Merkel Badgers vs. Colorado City Wolves

The third and final game of the 2011 Action Sports Medicine Champions Classic features the Merkel Badgers against the Colorado City Wolves. It’s expected to be a barn-burner featuring two of the best Class 2A teams in the state.

Both teams are coming off of excellent seasons: The Badgers finished 5-1 in district and were area finalists in the playoffs. The Wolfpack went undefeated in district and was a regional semifinalist in the playoffs. Both are predicted to again finish first in their districts.

“On paper, this game is as good as it gets,” said Abilene Reporter-News sportswriter Evan Ren. “This is the best Merkel team Kieth Mullins has put together – period!

And Colorado City has a better offense than last year - which is saying a lot. But Coach (Frank) Johnson believes in his defense, and it’s one of the best in the state in Class 2A.”

The Wolves are loaded with returning talent: 7 starters on offense and 4 on defense and a total of 24 returning lettermen. Tops among them is all-everything Derek Gainey. From the quarterback position, he connected on 148-of-243 passes for 2,154 yards, 21 TDs and only 9 INTS in 2010. He also rushed for 215 yards and 2 more TDs, and he’s a force to be reckoned with at defensive back. Not only that, but he was 4-of-4 in field goals last season.

Others on the Wolfpack to watch include: Rafael Gonzalez who leads the defense from his tackle position, but also gives Gainey great protection from the offensive line; wide receiver Tyler Lorenz (22-421, 4 TDs); and running back Nathan Jackson (22-147).

Kieth Mullins’ Badgers are also loaded with a top hoss: running back Frankie Harris. In 11 games last season, he scampered 288 times for 2,088 yards and 18 TDs. He’s just one of 14 returning starters (7 each on offense and defense).

Baylor Mullins, who was Merkel’s top receiver last season with 18 catches for 172 yards and 2 TDs, is expected to see a lot of time at quarterback this season, as well as action from his defensive back position.

MORE SOON: Including pre-season stories from the Abilene Reporter-News.