MANCOS – As the memories of an unprecedented championship season continue to linger entering the 2024 season, a single question begins to surface across the state football landscape: What do the Jays have for an encore?
Following a year where Mancos overpowered opposition on their way to the school’s first ever title in football, Bluejays coach Josh Gardner and his coaching staff bring back a wealth of talent for a team looking to establish its own identity this autumn.
The Bluejays established a style of smash-mouth football under Gardner, now in his seventh year. Few opponents have found an answer in recent years, and the Jays hope that their domination at the point of attack will inspire another strong season.
Up front, juniors Colten Vannest and Adam Martinez have turned into an unstoppable tandem on the offensive line, and the duo will serve as the fulcrum for a new Bluejays backfield.
After graduating their starting collection at quarterback, fullback and tailback, Gardner will turn to senior Brandon Vannest and junior Evan Woody in an open competition for the starting quarterback job.
“Evan’s so elusive and hard to tackle, while Brandon has knowledge of every position and what their assignment is, because he’s played each of them himself,” Gardner said.
All-state junior sprinter Jonah Ritter appears to be ready to shoulder the load with touches in the backfield, while senior Kaiden Wyatt shifts from tight end to fullback to lead a punishing attack.
“Jonah has such great breakaway speed, and Kaiden’s a steamroller, and we’re hoping that we’re able to control the line of scrimmage to give our backfield that room to run,” Gardner said.
As good as the offense was last year, the defense proved to be equally fierce, with a sturdy defensive line leading the way. According to Gardner, senior Tilden Begay will look to rise into a prominent role in a secondary that will see significant turnover from last fall.
Even with the stable of strong returning players, the Jays will see plenty of underclassmen emerging into prominent roles this fall. But with the team’s work ethic, Gardner fully expects the rising athletes will be prepared for a seamless transition. Assistant coach Justin Wyatt steps in to a play-calling role as longtime coach Alan Mathews stepped back from his role as offensive coordinator.
Despite last year’s incredible ride, the players and coaching staff on this year’s squad are ready to etch their own legacy.
“I was so impressed by last year’s team consistency, and their ability to play as a selfless group,” Gardner said. “But ever since we switched focus to this year, we started talking about how this is a new team and a new dynamic.”
Gardner credits defensive coordinator Jarrod Wyatt for helping the Bluejays make that shift, particularly through the offseason workout programs, and his upperclassmen leaders for buying into that regimen.
Mancos’ schedule will feature a series of postseason regulars.
The Bluejays will open 2024 against New Mexico’s defending 8-man state champion, Melrose, on Aug. 30. Mancos will then head to Fairplay for neutral site contests against Sedgwick County and Merino before league play commences on Sept. 26 at Dolores.
The home schedule kicks off with a huge Mountain League clash against Dove Creek on Oct. 4. The Bluejays will then face another playoff-caliber nonleague opponent with a trip to Vail Christian.
Mancos will close out the regular season against Sanford, Norwood and Sargent, with the hope that Bluejay Stadium later serves as the backdrop for another postseason run.
“Brandon Vannest shared a message with our guys this offseason: this is a different team, and we get to write our own history,’ and now we get to prove ourselves every day on the field,” Gardner said.
