Expectations were already high for the Amarillo High Sandies heading into the 2025 season, and Friday night at Dick Bivins Stadium, they gave fans every reason to believe those expectations are justified. In their season opener against Odessa High, the Sandies delivered a dominant 55-12 victory, showcasing a balanced attack that will have future opponents studying film with concern.
At the center of it all was quarterback Jett Lopez, who continues to cement his place among the area’s elite. After setting Amarillo High’s single-season passing record last year, Lopez wasted no time picking up where he left off. He completed 15 of 23 passes for 305 yards and five touchdowns, carving up Odessa’s secondary with precision.
What made the passing attack even more dangerous was the distribution. Austin Sluder provided the big-play spark, hauling in four catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns, while Oliver Parsons worked effectively underneath with six receptions for 81 yards and two more scores. With multiple reliable targets, Lopez looks poised to make the Sandies one of the most dangerous passing teams in the state.
But make no mistake—the Sandies weren’t just airing it out. Their ground game was every bit as impressive. Jude Dunavin needed only 10 carries to rack up 153 yards and three touchdowns, proving that defenses can’t sell out to stop the pass without paying a heavy price. In total, Amarillo High rolled up 252 rushing yards, showing a level of balance that will be hard to defend.
For fans, it was the type of performance you dream about seeing in a season opener: crisp execution, explosive plays, and a scoreboard that reflected complete control. For the team, it’s a statement that this isn’t just hype—this is a group capable of making a deep run if they keep firing on all cylinders.
Of course, one game doesn’t define a season, and tougher tests are on the horizon. But if Friday night was any indication, the Sandies have the talent, balance, and confidence to live up to the lofty expectations that surround them.
