Stanton Looking for a Breakout Season

 STANTON -- The Stanton Buffaloes finished last season 5-5 and missed out on the playoffs. But they have 14 returning starters for a team that looks to improve on that record.

 "We started a lot of young sophomores last year on the offensive line," said Head Coach John Peterson, "and we had some juniors filling in at the skilled positions and so those kids are coming back with great experience. So we're expecting them to have a breakout season."

 "We've got a little more experience this year and that's going to help out," said Senior Running Back Black Evans. "We've got more kids who've stepped up this year. We have the talent, we have the potential, we just have to go out there and do it."

 "I feel the hungry," said Senior Safety Seth Gonzales. "We have a lot of intensity coming out here. The beginning was real slow but we picked up on it and we're getting after it."

 The Buffaloes are glad to have back Evans, who missed all of last season after tearing his ACL. But he's back feeling better then ever and hoping to be a leader on this team.

 "It was the worst feeling in the world," he said. "I would not wish anyone to feel that. It's a hard thing to do to see your team go out there and you not be able to do anything."

 And with teams like Alpine and Crane joining the district to go along with powerhouse Sonora, the Buffaloes are going to need Evans and the rest of the team to step up if they are to make it to the playoffs.

 "I think our district will prepare us for our playoff run for sure," said Peterson. "I predict that whoever wins this district will have a great run throughout the playoffs"

 Stanton opens the season August 31st at home against Denver City.