CLASS 5A REGION I PREVIEW |
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In 2009, Class 5A Region I will still house some of the toughest competition and biggest home run hitters in the state when it comes to the teams overall and the talent pool that resides within it. Looking at the region's top teams and the way the potential playoff brackets align themselves, it will be a certainly obvious observation that not only is Division II the stronger of the two playoff brackets, it is also the most top-heavy collection of teams assembled for one bracket in recent memory. But that senario is a bit too far in the future to gage on how things will play out. There is still an entire season left to be played out. As they say, don't get your hopes up too high, anything is possible, especially in the world of Texas HS Football.
The Top Dogs
Despite losing some of its top stars such as Rex Burkhead, Nate Bonsu, Jerod Monk and Nikita Whitlock, the scene in 8-5A is still very competitive and hot off the presses. Allen, the defending Division I state champion, with the reemergence of the Plano East Panthers back onto the playoff scene, could find themselves thrown into a much tougher and challenging Division II bracket. Plano East comes into 2009 on a high note not only with a win in its final game of the season, but qualifying and competing against some of the state's best at the annual state 7on7 tournament. SImply learning how to win and using motivation can almost certainly change the entire structure of your outlook ahead.
A district away from the Allen Eagles and Plano East Panthers comes probably the most talented team in the state in Cedar Hill. The return of Ben Malena, Aaron Benson, Adam Shead and Elisha Olabode should give plenty of notice that the Longhorns are a team not just of talent, but determination and destiny. The hunger of the Cedar Hill Longhorns is showing that they belong at the top of state's football mountain and demand the respect that they so richly want. Not only does Joey McGuire have a 2,200 yard rusher in the backfield, a crop of big men up front and solid defensive players, he also has one of the state's top kickers in Eduardo Camara and a promising young quarterback who threw for 1,350 yards in his sophomore season with Malena gobbling up dirt in all directions. A chalenging road schedule against Class 4A Wichita Falls Rider and Euless Trinity should be a solid test in preparation for a long and grinding district and playoff route ahead. As for why they are the region's top ranked team, look no further than at the man in charge of the talented group of student-athletes, Joey McGuire.
Sleeper Teams and Talent
Speaking of talented players and teams on the rise and to look out for in the 2009 season, the Midland Bulldogs are one of those such teams. Craig Yenzer and the Midland Bulldogs have probably one of the region's most underrated players in WR/DB Antwan Goodley. Not only is Goodley a solid threat in the Midland passing game at receiver, he is also an impact player defensively and in the special teams areas of the game. Goodley, a three year starter. has earned the right to be considered as one of the state's top players and a major difference maker. Making the Bulldogs and his supporting cast around him even better should make the Midland Bulldogs one of the biggest sleeper teams in the region next to a Plano East, Arlington or Flower Mound Marcus.
Considered as a solid favorite in their own district, it is hardly a case to consider the Arlington Colts as one of the region's top sleeper teams ready to win and win now. But the Colts, given the nature of of how top heavy the region is with the Cedar Hills, Allens, Southlake Carrolls and Odessa Permians of the world, has a very legitmate case. Consistency for the Colts over the last few years has its rewards in the end. With Matt and Luke Joeckel back manning their respective positions, the Colts have two leaders and brothers they can count on to lead them in the right direction on the skill set and in the trenches. The Colts are not only sitting pretty offensively, a defense led by LB Keighen Thetford S Jordan Davis and S Hardy Diggs should give Scott Peach's group plenty of reason to be optimistic about 2009.
