Childress undergoes alterations, winning tradition not expected to change

The Childress Bobcats had a regular season to remember in 2021. A 9-0 record, the first team quarterback of the AGN Super Team in Colin Bishop and a district championship all had the Bobcats feeling mighty good.

Then, it all came crashing down as Childress was defeated in the opening round of the playoffs.

Now, Bishop is at Trinity University while head coach/athletic director Jason Sims is gone too, replaced by defensive coordinator Bo Helm. There's been some big changes at Childress, but the high expectations that come with being a Bobcat have not.

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With key pieces returning, Childress’ winning ways shouldn't change much either.

“Everything is really positive right now," Helm said. "Obviously things didn’t end the way we wanted after the season we had. I think most of the guys are just ready to get started so we can fully put that behind us. I’m very excited, and they’re excited to get started and get back onto the field.”

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Replacing Bishop won't be an easy task, but Helm expressed confidence in the two guys vying for the job.

Senior Scout Smith is in a competition with wide receiver Seth Taylor to take over under center. Helm said Smith is the starter "as of right now," but also said that could change going forward.

Whoever ends up under center, the Bobcats should be just fine.

“Scout’s an exceptional player," Helm said. "His leadership is next to none, in my opinion. Seth, man if you could see him as a freshman and a sophomore, he had a really big growth spurt that COVID summer. ... Wherever either of those guys end up, they’re going to be really good football players for us.”

So too will receiver Lamont Nickelberry, who has already established himself as one of the top receivers in the Panhandle. The senior is back after hauling in 59 catches for 984 yards while scoring 21 touchdowns overall.

“He’s an incredibly intelligent kid plus he’s a good athlete," Helms said. "He is a special young man. Physically he’s gifted, but his personality and intelligence are a big part of making him a good leader. I’m excited to watch him grow.”

Perhaps the most important thing for the Bobcat offense is that they return four of their five starting offensive linemen from last year. Isaiah Spier, Juan Gonzalez and Zach Etheridge earned all-district honors last year while Ethan Ferguson returns as well.

It all adds up to Childress being well positioned up front.

All-district defensive back Nick McMinn leads a secondary that returns virtually everyone from 2021, while each of those returning starters on the O-line return on the d defensive line as well. While the Bobcats are breaking in some new linebackers, the Childress defense should still be a fearsome unit this fall.

The biggest threat for Childress will be the challenge of playing in District 3-3A of Division II, which features the likes of Canadian, Friona and Spearman. That's one heck of a gauntlet to have to make it through, but the Bobcats have experience winning district games and possess the talent to continue doing so.

As Helm said, the Bobcats are hoping to put last season's playoff loss behind them.

Last season's regular season success, however, is something they'd very much like to repeat. Helm has been with the Bobcats for seven years, so he knows exactly what they need to do in order to make that happen.

“If we can get out there and control the line of scrimmage, … we could have a big year," he said. "If that happens, then I think we can have a good season this year.”

CHILDRESS BOBCATS

Head coach: Bo Helm

2021 record: 9-1 overall, 6-0 in district

Base offense: Spread

Base defense: 4-3

Last playoff appearance: 2021

Returning starters: Eight on offense, eight on defense

Top returners: Lamont Nickelberry, Seth Taylor, Scout Smith, Nick McMinn, Isiah Spier, Juan Gonzales, Zach Etheridge, Reid Felton, Dareon Mathis

SCHEDULE

Aug. 26: at Abernathy, 7 p.m.

Sep. 2: vs. Breckenridge, 7 p.m.

Sep. 9: at Bushland, 7 p.m.

Sep. 16: vs Holliday, 7 p.m.

Sep. 23: at Bowie, 7 p.m.

Sep. 29: OPEN

Oct. 7: vs. Canadian, 7 p.m.*

Oct. 14: at Tulia, 7 p.m.*

Oct. 21: vs. Spearman, 7 p.m.*

Oct. 28: at Dimmitt, 7 p.m.*

Nov. 4: vs. Friona, 7 p.m.*

* - Denotes district game