Bowie QB Rayder Mann trades "Superman plays" for leadership as Rabbits chase first playoff berth since 2017 in loaded District 4-3A DI.
Bowie football coach Tyler Price has compared Rayder Mann to Superman.
But Price isn’t looking for the Mann of Steel. He needs a quarterback.
“As a quarterback, you have to be a leader in some aspect — whether you want to or not,” Price said. “He’s finally starting to become that vocal leader and true field general. I felt like before he was just out there trying to be Superman — wear a cape and make big plays all the time.
“He’s starting to play in control and learning to control the offense and the game.”
Mann completed 123 of 214 passes for 1,628 yards, 18 TDs and eight interceptions last season, yet his experience and growth — both physically and mentally — is key to Bowie being viewed as a legitimate postseason contender for the first time since 2017.
“When you go from 1-9 (in 2023) to 5-5 (in 2024), expectations are going to go up,” Price said. “Our JV has gone 9-1 and 8-2 the last two years. Our expectations are high. They are set high by us as coaches.
“It’s going to be a new challenge every week, and we’re going to run to that challenge.”
Bowie’s path to the postseason is more difficult than most, though. The Rabbits play in District 4-3A Division I, one of the deepest and most competitive in the classification.
Paradise remains the favorite after playing for a state championship last season, while Vernon returns more speed than any other team in the district. Peaster, Ponder and Iowa Park are also viewed as postseason contenders.
“I think Dave Campbell’s named it one of their ‘Districts of Doom,’” Price said. “It’s not going to be easy. We know that. We have to be ready to compete every week if we want to make the playoffs.”
Offense
Price called junior tailback Lane Whitfield the “most complete back we’ve had in years,” because of his ability as a receiving threat.
The Rabbits have impressive depth at receiver, starting with junior Tyler Richey who led the team in 2024 with 636 yards and nine TDs on 48 receptions. Hunter Rodriguez and Bradly Horton also return, while sophomore Finn Riddle is a breakout candidate.
Noah Metzler will be used as a tight end, with coaches excited by what he can add to the offense.
The Rabbits have three returning starters on the offensive line in center Trae Seigler, left guard Jett Black and left tackle Cody West. Junior Bear Combs is likely starting at right guard with junior Luis Covarrubias and sophomore Korbin Grady competing at right tackle.
Defense
Bowie bases out of a 3-4 scheme, and Metzler, a senior defensive end, is the headliner. He led the Rabbits with 86 tackles and five sacks last season. He’ll be joined up front by junior Tyson Jordan at nose guard and junior Willie Brown at the other end spot.
Linebacker may be the Rabbits’ most impressive position group, with four returning starters. Whitfield and Griffin Richey are the inside backers, while Tyler Richey and Bradly Horton start outside. Colton Dosch and Kyle Keeler provide depth.
The secondary also boasts experience and depth with two-year starter Hunter Rodriguez headlining the group at safety. Price described Rodriguez as the overall team leader. Grant Kirkland will also start at safety, while Riddle, Keeler, Jaxon Starnes and Mann will all figure into the cornerback positions.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: 2025 Bowie Jackrabbits high school football preview, schedule
Category: General Sports
