BLAYLOCK, MATADORS READY TO EARN THEIR STRIPES IN 2022

I went out to cover the Estacado Matadors on my annual two-a-days football tour and caught up with Coach Blaylock to discuss his new team, their goals and also getting a feel of their direction this fall.

With Coach Cluley leaving and Blaylock stepping into the fold to lead the Matadors, we all wondered how the transition would be; from their schedule, to how the young men would respond to their new coaching staff. So, from what I saw when I went to practice, the Matadors are in great hands.

One thing I noticed very quickly was the accountability: there will be a high standard for the Matadors from here on out. I recall one of Estacado’s receivers catching a touchdown in the 7-on-7 state qualifier event this summer and he had some words for the opponent he caught a touchdown on. Coach Blaylock called him over and told him to cut that out as they want to win or lose with class on every possession. Just that interaction from that play showed me that Estacado is in for an entirely different year.

Now, Estacado has weapons all over the field once again with three players that have Division One offers; Bobby Ross (2025 ATH 3 offers) Cedric Ross (2026 ATH Texas Tech Offer) and Deontae Boyd, who holds an offer from New Mexico. Also there are players like Devoryea Boyd; who is one of the most electric players I have ever seen on the football field and basketball court. He will go DI at Wide Receiver or Free Safety! Raheim Ross and a host of other players also have real shots to play at the next level.

Can they put it together this season? I must say that last year’s first round loss to Monahans was a shocker and that season was a disappointment in my eyes. This season there are questions to answer like who will be the quarterback, how will the Mats’ utilize the Ross brothers along with Deontae, Raheim and Devoryea and more, but if the Matadors can iron it all out by District play, they will make a deep run.

Also of note, Coach Blaylock’s wife is all in as well as she knows all the kids and is empowering them and taking care of those youngsters; whether it be tough love or a word of encouragement when needed. I like this new staff and their set of young men… Now they just gotta win. Let’s go Blue!