Denton Record-Chronicle Football 2018

Denton Record-Chronicle

Consecutive bowl berths for North Texas, success of high school programs show Denton area football is ...

On the Rise North Texas officials, players believe program is set up for sustained success.

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Denton ISD schools among nation’s elite when it comes to producing college talent.

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Football2018

KICKOFF

August 30, 2018

5

On the cover Brett Vito

Football 2018

On the rise The Denton Record-Chronicle’s 2018 football magazine focuses on the rise of North Texas and each of the Denton area’s 13 high schools.

Section credits

Staff artist Jason Lee designed the cover of the magazine as well as the Denton ISD and area high schools introductory pages. Staff photographer Jeff Woo took the photos for the cover and the section introductory pages.

North Texas Bowl appearances show UNT on rise 6 Dion Novil overcomes house fire 8 Fine aims to build on breakout year 10 Extra points 13 14 Conference USA preview Conference USA capsules 15 Bryce English ready for debut 16 North Texas roster 18 19 Tashard Choice making an impact Khairi Muhammad improving at safety 21 Denton ISD schools Denton ISD producing top talent 24 Guyer 26-30 Denton 31-35 Ryan 36-40 Braswell 41-49 50 State high school polls Area high schools Lake Dallas winning numbers battle 52 Preseason all-area team 54-55 Lake Dallas 56-58 59 State championship history Argyle 60-62 Sanger 63-65 Aubrey 66-68 Krum 69-71 Pilot Point 72-74 Ponder 75-77 Liberty Christian 78-80 Calvary 81-83 Top games in Denton this season 83 2017 all-area team 85 2017 year in review 86-87 Composite schedule 88 Section staff Director of sports Larry McBride lmcbride@dentonrc.com Section editor Brett Vito bvito@dentonrc.com Staff writer bkeane@dentonrc.com Brady Keane Contributing writers Steve Gamel sgamel@dentonrc.com Matt Brune matthew.brune@dentonrc.com Clay Massey clay.massey@dentonrc.com Photographers Jake King jake.king@dentonrc.com jwoo@dentonrc.com Jeff Woo Special contributors Randy Cummings, Greg Ford, Jimmy Isbell, Al Key, Rich Luna

SECTION OVERVIEW

UNT, high schools enter season on a run of success

T

here were plenty of people who thought Seth Littrell was a little nutty — or at least overly ambitious — when he set a goal for North Texas to win a bowl game in his debut season in 2016.

What has transpired since has been nothing short of remarkable.

The Mean Green went from 1-11 the year before Littrell arrived to 5-8 in his debut campaign to 9-5 last season.

UNT has played in bowl games in each of the last two years and is clearly headed in the right direction.

The Mean Green’s rise is the main storyline when it comes to Denton area football heading into the 2018 season.

When the staff of the Denton Record-Chronicle took a deeper look at UNT and the high school scene this summer, it was clear that the Mean Green’s improvement is just part of the story.

Ryan and Argyle are among the elite programs in the state in their respective classifications. Guyer has long been a state power and is also poised for a solid season.

Nearly everywhere one turns, there are programs, coaches and players on the rise.

The trend is one we examine in this season’s preseason football magazine.

Littrell gave a simple evaluation of what is possible for UNT’s football program.

“This place can be a monster,” he said.

UNT is well on its way with quarterback Mason Fine returning for his junior season.

Fine threw for 4,052 yards and 31 touchdowns last season. He is one of 17 returning starters for UNT, which appears ready to finally reach that elusive goal of a bowl win.

UNT fell to Army in the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2016 and ran into a loaded Troy team last year, when the Trojans beat the Mean Green 50-30 in the New Orleans Bowl.

The Mean Green appear to have taken a step forward since last season.

Denton Record-Chronicle/Jeff Woo

North Texas has played in bowl games in consecutive seasons under Seth Littrell and hopes to take the next step this fall by winning a postseason game. Quarterback Mason Fine, center, will lead the way. Denton’s high school programs are also on the rise thanks to a host of talented players, including, from left, Guyer wide receiver/defensive back Seth Meador, Ryan running back Emani Bailey, Denton running back Xylohn Posey and Braswell quarterback Greyson Thompson.

Will that progress result in a bowl win?

Only time will tell, but there is little doubt the program is improving.

Argyle is nearly always a contender for a state title and enters the season ranked No. 1 in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s Class 4A Division I poll. The Eagles will rely on a stout offensive line that includes Preston Wilson and Connor Homeyer to pave the way as they aim to meet high expectations.

Wilson has committed to Oklahoma State while Homeyer has an offer from Southern Miss.

Ryan is ranked No. 4 in Class 5A Division I. The Raiders lost quarterback Spencer Sanders, who signed with Oklahoma State, but return a stout defense that now includes Oklahoma commit Drew Sanders, who transferred from Colleyville Heritage.

Guyer and Lake Dallas are also expect-

ed to make playoff runs. Running back Kaedric Cobbs returns to lead Guyer after rushing for 1,362 yards last season. Lake Dallas quarterback Ryan Depperschmidt accounted for 2,910 yards in 2017.