Strangely, the Colts are not the only team in their district looking strap on the sleeper label across their chest. The Mansfield Tigers, which stunned Abilene in the first round of the playoffs last season, also has a potential to make the Region I world rock in its cage. An improving district with the likes of Arlington, Arlington Bowie and Arlington Martin should help Jeff Hulme's Tigers gain some more respect. But they will have to do it getting through a rugged district schedule that has them travelling to Bowie, Martin and Lamar over a four week stretch before finishing up with district favorite Arlington at home. In any case, if the Tigers get to the playoffs, they will be battle tested already. Like Midland, Mansfield also has a sleeper talent on the rocks ready to make some noise in DE Femi Awe. Awe and his fellow defensive end teammate Pete Okonofua both finished 2008 with double digit sack figures and appear to be ready and willing to add to their all ready impressive sack totals along with a flurry of tackles and a few more wins in the left hand side of the win-loss table. |
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DIVISION I |
DIVISION II |
EP Montwood vs Odessa
North Crowley vs Arlington Martin
Euless Trinity vs Flower Mound
Duncanville vs Plano East
EP El Dorado vs Odessa Permian
Burleson vs Arlington
Keller vs Flower Mound Marcus
South Grand Prairie vs Plano |
EP Coronado vs Amarillo
Abilene vs Arlington Lamar
Colleyville Heritage vs Hebron
Cedar Hill vs Wylie
EP Hanks vs Midland
Richland vs Arlington Bowie
Hurst L.D. Bell vs Southlake Carroll
Irving MacArthur vs Allen |
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OFFENSE |
DEFENSE |
Pos |
Player |
YR |
School |
Pos |
Player |
YR |
School |
QB |
Matt Joeckel |
Sr |
Arlington |
DL |
Larry Moore |
Sr |
Cedar Hill |
RB |
Ben Malena |
Sr |
Cedar Hill |
DL |
Andre' Young |
Sr |
Euless Trinity |
RB |
Stephen Hopkins |
Sr |
FM Marcus |
DE |
Jackson Jeffcoat |
Sr |
Plano West |
WR |
Antwan Goodley |
Sr |
Midland |
DE |
Jackson Richards |
Sr |
SL Carroll |
WR |
Montra Nelson |
Sr |
Arl. Bowie |
LB |
Keighen Thetford |
Sr |
Arlington |
TE |
Will Bryant |
Sr |
Amarillo |
LB |
Jared Parham |
Sr |
Coppell |
OL |
Adam Shead |
Sr |
Cedar Hill |
LB |
Lambert Riley |
Sr |
Od. Permian |
OL |
Cedric Ogbuehi |
Sr |
Allen |
LB |
Nikko Ornelas |
Jr |
Richland |
OL |
Luke Joeckel |
Sr |
Arlington |
DB |
Karsten Goodman |
Sr |
Abilene |
OL |
Malachi Nichols |
Sr |
Midland |
DB |
Josh Reed |
Sr |
Allen |
OL |
Drew Carroll |
Sr |
Abilene |
DB |
Elisha Olabode |
Sr |
Cedar Hill |
K |
Cade Foster |
Sr |
SL Carroll |
P |
Jesse Champion |
Sr |
Duncanville |
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| Darkhorse Team: |
EP El Dorado |
Reg Rank |
8 |
State Rank |
31 |
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Projected Finish |
1 |
EP Coronado |
2 |
EP Hanks |
3 |
EP Montwood |
4 |
EP El Dorado |
5 |
EP Franklin |
6 |
EP Socorro |
7 |
EP EP Bel Air |
8 |
EP Americas |
9 |
EP Eastwood |
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District MVP: |
RB Nick Kilgore, Sr - EP El Dorado |
Offensive MVP: |
QB Matt Reyes, Sr - EP Hanks |
Defensive MVP: |
DB Justin Kohlstad, Sr - EP Coronado |
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DIstrict Red Zone Blitz |
| This season's district race should be one of the more competitive ones in recent memory especially at the top wth the race for the district title. Coronado, Hanks and Montwood should be battle ready for a fierce race to the top. Don't be surprised if QB Matt Reyes at Hanks puts on an assault at city passing records by season's end and gets the Knights over the top. El Dorado, which returns RB Nick Kilgore and junior WR M.J. McFarland, should find itself in the mix if the Aztecs can work around the chemistry at the QB spot. If not, it could be a disppointing season for Jim Althoff's group. Franklin, which has been a staple in the El Paso playoff scene for many years, may find itself on the outside looking in with the lack of experience on defense. If there is a bright spot for the Cougars, the passing attack starting with QB Josh Valenzuela, may be one to watch. If the defense can stay off the field, Franklin's playoff streak should continue. |
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| Darkhorse Team: |
Amarillo |
Reg Rank |
3 |
State Rank |
6 |
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Projected Finish |
1 |
Midland |
2 |
Odessa Permian |
3 |
Odessa |
4 |
Amarillo |
5 |
