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Friday, August 1, 2008
08 VYPE Football Class 5A
Greater Dallas, TX
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District 6-5A
Coppell Cowboys
Coach: Bob Shipley
2007 Record: 7-3
Returning Lettermen: 26
Returning Starters: 4 Off./4 Def.
Players to watch: RB Evans Okotcha, QB Konner Joplin, OL Bradley Oh, WR Jordan Tollett, OL Jordan Favreau, TE Tony Trahan, LB Nick Rice, NG Naheem Williams, LB Jared Parham, OL Taylor Townley, WR Jaxon Shipley, DE Robert Kleid, DE James Roh, CB Darnell DeVaul, DB Ryan Kirkley, DB Cory Cason, DE Jordan Alexander, OL Ben Wilson
Outlook: The Cowboys are shooting for a returns to the playoffs in Shipley’s second season. They will be led by a new quarterback, with Joplin holding the edge in the spring. The Cowboys offense should center on Okotcha (5-9, 190, 4.5), who rushed for 700 yards and 14 TDs last year. Trahan (6-5, 235, 4.8) provides a big target and Tollett returns in the receiving corps. Oh put together an all-district season on the offensive line in 2007. All-district defenders Kleid and Roh return, along with defensive backs Cason and Kirkley
Hebron Hawks
Coach: Brian Brazil
2007 Record: 11-3, DII quarterfinalist
Returning Lettermen: 23
Returning Starters: 5 Off./5 Def.
Players to watch: QB Justin Iwuji, OT Joel Gray, LB/TE Alex Norman, DL Stansly Maponga, WR/CB Phillip Mitchell, RB Darius Staten, OG Stephen Goughan, LB Michael Putman, NG Michael Odiari, DE/TE Chris Summers, CB/WR Erin McCarver, WR/CB Blake Denton, C Jake Farley, NG/OG Minh Williams, LB/RB Corey Hill, LB/QB Steven Tocci
Outlook: The Hawks must find a new quarterback in 2008 and Justin Iwuji appears to be their man. Iwuji scored two TDs in a part-time role. The Hebron offense won’t rely solely on Iwuji. Staten (5-6, 180, 4.5) returns having rushed for 1,056 yards and 15 TDs, and added another 458 receiving yards, and Mitchell (5-9, 170, 4.5) scored 6 TDs in 2007. Odiari and Maponga will anchor the defense.
VYPE Predicts 6-5A
1. Southlake Carroll
2. Hebron
3. Flower Mound Marcus
4. Coppell
5. Lewisville
6. Flower Mound
District 7-5A
Cedar Hill Longhorns
Coach: Joey McGuire
2007 Record: 8-4
Returning Lettermen: 22
Returning Starters: 4 Off./3 Def.
Players to watch: QB Driphus Jackson, RB Ben Malena, OT Thomas Ashcraft, DE Tyler Washington, WR Laquan Harper, CB Jameel Bagby, WLB Tyler Smith, MLB Aaron Benson, OG Adam Shead, K Eduardo Camara, DE Adrian Blaylock, DT Jamarcus Goodall, CB Darious Thomas, RB Keenan Walker, WR Oliver Wells, WR Spencer Phillips, DE Josh Parks, TE Brandon Ross
Outlook: The Longhorns will field a talented, if not experienced team in 2008. Cedar Hill will feature a new quarterback for the third straight season. Good things are expected of Jackson, a sophomore, who led the junior varsity to a district title. He’ll have experience around him in Malena (5-10, 190, 4.4), who rushed for 563 yards and 5 TDs last season, and Harper (5-11, 175, 4.5) a transfer who caught five TDs at Irving in 2007. Ashcroft (6-5, 290) is a rock on the offensive line who has committed to Texas. Washington (6-1, 225, 4.5), Bagby (5-10, 165, 4.5), Smith (6-0, 200, 4.7) and Benson (6-1, 205, 4.5) return to anchor the defense.
Duncanville Panthers
Coach: Jeff Dicus
2007 Record: 3-7
Returning Lettermen: 27
Returning Starters: 7 Off./9 Def.
