Calhoun Sandcrabs
Southside Cardinals
Somerset Bulldogs
Gregory-Portland Wildcats
Alice Coyotes
Floresville Tigers
Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway Warriors
Preseason Awards
MVP: Calallen QB Jarrett Garza
Defensive MVP: Calhoun LB Cade Kveton
Sleeper Team: Gregory-Portland
The Prospectus
Calallen has 16 returning starters from its 2018 run to the UIL 5A Division II state semifinal and is expected to remain a South Texas power in 2019. The Wildcats expect big seasons from quarterback Jarrett Garza, defensive linemen Marcus Wiser and Luke Youngblood, linebacker Riggs Barrett, defensive back Brent Green, running back Jeremiah Earls and offensive linemen Brody Ford, Ty Buchanan and Cole Hobbs.
Calhoun has 11 returning starters from its 2018 UIL 5A Division II Region IV final appearance, so it can make another deep playoff run in 2019. The Sandcrabs have notable players in quarterback Conner Kestler, fullback Steve Johnson, running back Jarius Stewart, offensive lineman Caleb Harrington, linebackers Cade Kveton and Esteban Rodriguez and defensive linemen Heath Henke and Damian Chavez.
Southside has nine returning starters from its 2018 UIL 5A Division II area round trip, so it wants to at least match that in 2019. The Cardinals have a quarterback in Alejandro Escamilla, who plans to connect with receivers/defensive backs Michael Hernandez, Chris Camarillo and Caleb Camarillo and running back/linebacker Micah Young.
Somerset has 13 returning starters from its 2018 UIL 5A Division II bi-district playoff game, so it will have the opportunity to extend its playoff streak to another season in 2019. The Bulldogs expect noticeable contributions from running back Hunter Hernandez, defensive linemen Emilio Cordero and Adrian Jaime, defensive back Joseph Hidalgo, linebacker Bryan Ledesma and receiver Raymundo Hernandez.
Gregory-Portland won six games during its 2018 non-playoff season, so it's motivated to grab a postseason spot in 2019. The Wildcats have 12 returning starters to reach such a goal, as well as notable players in defensive back/receiver Jude Wiggins, running back/linebacker Joe Sauceda, receiver Eric Alaniz and linemen Rylan Cotten, Cameron Loudon, Michael Poling and Hunter Harrison.
Alice won four games in 2018, but its 15 returning starters is a great starting point for the 2019 season. The Coyotes have talents in receiver Waylon Moore, defensive back/receiver Weston Moore, quarterback Isaiah Aguilar, defensive lineman Sergio Sandoval, linebacker Aaron Arellano and running back RJ Salaiz.
Floresville won a quartet of contests in 2018, but its 10 returning starters can improve upon that mark in 2019. The Tigers need big performances from receiver/defensive back Walker Hopkins, running back Dareion Murphy, quarterback Darian Mayberry, linebacker Cayson Moczygemba, defensive linemen Frank Becerra and Cade Gulick, defensive lineman/quarterback Grayson Kowalski and tight end Dominic Davila.
Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway won a pair of games in 2018, but can top that mark with its 16 returning starters in 2019. The Warriors have tight end/defensive lineman Mason Luna, running back/linebacker Brendan Beham, quarterback JD Garcia, defensive back Rocky Ramirez, and linemen Riley Hawkins and Jacob Garcia.
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