Electra gets nostalgic with switch to wing-T offense
A lot has changed since 1985.
That year, Madonna was “Living on a Prayer,” Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union, and Oklahoma won the national title in football. At the same time, Bo Jackson was the Heisman Trophy winner, and “Back to the Future” was the top movie.
It was also the year Electra claimed its only state championship. Fast forward to 2022.
Tigers’ coach Ryan Quillen isn’t trying to hop into the DeLorean and return to the glory days at Electra, but fans who remember those days will surely be nostalgic watching the Tigers this season.
“We’re going back to the wing-T on offense this year,” Quillen said. “Electra ran this offense when they won state in 1985 and throughout the ’80s and ’90s, including when I played here from 1997 to 2000. However, we haven’t been in the wing-T in my 18 years as a coach here.”
The offense that is a variation of Glenn “Pop” Warner’s single-wing will allow the Tigers to instill more deception and allow their offensive line to utilize a lot of trap and kick-out blocks.
With only two seniors on the roster, and a young team filled with freshmen and sophomores, Quillen believes now is the time to establish the foundation for a new offense that could pay dividends now and in the future.
“You have to start with a good foundation, and we have a good corps group of seven or eight guys that played last year as freshmen and sophomores,” Quillen said. “It’s going to be a learning experience, and we’ll have some bumps in the road.
“However, on a positive note, these guys bring the energy and are willing to learn. They are soaking up everything that we’re trying to teach them. We can mold these young men exactly how we want them to be, from how they carry themselves to the X’s and O’s and the fundamentals of the game.”
While Electra features a young and inexperienced team in a tough district, Quillen believes his team will surprise some people this year while continuing to build for the future.
“We’re trying to be successful right now for the two seniors on our roster, and we will do everything we can to allow them to be successful. But, at the same time, we need to think about next year and the year after. As long as we’re getting experience and correcting our mistakes and not making the same mistakes repeatedly, then we’re going in a positive direction.”
OFFENSE
The wing-T offense will allow Quillen and his staff to get the ball into the hands of his multiple playmakers. Junior Lance McMahon is a two-year starter and is Electra’s best running back, while Jeremiah Murphy is a 6-foot-3 tight end with good hands and speed.
Senior Austin Callis will miss the first few weeks after injuring his ACL in last year's final game and can play multiple positions from wide receiver to quarterback. Sophomore Austin Davis is expected to start the season at quarterback for the Tigers.
“(Davis) is still learning the position, and there will be some mistakes, but he’s doing a good job through the first week of workouts,” Quillen said.
DEFENSE
The Electra defense will run plays from a 50 base while adapting to more of a 4-2-5 formation against spread offenses. Sophomore Riggen Thaggard has the best hands on the team and will be a ballhawk at safety.
Joey Castillo returns after finishing second on the team in tackles during his freshman year, and Quillen believes the future is bright for his sophomore linebacker.
“He has a natural nose for the ball and the instinct that is so rare. As a result, he’s able to fill the gaps and shed blocks,” Quillen said. “He started eight out of ten games last year as a freshman, and he could be very special at linebacker.”
EXTRA POINT
Electra hasn’t missed the postseason in three straight years since failing to qualify from 2007 to 2010. The Tigers last postseason appearance came in 2019.
Electra Tigers
Head Coach: Ryan Quillen
Last year’s record: 4-6
Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense
Base offense/defense: Wing-T/50
Last playoff appearance: 2019 (Lost to Wellington in bi-district)
Last district title: 1995
SCHEDULE
Aug. 26 vs Santo 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 at Memphis 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 vs Nocona 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Era 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 vs Petrolia* 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 at Munday* 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 vs Archer City* 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Seymour* 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 vs Haskell* 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 at Windthorst* 7 p.m.
PLAYER TO WATCH: RB/LB Lance McMahen (Jr.) - McMahen is the top returning rusher and passer from last year and will be a weapon in the wing-T offense.
GAME TO WATCH: Oct. 28 vs Haskell - A playoff berth could be on the line when the Indians visit if the Tigers can pull off a win against Petrolia, Munday, or Archer City.