Players to watch: WR Chase Joubert, RB Josh Harris, WR Jordan Selexman, QB Larry Miller, RB Darien Haynes, P Jesse Champion, OL Damonte Jackson, LB Alex Adewunmi, CB Deshaun Phillips, CB Deandre Bonner, SS Arrion Piper, DT Tony Scott, DT Andrew Williams, OL Nick Meredith, OL Danzel Shelby, K Teddy Coughran
Outlook: Dicus brings a Class 4A state title from Lake Travis to a team loaded in experience. He’ll enjoy the return of the versatile Miller (5-11, 170, 4.4) who passed for 1,286 yards and 12 TDs, while also rushing for 545 yards and 4 TDs in 2007. Haynes (5-11, 215, 4.6) added more than 600 rushing yards and will team with Harris (5-10, 185, 4.3). Miller’s targets will include Selexman (6-2, 190, 4.5) who had 44 catches for 10 TDs, and Joubert (6-1, 185, 4.3), a transfer from Arlington Grace Prep. Nine returning defensive starters should give the Panthers stopping power.
Grand Prairie Gophers
Coach: Gary Bartel
2007 Record: 2-8
Returning Lettermen: 20
Returning Starters: 5 Off./6 Def.
Players to watch: DE Prestin Brown, C Daniel Rosas, TE Wesley Vonner, FS Eric Davis, RB Adrian Pena, LB Justin Ontiveros, DL Jeff Carranza, LB Adam Pena, CB Mike Mitchell, DB Ray Uribe
Outlook: The Gophers expect bigger and better things in 2007 with a more experienced crew. Mason faces his first campaign as a starting quarterback, but he’ll be aided by a cast of all-district supporters in Pena (5-9, 190, 4.9) Vonner (6-4, 210, 4.8) and Rosas (6-1, 285). On defense, Brown (6-3, 230, 4.7) is a highly recruited defensive end. Davis (6-5, 185, 4.6) and Uribe will anchor the secondary.
Irving Tigers
Coach: Jim Bennett
2007 Record: 4-6
Returning Lettermen: 41
Returning Starters: 5 Off./8 Def.
Players to watch: QB Jercolby Bradley, DE Evan Conder, K Matthew Coronado, DL Jonathan Ellis, OL Justin Burkhart, DB Winford Tennell, DB Kameion Kitchen, LB Michael Munoz, OL Arthur White, LB Gary Johnson
Outlook: The Tigers’ expectations will hinge on how quickly their offense can grow up. They are working in a new quarterback in Bradley (6-1, 180, 4.5) now that Yogi Gallegos has moved on to TCU. The Tigers may have to depend on their defense led by Tennell (6-3, 195) Conder (6-4, 210), Ellis (5-11, 245) and Munoz (5-10, 210).
Irving MacArthur Cardinals
Coach: Brian Basil
2007 Record: 9-2, DII bi-district qualifier
Returning Lettermen: 29
Returning Starters: 6 Off./7 Def.
Players to watch: LB Tariq Allen, QB Michael Brooks, RB James Sims, WR Bo McQueen, LB Jeremy Brown, S Denton Almon, S Sau Fuahala, DT Albert Sparks, DB Ray Mitchell, OL Zach Reeves, OL Daniel Vinson
Outlook: MacArthur expects to improve on last year’s playoff team. Brooks takes over at quarterback after seeing some time as a backup in 2007. Sims (5-11, 195, 4.4) returns to the backfield after earning newcomer honors as a sophomore. McQueen will be one of Brooks’ targets, but it’s the offensive line that may be most improved. Allen, who has committed to Texas, leads a staunch defense that includes Brown (nine sacks) and Allmon (92 tackles).
Irving Nimitz Vikings
Coach: Steven Hohenberger
2007 Record: 0-10
Returning Lettermen: 24
Returning Starters: 6 Off./5 Def.
Players to watch: OL Jeff Minyard, WR Dexter Richmond, OL Richard Combs, TE Tim Walker, CB John Morin, RB/S Eddrick Often, OL Damion Williams, QB/WR Jarius Gaines, TB Deonte Myrick, LB Beau Burkhalter, LB Reggie Moran, DE Brett Vigen, WR Joseph Jones, DT Joaquin Reyes, WR Kyle Kiesov, WR Jarrod Franco, QB Chris Chapman
Outlook: The Vikings will try to improve on a winless season with uncertainty at quarterback. Gaines (5-10, 165, 4.6) may take snaps or line up at receiver leaving Chapman to run the offense. Richmond returns after catching six TD passes. Loften (5-11, 195, 4.5) and Myrick combined for nine TDs in 2007. Minyard (6-3, 295), Combs (5-11, 305) and Williams (6-3, 335) provide great size on the O-line.
