Windthorst’s state championship teams share some common traits.
Each one tends to have a dynamic playmaker at quarterback. Most have a veteran offensive line that may not boast a lot of size but have strength, technique and grit to spare.
The defenses feature a veteran group, often led by an undersized playmaker, playing a sound scheme and making everything hard for opposing offenses.
To be fair, that’s the profile for many state championship teams and not exclusive to Windthorst.
The point being: Windthorst fits that description in 2025 and expectations are high because of it.
“It’s the weight you’ve got to bear when you have so many returning lettermen and starters,” Windthorst coach Chris Tackett said. “We’ve thought for a long time that this group had a lot of potential. It’s time for them to act on it.”
Having the talent to win a state title is one thing. Putting it all together and actually winning a championship — like the 2020 Trojans did — is another. It’s easy to forget that group played two playoff games — against Albany and Wellington — that could have easily resulted in a season-ending loss.
Region II-2A Division II certainly has its fair share of challengers, including reigning state champion Muenster, which the Trojans play in Week 3 of the regular season. Collinsville ended Windthorst’s season in the third round of last year’s playoffs and return numerous starters. And discount perennial state title contender Albany at your own peril.
“There’s a lot of really good teams in this region,” Tackett said. “It’s kind of about who you catch first in the playoffs, but you’ve got to go through those teams to get to where you want to be. It’s a dogfight with those guys. I like to think we’re right there to be talked about with all of them.”
Offense
Windthorst’s offense starts with junior quarterback Brock Belcher, entering his third season as the Trojans’ starter behind center. In two seasons, Belcher has completed 62% of his passes for 5,166 yards, 72 TDs and 13 interceptions. He’s also rushed for 1,950 yards and 23 TDs on 336 carries.
He’ll at least go down as the most prolific quarterback in Windthorst history.
The Trojans believe they have developed quality options at running back to complement Belcher in Hunter Anderle and Adam Barton. The Trojans are experienced at receiver, boasting size with Jaxon Stark (6-4, 207) and Daxton Anderson (6-1, 162). A healthy Conner Schreiber (5-10, 181) should play a key role in the slot.
Windthorst returns five lettermen on the offensive line who at least have a lot of playing time if they weren’t starters. Aiden McQuerry is the anchor at center with Eddie Vieth and Max Kolar slotting in at guard. Landon Hill and Joel Azua are the two tackles.
Defense
The Trojans base out of an odd front that can easily transition into an even look with Hill playing the hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end role.
Barton, Schreiber and Stark give the Trojans as strong of a linebacking corps as any team in the area regardless of classification.
Hayden Cavazos often draws praise from opposing coaches for his ability at defensive end, while Kolar and Vieth will also play on the line.
Belcher and Anderson are the primary safeties with Aiden Stark and Brodie Belz starting at corner.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: High school football preview: Windthorst looks to showcase championship pedigree in 2025
Reporting by Jonathan Hull, Wichita Falls Times Record News / Wichita Falls Times Record News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
