PAINT ROCK, TX — The numbers were stacked against the Paint Rock Indians last year, and they struggled through a winless season.
Paint Rock moved up from Class 1A Division II, where the Indians went 5-6 and made the playoffs, into one of the state’s toughest districts in 1A Division I.
With nearly everyone back from last season — and strong participation with 22 boys in the program — new head coach David McAbee is hopeful the Indians can bounce back this fall.
“It really started last year at the end of football season with working on getting these guys in better shape,” said McAbee, who was an assistant coach on the team last year. “We hit the weight room and did a lot of summer workouts.
“Now we have four kids in the 1,000-pound club (for powerlifting), and we did not have that last year. We’ve got some kids that are just fast, and we’ve got some kids that just want to go play. Everyone understands that no one’s job is guaranteed. It’s about attitude and effort. And so far, I’ve been really pleased with how we’ve looked in our scrimmages.”
Senior Arnulfo Campos (5-foot-9, 230 pounds) was the team’s first 1,000–pound club member, and he’ll anchor the offensive line as the center.
“I saw him bench 300 the other day. He’s a strong kid,” McAbee said.
Senior Waylon Carpenter (6-0, 250) is another player who should be a big presence up front.
Senior Elijah Rodriguez is a speedy running back who had “probably 200 yards the other night and four touchdowns” in a scrimmage, McAbee said.
Sophomore Ezra Ruiz is an upcoming player who could also make an impact in the backfield.
Senior Gavin Jackson is slated to take over at quarterback and will also play at safety on defense.
Rodriguez “created havoc” at defensive end during scrimmages, McAbee said.
“He’s so quick and can move around, and nobody could block him,” McAbee said.
Campos will be the team’s middle linebacker.
“Pretty much anything that comes up the middle, Arnulfo’s shutting it down,” McAbee said.
Paint Rock will open its season Friday, Aug. 29, at Concho County rival Eden.
The Indians were again picked to finish last by Texas Football magazine in District 8-1A Division I, which included state-ranked teams Water Valley and Robert Lee, along with solid programs in Veribest and Irion County.
“Nobody’s expecting anything out of us. … I just hope everybody thinks about what we did last year, and they don’t see what we’re doing this year,” McAbee said. “I don’t know how we’re going to do, but we’re going to win some games and we’re going to make you play. If you think it’s going to be a walkover, you’re going to be in for a rough night.”
Paint Rock Indians
2025 schedule
Aug. 29 at Eden
Sept. 5 Loraine
Sept. 12 Olfen
Sept. 19 at Brookesmith
Sept. 26 Menard
Oct. 3 Three Way
Oct. 10 Veribest*
Oct. 17 at Robert Lee*
Oct. 24 Irion County*
Oct. 31 OPEN
Nov. 7 at Water Valley
*District 8-1A Division I game
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