South Grand Prairie Warriors
Coach: Robert Davies
2007 Record: 3-7
Returning Lettermen: 24
Returning Starters: 6 Off./6 Def.
Players to watch: QB Sedric Bates, RB Tyrus McGlothen, WR Will Adams, DE Randall Dent, OLB Thomas Ferguson, ILB Patrick Nkwopara, WR Dewayne Peace, OLB Ashton Marcus, DE Joey Searcy, LB Robert Palmer, TE Ryan Fitch, OG Derek Morrison
Outlook: First-year coach Davies looks forward to welcoming back a dozen returning starters including key skill positions. Bates is back having passed for 1,097 yards and nine TDs, and rushing for 475 yards and three TDs. He’ll enjoy an experienced receiving corps in Fitch, Peace and Adams. Dent (6-5, 270), Searcy, Ferguson (6-1, 205, 4.5) and Nkwopara (5-10, 205, 4.5) bring experience to an speedy Warriors defense.
VYPE Predicts 7-5A
1. Cedar Hill
2. Duncanville
3. South Grand Prairie
4. Irving MacArthur
5. Irving
6. Grand Prairie
7. Irving Nimitz
District 8-5A
Jesuit Rangers
Coach: Bob Wunderlick
2007 Record: 6-5, DII bi-district qualifier
Returning Lettermen: 18
Returning Starters: 8 Off./1 Def.
Players to watch: OL Brandon Haynes, QB Brent Miller, OL Eric Tausch, K/P Nick Tausch, DT Patrick Beachner, , DE Chuka Ndulue, WR Matthew Brooks, DB Brian Wetzel, RB Kyle Van de Ven, DT Cole Joiner, TE Jake Allyn, FB Sam Crain, CB C.J. Haley, LB Benn Donnelli, C Patrick Rhatican, WR Jamil Bailey, DT Jacob Blakely, QB Jackson Oliver, OT Sean Harris, LB Jack Percy, OT Bill Vertin, S Reed Brezette
Outlook: The Rangers will rely on experienced offense anchored by all-district performers Haynes and Tausch on the offensive line, making room for Miller and Van de Ven. Miller passed for almost 1,500 yards and 11 TDs last season. Allyn will be one of his top targets. The Rangers’ defense will have to grow up fast, returning only one starter. Beachner (five sacks) and Donnelli (three sacks) can help the group by providing pressure up front.
VYPE Predicts 8-5A
1. Plano
2. Allen
3. Plano East
4. Wylie
5. Plano West
6. McKinney Boyd
7. Jesuit
District 9-5A
Carrollton Creekview Mustangs
Coach: Gary Childress
2007 Record: 4-6
Returning Lettermen: 29
Returning Starters: 7 Off./6 Def.
Players to watch: QB Scot Grau, RB Ryan Wilson, FB Jake Crumb, OT Chris Smith, OG Zach Matsumoto, OT Kalum Balluch, DE Stevie Ball, DB Kevin Maduka, LB D. J. Moffett, LB Dominique Moody, NG Sylvester Bell, DE Jamonte Dunlap, LB Ricky Edwards
Outlook: Grau leads a list of returning starters who could lead the Mustangs to their best season ever. The senior produced 1,200 yards of offense and eight TDs last season. Wilson (5-9, 175) returns to the backfield having received post-season honors, as did O-line anchor Smith. The Creekview defense will be led by returning starters Ball (5-9, 145, 4.4) and Moffett (5-8, 185, 4.7)
Lake Highlands Wildcats
Coach: Scott Smith
2007 Record: 2-8
Returning Lettermen: 20
Returning Starters: 5 Off./3 Def.
Players to watch: QB/DB Ricky Zorn, RB Desmond Roland, RB Antoine Harrison, WR Dionte Garrett, OL Kyle Carter, OL LaJarvis Williams, LB Austin Jones, DE Reid McCann, DB Mitchell Hodge
Outlook: Lake Highlands’ return to the playoffs could hinge on offensive newcomers. Zorn (6-0, 180, 4.6) is expected to move in at quarterback. Harrison (5-8, 185, 4.5returns at running back, but sophomore Roland could breakthrough as the Wildcats’ workhorse. Seniors Jones (6-1, 210, 4.7), McCann (6-2, 215, 4.7) and Hodge (5-8, 180) will lead the defense.
