RIESEL. TEXAS — A strong senior class helped carry Riesel on a surprising playoff run in 2021, meaning a new group of starters will have to pick up the slack if the Indians hope to duplicate their success in 2022.
On the front of their workout shirts, the Indians have the words "Tribe Tough" written in capital letters. It is fitting, given Riesel brings back five offensive linemen, including Kolt Dieterich. Dieterich is committed to play football at Sam Houston next fall.
"I think up front's a lot different [than skill positions]," Riesel Head Coach Tyler Crow said. "You never know what you're gonna see. You can get multiple fronts and a lot of movement, and it's not like you're in space one on one. So, those guys having that experience where they're seeing those things and are able to make some checks and understand what we're trying to do schematically.. that experience is invaluable."
Riesel qualified for the playoffs last year by winning their final two games, including a "winner-takes-all" Week 11 matchup with Buffalo. The Indians went on to shock Van Vleck and Natalia before losing to eventual state champion Franklin.
"Football games... people make it hard. In general it's just about blocking and tackling people," Crow said. "So, if you can block and tackle, you're gonna give yourself a chance. And that's one of the things we're gonna focus on is on those fundamentals. And those playoff games last year where we had success and the games we won, we blocked pretty good and tackled pretty good. And we hope that carries over."
One thing is working in Riesel's favor: the Indians dropped from 3A-II to 2A-I in the latest round of realignment. This year, they will compete in District 8-2A I.
They are projected to finish fifth in that district, one spot out of playoff position.
2022 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE:
8/26 at Blooming Grove 7:30
9/2 vs Rice 7:30
9/9 at Thorndale 7:30
9/16 Open
9/23 vs Bruceville-Eddy* 7:30
9/30 at Rosebud-Lott* 7:30
10/7 vs Valley Mills* 7:30 1
10/14 at Marlin* 7:30
10/21 vs Moody* 7:30
10/28 at Crawford* 7:30
11/4 vs Bosqueville* 7:30
*District Game
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