2023 Team Preview: Clovis Wildcats
Photo: Twitter
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<p><strong>2023 Clovis Preview</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Andrew McCraw </p>
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<p><strong>Mascot</strong>: Wildcats </p>
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<p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @coachmccraw</p>
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<p><strong>Colors</strong>: Purple and White </p>
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<p><strong>2022 Record</strong>: 3-7 (No Playoffs) </p>
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<p><strong>Overview</strong>: The sense of urgency is high in Clovis following back-to-back 3-7 seasons. Three wins is not something we expect to see from one of the state's legendary programs. Andrew McCraw installed the run-dominated flexbone offense after being hired as head coach in May 2022 following the abrupt resignation of Cal Fullerton. The change in scheme promised last fall would be a transition year for the Wildcats. After a rough start, they won their first three district games to set up a winner-take-all district championship game with Los Lunas.</p>
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<p>With a season under their belts to teach and learn the new offensive system, this fall promises a smoother ride and greater comfort level for Wildcat coaches and players<strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='275376' first='Jett' last='Stone']</strong> is back at quarterback. Stone is very athletic and looks much more comfortable running the flexbone this season compared to a year ago. He has a good throwing arm as well and could become a dangerous dual threat QB for the Wildcats. The backup QB will be sophomore <strong>Clifton Brown</strong> or freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154930' first='Javier' last='Jimenez']</strong>. </p>
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<p>Last season's leading rusher, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275303' first='Kash' last='Roberts']</strong>, returns and the Wildcats will rely on him even more this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275425' first='Josh' last='Mondragon']</strong> will likely be the No. 2 RB. After him, it's basically running back by committee. <strong>Kyrese Phillips</strong> and <strong>Seven Chapman</strong> are two running backs who could get some opportunities. <strong>Preston Green</strong> and <strong>Tyler Conley</strong> started every game at WR last season and should again this year provided they stay healthy. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267018' first='Johnny' last='Molina']</strong> – listed at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds - will be in the mix as well.</p>
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<p>Clovis returns three starters on the offensive line – <strong>Cade Spearman</strong> (OT), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103208' first='Aiden' last='Brown']</strong> (OT) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275427' first='Jeremiah' last='Johnson']</strong> (G). Johnson is listed at 310 pounds and is considered the strongest player in the Wildcats program. <strong>Dakota Scott</strong> and <strong>Colter Williams</strong> are competing for the center job. The loser of that battle will shift over to guard. <strong>Aden Tranchant</strong> is a transfer from Hawaii. Tight end <strong>Kohen Matus</strong> has a huge role in the run game blocking. He could play a little RB too. </p>
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<p>New defensive coordinator Nate Gensler, formerly the head coach at Kermit High in West Texas, will now make the calls. Most of the offensive line will also play along the D-Line. Senior <strong>Justin Gonzales</strong> headlines the LB corps. Mondragon will play OLB along with Roberts and Molina. Phillips will start at cornerback. Chapman will be the free safety. Sophomore <strong>Andre Pullen</strong> or <strong>Cayden Lott</strong> are battling for the other starting CB job. Stone could play some defense too.</p>
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<p><strong>2023 Schedule</strong>: Clovis opens the season with the traditional rivalry game against Hobbs followed by a pair of games against Texas schools, Canyon and Randall. After hosting Carlsbad, the Wildcats travel to Albuquerque to face Eldorado and then to Roswell. District play begins Sept. 29 at home against Albuquerque High. The Oct. 27 home game against Los Lunas could be for the district title. </p>
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<p>Aug. 18 HOBBS</p>
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<p>Aug. 24 at Canyon (TX)(Thur.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 1 RANDALL (TX)</p>
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<p>Sept. 8 CARLSBAD</p>
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<p>Sept. 16 at Eldorado (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 22 at Roswell</p>
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<p>Sept. 29 ALBUQUERQUE HIGH*</p>
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<p>Oct. 6 at Santa Fe*</p>
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<p>Oct. 13 Bye</p>
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<p>Oct. 20 at Capital*</p>
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<p>Oct. 27 LOS LUNAS</p>
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<p><strong>Coach's Comments</strong>: “Our guys have gotten a lot stronger than where we are at. They've worked very hard. They definitely have a lot better understanding of the offensive scheme. I don't have to focus so much on the big things anymore. I can dive into the details so we can get better at those things. It's been awesome to see. Our first group has been doing a great job early in camp. It was exciting to watch. We have a good shot to be pretty good on offense. Defensively, we have a new defensive coordinator. But we're running a scheme that's very similar to what we did last season. Biggest difference is we're going to be more aggressive in the play-calling. We have the same schedule as a year ago so we know we have a tough non-district schedule. Hopefully, we'll be more competitive in our non-district games and I think we will be. That should give us some momentum going into district play.” – Clovis head coach Andrew McCraw. </p>
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2023 Clovis Preview
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