Midland Lee |
6 |
Lubbock Monterey |
7 |
San Angelo Central |
8 |
Lubbock Coronado |
9 |
Amarillo Tascosa |
10 |
Lubbock |
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District MVP: |
WR/DB Antwan Goodley, Sr - Midland |
Offensive MVP: |
QB Derrick Teegarden, Sr - Odessa |
Defensive MVP: |
LB Lambert Riley, Sr - Odessa Permian |
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DIstrict Red Zone Blitz |
| The shift in coaches during the off-season involving precisely half of the district not only wrecked havoc on the headlines, but it could have a significant impact on how the 2009 season plays out in the battle for fourth and the battle for the district title. Adjustments and style will be key to getting into the playoffs and contending for the district bell. Midland not only brings back Antwan Goodley, they also have QB Jack Bolger and a defense that has plenty of potential to pull a few surprises. Goodley could be the biggest key to the entire district race making an impact in virtually every phase of the game. Permian may have the most expierenced team in the district dispite losing a handful to graduation. Stability on the lines should keep Permian in the hunt yet again in 2009. Speaking of experience, Odessa and Derrick Teegarden learned how to win in 2008, but now that they have that accomplished, they will have to learn how to live life being the hunted and not the hunter. Speed and consistency in Amarillo should help the Sandies put a lock on the fourth place playoff position but on the horizon could be improved teams in Lee and San Angelo Central. Monterey could also be in the mix but like Permian, the Plainsmen took a big hit on the graduation front. |
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| Darkhorse Team: |
Burleson |
Reg Rank |
7 |
State Rank |
22 |
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Projected Finish |
1 |
Abilene |
2 |
Richland |
3 |
North Crowley |
4 |
Burleson |
5 |
Haltom |
6 |
Weatherford |
7 |
FW Paschal |
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District MVP: |
OL Drew Carroll, Sr - Abilene |
Offensive MVP: |
QB Tyler Cotton, Sr - Richland |
Defensive MVP: |
S Karsten Goodman, Sr - Abilene |
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DIstrict Red Zone Blitz |
| The Abilene Eagles finished 10-1 last season with a first round exit at the hands of the Mansfield Tigers but should be much improved wth the return of their three big offensive linemen in Drew Carroll, Brad Evans and Chris Seballos. With a good mix of youth and experience, the Eagles might have a solid chance to make a deep playoff run. If there is a team that might knock the Eagles off the top, the Richland Rebels and Tyler Cotton, with the right breaks and cards on the table, could be the team that makes the case. Although the North Crowley Panthers have limited experience, they should be a solid lock for a playoff spot alongside the Burleson Elks, who bring in Blake Smith and Nick Foster from a team that went two deep in 2008. Not too far behind the Elks and Panthers are the Buffaloes, Kangaroos and the Paschal Panthers. All three of those teams should be much improved in 2009, resulting in a far more competitive race but even with the expierence and improvement, the question is how far down the road they must travel to get into the mix. |
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| Darkhorse Team: |
Arlington Martin |
Reg Rank |
4 |
State Rank |
10 |
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Projected Finish |
1 |
Arlington |
2 |
Arlington Bowie |
3 |
Arlington Martin |
4 |
Arlington Lamar |
5 |
Mansfield |
6 |
Arlington Houston |
7 |
Mansfield Summit |
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District MVP: |
QB Matt Joeckel, Sr - Arlington |
Offensive MVP: |
WR Montra Nelson, Sr - Arlington Bowie |
Defensive MVP: |
LB Keighen Thetford, Sr - Arlington |
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DIstrict Red Zone Blitz |
