Waddell caught Rigdon’ s attention with Waddell’ s plans for the school district and his strong support for athletics.
Rigdon will be coaching two athletes at Fannindel that he calls“ big-time players.”
Kalob Runnels, who’ ll play running back on offense and what Rigdon called a“ hybrid” position on defense, won state in May in the Class A long jump, setting a new state record with his leap of 23 feet, 1 / 4 inch. Runnels was also fourth in the triple jump and eighth in the 400-meter dash.
“ He is one of the best athletes that I’ ve ever seen,” said Rigdon.“ With the transfer of Kai Hilliard, he is a big-time player.”
Runnels totaled 1,784 yards and 27 touchdowns last season for the 4-7 Falcons, a playoff team.
Hilliard was the quarterback at 6-3 Sanderson last season. He’ s been picked as the preseason Offensive Most Valuable Player in District 10-A-II by Dave Campbell’ s Texas Football Magazine.
Rigdon said Kalob Runnels reminds him a lot of his son Grayson.
“ That kid could be a big-time DI defensive back,” he said. Hilliard will also play linebacker on defense. Rigdon said the Falcons have a“ great group of seniors.”
“ Our jobs as a coach are to make sure they not only win games but are signing letters of intent,” said Rigdon.
Other top players for the Falcons include Noah Trussell, who’ ll play noseguard and linebacker on defense, and defensive end Josh Tinnell.
Last year the Falcons went 1-1 in District 10-A-II play to finish second to Gold-Burg in the threeteam district. Forestburg finished third.
The Falcons then lost their playoff game to Strawn.
Texas Football picked Gold-Burg, which was 7-5 last season, to win the district again with Fannindel in second place and Forestburg in third.
FANNINDEL FALCONS
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