Offense: Young but Talented

Aledo’s offense has been a major factor in the success they have had over the past 30 years since head coach Tim Buchanan came to town. One of the most impressive stats over that time seems to be just how much the Bearcats have outscored their opponents.

While many big names have played on the offensive side of the ball for Aledo, it’s the young names that will make the difference in 2022. Offensive coordinator Robby Jones is no stranger to that particular situation as he has been calling plays for the Bearcats since the early 2000s and has always found a way to manufacture a productive offense no matter who is on the field.

“We graduated seven offensive starters from last year’s squad,” Buchanan said in an interview. “There are going to be a lot of new faces, some familiar ones as well, but we’re going to be really young. Especially up front is where we’re going to have some new guys.”

Offensive Line: Alex Arana, Devron “DJ” Williams, Garrett Muhtadi, Isaac Knott, Isaac Sohn

Both Knott and Sohn are the two that will attract attention on the offensive front. The two returning tackles will be tasked with fending off the outside rushers from some of the biggest defensive lines Aledo has ever faced, but their experience up front should give them a leg up against the competition. Arana and Williams are both juniors and are new starters on the offensive line. Arana will be the anchor of the line as the center for the Bearcats.

“Those three guys in the middle are all new,” Buchanan noted. “Arana, Williams, and Muhtadi are new to the varsity and they’ll be the three middle linemen. And then Sohn is probably the best tackle we’ve ever had. He is really, really good.”

Receivers: Zach Reynolds, Gavin Olenjack, Tyson Timms, Kaydon Finley, Austin Keith

Reynolds and Olenjack will be the biggest targets in the passing game with both having incredible hands and speed. Olenjack will run out of the slot, while Reynolds will be out wide and splitting time with freshman Kaydon Finley who also shows amazing speed and agility. Timms takes over at tight end after the departure of Jason Llewellyn. Timms impressed coaches with his route running ability and a similar catching ability to his predecessor.

“Olenjack played a bunch last year,” Buchanan recalled. “He played a bunch in the South Oak Cliff game, played a bunch in the playoffs. Timms is a new face who is a really good possession receiver. Not as big as Llewellyn but same type hands and I think a better route runner. We’re gonna have a battle between Reynolds and Finley but they’ll both get plenty of reps. They’re both great assets to have.”

Running backs: Cap Mooney, Davhon Keys, Ryan Cox, Caleb Pope

Much the same as the past couple of years, the Bearcats will have somewhat of a running back by committee. While Mooney made the full move to the offensive side from linebacker, Keys will also come in to run for short yardage situations. Cox could also see significant playing time in the backfield along with Pope. Both possess an element of  speed that will help the offense, while Mooney and Keys will be looked to more as power runners.

“We’ve got a few running backs,” Buchanan said. “Cox is a good, steady running back. He’s not a real burner speed wise but he’s going to play a bunch. Then of course we’ve got Keys and Mooney who will play a bunch.”

Quarterback: Hauss Hejny

The big question on everyone’s mind over the off-season was who the starting quarterback would be in 2022. At the start of the season, it was decided that Hejny would be the main signal caller for Aledo. While senior Brant Hayden is also a valuable weapon at quarterback should circumstances arise, Hejny brings a running ability to the quarterback position that allows the Bearcats to run the offense that they did when they had field generals with the last name of Bishop. Add that with his incredible accuracy whether in the pocket or on the run, Hejny earned the job as starting quarterback.

“Hejny is not new to the program,” Buchana said. “He was playing slot receiver for us last year, and he is going to be the guy who pulls the trigger at quarterback. He’s just an all around athlete that will get the job done when it’s needed.”

Kicker: Cole Crawford

The Bearcats found themselves in a position they did not expect for 2022, as they suddenly found themselves without a kicker. As practices began, the sophomore Crawford stepped up and filled that need. Crawford will make his varsity football debut after an impressive freshman season on the varsity soccer team. It is unclear what his field goal range is just yet, but Aledo has put their trust in him to hold down the special teams in the new campaign.

It should be an offense that will look very similar to what Aledo has become accustomed to. Only time will tell how this young bunch will fare, but the future looks promising.