Wickenburg High has a rich tradition of successful football teams that dates back to the 1930's - winning nearly 75% of its games.  The Wranglers have made nine consecutive appearances in the state playoffs, and finished the 2005 campaign with an 11-2 record and appearance in the 3A State playoff semi-finals.  Head coach Norris Vaughan, in his second year at the helm, welcomed back 16 lettermen and 13 starters (7 offense, 6 defense).  A very strong senior and junior class was bolstered by players back from a undefeated (9-0) JV team.  Coach Vaughan spent 29 years (21 as a head coach) in prep talent rich Georgia.  He is a firm believer in utilizing a balanced attack on offense.  In their 8 games to date, they have scored 333 points (42 per game).  Coach's comments about the players are in quotes.

 

'It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at  worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.'  

- Theodore Roosevelt (Wrangler football program)

 

The key offensive playmaker is captain and senior RB Scott McKeever (6-foot-1, 210 lbs, 3.3 GPA).  He is "strong, quick, athletic, and has an excellent work ethic.  Scott benches 340 lbs, squats 500 lbs 4 times, and power cleans 290 lbs.  In addition, he runs a 4.6 forty."  His sparkling stats through the first 8 games include:  1, 057 yards, 15 TD's (9.03 average), and a conference leading 94 points.  Highly versatile, he received 1st team All-State recognition last year as a DE.  A starter since his freshman year, he is being pursued by the likes of Oregon, San Diego State, Nevada, and Colorado State.  Included on his resume' is participation on the school's basketball and track teams.  Fellow senior backfield mate Jeff Adler (5-foot-11, 180 lbs, 3-0 GPA) is a two-year starter, with "quickness, anticipation, and the ability to 'cut on a dime'."  This dual threat has rushed for 620 yards and 5 TD's, while hauling in passes totaling 267 yards (averaging 25 per catch).  On the other side of the ball, Jeff returns as a 1st team All-State LB.  "He is a big hitter, a sure tackler, and his reaction skills are exceptional."  His 100 plus tackles this year are leading the conference. 

 

The QB is junior Drew Vaughan (5-foot-11, 160 lbs, 3.8 GPA).  As a sophomore last year, Drew threw for over 1,300 yards, and was named to the 2nd team All-Region team at QB.  He is "very accurate, cool in the pocket, shows good touch on the ball", and this coach's son has "a keen knowledge of the game".  Passing stats through 8 games this year are:  1,100 yards, 14 TD's, and a sparkling 120 QB rating.  His key target is senior WR Tyler Murphy (6-foot-0, 170 lbs, 3.5 GPA).  This 1st team All-Conference and honorable mention All-State athlete is also a three-year starter.  He has "4.65 speed, and can really go up for the ball.  Tyler has reached the end zone this year from the WR position, and took one to the house on a punt return.  He has 511 receiving yards (17 per catch), and 7 TD's this year.    He has excellent leadership qualities, and plays on the school basketball and baseball teams. 

 

Two senior offensive linemen lead the charge.  Two-year starter Flint Miller (5-foot-11, 185 lbs, 3.2 GPA) is "quick, and leads the conference with 10 sacks".  His teammates really rally around this "tough, intense player.  He is a top pass rusher, who probably acquired those skills as a result of his passion for rodeo competition."  DT Trey Byrd (6-foot-0, 220 lbs) is "athletic and strong."  This two-year starter has "a great feel for the game, pursues with a vengeance, and plays smart."  Trey is also a 1st team All-State performer in baseball.  Sophomore LG Blake Crissman (6-foot-2, 225 lbs, 3.3 GPA) is "strong, and has good work habits."  He also wrestles and does track (shot, discus).  

 

The defense has some top underclassmen.  Junior LB Kellen Henderson (6-foot-0, 195 lbs) is a "fierce tackler, who plays hard on every down.  He is probably the hardest hitter on the team.  When Kellen plays FB, he becomes an excellent blocker in our plays."  The starting safety is sophomore Sheldon Murphy (5-foot-9, 155 lbs).  He is an "excellent athlete, and has a nose for the ball."  A solid leader at corner is senior Ben Root (5-foot-9, 180 lbs).  The kicker is junior Dereck Sievert (6-foot-0, 185 lbs), who has 4 FG's to his credit this year.  Other players that will start or see considerable playing time include:  TE/CB Dallas Mills (6-foot-2, 175 lbs, Soph), TE/DE Josh Bergman (6-foot-0, 190 lbs, Sr), CB Jordan Pullei (5-foot-9, 140 lbs, soph), OL/DL Matt Deacon (6-foot-0, 230 lbs, Jr), OL/DL Timmy Limon (5-foot-10, 190 lbs, Sr), OL/DL Mike Miller (6-foot-2, 310 lbs, Jr), and OL/DL James Bassett (6-foot-2, 260 lbs, Sr). 

 

The coaching staff is top notch.  It consists of:  Frank Macias (RB/LB), Kiel Littell (OL/DL), Tadd Nixon (WR/K/special teams), Steve Romero (DB/WR), Sean Young (JV linemen), Roger Peterson (JV Head Coach), and Barney Hayes (def/JV).  The team is off to a blazing 8-0 start, with contests against Parker (H), and Sedona (A) left to complete an unblemished regular season record.  Coach Vaughan adds, "This is a battle-tested group, with excellent leadership in the upper classes."  Firmly attached to the portion of the program that highlights the Class of 2007 players is this Revolutionary War inscription:  "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.  What we attain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; it is adversity that gives everything its value.    

- Thomas Payne