Molina Jaguars
Coach: Charles Deville
2007 Record: 6-5, bi-district qualifier
Returning Lettermen: 25
Returning Starters: 5 Off./5 Def.
Players to watch: QB Josh Evans, RB/DB D.J. Suber, RB/DB William Richardson, DB/WR Nicklas Greer, WR/DE Dominique Young, RB/DB Chris Coleman
Outlook: The Jaguars are excited about returning skill players such as Evans (6-1, 180), who begins his second season at quarterback. Suber (5-7, 140) and Richardson (5-9, 160) aren’t big, but provide a good 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Molina lost key starters from last year’s stalwart defense.
Richardson Eagles
Coach: Brent Whitson
2007 Record: 0-10
Returning Lettermen: 28
Returning Starters: 7 Off./7 Def.
Players to watch: OL Andrew Russell, RB D.J. Jackson, FB Jordan Booty, QB Christian Cline, DE Jovon Smith, S Chris Jerry, LB Carder McCoy, DT A.K. Akindumula
Outlook: Whitson begins his second season hoping that several juniors who played as sophomores can team up with key seniors to lift the Eagles out of the cellar. Cline is back at quarterback and will join Jackson (5-9, 170, 4.5) and Booty (5-10, 180, 4.8) in the backfield. Smith will provide pressure off the end after recording eight sacks in 2007.
Richardson Berkner Rams
Coach: Jim Ledford
2007 Record: 3-7
Returning Lettermen: 18
Returning Starters: 3 Off./4 Def.
Players to watch: QB Lawrence Williams, RB Charles Blackmon, DB Derrick Francis, DL Quincy King, LB/RB Corey White, SE/DB Corey Dixon, DL Justin Yancey, DE Preston Wimberly, DE Kentarius Caldwell, DL Brian Jordan, LB Matt Cannon
Outlook: No area team may be happier about its new realignment. The Rams will miss running back Josh Johnson’s production, but Williams (5-8, 161, 4.6) returns at quarterback after combining for more than 1,200 yards and 15 TDs in 2007. Blackmon (5-8, 168) will get more opportunities with Johnson gone. White (5-11, 178) and Francis (6-0, 170) will anchor the defense.
Skyline Raiders
Coach: Reginald Samples
2007 Record: 12-2, DI Quarterfinalists
Returning Lettermen: 25
Returning Starters: 5 Off./5 Def.
Players to watch: QB Chris Frazier, RB James White, WR Mike Davis, WR Tony Drake, CB Steve Wiliams, DE Arthur Washington, LB Corey Nelson, LB Dominique Patterson, LB Anthony Wallace, OL/DL Nick Young, OL/DL Tristan Turknett, DB Reggie Reed, DB Kerry Nation, DB Dontrell Lawrence, DB Chazz Paris, WR J.K. Rivers
Outlook: The Raiders graduated a lot of talent, but still figure to be the cream of DISD teams and another playoff team to reckon with. Hall returns under center having produced 11 TDs in 2007. He will throw to a pair of all-district receivers in Davis (6-1, 173, 4.5) and Drake (5-9, 170, 4.4). White (5-9, 170, 4.4) earned all-district honors rushing for 700 yards and 12 TDs. All-district performers Washington (10 sacks), Williams (5-10, 170, 4.4), Reed and Lawrence return as the backbone of the defense.
Sunset Bison
Coach: Dennis McAdams
2007 Record: 0-10
Returning Lettermen: 11
Returning Starters: 6 Off./1 Def.
Players to watch: TE Noe Martinez, OL Nick Esparza, DE Lanard Samples, LB Phillip Tanguma, RB Debanhi Serna, DB Ludwig Pierdant, RB Ruben Mendiola, OL Jose Carrillo, OL Steve Gonzales, OL Francisco Jimenez
Outlook: More experience on both front lines gives the Bison hopes of breaking into the win column in 2008. Martinez (6-5, 245) Esparza (6-1, 245), Carrillo, Gonzales and Jimenez will anchor the offensive line. Samples (5-6, 220), Tanguma (6-0, 210) and Pierdant will lead the defense.
W.T. White Longhorns
Coach: Joel Evans
2007 Record: 4-7, bi-district qualifier
Returning Lettermen: 16
Returning Starters: 5 Off./8 Def.
