The Taft Greyhounds have struggled early this season, falling to both Mathis and West Oso.
Last year, they finished 4-6 overall, going 3-3 in 3A Division II District 16, which placed them fifth. The Yorktown–Taft matchup is a fairly new series; they only faced each other last season, with the Greyhounds losing 30-19.
Dave Campbell’s Football Magazine predicted Taft to finish fifth in the district this year, behind George West, Santa Rosa, Odem, and Hebbronville, but ahead of Banquete, whom Yorktown defeated in Week 2, and Monte Alto.
Quarterback play has been a concern for Taft, though once the position is solidified, the team will have experienced options. Key offensive contributors include Hunter Montemayor, who had 765 receiving yards last season, and Sergio Leal Jr., who rushed for 358 yards. Defensively, Christian Ozuna led with 127 tackles, while Brandon Suarez added four sacks and five fumble recoveries.
Yorktown relies heavily on its ground game. Led by duo Brody Metting and McKenzie Yanta, the Wildcats have scored over 100 points in their first two games. Quarterback play has been efficient, completing 16 of 31 passes for 242 yards and three touchdowns, with standout receiver Matthew Olguin hauling in six catches for 143 yards and one touchdown. On the ground, Yorktown has rushed for 768 yards and 13 touchdowns. The addition of a more active passing attack makes the Wildcats’ already powerful ground game even more effective.
Metting has had a stellar start, expanding on last year’s breakout season. In 2A Division II, Metting tops the Max-Preps leaderboard in total rushing yards and is tied for first in total touchdowns. Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Ryan Knostman praised, “The success Metting has had through the first two games has been outstanding. But it’s truly been a complete offensive effort. Our line has blocked extremely well, and the tempo we’re playing at has really worn down opposing defenses. We’ve also been able to throw the ball more effectively, which has opened up even more running lanes.” Metting echoed the sentiments about the offensive line factoring into his success, stating, “I have to give my O-Line (Gunner Hughes, Manual Macias, Colton Rogers, Caden Mika, and Ryan Knostman) a lot of credit for creating holes.” When asked about his goals, Metting said he hopes to top his last season’s rushing total, but added, “Mostly, I want to win games and go deep in the playoffs.”
If Metting draws comparisons to Fran Tarkenton, one of the NFL’s earliest scrambling quarterbacks and the all-time leader in rushing yards by a quarterback at the time of his retirement, then Yanta is emerging as the team’s own version of Chuck Foreman. “Yanta stepped up when we needed him and made some tough runs in key moments,” Knostman added.
The Wildcats are hot this fall, and as the season progresses, they will keep working on their motto: faster, further, finish. Kickoff is set at Wildcat stadium for homecoming on Friday, Sep 19 at 7:30 p.m.