| Arlington is the big sleeper of the 2009 season when it comes to the overall regional picture but they in terms of their district aspirations, the Colts are the big dogs on campus. With the Joeckel brothers returning alongside LB Keighen Thetford and WR Miles Onyegbule, do not be suprised to see a battled tested team enter the playoffs with only one loss to their credit. Lurking right behind the Colts could be the Bowie Volunteers who lost quite a bit but have back one of the region's top receivers in Montra Nelson. If the Volunteers can address the inexpeience on the defense, they may have a chance to repeat the success they have had the last few years. Martin could be the team to watch in the district as the Warriors have begun to showcase stability and consistency. Look for a big year from LB Reid Pride and OL Donavan Johnson if the Warriors are expected to make the next step on the playoff tree branch. The battle for fourth could come between Lamar and Mansfield. And the key game for the district could be the contest on October 30 where Lamar hosts Mansfield. Mansfield should be much improved, but as most teams in the district, they also have their hands full. |
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| Darkhorse Team: |
Hurst L.D. Bell |
Reg Rank |
5 |
State Rank |
13 |
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Projected Finish |
1 |
Euless Trinity |
2 |
Colleyville Heritage |
3 |
Hurst L.D. Bell |
4 |
Keller |
5 |
Justin Northwest |
6 |
Keller Fossil Ridge |
7 |
Keller Central |
8 |
Grapevine |
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District MVP: |
RB Tevin Williams, Jr - Euless Trinity |
Offensive MVP: |
QB Cameron Allerheiligen, Sr - Keller |
Defensive MVP: |
DE John Miles, Sr - Colleyville Heritage |
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DIstrict Red Zone Blitz |
| Despite taking a big hit on the graduation front, the Euless Trinity Trojans, who will be young, should be the class of the district and a legitimate threat in the playoffs before its all said and done. The Trojans open the season with an appearance on ESPN on Labor Day and expect a fairly decent match up in preparation for the district grind. The teams looking to unseat the Trojans are the Colleyville Heritage Panthers and Hurst L.D. Bell Blue Raiders. Like Euless Trinity, both Heritage and Bell were also hit hard by the graduation bug. Of the two teams, which should be playoff locks, look for DE John Miles at Heritage and RB Kenneth Farrow to make the biggest impact on the district race. The big motivation for the two teams other than chasing down Trinity, would be to avoid a first round date and dinner with the Carroll Dragons. The battle for fourth should also be intriguing as Keller, Northwest and an improved Fossil Ridge team look to battle it out for fourth place in the district. Keller, which experienced a bad break last season, will be counting on the arm of QB Cameron Allerheiligen to get them back in the hunt. |
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| Darkhorse Team: |
Flower Mound Marcus |
Reg Rank |
2 |
State Rank |
5 |
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Projected Finish |
1 |
Southlake Carroll |
2 |
Hebron |
3 |
Flower Mound Marcus |
4 |
Flower Mound |
5 |
Coppell |
6 |
Lewisville |
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District MVP: |
DE Jackson Richards, Sr - Southlake Carroll |
Offensive MVP: |
RB Stephen Hopkins, Sr Flower Mound Marcus |
Defensive MVP: |
DL Michael Odiari, Sr - Hebron |
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DIstrict Red Zone Blitz |
| The Carroll Dragons in 2009 should be back with a vengeance and bad taste in their mouth after not only simpling into a three way tie for second in the district race, but a second round exit at the hands of an up and coming Cedar Hill Longhorns squad. With a dual QB threat with David Piland and Kyle Williamson along with a talented defense led by DE Jackson Richards, LB Kacy Rodgers, and LB/K Cade Foster, the Dragons may find themselves sitting in a better position playoff wise but the road back to the top will be tougher than it has in the last few years with Allen and Cedar Hill looming in the distance. As for the remainder of the district, Hebron and Marcus should be the two teams battling it out for second place as RB Stephen Hopkins and DL Michael Odiari try to raise the bar on expectations. Fouth place could be a dog fight between the Flower Mound Jaguars, who have a youth movement going, Coppell and Lewisville, who have new coaches manning the sidelines. Do not be surprised to see Coppell, despite bringing a new coach (again), put themselves in the mix for a district title chase with Carroll. |
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| Darkhorse Team: |
Duncanville |
Reg Rank |
6 |
State Rank |
18 |
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Projected Finish |
1 |
Cedar Hill |
2 |
Duncanville |
3 |
South Grand Prairie |
4 |
Irving MacArthur |
5 |
Irving |
6 |
Irving Nimitz |
7 |
Grand Prairie |
