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| Preview Guide 2007 |
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By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor
Last season's success story with Monterey and Amarillo proved to be one that gave the rest of dstrict something to build upon in the upcoming season. In his first season as head coach at Amarillo High, Brad Thiessen showed just what his Golden Sandies were capable of. His troops hung in with the eventual state champion for nearly three full quarters in a late round battle.Now the 2007 season is fast approaching and most of the district faces have suddenly taken a big graduation hit in the off-season. Will anyone topple Monterey and Amarillo at the top of the district? And just who will make the push for the final playoff spot?
Despite losing all but one defensive starter, the Golden Sandies of Amarillo are expecting to at the top of the district once again. But the defense is not the only place where the Sandies will be looking to make the proper adjustments. Taking over the controls from West Texas A&M-bound Kyler Hill at quarterback will be last year's back up Landon Brown. Brown, who saw spot time last season, will be turning to the depth of the running game and top target Cody Conner in the air routes. Juniors Jacob Burton and Josh Cates at the running back slots are going to be expected to turn up the volume when it comes down to executing the playbook. Up front, look for Jase Morgan, who is one of the better linemen in the region, to help build the confidence of the trenches. Defensively, as it is with most teams in the district, a level of concern is in place. But the Sandies do have two very talented players to bring some hope. DT Peter Hargrave, LB Aaron Painter and S Mack Griffin should help rebuild a solid defense.
Like many programs that are a staple at or near the top, the Monterey Plainsmen tend to find ways of reloading rather than rebuilding. This season is no exception to that little piece of detail. The most experienced offensive player on the roster could actually be a big difference maker when it comes down to it. WR Patrick McNamara, who had 19 receptions for 314 yards and four touchdowns in 2006, will be the top target The big task will be finding a replacement to fill the holes on the lines and in the backfield. RB Devron Jeffrey could help secure some help for the Plainsmen in the running game and he will have his work cut out for him, Defensively, the hope is that the front lines will be be able to make some strides towards giving the offense some room to breathe. DT Chris Pennick and Joe Wilborn could become solid D1 prospects by the middle of the season if the coach James Morton's Plainsmen can exceed the expectations.
A team that has plenty of depth to build on when it comes to the trenches could be the team that finishes no worse than third in the district. That team being the San Angelo Central Bobcats, could also emerge as a very big surprise in the regional scene as well. But a lot of that hinges on how well playyers such as Kyle Shirey, Collin Donoghue and Tyler Barron can give the offense what it needs. As a result, the Bobcats shhould expect a strong running game to give the rest of the squad a boost. The question mark for Steve Heryford's group is on defense. Depth in the linebacking core could be the team's biggest concern. If the defense can stay healthy and build itself up on pride and dedication, then the Bobcats 2007 playoff situation may find good stability.
The battle for fourth could be a very hotly contested one between the Mustangs of Lubbock Coronado and Rebels of Amarillo Tascosa. Coronado actually will be the most experienced team in the district heading into the 2007 season. A very strong offense could be the ultimate keys to success for the Mustangs and do not be shocked if this squad actually competes for a district championship. Among the key returnees is quarterback Austin Zouzalik. Named to the 2007 THSF Kennedale All-Combine Team, Zouzalik will be a threat both in the passing gane and in the rushing game. In 2006, Zouzalik passed and rushed for over 2, 500 yards. One his favorte targets in Landon Quigley and Kholbye Walker return for their senior seasons. Another deep threat in the Mustang arsenal is Steven Snyder. Snyder's impact will be felt mainly on the defensive side of the ball in the backfield. And also look for defensive end Bo Campbell to have another big season.
Tascosa will not be the average pushover that they have been in recent years as this year's squad expects to make a return trip to the playoffs after going two rounds deep in 2006. The key for Tascosa is the return of half of their skill players on the offensive side of the ball as well as some key linemen on both sides. Lineman Aaron Mullane is quite possibly the best athlete on the Rebel roster and will be key to any hopes they have of being a contender or pretender when it comes to the playoff picture. In the skill areas, look for quarterback Brian Strouhal to have a fairly decent season with WR Tyson Dennis aiming for a big season. Outside of the trenches, look for the special teams nit to prosper as Tascosa's specialty. Dennis, will be returning to his durties as punter while an emerging star in Jason Cunningham makes his prescence felt as the team's place kicker. |
