GAMES
RANKINGS
The reigning UIL-6A State Champs, Prosper Eagles, will aim to go back-to-back this Winter
THE ECHELON: VYPE DFW 2024 Preseason Soccer Rankings; Prosper, Flower Mound, Wakeland begin on top
It's almost that time of year again.
As the Fall season reaches its closing stages, we're now making our way back to the pitch as teams prepare to make another run for Georgetown.
Regarding the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the city featured several boys programs that reached the State level this past April -- namely Flower Mound, Wakeland, and Midlothian, with the latter ultimately claiming a championship.
While those squads are primed for a return to Birkelbach Field, the likes of Prosper, Mesquite, Keller, Walnut Grove, and Panther Creek (4A) are just some of the names who will look to throw their hat in the ring.
On the girls' side, Prosper and Wakeland took the State crown last Winter, in Class 6A and 5A, respectively, with Colleyville Heritage (5A) coming in a close second.
Given the targets on their backs, there's going to be plenty of resistance -- from teams such as Flower Mound, Southlake Carroll, FM Marcus, Wylie East, and Hebron -- in their mission to go back-to-back.
With the first kick-off rapidly approaching, these are the most elite squads, in our view, for DFW audiences to be aware of entering 2025.
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VYPE DFW BOYS PRESEASON TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
*Last section indicates 2024 result (W-L-T)
1. Flower Mound Jaguars (6A) -- 23-3-2 (UIL-6A State Runner-Ups)
2. Prosper Eagles (6A) -- 20-4-1 (Regional Semifinalists)
3. Wakeland Wolverines (5A) -- 19-6-3 (UIL-5A State Runner-Ups)
4. Midlothian Panthers (5A) -- 25-2-3 (UIL-5A State Champions)
5. Mesquite Skeeters (6A) -- 15-4-3 (Area Finalists)
6. Keller Indians (6A) -- 15-3-4 (Area Finalists)
7. Walnut Grove Wildcats (5A) -- 16-3-5 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
8. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 20-4 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
9. Panther Creek Panthers (4A) -- 18-9 (Region III-4A Finalists)
10. Grand Prairie Gophers (6A) -- 15-3-4 (Bi-District Finalists)
Honorable Mentions:
6A -- Coppell, Duncanville, Mesquite Horn, Dallas Skyline, Lake Highlands, Rockwall, Wylie
5A -- Denton Ryan, West Mesquite, McKinney North, Denton, Highland Park, Fossil Ridge
4A -- Diamond Hill-Jarvis, Lake Dallas, Castleberry, North Dallas
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VYPE DFW GIRLS PRESEASON TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
1. Prosper Eagles (6A) -- 26-2-2 (UIL-6A State Champions)
2. Wakeland Wolverines (5A) -- 26-0-2 (UIL-5A State Champions)
3. Flower Mound Jaguars (6A) -- 16-2-2 (Area Finalists)
4. Colleyville Heritage Panthers (5A) -- 24-1-2 (UIL-5A State Runner Ups)
5. Southlake Carroll Dragons (6A) -- 24-1-1 (Regional Semifinalists)
6. Hebron Hawks (6A) -- 18-4-4 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
7. Wylie East Raiders (6A) -- 25-2 (Region II-6A Finalists)
8. FM Marcus Marauders (6A) -- 17-7-4 (Region I-6A Finalists)
9. Highland Park Scots (5A) -- 18-4-3 (Area Finalists in 6A)
10. Waxahachie Life Mustangs (4A) -- 27-4-1 (Region I-4A Finalists)
Honorable Mentions:
6A -- Coppell, Rockwall, Duncanville, Allen, Garland Sachse, Wylie, Lake Highlands, Byron Nelson
5A -- Walnut Grove, Argyle, Midlothian, Frisco Reedy, Lucas Lovejoy, Frisco Lone Star, Grapevine, Fossil Ridge
4A -- Panther Creek, Lake Dallas, Sunnyvale, Decatur
REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS PREVIEW: L.D. Bell vs. Keller
There aren't many things that are as special as being able to help lead your team to the playoffs. This week, L.D. Bell and Keller both have a shot to continue leading their teams toward the state tournament, but only one will advance. VYPE DFW takes a dive into their seasons and breaks down just what fans can expect from these two teams headed into their regional quarterfinal pairing on Friday.
L.D. Bell (17-4-4, 11-2-1)
The Bell Blue Raiders have fought hard all season to get to this point. The team finished at the top of their district with big time wins over the likes of W.T. White, Chisholm Trail, Fort Worth Paschal, Euless Trinity, North Crowley, and more. The Blue Raiders have outscored their opponents by a combined 32 goals this season and are ready to continue to show their dominant force on the pitch. So far in playoffs, L.D. Bell has defeated a strong Southlake Carroll (2-0) and El Paso Socorro (1-0).
Keller (21-2, 12-0)
Keller has only dropped two games all season- one against Lake Travis and the other against Cypress Falls- both during preseason play. Learning from those two losses helped Keller build a team that would go into district play strong and ready to take down anyone that stood in the way of them and playoffs. The Indians posted an undefeated district record to finish at the top of their standings with victories over Fort Worth Timber Creek, Keller Fossil Ridge, Southlake Carroll, and more. So far in playoffs, the Indians have defeated North Crowley (3-2 in double overtime) and Odessa (1-0).
What To Expect:
L.D. Bell is a strong team led by a strong offense. The team knows how to remain steady and build strong. The defense can also rise to any challenge that is in front of them. Fans can expect the Blue Raiders to put up a strong fight in order to do whatever it takes to get to the next round.
Keller has a fight that doesn't stop. The Indians are consistent, strong, and driven. With a strong defense leading the way, the offense is afforded time and opportunities to shine. Fans can expect fast play from Keller on Friday.
The game is set for 8 p.m. on Friday, April 1st at Pennington Field in Bedford.