As football season kicks off, the Roughnecks are looking to bounce back after a mediocre season of 5-5. Head coach Michael Ludlow will look to flip a switch and come into this year stronger. Ludlow’s choice of preseason games should give the Roughnecks a big momentum boost into a tough district including Atlanta, Jefferson, Gladewater and Tatum. They will need to win at least two district games to keep playoff hopes alive. The Roughnecks have two games to look forward to including their district rival Sabine and Gladewater’s rebuilding team.
The Roughnecks have a solid lineup as they are led by third-year starter, senior Jaxsen Ludlow. He will pass to returning varsity receivers Tyson McKinney and Logan Ladwig, along with junior Tysen McClain. These three had a combined total of over 1,200 receiving yards last season. Ludlow will hand off to seniors Levi Sipes and Kenny Poul. These two will run down the competition and score rushing touchdowns. The Roughnecks will rely on Brady Prazak again to boot kick-offs this season. Prazak had a total of 39 points last season from field goals with his longest being a 43 yard field goal. Bringing the heat for the Roughneck defense is senior Cameron Venable, a 6’0 190lb linebacker with 100 solo tackles last season. Venable is matched with senior Bryce Morgan who is a 6’0 180lb linebacker that had 61 solo tackles last season. The defense is led by new defensive coordinator Bryan Zapata. Zapata brings energy to the defense and is a great new start for the Roughnecks after letting up 418 points last season.
White Oak’s first game will take place Friday, August 29, at 7:30 p.m. against the Eustace Bulldogs at Eustace Stadium.