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| District 10-4A Preview |
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By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor
The Highland Park Scots will now have a big bullseye on their uniforms in the eyes of their opponents now that are reigning and defending Class 4A champions. The Scots will not be as dominating and filled with as much hype as they have had the last couple years, but they should still have the handle on the district title. Overall, a much weaker district could lead into some very competitive races for the playoff picture that lies ahead.
The defending state champion Highland Park Scots will be with only one returning starter on either side of the ball. That player is three year starter and rusher Alex Carroll. But the Scots won't come into the season totally empty handed. Stepping in the quarterback role is Matthew Stafford's back up William Webb. Webb also saw action at the wide receiver position. Another player that saw plenty of action is WR Ross Boulin. The Scots may have lost of quality players, but do not count them out of the regional picture quite yet. If this year's senior class comes together like the last few have, then they will be in for a very successful season.
Under the twists and turns of the realignment, if Richardson Pearce makes the playoffs, Highland Park would automatically fall into Division II. The possibility of that happening is very likely given the talent and amount of players coming back from last year's Mustang squad. The top player to be on the watch for is wide receiver D.J. Colvin, who picked in almost 400 yards and three touchdowns. But Colvin is not the only top wide out the Mustangs have. Junior Jordan Gush, who posted vastly similar numbers to that of Colvin is returning to the squad. Stepping in at quarterback is Michael Morse, who spent last season as a back up. On the defensive side, the Mustangs will be using primarilly a 4-2-5 formation which includes DE Brenson Bristow and LB Luke Shelton in the picture. The key for the Mustangs is to overcome the youth they will experience along the front lines.
With patience, the Forney Jackrabbits have paid their dues in terms of awaiting for the perfect moment to blossom. That time is now for Kevin Rush's squad. With a weaker district this season from top to bottom, the Jackrabbits not only have a golden opportunity to make a lock in for a playoff spot, but potentially pull a few surprises. A lot of their success will be counted on three things offensively. The production and progress of quarterback Landon Hartwick, who is entering his junior season. RB Andre Derosier's ability to break through tackles and gain adequate yardage. And make sure the offensive line stays healthy. Look for Derosier to be an even bigger impact player on the defensive side of the ball. Aaron Woods and Jordan Elder could also be in for a big year.
West Mesquite might also factor into the playoff race with experience turning in their favor. Running back Richard Brooks steps in as the leading returning rusher. Other key offensive players to watch are Jwanza Mitchell at wide receiver and Kendal Pearson at tight end. The Wrangler strength should actually be a defensive outlook in terms of overall talent. Brooks will also be the top linebacker for the Wranglers as he will be joined by A.J. Shafer and Yomni Akinfude. In the back, Andrew Hobbs and Jonathan McCray are expected to be the impact players. If the Wranglers can produce effectively on offense and the defense gives itself room to grow, then the West Mesquite will be right there in the middle of it.
Although the Poteet Pirates lost more than their fair share of players to graduation, they should be able to keep itself in playoff contention this season. A dual threat quarterback, a 1,000 yard rusher and a talented tight end gives the Pirates the key recipe to score points. But the questions about effective the defense will be the ultimate decider on their fate. Look for TE Chris O'Keefe to not only have a big season offensively but see some action defensively as well.
