfully, we'll be where we need to be.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The past two seasons has seen the Wildcats finish in second place in Region 4-5A behind perennial region and current state champion Dutch Fork. Instead of a full rebuild, Curtis has inherited a winning program from Perry Woolbright and looks to reach the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I know that there's already kids here that want to compete, that want to win and that want to be physical, and they want to play tough football and that's what it takes to be successful in the playoffs,” Curtis said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Team leadership starts with Mines, who amassed 2,772 total yards and 29 touchdowns last season. Having spent the summer quickening his release and on-field decision-making, he now looks to bring along an offense which lost Mr. Football finalist <strong>Jonah Norris</strong> and leading receivers <strong>Kamadi Maxwell </strong>and <strong>Jarrod Mewborn</strong> to graduation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Curtis believes newcomer<strong> Torie Jones</strong>, a standout track sprinter, could potentially fill that void. He already declared him the “strongest player on the mound, pound for pound” and impressed with his speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tight end <strong>Cam Sutton</strong> provides a receiving threat for Mines to go along with an offensive line led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142708' first='Ryan' last='McFarland']</strong> (pictured).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448988' first='Christian' last='Sexton']</strong> will move out to outside linebacker to capitalize on his field awareness and quickness to the football. Middle linebacker <strong>Matthew McAuley</strong> has quickly taken to Sexton's former position and <strong>Dylan Bolin </strong>has performed with the most consistency on the defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>More than filling positions, Mines said Curtis has prioritized team bonding, which will be needed in the ultra-competitive region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>STARS SET TO SHINE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='208887' first='Taiden' last='Mines']</strong> QB, 2024 – He thrown for over 2,200 yards and 23 touchdowns and rushed for over 500 yards and six touchdowns last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448988' first='Christian' last='Sexton']</strong> LB, 2024 – The team's leading tackler last season, Sexton should make even more plays at outside linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997334' first='Montrell' last='Byrd']</strong> DL, 2024 – A three-sport athlete, he was third on the team with tackles (72) and the team leader with 4.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions and four pass breakups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cam Sutton</strong> TE, 2024 - He's already gotten the attention of Shrine Bowl coaches with his consistent pass-catching during the recent combine. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FILM REVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142708' first='Ryan' last='McFarland'] </strong>OL, 2024 – An All-State Class 5A offensie and defensive tackle, he was a primary reason for the running success of Jonah Norris. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound senior would overwhelm the opposing player in his path, providing openings for long runs by Norris and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='208887' first='Taiden' last='Mines']. It's rare to witness McFarland take a step back and always finishes his tackle even as the play continues. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15191702/63bb95d53864d60aa0da4504' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b9a0f040b05"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BIGGEST LOSSES</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jonah Norris </strong>RB – Replacing 1,959 yards and 27 touchdowns will be a challenge for the Wildcats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braydon Woolbright </strong>DB – The team leader in interceptions is now with his father at Clover.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kamadi Maxwell</strong> WR – Led the Wildcats with 54 receptions for 935 yards and 11 touchdowns and was the team's top kick returner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Torie Jones </strong>RB, 2025 – He's making his varsity debut this season. He has a breakout 4.5 speed who and possesses unexpected strength for someone 5-foot-5 inches and 135 pounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nygel Louis</strong> WR, 2025 – Another promising player moving up from B-team who has spent the off-season working closely with Mines and the coaching staff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->