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District MVP: |
RB Ben Malena, Sr - Cedar Hill |
Offensive MVP: |
QB Driphus Jackson, Jr - Cedar Hill |
Defensive MVP: |
S Elisha Olabode, Sr - Cedar Hill |
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DIstrict Red Zone Blitz |
| The clear class of the district is the Cedar Hill Longhorns, who could have a much better team than the team that won the state title in 2006. The Longhorns have Ben Malena as the headliner with a solid supporting cast of talent to boot. Junior QB Driphus Jackson, could see even better numbers than last year when he posted 1,350 yards of air while Malena produced 2,200 yards of dirt. Defensively, the Longhorns are just as talented as LB Aaron Benson and S Elisha Olabode return as well. If there is any chance Cedar Hill finds itself in an unusual senario at the end of the season, Duncanville and South Grand Prairie appear to be the two teams that are on standby to shock and awe the Texas HS Football landscape. With solid experience on the lines, Duncanville should find itself with a strong second place district showing. South Grand Prairie, which should factor into the playoffs, has a retooling job ahead with only three starters back on defense. Of the more experienced teams in the bottom half of the district, the MacArthur Cardinals appear to have a good lock on fourth at the minmum. If they can hold off an Irving Tigers squad that is looking to return to the post-season, avoiding a dreaded first round game with Allen will be the next step. |
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| Darkhorse Team: |
Plano East |
Reg Rank |
1 |
State Rank |
3 |
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Projected Finish |
1 |
Allen |
2 |
Plano |
3 |
Plano East |
4 |
Wylie |
5 |
Dallas Jesuit |
6 |
Plano West |
7 |
McKinney Boyd |
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District MVP: |
QB Matt Brown, Sr - Allen |
Offensive MVP: |
WR Holt Hoetger, Sr - Plano |
Defensive MVP: |
DE Jackson Jeffcoat, Sr - Plano West |
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DIstrict Red Zone Blitz |
| In terms of top to bottom competitiveness, 8-5A is almost a cut above the rest of the state despite losing plenty of its stars from last season. It houses the defending state champion Allen Eagles and state finalist Wylie. With that said, the team in this district will not be as strong as they have been the last two seasons with the exception of a Plano East and Plano West. The Allen Eagles should still be a solid state championship contender with the return of QB Matt Brown, OL Luke Burleson and Taylor Pearson. Plano should also be a force to be reckoned with as the Wildcats return a solid receiving core led by Holt Hoetger. The up and coming team in the district should be the Panthers of Plano East, despite finishing a dismal 1-9 in 2008, the Panthers have D'Lyle Washington back at RB and Brandon Wesley calling the snaps once again. It certainly isn't out of the question for Plano East to give both Plano and Allen a serious run at the top before its said and done. Wylie, which returns just as much as Plano East, lost the main bulk of their offense from its squad last year. How the Pirates adjust will determine how big a step back they take, but in any event, the Pirates will have to learn how to reinvent themselves in 2009. Just to show how competituve and tough this district will be, the best defensive player on the team is DE Jackson Jeffcoat at Plano West. If West figures to be in the mix for a playoff spot, consistency and motivation will be the ultimate key to their chances. |
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Regional MVP |
Ben Malena, Sr
Cedar Hill
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Offensive MVP |
Matt Brown, Sr
Allen
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Defensive MVP |
Jackson Richards, Sr
Southlake Carroll
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1 |
Cedar Hill |
2 |
Allen |
3 |
Southlake Carroll |
4 |
Euless Trinity |
5 |
Midland |
6 |
Plano |
7 |
Odessa Permian |
8 |
Abilene |
9 |
Odessa |
10 |
Arlington |
11 |
Hebron |
12 |
Flwr Mound Marcus |
13 |
Richland |
14 |
Arlington Bowie |
15 |
Colleyville Heritage |
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1 |
District 8-5A |
2 |
District 6-5A |
3 |
District 2-5A |
4 |
District 4-5A |
5 |
District 5-5A |
6 |
District 7-5A |
7 |
District 3-5A |
8 |
District 1-5A |
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