RANKIN, Texas (KOSA) – Rankin football took West Texas to Arlington last season, appearing in the 2025 Class 1A-DI State Championship.
While everyone in town is excited to see what the Red Devils do this season, Head Coach Garret Avalos has a different perspective.
“I’m glad these guys got to experience that, but this is a new team,” said Avalos.
“I’m just kind of looking forward to the challenge of putting some pieces together and figuring out what this team’s going to be about this year.”
The Red Devils graduate big contributors in Gage Lopez and Issac Armendarez, but bring back other playmakers as well.
Senior utility man Kayin Hanna is ready to be back on the field with his brothers.
“We’ve all got a good bond,” Hanna said. “I missed it all summer. I’m glad to be back.”
As for running back and defensive end Matthew Ramos, he hopes to be a role model for his younger teammates.
“I’m hoping just to lead them and teach them what to do and hopefully make them better than I am and just help them out the best I can.”
The Red Devils may have lofty expectations, but the team isn’t phased by outside perspectives. They’re going to take care of business at practice and focus on what they can control.
Avalos said, “We’re going to have to bring our best every week and see if we can get better and better throughout the season and get geared up for a good run.”
Rankin begins its season with a road trip to Rocksprings.
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