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Cuero made three critical mistakes in the secondary that resulted in three touchdowns in its 37-14 Class 3A, Division II semifinal loss to China Spring.
“We didn’t want to go out in that manner,” Boothe said. “We wanted to go out with our best game. We had a great effort, we just didn’t execute the way we wanted to. I thought maybe we left something on the field and we just didn’t play our best game.”
The Gobblers will have some holes to fill, but they have the potential for another outstanding season.
“Every team is different so you start with some team-building stuff and as far as expectations, you want your kids to play hard and you want to play good technique,” Cuero coach Mark Reeve said. “You want your kids to come together as a team and care about each other. Those are the things that will allow you to be successful.”
Cuero’s breakdowns in the semifinal game were not reflective of its defense as a whole.
The Gobblers did not allow more than two touchdowns in any of their first four playoff games.
“We have a lot of versatility on this defense,” Boothe said. “A lot of people can play different spots and we have speed in those spots so we can play one team and get our bigger guys in there and play a different team and get our speed guys in there. We can give them different looks and still be effective.”
Cuero should continue to be explosive on offense with the return of quarterback Tyler Arndt, fullbacks Troy Ruiz and Jake Rangnow and wide receiver Robert Armstrong.
Reeve’s biggest challenge will be finding a running back to replace Quincey Whittington, who will play at SMU this season.
The candidates include senior Brent Johnson, junior Cole Pargmann, sophomore Andrew Thibodeaux and freshman Trent Jackson.
“I think it’s a deal about waiting for one or two of them to step up and take charge and be that guy who’s going to get those extra three yards or find that guy who can break a long run,” Reeve said. “That six yards, six yards and then it turns into 65. It’s a confidence thing just like any other position. The more confidence you have the better you play.”
The running backs should have time to progress behind an offensive line anchored by Klayton Smith and Dustin Blinka.
“The thing I like about our offensive line is its toughness,” Reeve said. “They’re tough kids. They love to play football and they’re going to play hard. I think as the season goes along they’ll be a dominant force for us.”
The Gobblers have been among the most successful teams in the state over the last four years, but they’re hardly satisfied.
“One or two plays can cost you your season,” Boothe said. “That just makes us work that much harder in practice to make sure we get everything right, make sure we’ve got the coverage right. In any situation, we’re ready and we’re prepared so we make the play instead of the other team.”