The Meadow Broncos have come a long way in the past three seasons. With 4 returning starters on offense and defense, the Broncos are looking to go deeper into the playoffs. Although last season, the Broncos went 4-7, that losing record doesn’t tell the whole story. The Broncos could’ve won the district outright last season, however, their game against Borden County started out very well, but ended badly. In the 1st quarter, the Broncos took control easily, but when you have six straight turnovers against a team who is historically disciplined, things go the other direction.
The Broncos will have some experience and depth as a senior-heavy class looks to make a deeper playoff run than what 2021 brought. Three seniors will bring some much-needed leadership. With RB Kaleb Sanchez, WR Jimmy German, and QB Tate McBee’s leadership, they will be able to put points up on the scoreboard on any possession. Those seniors will also get some help from Junior WR Paul Franco and Sophomore Logan Casteneda who is the younger brother to former Bronco Standout Niko Casteneda will help the Broncos to new heights.
The Broncos begin week 1 hosting a new opponent, Baird. The Bears are somewhat new to six-man football as they have fallen in enrollment. For a little while, Baird actually fell into 1A numbers but wanted to stay 11-man. That all changed in the 2019 season when they decided to play a six-man outlaw schedule. In 2020 they were placed in a 1A district and made a playoff appearance. Last season, the Bears went 6-3 and missed out on the playoffs. Baird hopes to have more success this year, but their first game is Meadow and they will travel three hours there. Meadow will begin the 1-0
Week 2 brings Borden County back to Meadow and what could be a possible preview of a second-round playoff game between both squads. Meadow is looking to avenge the loss last season and will come out ahead. Week 3 begins a three-week stretch of being the visiting team as the Broncos travel over to Paducah. The Dragons are in DII, but don’t let that fool you. Paducah will give Meadow everything they have, but the Broncos will come out on top.
Week 4 Meadow travels up to northern Hockley County to take on #6 Whitharral. The Panthers boast 6 returning starters on offense and defense from a playoff team a year ago. The Broncos will have their hands full in this one and will come home with a loss. Their final away game in this stretch is Claude. The Mustangs are like Baird as they have not had a lot of 6-man football experience. The past two seasons they went 2-8, so look for the Broncos to exploit their shortcomings and come home with a win.
In week 6, Petersburg will come to Meadow on the Bronco’s Homecoming night. The Buffalo’s are like Claude, there is just not enough to deal with the Broncos’ skill players. Meadow will win their Homecoming. The final game before district action is Buena Vista. This will be the farthest drive for the Broncos, but it should not deter their will to win another game. The drive home might be long, but it’ll be with a win.
Finally, after a much-needed break, the Broncos will enter into district action. First up is O’Donnell. The Eagles lost a lot to graduation, but they do have the Bundy twins who are fast and can hit hard. Meadow will host the Eagles and Coach Conner and company will take a win. In week 10 and the second district game, the Broncos travel over to Whiteface. This game came down to the last seconds last season. The Broncos were down seven points and got the touchdown. Coach Conner could’ve tied the game with a one-point conversion, but decided to use Bronco standout Niko Casteneda to boot the ball through the uprights, and that’s just what happened to give the Bronco two points and win the game. This year’s game will most likely go through the fourth quarter, but the Broncos will win again.
The final game of the regular season and district is when Meadow hosts cross-county rivals Wellman-Union. The Wildcats have renewed hope this season and this is a rivalry game. Look for the Wildcats to give the Broncos some fits, however, due to their youth and inexperience, they will not be able to keep up with the Bronco’s skill players.
District 5-1A DI predictions
- Meadow
- Whiteface
- Wellman-Union
- O’Donnell