Players to watch: QB Carter White, WR Michael Beach, RB/LB Kevin Lamb, FB Tony Coleman, DE Andres Anguiano, LB Eduardo Trejo, WR Patrick Lanalais, OT Jonathan Bradshaw, OG Allan Olabode, LB Marcus Golden, LB Ethan Skinner, DT Joe Astorga, OT Austin Smith, DT Cookie Rojos
Outlook: Losing several key starters will be a challenge to the Longhorns quest for another playoff berth in 2007. White (6-3, 200, 4.8) passed for more than 600 yards and 7 TDs in a little more than half a season of work at quarterback. Lamb will be called upon to carry the rushing load and possibly play linebacker. Beach (6-4, 200, 4.6) returns at receiver having caught nine TD passes last season. The Longhorns may rely on an experienced defense led by Anguiano ( 6-2, 220, 4.6) who recorded four sacks and Trejo (5-11, 190, 4.6).
VYPE Predicts 9-5A
1. Skyline
2. Richardson Berkner
3. Lake Highlands
4. Carrollton Creekview
5. W.T. White
6. Richardson
7. Molina
8. Sunset
District 10-5A
Garland Owls
Coach: Jeff Jordan
2007 Record: 3-7
Returning Lettermen: 44
Returning Starters: 9 Off./ 7 Def.
Players to watch: QB Jared Barnett, RB Michael Giddings, WR Trevor Eickman, WR Keith Blanton, WR Alex Updyke, OL Matt Moffatt, OL Kurt Groves, OL Raymundo Mendoza, OL Moshood Adeniji, DT Jonathan Smith, DE Chad Brown, LB Lavar Hart, CB Miyoko Turner, S Adrian Phillips, S Greg Brown, S Steven Baker
Outlook: A strong senior class should help the Owls rebound from a disappointing 2007 campaign. Garland’s offense will feature great speed and skill on offense including Barnett (6-1, 185, 4.6), a junior with starting experience. Giddings (5-9, 185, 4.5) will get plenty of carries, and Blanton (6-0, 190, 4.4) and Updyke (5-11, 173, 4.6) return to the receiving corps. Brown, Hart and Phillips (5-11, 190, 4.6) will anchor the Owls defense
Garland Lakeview Centennial Patriots
Coach: Don Willis
2007 Record: 5-5
Returning Lettermen: 12
Returning Starters: 4 Off./5 Def.
Players to watch: RB Vance Thomas, QB Markel Woods, QB/LB Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, QB Reggie Collins, WR Cameron Brewer, TE Brandon Johnson, WR Marcos Franco, WR Franklin Nworji, OL Aaron Blount, OL Russell Barker, CB Josh Moss, DL Michael Francis, FB Jamil Mallory, LB Ryan Conley, RB Quintez Burton, RB Carlos Thomason, WR Ben Johnson, DB Russell Cornist, DE Kevin Bennett, LB Goda Chujor, DE DeVondric Harris
Outlook: The Patriots are eyeing a return to the playoffs after missing out in 2007. The offense will have to rely on just four returning offensive starters including Thomas (5-9, 163, 4.4) and Brewer (6-4, 182, 4.7) who combined for 10 TDs last season. The Owls’ quarterback battle between Woods and Collins became more complicated when Ume-Ezeoke shifted from linebacker to play well at QB during 7-on-7 play. All-District pick Ume-Ezeoke (5-8, 175, 4.6) is the heart of Centennial’s defense.
Garland Naaman Forest Rangers
Coach: Bill Patterson
2007 Record: 9-3, DII area finalists
Returning Lettermen: 28
Returning Starters: 5 Off./6 Def.
Players to watch: RB Jonathan Miller, QB Derrick Osborn, WR John Harris, LB Derrick Schkade, S Terrence Bullitt, LB Cordero Smith, OL Nate Myers, RB Demario Broadnax, DL Jonathon Young, OL J.V. Mason, OL Joel Molina, DB D.J. Hendrix, DL Michael Daniels
Outlook: The Rangers expect even bigger things after last season’s breakout season. Naaman Forest is loaded on offense with Oklahoma recruit Miller (6-1, 205, 4.5) who rushed for almost 1,900 yards and 25 TD in 2007. Harris (6-4, 200, 4.5) will provide a big target for Osborn (5-11, 185, 4.5). Harris’ nine TDs last season will force defenses to think twice about keying on Miller. It’s an improved defense led by Schkade (5-10, 200) Bullitt (6-3, 180), Young, Hendrix and Daniels that could take the Rangers deeper in the playoffs.
