UNDEFEATED!
New Coach Brings New Expectations for Loboes
    By Steven Richardson

After winning their first opening game in eight years and moving to 5-0 on the season, the hype around the Monahans Loboes is beginning to grow.  With a new coach and a new system, the Loboes are banking on their new attitude to push them back into the state playoffs. 

~~Picture by Bill Davison~~

"We don't get caught up in the (hype),"  said new Head Coach Mickey Owens, who returns to Monahans after a ten year absence.

Owens has brought the Wing T offense back to the Loboes and an exciting new defense that involves more aggression and less reading.   Monahans 28-0 win over Merkel in the season opener was the Loboes first varsity win over Merkel, and more importantly, a great step in a new direction.

The Loboes have dominated their opponents, outscoring them 193-55.  The Loboes offense averages 396.4 yards a game with most of their yards on the ground averaging 277.6 yards per game while averaging 118.8 yards in the air.

Fullback Sam Graves leads the team in rushing averaging 92.6 yards a game followed by tailback Chris Roberson, who averages 81.6 a game.

Receivers Chris Collins and Chris Bates lead the team in receiving yards with Collins catching 6 for 154 yards and Bates with 4 catches and 131 yards.

Quarterback Chase Cornelius averages 103.4 yards a game in the air and 2.6 on the ground, while his backup, Kenny Almanza, averages 15.4 yards in the air and 12.2 on the ground.

The Lobo defense has stifled their opponents, giving up a paltry 109 yards and 11 points per game.  Larry Jasso leads the defense with 40 tackles, followed closely by TJ Brooks with 37, Chris Collins with 33, and Steven Richardson with 31.

Collins, Bates, Devin Fann, and and Anthony Cota each have two interceptions for the year.  Cota has cause two fumbles and Jasso has recovered two.  Brooks is leading the team in QC sacks followed closely by Jasso and Blake Whisnand.

The new coach said the goals he wants to accomplish are a win the first district game, win the District Championship, and get to play in December.

"I don't care what our season record is as long as we win the District Championship."  Owens said.

Since leaving Monahans in 1995, Owens has been as assistant coach in Odessa and Lampasas and made head coaching stops in Rankin and Ballinger.

"It's great to be back in Monahans."  Owens said. "It was really like coming back home.  It's a great school and has great people."

Coach Owens points back to their work ethic, pride, and attitude as factors that put the Loboes ahead of the pack in athletics.

keyed by Kari Wilkinson, Sophomore