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| District 12-4A Preview |
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By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor
It's worth noting that in East Texas, a deep playoff run is what tradition and pride are based on. Last season, the Kilgore Bulldogs and Marshall Mavericks continued the long standing tradition of a deep playoff run for East Texas programs. Marshall finished the season in the state championship game while Kilgore went as far as the regional semifinals. Now the East Texas district has been moved from Region III to Region II. The move to Region II has created a region that was tough the last two years into an even tougher region now. Now both Kilgore and Marshall are feeling the effects of graduation. So what does that mean for the rest of the district?
Before looking at the competitors to challenge the two-headed monster at the top, it should be noted that both Kilgore and Marshall's experience in the playoffs will go a long way towards prepping them for district play early in the year. Marshall will be looking to retool with a brand new quarterback and a brand new running back on the offensive side of the ball. Derek Sneed will take over as the team's quarterback while Andrew Clough will be looking to fill some very big shoes left behind by Jackie Robinson. But the Marshall Mavericks should see significant improvement on offense for one reason. The offensive line. The return of Kevin McKinnon and Chris Jones might just help the Mavericks become a better productive offense in the clutch situations during district play.
On the defensive side, the Mavericks will also see a more experienced front line, especially on the ends where Demetrius Jones and Demetrius Wilder are returning after a steller season last season. Bryan Marks is also back in the saddle up front for his senior season. But the rebuilding process has begun in the areas of linebacker and defensive back. Replacing Justin Smart, Derrick Jones and Justin Jones will be no easy task but with a combination of last year's deep playoff run and a mix experience and youth, the Mavericks very well could be right back on track by the time the district play begins.
Kilgore just might have the right combination needed to overtake the Marshall Mavericks for the district title. With an experienced rusher in Jerek Sheffield and a fairly decent sized offensive line that includes Texas commit Michael Huey, the running game is in excellent shape. And while Sheffield will be looking to add on to his 1,850 yard performance from 2005, DeAudrey Rossum will be aiming for a big season as the key wide out. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs will be significantly weaker having to replace Lon Roberts and Eddie Jones at defensve end. Look for LB Rick Thomas and DB Jaron Shepherd to become the leaders.
Hallsville, Jacksonville, Whitehouse and Nacogdoches should also either be within striking distance of a strong third place finish or possibly sneaking in for the district title chase with Marshall and Kilgore. The Hallsville Bobcats have the experience to make a good run as they return the bulk of their skill position players. One of those key players returning on the offensive side of the ball is quarterback Shane Fry, who in 2005 threw for over 1250 yards and 11 touchdowns. Among his targets, look for RB Kendrick Survia and WR Darius Reece to have a breakout season. The duo combined for over 1,200 yards of offense in the air and on the ground. Defensively, the Bobcats have the ability to make the stops when they need to. DL Josh Schattel, DB Javante Crayton and LB Zach Hale should be the top players for an improved Bobcat defense.
If there is any team in the district that likely serves as the biggest threat to both Marshall and Kilgore at the top, it is the Jacksonville Indians. They may have lost TE Cameron Hackney and OL Cody Lusk to graduation, but this team just may be more dangerous than the ones in recent years. One player of note to key an eye on is rusher Carmon Boyd-Anderson. In 2005, Boyd-Anderson rushed for over 850 yards and landed in the endzone 19 times. Jazz Scott will be moving from the back up role at quarterback and starting role at receiver to the starting quarterback spot. And although the Indians are young up front, the youth that will be in place is a group that is possibly more talented than any group they have had at offensive line in recent memory. Defensively, the Indians should much improved especially at the ends and in the linebacking core. Look for DE Jeremy Miles and LB Joe Whitaker to have big year. In the defensive back area, the key player to watch will be Justin Horn. If this group takes it one week at a time and plays to their potential, don't be surprised to see a two or three round deep run out of them.
The Whitehouse Wildcats will once again have perhaps one of the best players in the district in their arsenal. As the starting running back in 2005, Luke Shivers rushed for over 1,500 yards and caught 220+ more yards in the air. All indications are that he could be in for an even bigger year as he also will start as the team's key linebacker. Outside of Shivers, the Wildcats will be banking on the trenches to be a focal point to their game plan. There is speed and size in the defensive front, but the defensive backfield could be a major concern for the Wildcats chances. If they spread the ball around and use Shivers in an efficient way, this squad could pull some surprises.
Nacogdoches will be looking to the offense to help them improve their standing in the win/loss columns. They do return quarterback Justin McAninch to the squad along with his top targets. RB Kammerson Rhodes should see his 2005 numbers more than double and WR Marvin Dudley could have some big improvements if the offense can stay on the field. If the Dragons find a way to sustain their losses on the defensive side, they will be a legit contender in the district race. If not, it will be a very long season for them.
