When looking Class 1A Division II Regions III & IV, the biggest observation that could come out of it is the fact that both regions seem very top heavy in potential state title and deep run contenders. Looking beyond the big miscroscope of the region, the competitive nature of the region is very intriguing and one to watch. Identifying the title and deep run contenders should begin with the Tenaha Tigers, who bring back a total of 13 starters from its 2011 squad. Lurking right on Tenaha's shadow are a pair of Region IV powers in Falls City and Burton. And in Region III, Hubbard, Chilton and Mount Enterprise, who return just as many from last year's squads, also figures to be on the radar.
That being said, the Burton Panthers, shouldn't get too comfortable with being at the top of the ladder in District 13-1A2. The Granger Lions, Bartlett Bullogs and Milano Eagles will all be gunning to see that they are left out in the cold come mid-November. Each of the four top contending teams in the district have a solid nucleus of players back for the 2012 season. The same competitive observation could be applied 12-1A2, a four team district, the Chilton Pirates are considered a big favorite but Lovelady, Bremond and Normangee all have a case as to why they will not be the odd team left in the cold. The Burton-Milano contest in Week 6 could loom very large in the overall picture for not just the district, but the entire Region IV picture as a whole.
If there is a sleeper in either region that may seem to have come out of nowhere, the Hubbard Jaguars certainly qualify as that candidate. Bringing in Craig Horn last season from Itasca, has proven to be a very successful move as the Jaguars could be on the hook for more than a second straight playoff appearance. RB Bradley Walker rushed for over 1,900 yards as a junior and in 2012, that total could go to even higher heights. The defense for Hubbard should feature one of the state's most promising pair of talents at the 1A DIvision II level inn DE Hudson Alderson and LB Jordan Johnson.
A couple of intiguing and flavorful non-district match ups includes Chilton travelling to Burton in Week 1 and San Augustine visiting Tenaha in Week 5. Both match ups should be a very big measuring stick for each individual team in what they can expect in the playoffs and what the they need to retool on for the district stretch leading to a possible deep run in November and December. |
REGION III |
1 |
Tenaha |
2 |
Hubbard |
3 |
Chilton |
4 |
Mount Enterprise |
5 |
Meridian |
6 |
Lovelady |
7 |
Bremond |
8 |
Detroit |
REGION IV |
1 |
Falls City |
2 |
Burton |
3 |
D'Hanis |
4 |
Pettus |
5 |
Milano |
6 |
Granger |
7 |
Sabinal |
8 |
Bartlett |
|
