Stepping up
Coach and players reflect on sophomore quarterback David Potter’s performance so far
September 23, 2022
Sophomore quarterback David Potter was called on to step into the shoes of senior Cody Reese, after he suffered a season ending injury three games into the season. Potter made his first start Friday, Sept 16, 2022, getting the win for Texas 27-3 against Tyler Legacy.
Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, Reese went down with a shoulder dislocation, and Head Coach Gerry Stanford called for his next man up: David Potter.
“Going in for Cody was nerve racking,” Potter said. “I just knew I had to go in and do what was best to get the team a win.”
Potter threw for three touchdowns in the game against Benton, securing a win for the Tigers in his first ever varsity showing, and setting the tone for Texas’ newfound offense.
“It’s football, injuries happen,” Stanford said. “David, he did a great job stepping into the offense, kept moving forward and scoring points. He’s got to keep doing that.”
Going into the next week, Potter was looking at his first career start for Texas, facing off against division 6A Tyler Legacy.
I think he did his job, he came out and did well.
— Cody Reese
Potter led the Tigers into a strong offensive game against Tyler, putting up four touchdowns for Texas in the first half.
“I think he did great. You know, he controlled the offense, he didn’t turn the ball over,” Reese said. “Shoutout to him for getting himself prepared.”
Things broke down a little for the young quarterback in the second half, unable to put anymore touchdowns on his stat sheet.
“He just had some young, youthful mistakes that we’ve got to improve on,” Stanford said. “But overall, I couldn’t be more excited for what he’s been able to do, he’s going to continue to get better each week.”
Nonetheless, Potter secured the win for Texas, having a good first start overall.
“I think I did good. I had it all planned out,” Potter said. “I just did what [Stanford and Cody] told me to do.”
The Tigers will face the Hallsville Bobcats Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, in their first home district game and Homecoming game.
“Going into the Hallsville game, I just need to focus on the little things,” Potter said. “I just have to keep controlling the offense and I’ll be alright.”