After last season, the Pine Tree Pirates are almost certainly expected to turn the corner and find significant improvement. The pieces and experience is there for the Pirate offense to compete. The return of quarterback Matt Hughes could go a long way towards that goal of becoming a factor in the district race. Defensively, the Pirates will be looking to Joey Scott and Clay Baker to make a big impact as leaders up front and in the playmaking depatment. If this squad can find unity, the Pirates could spoil some East Texas parties in their own way. |
| Key Players & Team Information |
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1862.5 |
6-4 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Justin McAninch |
6'2 |
185 |
4.9 |
Sr |
TE |
Nick Page |
6'2 |
195 |
4.7 |
Sr |
OL |
Kammerson Rhodes |
5'8 |
180 |
4.6 |
Sr |
WR |
Marvin Dudley |
6'3 |
195 |
4.7 |
Sr |
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|
 |
1696 |
13-2 |
|
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Derek Sneed |
6'0 |
170 |
4.6 |
Sr |
RB |
Andrew Clough |
5'10 |
180 |
4.6 |
Sr |
WR |
Kendrick Willingham |
6'0 |
175 |
4.7 |
Sr |
WR |
Matt McCathran |
6'1 |
175 |
4.6 |
Sr |
OL |
Kevin McKinnon |
6'4 |
265 |
5.1 |
Sr |
OL |
Chris Jones |
6'2 |
268 |
5.1 |
Sr |
DE |
Demetrius Jones |
6'3 |
205 |
4.7 |
Sr |
DE |
Demetrius Wilder |
6'0 |
215 |
4.8 |
Sr |
DL |
Bryan Marks |
6'3 |
240 |
5.0 |
Sr |
DB |
James Thurman |
5'8 |
165 |
4.6 |
Sr |
K |
Rico Casas |
5'9 |
160 |
5.0 |
Sr |
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1394.5 |
1-9 |
|
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Matt Hughes |
5'11 |
190 |
4.6 |
Sr |
TE/DL |
Ryan Boller |
6'0 |
235 |
5.0 |
Sr |
OL |
Joseph Klerekoper |
6'7 |
285 |
5.2 |
Sr |
OL |
Brandon Farmer |
6'2 |
245 |
5.2 |
Jr |
OL/DL |
Joey Scott |
6'4 |
240 |
5.2 |
Sr |
WR/DB |
DeLandrick Writt |
6'4 |
185 |
4.6 |
Sr |
DL |
Clay Baker |
6'5 |
285 |
5.5 |
Sr |
LB/P |
Cullen Mauritzen |
6'2 |
185 |
4.8 |
Sr |
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1255 |
4-6 |
|
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
RB/LB |
Luke Shivers |
6'1 |
215 |
4.6 |
Sr |
OL |
Jeff Sanders |
6'1 |
285 |
5.1 |
Sr |
DL |
Evan Beaton |
6'0 |
240 |
5.0 |
Sr |
DL |
Bradley Wallace |
5'11 |
230 |
4.9 |
Sr |
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|
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1236.5 |
6-4 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
RB |
Carmon Boyd-Anderson |
6'1 |
195 |
4.5 |
Sr |
QB |
Jazz Scott |
5'11 |
175 |
4.6 |
Sr |
OL |
Joe Villavisencio |
6'5 |
310 |
5.3 |
Jr |
OL |
Ryan Arrington |
6'3 |
250 |
5.0 |
Jr |
DE |
Jeremy Miles |
6'1 |
220 |
4.5 |
Sr |
LB |
Joe Whitaker |
5'11 |
240 |
4.7 |
Sr |
DB |
Justin Horn |
6'0 |
185 |
4.6 |
Sr |
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|
 |
1193 |
7-4 |
|
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Shane Fry |
6'1 |
185 |
4.5 |
Sr |
RB |
Kendrick Survia |
5'9 |
175 |
4.4 |
Sr |
WR |
Darius Reece |
5'11 |
175 |
4.4 |
Sr |
DL |
Josh Schattel |
6'0 |
235 |
5.1 |
Jr |
DB |
James Williams |
5'9 |
165 |
4.5 |
Sr |
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|
 |
1108 |
11-2 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
RB |
Jerek Sheffield |
5'8 |
175 |
4.5 |
Sr |
WR/DB |
DeAundrey Rossum |
6'0 |
175 |
4.6 |
Sr |
OL |
Michael Huey |
6'4 |
290 |
5.2 |
Sr |
LB |
Rick Thomas |
5'9 |
200 |
4.7 |
Jr |
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 |
1008 |
3-7 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
OL |
Austin Wright |
6'1 |
275 |
5.1 |
Sr |
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| Projected Finish |
1 |
Marshall |
2 |
Kilgore |
3 |
Hallsville |
4 |
Jacksonville |
5 |
Whitehouse |
6 |
Nacogdoches |
7 |
Pine Tree |
8 |
Henderson |
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| Pre-Season Awards |
District Darkhorse |
Jacksonville |
District MVP |
Luke Shivers
Whitehouse |
Offensive MVP |
Shane Fry
Hallsville |
Defensive MVP |
Demetrius Wilder
Marshall |
Diamond In The Rough |
Jerek Sheffield
Kilgore |
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| 2005 Records |
| Nacogdoches |
6-4 |
| Marshall |
13-2 |
| Pine Tree |
1-9 |
| Whitehouse |
4-6 |
| Jacksonville |
6-4 |
| Hallsville |
7-4 |
| Kilgore |
11-2 |
| Henderson |
3-7 |
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| Recruiting Key |
| THSF Top 200 Player |
| Top '07 Prospect |
| Top '08 Prospect |
| Top '09 Prospect |
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