Snyder had playoff success, set records in last decade

Snyder has survived a series of ups and downs during the last 10 years.

In 2007, Snyder tied the school record for wins in a season and advanced to the state semifinals.

Running back Will Clay broke the school’s single game rushing record at Hereford. The record was previously held by his father, Will Clay Sr. The younger Clay also set a season rushing record.

Success continued with playoff runs in 2008, 2010 and 2011. The Tigers missed the postseason in 2012 and qualified in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Cory Mandrell, who was the offensive coordinator from 2007-11, returned to become head coach in 2016. Snyder qualified for the playoffs in Mandrell’s first season.

Chad Rogers, the winningest coach in school history, left for Denison after the 2011 season. Rogers credited the players and his coaching staff for the program’s success.

“We had players with pride,” Rogers said. “Coach (David) Baugh built the program’s foundation before I became head coach in 2002. Ten players from those years are now in coaching. I liked our record against two of the best programs around — Wylie and Sweetwater. We were 4-2 against Wylie in district games. There were a lot of big games and great players. It was not me, but the players, the coaching staff and community support.”

Rogers said he never will forget the community support for the program.

“We had a lot of positives before 2004,” Rogers said. “I remember the first state semifinal game when we left town with thousands of people watching us. The best thing is all of the players have been successful in life. Other than marrying Leeann and the births of my two children, the best thing that happened to me when I became head coach and athletic director at Snyder.”

Lance Day, who started on the varsity at middle linebacker and then safety as a freshman in 2004, said support from older players taught him a valuable lesson.

“I remember when coach Rogers told me I would be playing on the varsity,” Day said. “It blew me away. I was overwhelmed and didn’t think I could. I always looked up to Lico (Casteel) and Zack (Garcia). They took me under their wings and said ‘let’s go.’ They believed in me like the coaches did. When I was a senior, I knew when younger players moved up that I had to do the same thing for them.”

Day said his experience at Snyder benefitted his baseball career. He played at Midland College and later signed with the University of Houston. Day completed his college career at the University of Texas-Arlington.

“When getting to our senior year, losing never entered our minds,” Day said. “We played teams with better athletes and beat them. It was a fun time. We were upset that we lose to Celina (in the state semifinals), but most teams would have been happy to go five rounds in the playoffs.”

Day said Allen Jones was the smallest guy on the line, but he stepped in during his senior year to play center.

“Allen never complained and worked hard,” Day said. “I probably weighed more than he did. I had a lot of respect for him because of the way he handled playing with those four big guys on the line.”

Day said the community support always gave Snyder an extra edge.

“It was a good feeling with all of those people watching us,” Day said. “They expected us to win every game. We knew they were there for us.”

Keenon Ward played running back his sophomore season in 2009 and started at quarterback as a junior and senior.

Ward signed with Texas Tech and started three years at safety. He credited Snyder for helping his transition to defense for the Red Raiders.

“Playing at Snyder gave me an edge over other college players,” Ward said. “We played in front of the entire town every Friday night. I would not have been the same player if I played somewhere else.”

Ward said all of the wins were memorable, especially those against Sweetwater and Wylie.

“There is no better feeling than beating Sweetwater,” Ward said. “I remember beating them every year. Wylie was always a good team and we beat them my last two years. I will remember those wins forever. I played in a lot of big college stadiums, but I will always remember playing in front of Snyder fans at Tiger Stadium.”

Ward said the players became friends.

“We live all across Texas now and don’t see each other often, but we always talk football when getting together,” Ward said. “Our senior year was special. We won one game as freshmen and pulled together with hard work. Winning 11 straight games was special and we always talk about it.”

Ward credited Rogers and other coaches for his success.

“Coach Rogers and coach Mandrell pushed me,” Ward said. “I didn’t appreciate it in high school, but realized it helped at Tech. I didn’t like doing the defensive back drills in high school, but it helped me at the college level.”

Skillett Rinehart played for two different head coaches — Rogers and Aubrey Sims, and said he never wanted to play for another school.

“I was a receiver and outside linebacker in  2011 and held for field goals and extra points,” Rinehart said. “It was great to catch passes from Kennon and becoming a part of the winning tradition at Snyder. Coach Rogers made everything matter and helped me to mature at a younger age. It carried over after high school.”

Rinehart said he will not forget the 2011 season.

“Snyder football was the talk of the town,” Rinehart said. “We played in a lot of big games. I remember winning at Wylie and the loss to Shallowater during the playoffs in double overtime.”

Rinehart said he also enjoyed playing for Sims.

“It was a good experience,” Rinehart said. “I loved playing for coach Sims for two years. One of the best memories was my senior year beating Sweetwater. The game is a rivalry and fun.”

Rinehart said he made lifelong friendships during his playing career at Snyder.

“I will remember those guys forever,” Rinehart said. “We built a bond by playing football together. It can never take it away from us. It was like a brotherhood.”