Abilene High senior Tyler Simpson is a confident kid. He has to be to play cornerback at the Class 6A level.

Manning a position that puts him on an island with some of the most talented receivers in the state, he knows that the slightest hesitation or indecision can have the opposing band striking up the fight song within seconds.

If that sounds like a high-stress job, it is. But the one-on-one, do-or-die nature of his position only adds to the thrill of playing it.