With almost 1,200 career rushing yards on less than 200 carries, Abilene High’s Phonzo Dotson is well past the point of proving that he’s a dynamic running back.

But after having each of his first two varsity seasons derailed by a series of nagging injuries that have limited his playing time and impact, he’s ready to prove as a senior that he can stay on the field enough to maximize his considerable talents.

A victim of bad luck more than anything else, Dotson was limited by a concussion and high ankle sprain to just 69 carries as a sophomore. And last year as a junior, more lower leg issues kept him from having the breakout campaign he was on pace early to have.

Now fully healthy and well rested, thanks in part to a pandemic that shut down all spring sports, Dotson is looking to have a season to remember this fall.

Three seasons have now passed since the last time the Abilene High Eagles last reached the playoffs. And if you ask those on the North Abilene campus, that’s three seasons too many.

Falling one win short of the postseason in each of those three campaigns, the Eagles have had their fill of near misses. And they’re hoping a move back into the Little Southwest Conference with their traditional rivals out west will mark a return to the tradition of success that saw AHS reach the playoffs 17 times in 18 seasons from 1999 to 2016.

With just 24 of 63 lettermen back from last season’s 3-7 squad, including five offensive and three defensive starters, the Eagles will have some holes to fill in Mike Fullen’s second season as the AHS head coach. But the Warbirds are setting their sights high nonetheless, hoping to extend this pandemic-delayed season well into December.