Now Head Coach, Ross Has Greater Aspirations for Longhorns

After his offense led W.T. White to its highest-scoring season in program history, Kenchee Ross was eager to continue the upward trajectory.

So, when coach Tony Johnson left for Copperas Cove, Ross earned the opportunity to take over a team that made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in more than four decades.

The Longhorns return several starters from a team that averaged 42.4 points per game before a three-game losing streak to end the season, culminating in a bi-district defeat against Denton Ryan.

“I’m pleased with where we are at. We’ve got some solid players,” said Ross, a former longtime assistant at perennial power Lancaster. “I think we’re right there on the verge of taking the next step.”

Dual-threat quarterback Jaydyn Sisk assumed the starting role last season and threw for more than 1,200 yards with 13 touchdowns. Although several other top-skill players graduated, Justin Joof can line up at multiple spots on both sides of scrimmage. Tyler Norris anchors a physical offensive line that offers depth in the trenches.

On defense, WTW will incorporate a 3-4 formation to build on the development it showed last season when it limited five opponents to 12 or fewer points.

Among the standouts are sophomore linebacker Markavious Justice, plus defensive backs J’Coi Ware — who grabbed seven interceptions a year ago — and hard-hitting Gabe Jones.

“I’m a confident guy, but the confidence is earned,” Ross said. “We need to put in the work to be successful. We’ve got to kick the door down.”