Breckenridge Buckaroos earn 3-3A all-district honors

December 06

12:17 2024

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By Brant Thurmond/Breckenridge Texan

With the final team of District 3-3A (Jim Ned) eliminated from the Class 3A football playoffs last week, the official post-season all-district honors were announced by Buckaroo head coach Casey Pearce shortly after Jim Ned defeat.

The Breckenridge High School Buckaroo varsity football team celebrates their win over San Angelo-TLCA earlier this fall. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Despite a 1-4 district record and missing a trip to the post season, the Breckenridge Buckaroos were well represented with the all-district honors.

“It was nice to see we were represented and noticed in District 3-3A,” Pearce said. “Some may feel we were not represented enough, but you need to win ball games and not just play halves to be recognized. We have a good football district, and our kids represented us the right way.”

Earning First Team All-District honors on the offensive side of the ball were seniors Sawyer Wimberley (RB), Fabricio Davila (OL) and Antley Rodgers (OL).

“We are proud of those seniors. They battled and their effort was recognized by the other coaches,” Pearce said. “I am proud of how this senior class stuck together through some humbling times. They are better for it, but it still ‘stings’ to have been through it.”

Earning First Team All-District defensive honors were juniors Douglas White (DL) and Jaime Cruz (S).

White was selected to the offensive second team All-District at tight end and was joined by juniors Joseph Juneau (QB), Christian Flores (RB) and Cameron David (WR), as well.

The Buckaroos had two seniors and three juniors earn Second Team All-District defensive honors. They included seniors Oliziah Reyes (DL), Sr. Kennet Medina (CB), juniors Christian Flores (ILB), Jack McKay (ILB) and Cameron David (S).

Having multiple juniors earn the recognition and respect from opposing coaches in the district, Pearce says he is happy to have them returning in 2025 and looking forward to them growing as football players.

“I am glad to say we have them back for 2025,” Pearce said. “We must build around their abilities and successes. We must get better and play at a higher level next season. We must get tired of losing games. Our determination needs to evolve through the actions of our returners and their abilities. These guys will now have a target on their backs, but they have the demeanor to live up to the expectations they have set for themselves.”

It was a special year for Pearce as a father and as a coach in 2024 as his son Gunnar Pearce received Second Team All-District honors as an inside linebacker.

“We are proud that he was fortunate enough to make it as a defensive selection. He catches plenty of criticism and handles it the right way,” Pearce said. “Sometimes, he catches the brunt of frustration and takes it for the team, but that is how he has been raised, and that is the expectations of a coach’s kid. Take it and keep moving.

“Coaches’ kids don’t get the opportunity to be hurt and not practice or not take criticism from coaches, teammates, and fans,” Pearce continued. “He better embrace the expectations he has and keep proving people wrong.”

Buckaroo AJ Franco received First Team All-District honors as a punter for the Buckaroos, and Sawyer Wimberley received First Team All-District honors as a kicker for the Buckaroos, as well.

Those receiving honorable mention all-district honors included Brandon Niblett (OL), Joacim Fernandez (OL), Ethan Thornton (OL), Riley Noble (OL) Jack McKay (RB), Hayden Mendoza (RB) and Ryan Mendoza (RB) on the offensive side.

Defensive honorable mention all-district recipients included Glen Thibodeaux (DL), Ethan Thornton (DL), AJ Franco (DL), Sawyer Wimberley (CB), Erik Saucedo (CB) and Ryan Mendoza (S).

Earning academic all-district honors were Zage Gravitt, Jaxon Escalon, Jack McKay, Sawyer Wimberley, Antley Rodgers, Cameron David, Gunnar Pearce and Damien Reynolds.

(Above photos courtesy of Breckenridge Independent School District)

Cutline, top photo: The Breckenridge Buckaroos, featured in this group photo at the beginning of the 2024 season, had several players receive 3-3A all-district honors. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)