Texico Is “Enjoying The Ride”
Class 2A football in New Mexico has been dominated by Texico over the past couple seasons. The Wolverines have played in four of the last five title games and head into this season as the two-time defending state champions. “We are really excited about this bunch,” said head coach Bob Gilbreath.
The Wolverines have 18 seniors on this year’s roster, “For a small school, that’s a really big class,” said the head coach. “Seven or eight of them started since they were freshmen, so we expect big things.”
Senior Bennett Wahlen returns at quarterback for the Wolverines. Texico also has four offensive lineman that have started since they were freshmen. “They’re going to be big, impact players,” said Gilbreath. “Ryan Timberlake and Branson Willoughby are two outstanding offensive lineman. You can go in with confidence knowing you’re not going to get manhandled up front.”
Last year’s back-up running back will now be one of their featured skill players. Jett Curtis rushed for almost 600 yards as a sophomore behind Alex Fuentes, who graduated in May. Senior receiver Luke Thompson also returns. “We’re going to have some options,” Gilbreath said with a smile.
Texico is currently on an 18-game win streak dating back to 2023. Gilbreath says his philosophy on offense is to run the football and throw when they need to. “I grew up under Roanhaus’ philosophy of ‘Run to win and throw to keep from getting beat’,” he said.
The head coach added that they focus on the preparation and don’t worry about the final result. He says they enjoy being together every day. “We have a lot of fun practicing together, we have a lot of fun lifting weights together, that’s what it’s all about, just enjoying the journey. We just try to relax, have fun, and enjoy the ride.”
The Wolverines open the season August 22nd in a rematch of last year’s state title game with a road matchup against Santa Rosa.
