Jackets hope tough lessons pay off now

KERMIT Injuries are never a good thing.

Sometimes, though, they contain a silver lining — at least that is what the Kermit Yellowjackets are hoping.

The Yellowjackets were devastated by injuries last season, but a lot of underclassmen got playing experience because of it.

“I think we just had a lack of depth on defense,” head coach Gary Grubbs said. “I saw more season-ending injuries last year than in 20 years of coaching.”

Now, though, Grubbs has a core to build around as the Yellowjackets look to get back to the playoffs.

Running backs Matt Wagner (507 yards rushing and three touchdowns) and Brandon Arnsworth (502 rushing and four touchdowns) return, along with quarterback Austin Grubbs.

“We had a lot of sophomores step up last year,” Austin Grubbs said. “It will help us with the experience. Most of the juniors have already had varsity experience.”

Grubbs led the Yellowjackets with 617 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

He also was 72-for-140 passing for 1,057 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“We were so close last year,” Grubbs said. “All the games were so close and there were a lot of heartbreakers. We feel we can win this year. I know we can.”

The Yellowjackets also return linemen Abel Morales and Wesley Crawford.

“We have a better attitude,” Crawford said. “I think our line will be pretty decent this year. Most of us are seniors and we are a lot bigger than most years, plus our depth is a strength.”

Kermit had a solid offense last season, but struggled defensively.

“We had a good offseason,” Austin Grubbs said. “We got a lot stronger and a lot quicker. We are going to fly to the ball a lot quicker on defense.”

The only thing standing between Kermit and the playoffs is a tough district, featuring lots of returners from Crane, Alpine and Reagan County.

“I think it is wide open,” Coach Grubbs said. “Several teams could step up and claim playoff spots."

“I wouldn’t put anyone out of the playoffs yet.”