RANKINGS
Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
UIL Realignment Introduces New DFW School, Affects Rivalries & More
Thousands of Texas communities were affected by the 2020-2022 UIL Realignment, and Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex high schools were among them. Check out five things to know about Monday's football announcement.
No. 1 Out-of-Town Guests: San Angelo Central may not be on area teams' district schedules anymore, but that's not preventing other out-of-towners from matching up with local squads in late regular season games during the 2020 and 2021 football seasons. We start in 10-6A, with Tyler Lee charging from East Texas to play Dallas Skyline, Mesquite ISD (Mesquite, Mesquite Horn and North Mesquite) and Rockwall ISD (Rockwall and Rockwall-Heath). The neighboring 11-6A will feature Waco schools' (Waco and Waco Midway) trips to Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lake Ridge, Mansfield and Waxahachie in league play. Other notable out-of-market opponents are Abilene Cooper in 3-5A Division I, John Tyler and Longview in 7-5A Division I and Waco University in 5-5A Division II.
No. 2 Allen & Plano Part Ways: Allen and Plano are separated by 7.2 miles, so it's not a surprise that their high schools were longtime competitors in the same UIL football district. But, that will change for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Allen will team up with Aubrey Braswell, Denton Guyer, Little Elm, McKinney, McKinney Boyd and Prosper in 5-6A, while Plano ISD schools (Plano, Plano East and Plano West) have planned battles with Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Flower Mound Marcus and Hebron in 6-6A action. If you're wondering about the future of the Allen/Plano East rivalry, it's expected to be played as the teams' season opener the next two years.
No. 3 Private Power Faces New Tests: Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas is one of the two UIL private school members and has found vast success in the league since it joined in the early 2000s. The Rangers are coming off an impressive 2019 playoff run to the UIL 6A Division II Region II Final, but have new challenges for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. As a member of 9-6A the last two years, they played Allen, McKinney, McKinney Boyd, Plano, Plano East, Plano West and Prosper. Now, they will make the move to 7-6A and battle Irving ISD (Irving, Irving MacArthur, Irving Nimitz) and Richardson ISD (Lake Highlands, Richardson, Richardson Berkner and Richardson Pearce).
No. 4 New Kid On The Block: Collin County has grown enough to give another one of its communities a high school. The Rock Hill Blue Hawks will kickoff their varsity sports district competition against fellow 7-5A Division II members Denison, Frisco, Frisco Lebanon Trail, Frisco Liberty, Frisco Memorial, Lake Dallas, Lucas Lovejoy and Princeton.
No. 5 Get Your Maps Ready: Denton and Denton Ryan will move from Region I to Region II in 5A Division I and Duncanville saw a similar transition from 6A Region I to 6A Region II, so they will have different playoff paths for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
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Watch: UT Coaching Change Influences Cedar Creek 5-Star's Decision to Sign With Horns
Cedar Creek five-star defensive end Alfred Collins had a big decision to make during the first National Signing Day of 2020. He had already narrowed his focus to Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas, but was ready to announce his final decision. Classmates, teammates, cheerleaders, band members, teachers, administration, media and fans gathered at his Bastrop ISD high school for the 3:50 p.m. celebratory occasion on Wednesday February 5th.
Collins had three great choices, but ultimately decided that he liked playing in Central Texas and signing with The University of Texas at Austin was the right option for him.
"Came down to what the family wanted and staying home," said Collins. "I never would have thought I would be in this situation. [I'm] very happy and ready to start my next chapter."
The Texas Longhorns have had notable changes to their football coaching staff since the 2019 season concluded and Collins was paying attention. Ultimately, the hire of new defensive coordinator Chris Ash and the team's expected 4-3 defense in 2020 sold him on the short move to Austin.
"They switched their scheme to 4-3," said Collins. "I don't like being double teamed, so 4-3 will help."
For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX) on Twitter.
Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.