The first day of 2-a-Days is in the books for the Reagan County Owls, and Head Coach Kyle Brown is already feeling optimistic about the 2025 season.
Fifty-four players took the field Monday evening for the team’s first official practice, with two more expected to return later in the week. That number keeps the program on pace with previous years and gives the coaching staff a deep enough roster to support a full junior varsity squad.
“It went good. Attitudes were great,” Brown said. “We’ve got 56 on the roster when everyone is here. That’s about where we’ve always been.”
While much of the preseason buzz has centered on how Reagan County will replace last year’s standout senior class, Brown believes this year’s group has what it takes to carve its own identity.
“We’ll be different, for sure,” he said. “In some ways we’ll be a lot better. In other ways, maybe not so much. But we’ll adapt to our personnel.”
One major change will be seen on offense. Instead of last year’s wide-open spread, the Owls will lean on a deep and physical group of running backs. That means more two-back sets, more power runs, and a return to the kind of backfield-centric style that brought Reagan County a district title in 2022.
“We’re loaded at running back,” Brown said. “We’ll still throw it, but we just don’t have the same number of top-end speed guys as we did last year. What we do have is a lot of powerful, explosive kids.”
That explosiveness is measurable. When Brown first arrived in 2021, only four players could power clean 225 pounds — a benchmark the coaching staff sees as a key indicator of football readiness. This year, 13 players cleared that number.
“It’s by far the most we’ve ever had,” Brown said. “The weight room has changed everything.”
Players like Kaden Galindo and Levi Martinez have bulked up while still maintaining speed. Martinez, for example, has gained 10 pounds and now runs a 4.6-second 40-yard dash.
The offensive line looks to be one of the team’s strengths, both in size and mindset.
“They’re not just strong. I think they might have a mean streak this year,” Brown said. “I’m excited to see it.”
While Reagan County graduated several playmakers, a group of younger athletes is already stepping into big roles. Freshman Edgar Jaime earned a spot on varsity after an impressive showing in 7-on-7. Sophomores Ricky Solis, Gavin Reyes, and Kellan Saucedo will also contribute early.
“Kellan is just naturally strong, but he’s been lifting since seventh grade,” Brown said. “That kind of commitment gives him a chance to play varsity right now.”
The Owls will carry just seven seniors this fall, but Brown expects his junior class to help fill the leadership void. Players like Kaden Galindo and Ian Cortez have emerged as vocal leaders, and Brown praised the offseason effort from the entire roster.
Of the 26 projected varsity players, 16 met the summer goal of attending 85 percent or more of the team’s 31 offseason workouts.
“Some of these guys are working full-time jobs and still getting to the weight room at night,” Brown said. “They’re tired of hearing about last year’s guys. This is their team now, and they’re excited.”
The team’s backfield will include Levi Martinez, Isaac Esquivel, Dominic Johnson, Julio Vasquez, and Hector Rios, who returns from an ACL injury suffered last year. Hodge will also take snaps at running back, although Brown plans to use him at receiver as well.
Under center, junior Marquis Vargas will take over at quarterback. He has spent the last two years leading the JV squad and has been a regular in the weight room and on the practice field.
“He hasn’t missed a single workout,” Brown said. “He’s going to have some growing pains, but he’s got a strong offensive line and weapons around him.”
That line will consist of Sergio Salazar, Rodrigo Bernal, Cristian Saucedo and Kellan Saucedo. Coach Brown said there is a lot of competition up front, so the offensive line is not set in stone. Others competing for a spot include Andrew Lopez, Gavin Reyes, Eric Ramirez, Azmatullah Hotak and Juan Saucedo.
The Owls’ outside weapons include Omrie Johnson, Kaden Galindo, John Hodge and Caison Graves. Brown also moved up sophomore Drake Aguero from the junior varsity to help provide depth at receiver and defensive secondary.
The Owls’ defense will feature an aggressive scheme with five defensive backs and attacking linemen. Hector Rios is expected to play the “star” role, a free-roaming position that plays both the run and pass.
“Hector fits that spot perfectly,” Brown said. “We had him back there last year before he got hurt, and he was doing really well.”
Despite losing some key defenders from last year, Brown remains confident.
“We’re stronger up front, our linebackers are solid, and we’ve still got athletes in the secondary,” he said. “We’ll make some early mistakes, but by district play, we’ll be ready.”
Off the field, the team is preparing for a series of events to open the season. “Meet the Owls” will be held Monday, August 18, and the “Details with Dads” event is scheduled for Monday, August 25.
The Owls will open their season with a neutral site game against Olney in Cisco, a team that recently underwent a coaching change. Brown admitted he does not know much about the new-look Cubs, but said that will not change his team’s preparation.
“We won’t know much going in,” he said. “But it’s about us. We’re going to focus on what we do.”
And what Reagan County is doing right now — in the weight room, on the field, and in the locker room — is laying the groundwork for what could be another special season.
