Breaking the stigma
“ We’ re due. There’ s no doubt about that.”
Entering his fifth season as Weatherford’ s head coach, Aubrey Sims can’ t help but chuckle when he reminisces on his time with the program.
As one of the smallest 6A schools, there’ s been no room for error for the Roos in a district filled with nationally ranked prospects and the defending 6A Div. I state champions, North Crowley.
Sims called the Roos’ 2-8 record in 2024“ embarrassing,” the worst year he’ s had as a head coach. Last season was the continuation of Weatherford falling victim to the injury bug, as quarterback Cutter Kennedy went down in the summer and running back DJ Quimby picked up a season-ending injury in week one.
“ There’ s so many things that are out of your control,” said Sims.“ We can’ t control injuries, so it’ s a good lesson for these guys this year that may not be a starter on day one, but you’ ve got to be ready to play.”
A collective feeling of the 2-8 record weighs heavily on the minds of the Roos as they enter 2025; however, offensive linemen Rhett Gray said the team looks at the results, uses it as a way to hold Weatherford accountable and build off of it.
As the top leader of the Roos, according to wide receiver Robert Mask, Gray is part of a senior group that’ s trying to be more vocal this season.
“ He [ Gray ] always pushes everyone to be the best and I see it transferring to other players,” said Mask.
Alongside Gray is one of the defensive leaders in defensive end / outside linebacker Kade Burlison.
Calling the 2024 season“ not fun,” Burlison sensed the air leave the program’ s body after the first loss of the season.
08 FIRST DOWN | AUGUST 2025