District 8-4A DI
Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins
Dallas Carter
Alvarado
Dallas Pinkston
Carrollton Ranchview
Dallas Hillcrest
North Dallas
8-4A All Set Up For Wilmer-Hutchins Again
After a 9-2 season but getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs, Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins seems primed to win another district title and go deeper into the playoffs. Eleven starters return from last year's squad, including quarterback Kyle Douglas, Jr., who passed for nearly 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns. He'll have his top skill position targets back as well with wideouts Bontay Duncan and Jalen Moore along with running back Montay Duncan.
On paper, Wilmer-Hutchins looks like the clear-cut favorite in 8-4A after a 6-0 district record last year - a goal that seems quite possible again this year.
Dallas Carter might be Wilmer-Hutchins' biggest threat this year as the Cowboys return 14 starters from last year's team and 27 lettermen. Defensive end Randy Anthony and defensive lineman Branard Wright provide the ability to cause disruption up front and stymie opposing offenses. Carter will need Kace Williams to build on the foundation laid last year in his sophomore season - passing for 2,010 yards and tossing 25 touchdown passes.
Alvarado drops a bit this year but should comfortably make the playoffs again simply because the defense is a bit young. Only four starters return from last year's team, so the offense will have to carry the load, especially early on. Coach Jeff Dixon only has 17 lettermen returning to the 2019 squad, so a dip in the standings is certainly possible.
The final playoff spot, in what might be view as a bit of a shock, is Dallas Pinkston. Tail-coating off the success from last year in Derek Lewis' first season as head coach, it's within the realm of possibility to see Pinkston to take another leap and make the playoffs this year. Defense will definitely need to improve from last year, but with six starters back on that side of the ball it can be done.
A team that will certainly challenge for the last playoff spot - and has been predicted by others to get back - is Carrollton Ranchview, which returns 11 starters from a year ago.
VYPE Preseason Awards
MVP: ATH Dorian Windley, Carrollton Ranchview
Offensive MVP: QB Kyle Douglas Jr., Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins
Defensive MVP: S Elzie Barnett Jr., Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins
Breakout Player of the Year: RB Colby Sampson, Alvarado
Sleeper Team: Dallas Pinkston
Paetow celebrates after winning the Region III-5A Division I title with a 35-12 win over Hightower on Friday at Rice Stadium.Courtesy of Katy ISD Athletics
