BlancoAC Dowell

As a benefit to Panther fans, and in honor of assistant coaches, pngfootball.com will interview an assistant coach off the Blanco staff. The assistant coach works very hard week in and week out to prepare the Indians to play on Friday nights. Their hard work and intense preparation are important to Blanco's success. Many times they are the ones who develop close relationships with their football pupils, and their coaching duties put them on the front lines in game preparation.

Many times the assistant coach goes unrecognized in his contribution to Indian football. At pngfootball.com, we appreciate and recognize the work done by the assistant coaches. This is their page.

On the Offensive and Defensive Line

This is probably the best group of linemen we've had that I've ever been fortunate enough to coach. I'm not just talking about skills, but attitude, work ethic, understanding their role, and just pure athletic ability.

Ernie Rios (LT)--I was very proud of Ernie. He didn't get a whole lot of playing time last year. A big key for us was he stepped in and played that position and made first team All District.

Jason Goodwin (RG)--Jason was a big key, because it allowed Brandon Culton and Laird Frantzen to focus defensively, and not carry as large a load on by them on the offensive side of the ball. He gave us some speed at guard, which is what we're looking for. Our second fastest guy needs to be our right guard.

Curtis Rust (RT)--Both Curtis and Jason were backs at one time, and we convinced them to become guards and tackles. That was very big to convince them to become a lineman. Curtis was the veteran of the line this year. He had the most experience coming in.

Wyatt Finch (LG)--Wyatt was a really pleasant surprise, because we were concerned about his size, but he played way larger than what he is and did a tremendous job. Wyatt will be one of the kids coming back next year, so we're excited he's coming back.

Houston Baumgartner (C)--He did a tremendous job--making sure we get the snap. Steady performer. Always reliable. Could count on Houston to get out of him every snap.

Sean Pruett (TE)--Sean did a ton of blocking--it was extremely important what we did with his blocking ability. He was just awesome.

Chris Bibb (SE)--Chris played split end and tight end. He gave us some versatility.

Robert Flores (SE)--Robert did a great job. He wasn't real big, but for his size we put him in a lot of awkward situations, but he's a blocking dude. He will cut you down.

Adam Campos (DT)--300 pounds. It's amazing a 300 pound guy can move like Adam can. He made tackles on sweeps and also draws a lot of double teams. That pretty much freed up our middle linebacker.

Laird Frantzen and A J Mann (DE)--They were phenomenal in taking on blocks and keeping people contained and making tackles. Making all kinds of tackles. They pressured the quarterback well.

On the State Playoff Run

I'm so happy for our kids and community. It starts with the parents. We have great parents who support our kids. We appreciate the support of the administration. That's big. It's nice to know people count on you and believe in you. We just have fun. All the pressure and all--we don't feel that. Because we're having fun with all we're doing, and I think that rubs off on our kids.