High school football preview: Much to be decided as Estacado enters Eric Ward's tenure

One thing about the Estacado football team is certain: The kids are excited to play for former Texas Tech receiver Eric Ward.

The first-year head coach received that message loud and clear.

"I believe the kids were eager to meet me," Ward said. "The first day of football practice there was a line from the (field house) entrance all the way to the football field. They said they had never seen that. It shows that the kids are very eager to get the fall season rolling and ready for some football."

Information beyond that is a bit murky. Known are the returning stars such as Bobby Ross, but Ward was guarded when discussing newcomers.

The next starting quarterback?

"You just gotta wait and see," Ward said. "It's a competition."

The former Wichita Falls City View offensive coordinator took a similar approach in regard to the defense.

"We have a system in place to where the kids are just going out there and they're trying to earn their spots," Ward said. "We just have to wait and see. To say that these kids are pushing each other would be an understatement. They're actually out there really competing and trying to fight for a spot."

There's been no question about Ross the previous three years. The Division I prospect has been among the area's best running backs since he stepped on campus. Ward is eager to see firsthand.

"Bobby is special," Ward said. "He's every bit of 6-(foot)-2, if not taller. He still has room to grow in that frame of his. But overall, he's a hard worker. He's committed to do whatever he needs to do to help the team. I couldn't ask for a better kid to be a senior and a leader at the same time."

As far as whether Ross will be utilized at defensive end like last season, Ward said "it's up in the air" and the star will play "wherever the team needs him."

James Bozeman and Cedric Ross are also known commodities. The speedsters, along with defensive back Donivan Torrez, have been part of Estacado's state-qualifying 800-meter relay the past two years.

Bozeman and Cedric Ross were first-team all-district at running back and receiver, respectively.

Vershaunndrick Smith, a sophomore, will be the focal point of the offensive line. He was listed at 6-3, 330 pounds in his debut season.

"He's actually one of our youngest leaders on the team," Ward said. "He steps in that role and everyone respects what he says. He goes out there and he shows it on the football field through work ethic and just being accountable."

The Matadors will be among the first in the South Plains to play. They open Lowrey Field this season with a Thursday matchup against Tuscola Jim Ned.

"(Players) are excited that it's fall," Ward said. "They love football, so they're ready to start football season and go compete."

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: High school football preview: Much to be decided as Estacado enters Eric Ward's tenure