As a first-year varsity starter in a brand new offense last season, Mineral Wells quarterback Owen Gadd experienced a learning curve and went through some growing pains. But he showed enough as a junior to emerge as the undisputed leader of the Rams offense.

Now a grizzled vet with a full year of starts and a successful 7-on-7 season under his belt, the senior signal caller is ready to lead MWHS back to the playoffs in 2024.

Gadd, one of just four returning starters for the Mineral Wells offense, will have to guide a young group along if he hopes to achieve that. But second year Rams coach Chad Worrell said no player is more suited for that task.