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3030.5 |
6-6 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
RB |
Deon Rose |
5'11 |
190 |
--- |
Jr |
RB |
Shea Herron |
6'4 |
210 |
--- |
Sr |
OT |
Kyle Shirey |
6'6 |
340 |
--- |
Sr |
OT |
Tyler Barton |
6'3 |
250 |
--- |
Sr |
C |
Collin Donoghue |
6'2 |
260 |
--- |
Sr |
DT |
Bo Williams |
5'10 |
210 |
--- |
Sr |
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2302 |
3-7 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB |
Josh Klemme |
6'3 |
200 |
4.9 |
Sr |
WR/S |
Devonic Freeman |
5'8 |
155 |
4.6 |
Jr |
OT/DE |
Brock Carson |
6'2 |
205 |
5.1 |
Sr |
OT |
Antonio Ortiz |
5'11 |
240 |
--- |
Sr |
DE |
Jethro Washington |
6'3 |
186 |
4.7 |
Jr |
LB |
Dedrick Lawson |
5'11 |
185 |
4.8 |
Sr |
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2212.5 |
4-6 |
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92.7 FM |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB |
Austin Zoualik |
6'0 |
175 |
4.36 |
Sr |
WR |
Landon Quigley |
6'2 |
170 |
--- |
Sr |
WR |
Kholbye Walker |
5'7 |
135 |
--- |
Sr |
DE |
Bo Campbell |
6'3 |
218 |
--- |
Sr |
WR/DB |
Steven Snyder |
6'3 |
176 |
--- |
Sr |
PK |
Lukas Rutter |
5'8 |
151 |
--- |
Sr |
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2206.5 |
11-2 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB |
John Paul Floyd |
6'1 |
176 |
--- |
Sr |
RB |
Devron Jeffrey |
5'8 |
225 |
--- |
Sr |
WR/DB |
Patrick McNamara |
6'4 |
185 |
--- |
Sr |
DT |
Chris Penick |
6'1 |
235 |
--- |
Sr |
DT |
Joe Wilborn |
6'1 |
295 |
--- |
Sr |
DE |
Kendall Lilly |
6'1 |
295 |
--- |
Sr |
K |
Trey Cdebaca |
5'7 |
140 |
--- |
Jr |
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2176 |
7-5 |
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Team Radio |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB |
Brian Strouhal |
6'0 |
205 |
4.7 |
Sr |
WR |
Josh Yankovich |
5'11 |
190 |
4.7 |
Sr |
WR |
Joe LeDoux |
5'11 |
175 |
4.7 |
Sr |
OT |
Aaron Mullane |
6'5 |
240 |
5.0 |
Sr |
OL/DL |
Chris Flores |
6'3 |
250 |
5.0 |
Jr |
CB |
Michael Wheeler |
5'8 |
150 |
4.6 |
Sr |
CB |
Aaron Smith |
5'10 |
165 |
4.7 |
Sr |
WR/P |
Tyson Dennis |
6'3 |
175 |
4.7 |
Sr |
K |
Jason Cunningham |
5'11 |
160 |
4.9 |
Sr |
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2018.5 |
8-4 |
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101.9 FM |
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Pos |
Name |
HT |
WT |
40 |
YR |
QB |
Landon Brown |
6'2 |
185 |
--- |
Sr |
RB |
Josh Cates |
5'11 |
175 |
--- |
Sr |
RB |
Blake Morrison |
5'7 |
175 |
--- |
Sr |
RB |
Jacob Burton |
5'10 |
190 |
--- |
Jr |
WR |
Cody Conner |
5'11 |
165 |
--- |
Sr |
OL |
Dane Hamrick |
6'0 |
245 |
--- |
Sr |
C |
Jase Morgan |
6'1 |
230 |
--- |
Sr |
DT |
Peter Hargrave |
6'1 |
220 |
--- |
Sr |
LB |
Aaron Painter |
5'9 |
175 |
--- |
Sr |
S |
Mack Griffin |
6'3 |
195 |
--- |
Sr |
K |
John Cox |
5'11 |
170 |
--- |
Sr |
K |
Steven Smiley |
5'9 |
155 |
--- |
Sr |
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| Amarillo Golden Sandies |
DIck Bivins Stadium
800 South Marrs St.
Amarillo, TX 79106 |
Surface: Field Turf
Capacity: 15,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Amarillo Tascosa Rebels |
DIck Bivins Stadium
800 South Marrs St.
Amarillo, TX 79106 |
Surface: Field Turf
Capacity: 15,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Lubbock Westerners |
Lowrey Field
Avenue P & 66th St.
Lubbock, TX 79412 |
Surface: Field Turf
Capacity: 6,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Lubbock Coronado Mustangs |
Lowrey Field
Avenue P & 66th St.
Lubbock, TX 79412 |
Surface: Field Turf
Capacity: 6,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| Lubbock Monterey Plainsmen |
Lowrey Field
Avenue P & 66th St.
Lubbock, TX 79412 |
Surface: Field Turf
Capacity: 6,000 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
| San Angelo Central Bobcats |
San Angelo Stadium
Knickerbocker & Commerce
San Angelo, TX 76904 |
Surface: Safe Play
Capacity: 17,500 (approx.)
Directions To Stadium |
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Preview Guide Line Up |
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| Projected Finish |
1 |
Amarillo |
2 |
Lub. Monterey |
3 |
San Angelo Central |
4 |
Lub. Coronado |
5 |
Amarillo Tascosa |
6 |
Lubbock |
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| Pre-Season Awards |
District Darkhorse |
Lubbock Coronado |
District MVP |
Austin Zouzalik
Lubbock Coronado |
Offensive MVP |
Cody Conner
Amarillo |
Defensive MVP
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Chris Pennick
Lubbock Monterey |
Diamond In The Rough |
Steven Snyder
Lubbock Coronado |
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| 2006 Records |
| San Angelo Cent |
6-6 |
| Lubbock |
3-7 |
| Lub. Coronado |
4-6 |
| Lub. Monterey |
11-2 |
| Ama. Tascosa |
7-5 |
| Amarillo |
8-4 |
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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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