North Garland Raiders
Coach: David Farris
2007 Record: 1-9
Returning Lettermen: 15
Returning Starters: 4 Off./4 Def.
Players to watch: WR/QB Anthony McGhee, QB/RB Patrick Timberlake, RB/QB Brandon Jones, C Paul Ives, LB Austin Turley DB John Page, DB Torrance Johnson, DB Ben Roman, DE Langston Rhynes, OL Allen Stigler, LB Javarius Hawkins,
Outlook: Experience at key offensive positions should get the Raiders back on their feet in 2008. Farris will choose from two or even three quarterback candidates in Timberlake, Jones and McGhee. The Raiders offense could feature two or more of the trio in the backfield at the same time. Turley, Rhynes, Johnson and Roman will lead the defense.
Rowlett Eagles
Coach: Kiff Hardin
2007 Record: 6-6, DI area finalists
Returning Lettermen: 28
Returning Starters: 7 Off./3 Def.
Players to watch: WR Marquise Goodwin, RB Dexter Imade, QB Blake Hamblin, CB Marquale Pierson, WR Stephan Ross, OL/DT O’Chea Thomas, WR Josh Powell, CB Hilbert Jackson, OL Austin Shilling, OL Ismael Vasquez, DB Kyle Clemons, LB Josh Law, OL Rance Guthrie, DE Nick Nanez, TE Adam Waddell, DT Darnell Smith, DE Glenn Smith, DE Marcus Hawkins, CB Carl Perryman, DB Diamonte Blake, QB Scott West
Outlook: The Eagles are still flying high after last fall’s upset of Allen in the playoffs and they should be in the hunt for another playoff berth in 2008. Rowlett’s offense is loaded with speed including Goodwin (5-10, 170, 4.4) who won two Jr. Olympic gold medals and a state track title. His speed translated into 70 receptions for 870 yards and seven TDs last season. Imade (5-10, 185, 4.6) is talented enough to carry an offense on his own having rushed for 1,351 yards and 10 TDs in 2007. Hamblin (6-3, 180, 4.5) is expected to take over quarterback duties after playing beside Pierson (5-9, 185, 4.5) in the secondary last season.
Sachse Mustangs
Coach: Mark Behrens
2007 Record: 2-8
Returning Lettermen: 32
Returning Starters: 8 Off./3 Def.
Players to watch: RB LaChristian Shepherd, CB Chevy Bennett, WR Troncais Banks, DE Derek Douglas, SS Everett Daniels, RB/WR Brandon Lowery, QB Henry Hunter, LB/RB Tyrone Melton, OT Kason Hostrup, OT Christian Mitchell, OG Gabe Cruz, C Austin Hayes, WR Hunter Dugan, WR Logan Epley, ILB Dallas Waddle
Outlook: The Mustangs hope eight returning offensive starters can propel the team to the next level. Hunter (6-0, 195, 4.6) returns having passed for 900 yards and six TDs in 2007. He’ll be joined by seven other returning starters including Shepherd (5-9, 170, 4.5) who rushed for 700 yards and seven TDs. Daniels (5-11, 190, 4.6) is a big-hitting strong safety who’s good against the run and pass. Cornerback Bennett (6-1, 175, 4.6) picked off five passes last season.
South Garland Colonels
Coach: Keith Wright
2007 Record: 10-2 DII area finalists
Returning Lettermen: 15
Returning Starters: 6 Off./6 Def.
Players to watch: QB Damien Gomez, DB Jamal White, OL Jeramie Roberts, OL Corin Cline, RB John Lacure, WR Michael Thomas, WR Darnell Smith CB Denzel Davis, K Jaime Salazar, RB Brandon Galliard, OL Gray Mowery
Outlook: Wright takes over the South Garland program fresh off winning a Class 2A state title at Farmersville. He’ll coach a team looking to replace several graduates who led the Colonels into the playoffs last year. Gomez appears to be the choice to play quarterback after Nick Florence graduated to Baylor. He’ll likely look to receivers Smith (51 rec., 693 yards, six TDs) and Thomas (22 rec., 119 yards, one TD). White (6-0, 180, 4.5) and Davis will solidify the secondary.
