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| District 5-3A Preview |
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By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor
District 5-3A will very likely become one of the more exciting West Texas 3A districts in terms of competitiveness and finish before the end of the year. In the district, there is a little bit of everything. A superstar in Anthony Ramos at Canyon, a traditional West Texas power in Perryton, an up and coming squad in Borger and futitlity in Dalhart. But fear not Dalhart fans, the bad days are well behind you. There are three new head coaches in the district. One of them is at Dalhart where Stephen Young takes over. Another is at Perryton where Neal Hugg takes the reins and finally at Borger where Tim Anuszkiewicz, better known as "Coach A to Z" takes over.
With all three new head coaches looking to estalish the run in run-oriented offenses, the Canyon Eagles will be looking at a solid combbination of both. Coming back is star quarterback Anthony Ramos, who has racked up a rather large amount of yards and touchdowns over the last couple years. This season, Ramos' playmaking ability will be put to the test with stiffer district competition and with three of his key players gone due to graduation. But even with the graduation losses, Ramos and the Canyon Eagles are still the overwhelming favorite to take the district crown. The Eagles still have stud running back Jake Romero on both offense and defense at the linebacker spot. Still in Eagles camp is a solid defense to boot. Alongside Romero will be LB Kris Campos, DE Greg Fortner and DB Tyler Vaughn.
The one team most expected to challenge the Eagles at the top of the district will be the Borger Bulldogs. Depth for the Bulldogs will be a major plus but if the group can offset the youth along the offensive trenches, then look for this group to right there with Canyon at the peak of the district mountain. The Bulldogs do have the talent and depth needed to compete not only with Canyon, but a good portion of the region. The featured running back will be D.J. Dickson. Along with Ricardo Gonzales and Garren Ogdenhoff, the Bulldogs rushing attack may be the one of the best kept secrets in the region. But don't count out the playmakers on the wideout postions to make their names known either. Jeremy Watson and Andrew Horton are both capable of making the big play on both offense and offense.
The Perryton Rangers should be the third playoff team in. But do not count the Rangers out of the running of the district title. This group has the potential to provide plenty of upsets and surprises. One thing that cannot be overlooked is the valuable experience this squad has from last year in going into the regional playoffs. The Rangers sole focus and stars are primarilly on the defensive side of the ball including that of Austin Terhune, Brady Fletcher and Mark Mann. Offensively, the Rangers will be looking for RB Zach Mills to turn up his game while QB Ryan Howard directs the offense.
If there is anything to serve notice with Dalhart, it will be an improved defense and a bright future ahead them. On the offensive side of the ball, QB Caleb Finch leads the way with a solid looking offensive line in the front to protect him. Jordan Quint, Jacob Brown and Curry Reed not only have very good size but excellent speed The experience of the line should help players such as Hunter Young and Rusty Gannaway find a chance to get good production. If the defense of the Wolves improves to a good and respectable manner, do not be surprised if they play major role in who wins the district title and/or sneaks in the playoff picture. |
| Key Players & Team Information |
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862.5 |
10-2 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Anthony Ramos |
5'11 |
170 |
4.6 |
Sr |
RB/LB |
Jake Romero |
6'1 |
190 |
4.7 |
Sr |
RB/DB |
Shawn Sheppard |
6'0 |
165 |
4.5 |
Jr |
LB |
Kris Campos |
6'0 |
215 |
4.8 |
Sr |
WR/DB |
Tyler Vaughn |
5'11 |
175 |
4.6 |
Sr |
OL/DE |
Greg Fortner |
6'3 |
240 |
4.9 |
Sr |
|
|
 |
837 |
6-4 |
|
|
|
|
Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Tyler Kirklin |
6'2 |
180 |
-- |
Sr |
RB/DB |
D.J. Dickson |
6'0 |
190 |
-- |
Sr |
WR/DB |
Jeremy Watson |
5'11 |
170 |
-- |
Sr |
WR/DB |
Andrew Horton |
6'0 |
180 |
-- |
Sr |
OL/LB |
Jake Topper |
6'0 |
190 |
-- |
Sr |
OL/DL |
Conner Key |
6'2 |
225 |
-- |
Sr |
TE/DE |
Nathan Wade |
6'1 |
190 |
-- |
Sr |
RB/WR |
Garren Odgenhoff |
6'0 |
225 |
-- |
Sr |
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|
 |
594 |
7-5 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
LB |
Mark Mann |
5'11 |
195 |
-- |
Jr |
DE |
Brady Fletcher |
6'4 |
210 |
-- |
Sr |
LB |
Austin Terhune |
5'11 |
190 |
-- |
Sr |
LB |
Weston Taylor |
5'10 |
170 |
-- |
Sr |
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|
 |
422 |
0-10 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB/DB |
Caleb Finch |
6'3 |
175 |
4.7 |
Sr |
OL/DL |
Jordan Quint |
6'1 |
250 |
5.1 |
Sr |
OL/DL |
Curry Reed |
6'0 |
230 |
4.9 |
Sr |
FB/LB |
Hunter Young |
5'9 |
180 |
4.7 |
Sr |
WR/DB |
Rusty Gannaway |
5'10 |
145 |
4.7 |
Sr |
TE |
Blake Dodds |
6'6 |
200 |
5.1 |
Sr |
DB |
Stormy Wing |
5'6 |
150 |
4.8 |
Jr |
OL/DE |
Jacob Brown |
6'2 |
200 |
4.8 |
Jr |
DE |
Dimitri Dutsyk |
6'2 |
170 |
4.7 |
Sr |
LB |
John Quint |
5'10 |
180 |
4.7 |
So |
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| Projected Finish |
1 |
Canyon |
2 |
Borger |
3 |
Perryton |
4 |
Dalhart |
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| Pre-Season Awards |
District Darkhorse |
Borger |
District MVP |
Anthony Ramos
Canyon |
Offensive MVP |
D.J. Dickson
Borger |
Defensive MVP |
Kris Campos
Canyon |
Diamond In The Rough |
Mark Mann
Perryton |
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| 2005 Records |
| Canyon |
10-2 |
| Borger |
6-4 |
| Perryton |
7-5 |
| Dalhart |
0-10 |
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| Recruiting Key |
| THSF Top 200 Player |
| Top '07 Prospect |
| Top '08 Prospect |
| Top '09 Prospect |
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