Connect with us

Football

Former Texas Tech receiver Eric Ward takes reins as new Estacado head football coach

Published

on

Former Texas Tech receiver Eric Ward takes reins as new Estacado head football coach

The Lubbock ISD school board approved Eric Ward as Estacado’s next head football coach Thursday. The former Texas Tech receiver replaces William Blaylock, who left in early May to take the same position at Class 6A Cypress Ranch. Blaylock made his head-coaching debut with the Matadors and led the program for two seasons.

Ward most recently was offensive coordinator at 3A Division II Wichita Falls City View. He starred at WF Rider before playing at Tech from 2010-2013.

Ward is Estacado’s fourth football coach since 2017. The longest tenured during that span was Joe Cluley, who spent four seasons with the Matadors.

Ward is LISD’s second new head coach of the offseason. In February the district promoted defensive coordinator Andrew Roy at Coronado to replace D.J. Mann, who departed after three seasons to take a job at the University of Mississippi.

Ward finished his Tech career with 255 catches for 2,863 yards and 32 touchdowns. He ranks third in career receptions and TDs and sixth in yards. He will face another former Red Raiders receiver turned head coach, Lyle Leong Jr., when Estacado faces Levelland in district play.

Continue Reading