ALEDO, Texas — For the first time in 30 years, Tim Buchanan and Steve Wood are not involved with the coaching of the Aledo Bearcats football program.
It would seem they're still doing quite well.
The No. 1 Aledo Bearcats are off to a 7-0 start in the first year with Robby Jones as the head coach, including a 5-0 start to district play. On Friday, they'll look to continue that strong start, as they host one of the top teams within their district, Burleson Centennial.
You can watch the game live on our streaming platform WFAA+. WFAA+ is available on Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also watch the game right here on WFAA.com, or on our WFAA YouTube channel.
The Spartans come in at 5-1 on the year and sporting a flexbone triple-option offense that can be difficult to contain. Led by quarterback Iverson Moore, the Spartans are averaging 32 points per game and have established themselves as one of the main challengers within District 3-5A Div. I, along with Denton Ryan and Northwest.
But they're all chasing Aledo.
The Bearcats have won 10 state championships in the past 14 seasons. They're riding a 21-game winning streak. They're the No. 1 team in the state, and the unquestioned favorite to win a title again in 2023.
Led by Hauss Hejny, the Bearcats offense hasn't scored fewer than 38 points all season and averages better than 55 points per game. Ray Guillory leads the way for the Bearcats run game. Kaydon Finley, Trace Clarkson, and Hawk Patrick-Daniels are dangerous weapons on the exterior, and Hejny pulls all the strings brilliantly.
Defensively, the Bearcats are led by stud linebacker Dahvon Keys, defensive end Cooper Kohan, and an all-veteran secondary of Chris Johnson, Boogie Owens, Jake Gillespie, and Jaden Allen.
Centennial's defense has been very strong in 2023, allowing just over 13 points per game, led by defensive end Jack Long and linebacker Blaine Smith. Safeties Aidan Hicks and Iverson Moore both play both ways, and are impact players on offense and defense.
Kickoff on Friday night is at 7 p.m. Our pregame show will begin at 6:50 p.m.
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