By BLAKE WOOD 
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net

The 2014 season was a bit of a down year for the five county teams as only one team reached the postseason – compared to the four who did the same in 2013.
Nocona was especially hit the hardest.
Two seasons after finishing 12-1, and one game away from a state championship appearance, losing so many seniors caught up to the Indians as the team went winless in a tough district.
“I knew we’d drop off a little,” said head coach Brad Keck. “It was a really tough schedule all the way through as well.”
Two factors led to the Indians rough 2014: Inexperience and injuries. 
Kyle Sentell, who was playing two unfamiliar positions to him, was the only player to play both ways through most of the season. Nocona basically had to fill 21 positions with players who had never seen varsity action.
One would assume the morale of a very young team would take a hit with one loss after another; it was something Keck acknowledged and addressed as the season progressed.
“Our main goal was to just keep improving week by week; I feel like they did a good job doing that. Hopefully it’s something to build from looking forward.”
The biennial realignment did Nocona no favors either. 
Nocona (0-10, 0-7) was placed in 2-3A DII with seven other teams including defending state champion Cisco and Eastland, another recent powerhouse.

Editor’s Note: Read the rest of this story, and see the all-county football team in the weekend Bowie News in print and with your electronic subscription.

Ryder Nobile (right) was a bright spot for the Nocona High School football team this season. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)