Hot start, new coach inject optimism into Hornets

Beatty’s boys basketball and baseball programs have been among the best Class 1A programs in the state in recent years.

It’s been a different story in football, with the Hornets posting a combined 3-13 the past two seasons.

But new Beatty football coach James Robertson hopes his team is on course to joining other teams on campus in the winning circle.

The Hornets are off to a 2-0 start, after winning only one game a year ago. Beatty opens 1A Southern League play at home against Round Mountain (2-1) on Friday at 7 p.m.

“We did well in basketball and baseball the last year or two,” Robertson said. “(Football was) under the radar. I think that we want to know that we can play all sports.”

Through two games, Beatty is playing as well as it has in years.

The Hornets opened the season by rallying for a 20-18 home win over Tonopah. After a bye, they followed up with a 32-14 victory at Sandy Valley.

“I thought we’d be under the radar,” Robertson said. “We had a couple freshmen who I thought had some talent. We had some speed, and so far it’s worked.”

Quarterback and linebacker Shayne Boots has made the biggest difference so far. After moving to Beatty from Oklahoma after last football season, the junior has emerged as the Hornets’ leader on both sides of the ball.

Boots has passed for 335 yards and three touchdowns, and leads the Hornets’ ground game with 198 yards and two TDs on 15 carries.

 

At linebacker, Boots is tied for the team lead with 17 tackles.

“He’s a big lift for us because he’s such a good athlete,” Robertson said of Boots. “He has a lot to learn still, but he’s made some really good plays for us.”

Boots has two prime targets in senior receivers Anthony Turner (eight catches, 328 yards, four TDs) and Ramiro Hernandez (nine catches, 102 yards). The duo also stands out in linebacker roles, with Turner posting 17 tackles and Hernandez adding nine tackles and two interceptions.

Add in defensive lineman Cedric Rankin (seven tackles, three sacks), and the Hornets have playmakers throughout their defense.

 

“Our defense has been phenomenal,” Robertson said. “That’s what’s won games.

“We’re not a real huge, physical team. The big thing is discipline. Right now, (on offense) we’ve got to believe that we can run and pass. We’ve been a passing team the first two games.”

The Hornets have only 18 players, but Robertson said they have stayed fresh by getting each player on the field at some point in the first two games.

“I’m a firm believer in that,” Robertson said of playing everyone. “I think that’s what motivates them; they say, 'Wow, coach plays everybody.’”

Beatty has already surpassed its win total from last season. Now, the Hornets are gunning for their first league victory since 2008.

“I know this week, we’re going to see a bigger crowd than it’s been in years,” Robertson said.