2007 Team Insider: Cuero Gobblers

The Cuero Gobblers lost many key skill players to graduation. How will Coach Mark Reeve fill those shoes. Read on to find out.

The Cuero Gobblers felt like 2006 was their year. All of the pieces were in place to make a run for the State Championship. There were seniors in key spots on both sides of the ball to lead the green and white in what Head Coach Mark Reeve hoped to be a magical season. But just three weeks into the postseason, the Gobblers saw their State Championship dreams come to an end to a powerful Wimberley squad.

This season, Coach Reeve must find new leaders to take Cuero into another year filled with hope. The Gobblers lost many key players, including QB Kyle Noack, RB Fabian Olguin, and WR Tre Gray just to name a few. Filling those positions won’t be easy, but the talent is there. Sophomore QB Tyler Arndt steps in under center. Arndt has coaches excited, with his 6’3” frame, but his ability to mature on the Varsity level will be key this season. FB Stephen Hargrove is the lone returnee in the backfield. Hargrove rushed for 406 yards and 5 touchdowns last season, but will be looked upon to open holes for new tailback Jake Rangnow. Wide Receiver Quincey Whittington is the other returning starter in the skill positions, and will give Arndt an experienced outside threat. Jeffery Zapata will cover the other outside spot, while talented Kaeron Johnson takes on the tight end position this season. Johnson is an experience lineman, who should get a ball thrown his way once in awhile. The offensive line is once again large for a 3A school, with tackle Desmond Patton coming in at 290 pounds. Dustin Blinka handles the other tackle spot and logs in at 280 pounds. Patrick Nami and Calin Hardin, both seniors, handle the interior guard duties, while senior Josh Hernandez gets the start at center.

The Gobbler defense will be made up of a mix of juniors and seniors, led by defensive end Kaeron Johnson. Johnson received second team All State honors last season, and looks to do more damage for the Cuero defense this year. Jake Rangnow and Josh Hernandez play both ways and line up in the linebacker spot on defense. Both players are quick and heady, which is why Coach Reeve wants them there. Jeffery Zapata and Quincey Whittington will play the free safeties, while Troy Ruiz handles the strong safety position. Brent Johnson and speedy David Williams will line up as the corners.

Cuero may not start off as strong as previous seasons due to the big turnover in the key positions, but don’t expect a big drop off in the Gobblers this year. Cuero has a weak District, which will help the Gobblers once again secure a playoff spot in 2007. How far they go after that will depend on the chemistry of this team as the season goes along. One thing is for sure; never take a Coach Mark Reeve team lightly. They will be ready to play.