Two programs that are used to seeing themselves on the wiining side of the scoreboard, will have to not only indure growing pains in 2006, but also a change at the head coaching position. Don't count Terrell or Greenville out of the playoff picture as they do have some solid talent waiting in the wings to learn from their new coaches. If the coaches can keep the morale high and the young players step up to play, they could factor into the race quite easily. |
| Key Players & Team Information |
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1980 |
7-3 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
FB |
Garrett Youngblood |
5'9 |
182 |
4.8 |
Sr |
WR |
D.J. Colvin |
6'3 |
165 |
4.8 |
Sr |
WR |
Jordan Rush |
6'0 |
178 |
4.6 |
Jr |
OL |
Hunter Hightower |
6'5 |
255 |
5.3 |
Sr |
DE |
Brenson Bristow |
6'3 |
195 |
4.7 |
Sr |
LB |
Luke Shelton |
6'3 |
215 |
4.9 |
Sr |
DB |
Tom Stansfield |
5'10 |
175 |
4.6 |
Sr |
K/P |
Jacob Shackleford |
5'11 |
175 |
4.8 |
Jr |
|
|
 |
1957.5 |
15-0 |
|
|
|
|
Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
William Webb |
5'7 |
175 |
4.5 |
Sr |
RB |
Alex Carroll |
5'11 |
190 |
4.5 |
Sr |
WR |
Ross Boulin |
6'0 |
175 |
4.6 |
Sr |
OL |
Kelly Turner |
6'3 |
250 |
5.0 |
Sr |
OL |
Clay Springer |
6'2 |
230 |
5.0 |
Sr |
DE |
John Foose |
6'3 |
195 |
-- |
Sr |
LB |
Brooks Nebleit |
5'10 |
180 |
-- |
Sr |
DB |
Andy Viehman |
5'9 |
175 |
-- |
Sr |
LB |
Ryan Ross |
5'10 |
185 |
-- |
Sr |
|
|
 |
1708 |
New |
|
|
|
|
Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
TE |
Jace Hudson |
6'3 |
210 |
4.8 |
Jr |
OL |
Blake Gunderson |
6'0 |
265 |
5.4 |
Jr |
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|
 |
1684.5 |
4-6 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Seth Sartain |
6'1 |
170 |
4.8 |
Sr |
RB |
Taylor Dupree |
6'1 |
205 |
4.7 |
Sr |
TE |
Chris O'Keefe |
6'3 |
248 |
4.8 |
Sr |
DB |
Matt Jacob |
6'0 |
180 |
4.6 |
Jr |
|
|
 |
1661 |
5-5 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
RB/LB |
Richard Books |
6'1 |
210 |
4.6 |
Sr |
WR |
Jwanza Mitchell |
6'4 |
175 |
4.6 |
Sr |
TE |
Kendall Pearson |
6'2 |
240 |
4.8 |
Sr |
DB |
Andrew Hobbs |
5'11 |
165 |
4.6 |
Sr |
LB |
A.J. Shafer |
6'1 |
210 |
4.6 |
Sr |
DL |
Jonathan Martinez |
5'11 |
265 |
5.1 |
Sr |
DL |
Tyronne Luper |
5'11 |
275 |
5.1 |
Sr |
LB |
Yomni Akinfude |
6'1 |
195 |
4.7 |
Sr |
QB |
Kendal Thomas |
5'10 |
160 |
4.7 |
Jr |
DB |
Jonathan McCray |
5'11 |
190 |
4.7 |
Jr |
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|
 |
1427 |
3-7 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
OL |
Byron Bell |
6'5 |
270 |
5.0 |
Sr |
DE |
Mark Mosby |
6'2 |
210 |
4.6 |
Sr |
|
|
 |
1262 |
3-7 |
|
|
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Landon Hartwick |
6'1 |
230 |
4.8 |
Jr |
RB/DB |
Andre Derosier |
5'11 |
185 |
4.5 |
Sr |
OL |
Pat Daugherty |
6'3 |
295 |
5.4 |
Sr |
LB |
Aaron Woods |
5'11 |
185 |
4.7 |
Sr |
DB |
Larry Williams |
5'9 |
175 |
4.5 |
Sr |
K |
Thomas Moreland |
5'11 |
170 |
4.8 |
Sr |
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|
 |
1164 |
10-2 |
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|
|
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Dustin McBride |
5'10 |
175 |
4.7 |
Sr |
DB |
Brashard Booker |
6'0 |
160 |
4.6 |
Jr |
DB |
JaDerrick McCullar |
5'10 |
180 |
4.5 |
Jr |
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| Projected Finish |
1 |
Highland Park |
2 |
Richardson Pearce |
3 |
Forney |
4 |
West Mesquite |
5 |
Mesquite Poteet |
6 |
Greenville |
7 |
Terrell |
8 |
Rockwall-Heath |
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| Pre-Season Awards |
District Darkhorse |
Forney |
District MVP |
Alex Carroll
Highland Park |
Offensive MVP |
D.J. Colvin
Richardson Pearce |
Defensive MVP |
Andre Derosier
Forney |
Diamond In The Rough |
Chris O'Keefe
Mesquite Poteet |
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| 2005 Records |
| Rchrdsn Pearce |
7-3 |
| Highland Park |
15-0 |
| Rockwall-Heath |
New |
| Mesquite Poteet |
4-6 |
| West Mesquite |
5-5 |
| Greenville |
3-7 |
| Forney |
3-7 |
| Terrell |
10-2 |
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| Recruiting Key |
| THSF Top 200 Player |
| Top '07 Prospect |
| Top '08 Prospect |
| Top '09 Prospect |
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