Besides a new head coach and a new wrinkle for the offense, don’t expect much else to change for the Woodrow Wildcats in 1994.
Damon Miller takes over as head coach after spending five years as the defensive coordinator. Former head coach Bruce Land is now the full-time athletic director, and the transition at the top has gone smoothly.
On the field, the Wildcats will add a Wishbone variation to their basic offense. Offensive coordinator Ron Elliott is back to make sure the Wildcats adjust to the new wrinkle.
Other than that, it will be business as usual for Woodrow.
“There’s not going to be that many changes,” Miller says. “And any changes we make are going to be done as a staff. Defensively, I’m still in charge of the show. On offense, I just want to know what’s going on.”
The Woodrow defense will stay the same, but that does not mean it will be recognizable from one play to the next. The Wildcats like to give many looks on defense to counter an offense’s strengths.
Woodrow’s defensive personnel this year feature a standout lineman and an experienced secondary. The biggest holes are at linebacker and in the line.
“Linebacker is up in the air,” Miller says. “Miguel Haro was there for three years, and that’s going to be a big hole to fill. I might have to move some people into that position or adjust the defense away from the linebackers.”
Miller, a former college linebacker, will probably be able to find a few linebackers in pre-season drills.
Defensive end Brennan Wallace will provide strength to the defensive line. Wallace is a defensive terror known for his intensity and work ethic.
“He’s the guy you’re going to have to run out of the weight room to close it up,” Miller says. “He’ll get some looks from colleges. His numbers might not be as good this year, because people will run away from him.”
Wallace will also see time on offense as the fullback in the Wildcats’ Wishbone.
Aaron Sherman will be in charge of running both the offense and the defense on the field. Sherman is slated to start at both quarterback and free safety.
Joe Theriot is another veteran defensive back who could see action at quarterback. As bandit in the defensive backfield, Theriot will line up on the weak side opposite Wallace.
The offensive anchor will be center Chris Hendricks, who will be a three-year starter. Receive Edward Barnes had 30 catches last year, and Miller describes him as a Steve Largent-type possession receiver.
Woodrow is coming off a 3-7 finish last year, including a 2-4 district mark. If the Wildcats can plug the holes they have coming into the season, Miller says Woodrow should be competitive in District 12-4A.
“Roosevelt’s got the talent, and they should win the district,” Miller says. “Hillcrest is right in there, and that leaves everybody else pretty even. I really believe Pinkston, South Oak Cliff, White, T.J. and us are going to battle it out.”
