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| District 5-5A Preview |
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By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor
The Southlake Carroll Dragons appear to have yet another season of domination ahead of them. Whether the Dragons will get a challenge from the teams in the district is another question that remains to be seen ever since they arrived on the 5A scene a few years ago. Despite the Dragons' improbable and mind-blowing success on the field, the rest of the district should be in for a wild ride as the district should feature a wild scramble to get in the upper half of the standings. And the truth about this district is that there are at least six very solid and legitimate playoff contenders and playoff-ready teams.
Barring a miracle and result on shocking and unprecedented levels, the Dragons look to be primed and ready to make yet another run at but the district title and the state championship. Sure, the Dragons lost a lot of their star players and skilled reserves to graduation, but as the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. And like the previous predecessors at the quarterback position with Chase Wasson, Chase Daniel and Greg McElroy, the bar is set high for the new star in that role. Riley Dodge, who just so happens to be the son of Dragons head coach Todd Dodge, will take over the reigns after being groomed into the spot.
And yes, the Dragons are famous for producing some very solid quarterbacks over the years but it is the supporting cast around those quarterbacks that make the biggest difference in the world. Tre' Newton, who is the son of former Dallas Cowboy great Nate Newton, will be back in the drivers seat in the running back position. Newton, like Dodge, posted very impressive numbers on the ground as sophomores last season and those numbers should improve even more this season. But fear not, the passing game is and still will be a major part of the Dragon formula. Entering the picture for the Dragons at wide receiver is Blake Cantu and returning is Anthony Ford.
While the offense takes all the headlines in Dragon camp, if the defense is anywhere on the level it was last season, the Dragons will be tough to contain once again. Returning will be DE Kyle Russo, who should be the key leader of the Dragon defense. Behind Russo and beside him will be Kevin Swanson on the line and Justin Padron in the linebacker spot. And a very underrated Arius Ford makes his return in the defensive backfield.
And while Dragons make the noise atop the district, the mad scramble for the district's second, third and fourth playoff spots should be as entertaining as it has ever been. Keller, Justin Northwest, Grapevine, Haltom and Heritage look to be five teams that will likely vie for three playoff spots. Keller Central and Richland also may play a major role in the race before it is all said and done.
Looking at the Keller Indians, there is reason to be optimisic about the 2006 season as quarterback Calvin Farley should be ready and much improved after suffering late season injuries in 2005. Farley will have a good crop of targets to fire at as the Indians bring back three wide outs in James Ritenour, Chris Kuhner and Collin Bjostad. Returning on the running back sloit, will be Mandi Onyeabor. The Indians dismal 3-7 record last season should be up for some drastic improvements as they bring in a senior dominated team on both sides of the ball. As a wild card, look for Indians linebacker Nick Tripp to have an improved season. With the familiarity of the district opponents and experience on their side, this Indians team could see some very good things out of the 2006 season.
Justin Northwest will be making the transition from the 5A level to the 4A level like that of Keller Central, who was also in their district at the 4A level the previous two seasons. On paper and in the eyes of many, the Texans have the talent and skill players to win right away at the 5A level. Drew Ashley, who has an explosive running style will be looking to rack up the yards not only on the ground but through the air. On the throwing end, will be Will McAngus, who is the son of Northwest coach Leonard McAngus. The younger McAngus is a solid dual threat who completed 61 percent of his passes and rushed for 500 yards while Ashley racked in 1700 yards on the ground. With a solid line and solid skill set, the Texans could end up as a sleeper and a potential surprise for many.
The Haltom Buffalos lost head coach Kenny Perry to Arlington Bowie but gained Clayton George. George's famiiarity and style should help the Buffalos pick up right where they left off last season. Like many within the district, the Buffalos have a solid set of skill players. If the Buffalos work their way through and learn George's system fairly quick and efficiently, there will be no reason Haltom should not be right in the middle of the playoff race at the end. Bringing back the skill players on offense will be a major boost to Haltom's chances.
Colleyville Heritage will be looking to take the next step, like that of Keller, Northwest, Haltom and Grapevine. The Panthers, who finished 6-4 last season, should have plenty of skill players back and with plenty of depth at their dispossal. And experience offense and a somewhat youth-filled defense mayy be just what Heritage will need to get into one of the four playoff spots. Key player to watch in Panthers camp will be DB Matt Howe on the defensive side. Although a junior, Howe could become a big leader in bringing the Panther defense to the next level.
Grapevine will mostly rely on its defense as they bring back two of the better linebackers in the district. Senior Michael Noel and junior Ethan Davis have proven they can become big playmakers and if they are going to get the Mustangs back into the hunt of the playoffs, they duo will need to turn it up a notch to give Logan Mullins and Kale Galles plenty of time to work the offensive side of the ball.
And as stated previously, don't be surprised if either Keller Central and/or Richland have their say in the district playoff race as well. Both teams have the type of talent and ability to pull off some big surprises. Keller Central with the talented Jon Flennoy and Danzell Fortson could be a nice recipe for success if they can tread through the competition. Richland has stud quarterback Joe Kemp running its offensive schemes. And with solid prtection up fron and an improving running game, the Rebels may end up being the surprise of the state if they can work hard enough. Neither Keller Central and Richland are to be taken lightly in the district race, but if they are, don't be shocked if they are right in the middle of things. |
| Key Players & Team Information |
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2789 |
3-7 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Calvin Farley |
6'2 |
185 |
4.8 |
Sr |
K/P |
Derek Epperson |
6'3 |
215 |
4.7 |
Sr |
WR |
James Ritenour |
5'11 |
175 |
4.5 |
Sr |
RB |
Mandi Onyeabor |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Sr |
WR |
Chris Kuhner |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Sr |
WR |
Collin Bjostad |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Sr |
LB |
Nick Tripp |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Jr |
|
|
 |
2609.5 |
5-5 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Kyle McDonald |
6'3 |
210 |
4.7 |
Sr |
WR |
Jevon Edwards |
6'3 |
175 |
4.6 |
Sr |
WR |
Brent Kennard |
6'2 |
175 |
4.6 |
Sr |
RB |
Lance Dunbar |
5'10 |
185 |
4.5 |
Jr |
DB |
Chris Jones |
6'2 |
210 |
4.5 |
Sr |
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|
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2425 |
6-4 |
|
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
RB |
Derrick Kammerlocher |
5'9 |
170 |
--- |
Sr |
RB |
Kyle Furin |
5'9 |
180 |
--- |
Sr |
WR |
Breece Johnson |
6'2 |
175 |
--- |
Sr |
WR |
Evan Walker |
5'10 |
170 |
--- |
Sr |
WR |
Patrick Keenan |
6'1 |
185 |
--- |
Sr |
OL |
Michael Doody |
5'10 |
225 |
--- |
Sr |
QB/P |
Casey Russell |
6'2 |
205 |
--- |
Sr |
WR/K |
Adam Still |
6'1 |
170 |
--- |
Jr |
DB |
Matt Howe |
6'3 |
180 |
--- |
Jr |
DB |
Taylor Hightower |
5'10 |
175 |
--- |
Jr |
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|
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2408 |
16-0 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Riley Dodge |
5'11 |
175 |
4.4 |
Jr |
RB |
Tre Newton |
6'2 |
190 |
4.5 |
Jr |
DE |
Kyle Russo |
6'3 |
245 |
4.8 |
Sr |
DB |
Arius Ford |
5'10 |
180 |
4.6 |
Sr |
WR |
Anthony Ford |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Sr |
WR |
Blake Cantu |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Jr |
DL |
Kevin Swanson |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Sr |
LB |
Justin Padron |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Sr |
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|
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2370 |
3-7 |
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|
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
RB |
Danzell Fortson |
6'0 |
175 |
4.5 |
Sr |
WR |
Taylor Fore |
5'10 |
160 |
4.7 |
Sr |
WR/DB |
Jon Flennoy |
6'1 |
180 |
4.5 |
Sr |
OL |
Collin McCleary |
5'11 |
250 |
--- |
Sr |
DE |
Drew Harvey |
6'0 |
215 |
4.8 |
Jr |
DB |
Eric Martinez |
6'1 |
175 |
4.5 |
Sr |
DB |
Collin Meador |
6'1 |
175 |
4.7 |
Sr |
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2360.8 |
6-4 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
LB |
Ethan Davis |
6'3 |
180 |
4.7 |
Jr |
DL |
Michael Baughman |
6'2 |
245 |
4.8 |
Sr |
QB/RB |
Logan Mullins |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Sr |
RB/LB |
Kale Galles |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Sr |
LB |
Michael Noel |
-- |
-- |
--- |
Sr |
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2210.5 |
6-4 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
RB |
Drew Ashley |
6'0 |
190 |
--- |
Jr |
QB |
Will McAngus |
6'2 |
185 |
--- |
Sr |
WR/DB |
Zach Palmer |
6'0 |
180 |
--- |
Sr |
DL |
Peter Brooks |
6'4 |
260 |
--- |
Sr |
OL |
Bradley Davidson |
6'1 |
245 |
--- |
Sr |
WR |
Bryant Maxwell |
6'2 |
200 |
--- |
Sr |
LB |
Cody Goetz |
6'0 |
195 |
--- |
Sr |
NG |
Billy Smith |
5'10 |
230 |
--- |
Sr |
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2103 |
1-9 |
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Pos |
Name |
Ht |
Wt |
40 |
Yr |
QB |
Joe Kemp |
6'5 |
218 |
4.7 |
Sr |
RB |
Brian Thedford |
5'9 |
161 |
4.5 |
Sr |
WR |
Ralph Tiquia |
5'9 |
171 |
4.5 |
Jr |
OL |
Paul Sielski |
6'3 |
278 |
5.1 |
Sr |
OL |
Bryant Tittle |
6'3 |
335 |
5.6 |
Sr |
LB |
Victor Jones |
6'3 |
200 |
4.5 |
Jr |
LB |
Donanvan McDonald |
6'3 |
200 |
4.5 |
Sr |
DB |
Blake Junkersfeld |
6'1 |
191 |
4.6 |
Sr |
DB |
A.J. Garcia |
5'10 |
173 |
4.6 |
Jr |
DB |
Matt Smyers |
5'10 |
168 |
4.6 |
Jr |
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| Projected Finish |
1 |
Southlake Carroll |
2 |
Keller |
3 |
Justin Northwest |
4 |
Haltom |
5 |
CV Heritage |
6 |
Grapevine |
7 |
Keller Central |
8 |
Richland |
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| Pre-Season Awards |
District Darkhorse |
Justin Northwest |
District MVP |
Riley Dodge
Southlake Carroll |
Offensive MVP |
Drew Ashley
Justin Northwest |
Defensive MVP |
Kyle Russo
Southlake Carroll |
Diamond In The Rough |
Calvin Farley
Keller |
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| 2005 Records |
| Keller |
3-7 |
| Haltom |
5-5 |
| Colleyvlle Heritage |
6-4 |
| Southlake Carroll |
16-0 |
| Keller Central |
3-7 |
| Grapevine |
6-4 |
| Justin Northwest |
6-4 |
| Richland |
1-9 |
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| Recruiting Key |
| THSF Top 200 Player |
| Top '07 Prospect |
| Top '08 Prospect |
| Top '09 Prospect |
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