MASON, TX — The Mason Punchers represent one of the Concho Valley’s best chances at a deep playoff run this football season, and their defense is a big reason why.
The heart of that defense was highlighted Friday by Texas Football, which ranked the Punchers’ linebacker unit the third-best in the state in Class 2A.
Senior Slade Buell (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) is the leader of the group. Last year, he had 87 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, five pass breakups and an interception.
The district’s unanimous MVP, Buell was also a force on offense, where he played at running back and quarterback while rushing for 1,328 and eight touchdowns on 219 carries.
He has already received an offer from NCAA Division II Fort Lewis College.
“He’s the go button for our team,” Mason head coach Wade Griffin said to Texas Football. “He doesn’t miss workouts. He’s the vocal guy at practice. He’s a great kid, and it means a lot to him to be a good football player.”
Junior George Velez (5-7, 170) was a first-team all-district linebacker for the Punchers last year who had 76 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
A key move-in is junior Zane Huff (6-0, 175), who transferred from Class 3A power Jim Ned.
Cass Dutton (6-2, 245), last year’s district Defensive Lineman of the Year, is versatile enough to also be an edge-rushing linebacker. He had a monster junior season with 117 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Overall, Mason has eight returning starters on defense, including another big-time move-in, Luke Tharp from San Saba. As a defensive back, Tharp had 67 tackles, five tackles for loss, four INTs and three fumble recoveries. He also rushed for 1,581 yards and 20 TDs at QB and should be a running back/slot receiver for the Punchers.
Along with nine returning starters on offense from last year’s team that went 10-4 and reached the state quarterfinals, it’s easy to see why Mason begins this year ranked No. 5 in the state in 2A Division I.
The other 2A teams represented in Texas Football’s linebacker rankings are No. 5 Thorndale, No. 4 Goldthwaite, No. 2 Shiner and No. 1 Ganado.
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