VYPE Predicts 10-5A
1. Garland Naaman Forest
2. Garland
3. Rowlett
4. South Garland
5. Garland Lakeview Centennial
6. North Garland
7. Sachse
District 11-5A
DeSoto Eagles
Coach: Claude Mathis
2007 Record: 9-3, DII area finalists
Returning Lettermen: 18
Returning Starters: 2 Off./4 Def.
Players to watch: OT Chris Atchison, DL Jeff Clermond, DB Adrian White, WR Darius Terrell, QB Ryan Polite, DL Damion Lewis, RB Marcus Murphy, LB Brandon Johnson
Outlook: The Eagles will rely on a younger lineup to make a run at another playoff berth if not a district title. Mathis begins his first season in DeSoto after taking Austin LBJ deep into the playoffs. The offense will be directed by Polite (6-2, 185, 4.7), who passed for more than 600 yards and three TDs in two starts as a freshman. Murphy and Terrell (6-3, 205, 4.5) also return on offense. The Eagles defense will be anchored by Lewis, Clermond (6-3, 280), White (6-0, 185, 4.4) and Johnson.
Mesquite Skeeters
Coach: Robbie Robinson
2007 Record: 7-5, DI area finalists
Returning Lettermen: 37
Returning Starters: 2 Off./5 Def.
Players to watch: QB Luke Halpin, RB Greg Fason, RB/DB Kelton Crawford, OLB Darnell Taylor, OLB Oshae Hamilton, WR Marcus Trice, WR/DB Darien McNealy, ILB Robert Lewis, ILB Darius Taylor, RB Robert Marshall, C Joe Paul Pryor, WR Lynrick Peasant, WR Chris Wiliams, OT Hunter Garza, OT Michael Pena, LB Josh Slater, DB Michael Garrett, DL Kenny Turner
Outlook: The Skeeters must adjust to a coaching change and the graduation on the defensive line. Mesquite does return key skill position players on offense including Halpin (5-11, 173, 4.6) who passed for 968 yards and six TDs in 2007. Fason (5-6, 156, 4.5) and Crawford will carry the rushing load. The Skeeters will return several all-district performers on defense including Taylor (5-11, 182, 4.6), Hamilton (6-2, 200, 4.6), Lewis (5-11, 182, 4.7) and Taylor (5-11, 215, 4.7).
Mesquite Horn Jaguars
Coach: Rodney Webb
2007 Record: 3-7
Returning Lettermen: 25
Returning Starters: 2 Off./5 Def.
Players to watch: QB Emory Miller, RB Travis Brewster, WR Tayler Gabriel, FS Terrence Brady, LB Jarred Armstrong, WR/DB Ty Holmes, CB Anson Johnson, LB Jon-Lucas Poe, DL A.J. Nebe, OL Richard Skatell, WR Emmanuel Fasanya, DB Mikail Dunn, OL Ladedrian Carraway, DE Cortney Holly,
Outlook: Webb joins the Jaguars after building Royse City into a Class 3A power. He’ll face the challenge of rebuilding an offense around two returning starters. Miller returns at quarterback with one start under his belt. He’ll learn the new offense along with Brewster (5-9, 200, 4.5) and Gabriel (5-9, 170, 4.5). Returning defensive starters Brady (6-1, 180, 4.6) and Holmes (5-11, 180, 4.6) will secure a secondary
North Mesquite Stallions
Coach: Mike Robinson
2007 Record: 4-7, DII bi-district qualifier
Players to watch: OT Josh Alandenoye, QB Charleston Johnson, RB Marquis Green, WR Ricky Herod, RB Joseph Bergerone, WR Michael Wheeler, OG Lamarcus Jones, LB Chris Royal, LB Darrien McKinney, FS Emmanuel O’Quinn, DB Nate Douglas, OLB J.D. Dotson
Outlook: The Stallions appear to be in rebuilding mode despite making the playoffs in 2007. Several skill positions will feature developing players including Johnson who saw spot action at quarterback last year. Green (5-9, 175, 4.4) and Wheeler will also be called on as offensive catalysts. The Stallions’ best player, college prospect Alandenoye (6-6, 320) joins Jones (6-0, 315) provide excellent size on the O-line.
VYPE Predicts 11-5A
1. Mesquite
2. DeSoto
3. Tyler Lee
4. North Mesquite
5. Tyler John Tyler
6. Mesquite Horn
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Serving For State
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The University Interscholastic League divides it's football playoffs based on the student enrollment number of qualifying high schools. VYPE asked...
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