OZONA, TX — New Ozona head football coach Jason Pitts believes this year’s group has the pieces in place to make a run at the district title.
He’s not the only one.
Texas Football magazine picked Ozona as the favorite to win District 3-2A Division I, which would be the Lions’ first district title since 2016.
It’s no surprise with Ozona returning nine starters on both sides of the ball from a team that went 7-4 last year and tied for second place in district.
The Lions also return one of the best players in West Texas in senior running back Christian Villarreal, who rushed for 1,438 yards and 17 touchdowns.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Villarreal averaged nine yards per carry, and he added 15 catches for 247 yards and three TDs.
“He’s special. I told the coaches yesterday instead of just having Offensive and Defensive MVPs each week, we should have a Derrick Henry Award and an Adrian Peterson Award,” Pitts said.
“He’s just big and fast and strong, and he wants to go find contact. He’s special.”
The Owls will still be operating in a “smashmouth spread” offense, and Villarreal will be running behind an offensive line that returns all five starters from a year ago.
“They’re big and they’re all back. It’s a good group, too,” Pitts said.
Four-year starter Jacoby Ramos leads the way along with Kellen Norrell.
The Lions could have a rotation on the line with as many as nine players, including Sergio Almaguer, Rowdy O’Bryant, Charles Harger, Darrius Galindo and Jordan Vega.
Senior Michael Preddy, who was the backup quarterback last year, is taking over the offense after the graduation of Hudson Fowler, who threw for 2,364 yards last year.
“He’s the catcher on the baseball team, so he’s smart. He knows how to run things. He’s no stranger to trying to lead and being the guy that’s making the calls,” Pitts said.
There will be other running backs besides Villarreal that will have a role, including JP Garza.
In the passing game, Reilee Barrera, Tino Castillo and Kaleb Ramon are expected to be the top targets.
Defensively, Ozona is making some changes with an odd-man front. Some of the leaders on that side of the ball include Ramos at linebacker, Villarreal and Ramon at safety, and Barrera and Castillo at cornerback.
“It’s a fast-paced defense, but they seem to be picking it up pretty well,” Pitts said.
Ozona’s pursuit of a district title will begin Oct. 10 when the Lions host defending champion Reagan County.
Ozona Lions
2025 schedule
Aug. 29 at McCamey
Sept. 5 Eldorado
Sept. 12 at Brady
Sept. 19 Harper
Sept. 26 at Miles
Oct. 3 OPEN
Oct. 10 Reagan County*
Oct. 17 at Sonora*
Oct. 24 Colorado City*
Oct. 31 at Forsan*
Nov. 7 Christoval*
*District 3-2A Division I game
MORE: Top 10 Quarterbacks to Watch in West Texas in 2025
MORE: Top 10 Running Backs to Watch in West Texas in 2025
MORE: Top 10 Wide Receivers to Watch in West Texas in 2025
MORE: Top 10 Offensive Linemen to Watch in West Texas in 2025
MORE: Top 20 Defensive Players to Watch in West Texas in 2025
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: