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| Preview Guide 2007 |
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By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor
The wild and wacky world that is the 17-5A race, will continue to be just that.. wild and wacky. But it has also turned into one of the most competitive districts in the state. In the past year and in recent years, Jersey Village, Cypress Falls and Cypress Fairbanks have all made strides towards giving the district some major credibility. Cypress Falls and Cypress Fairbanks, co-champions of 17-5A last season, wound up heading into unchartered territory for the district in the playoffs as the Golden Eagles made it to the state championship game and the Bobcats to the regional semifinals. The big question that is brewing focuses on who will be the team that makes the rise this year.
The clear favorite of the district is Cypress Fairbanks with the return of one of the state's most sought after and prolific rushers in Sam McGuffie. McGuffie's prescence is just enough to warrant Fairbanks as the top contender for a district title, but McGuffie and fullback Wesley Cobb will have to do it with a line that does not have a lot of experience. If McGuffie can find the holes and keep his balance, the Bobcats should have little problem producing offensively. The Bobcats also have a good receiving core that will be waiting in the wings to help confuse the opposition defense. In close games, one of the Houston area's most clutch kickers in Chris Patrick, will and could be called upon to give the Bobcats an edge on the scoreboard. If the Bobcats can reload defensively, which was major asset in their deep playoff run last season, then this team has the potential to repeat its accomplishments from a year ago.
The Cypress Ridge Rams came out of nowhere last season to sneak into the playoffs and this season with a majority oftheir offense intact, they could be what we could call a sub-favorite to take the district title. The young Rams have now grown into the mold of being contenders and like the Cy-Fair Bobcats, this team has an offensive weapon that can change the outcome of a game in an instant. Junior Russell Shepard, who combined for over 2,100 yard in the air and on the ground, will also have help in the backfield in the form of Hassan Lipscomb. And yet again, like the Bobcats of Cy-Fairbanks, the Rams could have to watch the progression of the offensive trenches if they intend to make a solid playoff run. Defensively, look for the Rams to utilize Jerrod Flemming and Robert Gandy up front on the ends while Royce Hill and Curtis Slater man the backfield with solid tackling and speed.
The scary part of the top two favorites is the fact that they are so similar in every sense of the word, but they are so different in terms of playmakers. That could be enough to make the defenses of other six competing teams see their own head spin in the process. So who exactly are the contenders behind the Bobats and Rams?
One potential playoff team could be that of the Jersey Village Falcons. With a solid rusher in Anthony Bibbs, the Falcons will be aiming to find the holes and the yards like they have in the past. Bibbs racked up over 1,200 yards of dirt as a junior and could be in for more this season. Like the Cy-Fair Bobcats, the Falcons have a solid Division I kicking prospect in their own back yard named Brian Davis. Despite only returning three starters on last year's squad, the Falcon defense could be a very dangerous one to watch. Tim Benford and Corey Wright at defensive end, have excellent size and speed. And if the duo can remain dedicated, the possibilities are wide open for them in the future. In the middle of the defense, look for junior Trey Briggs and senior Dejon Creeks to carry the load. The bottm line for Jersey Village is if they play to their potential and believe in themselves, this team could go a long way and can assure themselves of a playoff appearance yet again.
The fourth and final spot could come down to either Cypress Creek, Cypress Falls or Lanhgam Creek. With depth on the lines and the return of a quarterback that has some promise in him, the Cypress Creek Cougars could be a potential break through team in 2007. On the lines, look for Kenny Onwubuya and Da'Marcus Baymon to provide the protection that is needed for senior quarterback Jacob Thompson to improve and provide the offense. Onwubuya, a solid D1 prospect, could be in for a load of honors before its all said and done. Meanwhile Thompson, a dual-threat quarterback like Russell Shepard at Ridge, will be aiming to improve the 1700 yard offensive output from a year ago. With that, a defense led by Trent Faith at linebacker will need to become more consistent in controlling opposing offenses.If Creek can improve in the defensive stand, then they could be a top lock for a potential playoff spot and become a sleeper in the race.
Cypress Falls reached the state championship with a load of talent and seniors on the roster, but now David Raffield and company must start for scratch to bring the Golden Eagles back to the elusive deep playoff run. The lone returning starter for the Golden Eagles is that of Shane Turner, who rushed for nearly 1,300 yards and picked up 14 touchdowns. Jeff Welch's back up Kolby Gray will take over as the full time starter at quarterback in 2007. Despite only bringing back one starter this season, the Golden Eagles should field a very competitive team. Afterall, the longer a team goes through the playoffs, the more work the younger guys will get in practice. The playoffs are not out of reach for this squad, they will however have to learn fairly quickly and build on the late season playoff run from last year.
Langham Creek which finished a game out of the playoff hunt last season, will be looking to make sure they actually get into the playoffs this season. Leading the charge ofeensively will be Max Jenkins, who will be starting for his second season and is entering his senior season. With Jenkins on offense, the Lobos will have to rely on WRs Kameron Shamlin and Barry Aubert to pick up the load in yard and scoring production. The Lobos will be looking to use the experience on defense to help get back into the playoff hunt. Obinna Akujuobi and Wes Harlen should be very productive producers out of the backfield and key the Lobos making and missing the playoffs.
Depth at Strake Jesuit may or may not be a factor in the Crusaders chances to compete for a playoff spot. But they do have some key players that could give them plenty of hope to make the run. Last year's top rusher and defensive player, Jeff McVaney, will be pulling double duty once again in 2007. Instead of being exclusive to his superior linebacker duties, he will make the switch from running back to quarterback on the offensive after Josh Jones made a transfer to Baytown Lee for his senior season. A defense led by McVaney will have help up front with Aaron Jackson and David King in the trenches. If McVaney's QB skills are as good as his linebacking skills the Crusaders may find themselves in the hunt and as a key spoiler in the district landscape. |
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3951.2 |
1-9 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB |
Darius Wilson |
5'9 |
175 |
--- |
Jr |
CB |
Troy Randle |
5'10 |
170 |
--- |
Sr |
S |
Cody Lewis |
5'11 |
175 |
--- |
Sr |
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3768.5 |
12-2 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
RB |
Sam McGuffie |
5'10 |
185 |
4.3 |
Sr |
TE |
Colby Goodwin |
6'4 |
210 |
--- |
Jr |
DL |
Austen Wozniak |
6'2 |
223 |
--- |
Sr |
OG |
Chris Lathrop |
6'4 |
280 |
--- |
Sr |
PK |
Chris Patrick |
6'1 |
175 |
--- |
Sr |
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3449 |
6-5 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB |
Russell Sheppard |
6'1 |
185 |
--- |
Jr |
RB |
Hassan Lipscomb |
5'11 |
190 |
--- |
Jr |
WR |
Brandon Smith |
6'2 |
190 |
--- |
Sr |
DE |
Jerrod Flemming |
5'10 |
200 |
--- |
Sr |
DB |
Royce Hill |
6'2 |
185 |
--- |
Sr |
DB |
Curtis Slater |
5'9 |
185 |
--- |
Sr |
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3368.5 |
6-4 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB |
Max Jenkins |
5'11 |
180 |
--- |
Sr |
CB |
Obinna Akujuobi |
5'8 |
160 |
--- |
Sr |
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3350 |
12-4 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB |
Kolby Gray |
6'2 |
185 |
4.7 |
Jr |
RB |
Shane Turner |
5'10 |
170 |
4.4 |
Sr |
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3058 |
5-6 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
RB |
Anthony Bibbs |
5'11 |
190 |
--- |
Sr |
DE |
Tim Benford |
6'5 |
230 |
--- |
Sr |
DE |
Corey Wright |
6'3 |
250 |
--- |
Sr |
LB |
Trey Briggs |
6'2 |
210 |
--- |
Jr |
LB |
Dejon Creeks |
5'10 |
170 |
--- |
Sr |
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2794 |
5-5 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB |
Jacob Thompson |
6'1 |
181 |
4.5 |
Sr |
OL |
Kenny Onwubuya |
6'3 |
270 |
5.2 |
Sr |
OL |
Da'Marcus Baymon |
6'2 |
315 |
5.4 |
Jr |
LB |
Trent Faith |
5'10 |
190 |
4.7 |
Sr |
P |
Colin Baker |
6'2 |
185 |
4.6 |
Sr |
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1993 |
4-6 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB/LB |
Jeff McVaney |
6'1 |
215 |
--- |
Sr |
DL |
Aaron Jackson |
6'2 |
295 |
--- |
Sr |
DE |
David King |
6'4 |
235 |
--- |
Sr |
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| Cypress Creek Cougars |
Berry Center
8877 Barker Cypress
Cypress, TX 77433 |
Surface: Artificial Turf
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
Pridgeon Stadium
11499 Bobcat Rd.
Houston, TX 77064 |
Surface: AstroTurf 12
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Cypress Fairbanks Bobcats |
Berry Center
8877 Barker Cypress
Cypress, TX 77433 |
Surface: Artificial Turf
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
Pridgeon Stadium
11499 Bobcat Rd.
Houston, TX 77064 |
Surface: AstroTurf 12
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Cypress Fals Golden Eagles |
Berry Center
8877 Barker Cypress
Cypress, TX 77433 |
Surface: Artificial Turf
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
Pridgeon Stadium
11499 Bobcat Rd.
Houston, TX 77064 |
Surface: AstroTurf 12
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Cypress RIdge Rams |
Berry Center
8877 Barker Cypress
Cypress, TX 77433 |
Surface: Artificial Turf
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
Pridgeon Stadium
11499 Bobcat Rd.
Houston, TX 77064 |
Surface: AstroTurf 12
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Cypress Springs Panthers |
Berry Center
8877 Barker Cypress
Cypress, TX 77433 |
Surface: Artificial Turf
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
Pridgeon Stadium
11499 Bobcat Rd.
Houston, TX 77064 |
Surface: AstroTurf 12
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Jersey Village Falcons |
Berry Center
8877 Barker Cypress
Cypress, TX 77433 |
Surface: Artificial Turf
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
Pridgeon Stadium
11499 Bobcat Rd.
Houston, TX 77064 |
Surface: AstroTurf 12
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Langham Creek Lobos |
Berry Center
8877 Barker Cypress
Cypress, TX 77433 |
Surface: Artificial Turf
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
Pridgeon Stadium
11499 Bobcat Rd.
Houston, TX 77064 |
Surface: AstroTurf 12
Capacity: 11,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Strake Jesuit Crusaders |
Crusader Stadium
8900 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston, TX 77036 |
Surface: Field Turf
Capacity: 5,124 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
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Preview Guide Line Up |
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| Projected Finish |
1 |
Cy Fairbanks |
2 |
Cypress Ridge |
3 |
Jersey Village |
4 |
Cypress Creek |
5 |
Cypress Falls |
6 |
Langham Creek |
7 |
Strake Jesuit |
8 |
Cypress Springs |
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| Pre-Season Awards |
District Darkhorse |
Cypress Creek |
District MVP |
Sam McGuffie
Cypress Fairbanks |
Offensive MVP |
Russell Shepard
Cypress Ridge |
Defensive MVP
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Jeff McVaney
Strake Jesuit |
Diamond In The Rough |
Chris Patrick
Cypress Fairbanks |
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| 2006 Records |
| Cy Springs |
1-9 |
| Cy Fairbanks |
12-2 |
| Cy Ridge |
6-5 |
| Langham Creek |
6-4 |
| Cy Falls |
12-4 |
| Jersey Village |
5-6 |
| Cy Creek |
5-5 |
| Strake Jesuit |
4-6 |
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| Recruiting Key |
THSF Top 200 Player |
Top 2008 Prospect |
Top 2009 Prospect |
Top 2010 Prospect |
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| Preview Sponsor |
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