That group highlights the next in a long line of talented players to come out of Denton area high schools. A study by College Football Data Lab showed that Guyer and Ryan are among 101 schools nationally to have produced 30 or more Football Bowl Subdivision recruits from 2004-17.

The steady stream of talent has helped teams in the Denton area play in 21 state title games since 2000.

Several area high school teams are on the rise again, just like UNT on the college level.

That trend bodes well heading into what should be an exciting football season in Denton.

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August 30, 2018

COVER STORY

Football2018

Bowl berths show UNT on right track Ejiya watched team’s last bowl win, now he wants one of his own

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

E.J. Ejiya was at home in Minnesota on New Year’s Day in 2014, doing what any high school football player would be on what amounts to a national holiday in the sport.

Ejiya was watching bowl games and was lured in by one of the first ones on the tube that day, North Texas versus UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

“I didn’t know anything about North Texas at the time, but I tuned in,” Ejiya said this summer while reflecting on the irony of it all.

Ejiya caught the highlight of the last decade in UNT football that day, a 36-14 win that fostered hopes for a Mean Green renaissance that never materialized.

Those dreams of an extended run of success are back for UNT and Ejiya, a linebacker who joined the Mean Green three years after the third bowl win in program history.

UNT enters its season-opener on Saturday at home against SMU off a 9-5 season and has played in bowl games in consecutive years for the first time since a run of four straight New Orleans Bowl appearances from 2001-04.

That’s encouraging, but it’s just one entry on the list of promising aspects of what is going at UNT. The return of Seth Littrell, the young, dynamic coach who has guided the Mean Green to the postseason in each of his two years, gives UNT confidence in the future.

UNT also has a promising team entering the 2018 season filled with elite players, a highly regarded recruiting class set to join the program next year and a dynamic athletic director in Wren Baker pulling the strings behind the scenes.

“We’re on track to do some really good things,” Littrell said. “We have talked about building a championship culture and a championship program.”

That goal seems closer than ever after the progress UNT has made over the last two years.

UNT failed to build on its Heart of Dallas Bowl win that caught Ejiya’s attention.

The Mean Green finished 4-8 the following

Jeff Woo/DRC

E.J. Ejiya was a senior in high school when he caught North Texas’ win over UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl on television while sitting at home on New Year’s Day. That win at the end of the 2013 season is one Ejiya remembers fondly as he enters his senior season with the Mean Green. He will try to lead UNT to its first bowl win since that game this fall. UNT has played in bowl games in each of the last two seasons but lost both, including last season’s New Orleans Bowl. year before hitting rock bottom with a 1-11 season in 2015.

UNT started to turn the corner in Littrell’s first season in 2016. The Mean Green snuck into the Heart of Dallas Bowl as a five-win team, fell to Army and finished 5-8.

Last year, UNT took another step forward by winning the Conference USA West Division title before falling to Troy 50-30 in the New Orleans Bowl.

Another winning season this fall would give UNT back-to-back winning campaigns for the first time since 2003 and 2004.

“We have come a long way,” said Ejiya, who played for North Dakota State College of Science for a year before coming to UNT. “Coach Littrell has done a phenomenal job since he came here.”

Perhaps the most exciting aspect to it all is that Littrell and Baker believe the pro-

gram still has a long way to go to reach its potential even as it stands on the precipice of becoming a consistent winner. The goal of year-in, year-out success has seemed out of reach for most of the last 30 years.

“We’re very excited about where we’re headed,” Baker said. “It certainly starts with coach Littrell and our student-athletes. They do an amazing job putting in the work and effort required to build a program the right way with a solid foundation. Our support staff has been instrumental as well. We have everyone rowing the boat in the same direction. The future is very bright.”

Hitting on a coach UNT’s players cite several reasons why the program is on the rise, but No. 1 on the list is a consensus. It’s the arrival of Littrell and the impact he has made on the program.

His message from the beginning was simple. Littrell wants his players to be selfless, tough and disciplined.

The motto is tough to forget at UNT. It’s painted on the walls in the Mean Green Athletic Center.

That approach has made an impact.

“The attitude has changed,” said Mason Fine, UNT’s junior quarterback who played a key role in that shift. “When you walk into the locker room now, you want to be around those guys and play with them. They all want to be the best player they can be for each other. Everyone is working hard.”

Littrell often talks about establishing a winning culture at UNT. The school took a bit of a risk when it hired him away from North Carolina, where he was the Tar See COVER STORY on 7

Football2018

COVER STORY

From Page 6

Building on success Littrell is quick to credit the success he has enjoyed at UNT in part to Baker, the athletic department’s staff and the improvements they have made that have given the program more to work with.

UNT has renovated the Mean Green Athletic Center that contains the program’s weight room, training facilities and offices since Baker arrived in the summer of 2016.

The school rolled out a new artificial surface this summer at Apogee Stadium, which opened in 2011 and is practically new as far as college football stadiums go.

UNT has also added several support staffers dedicated to nutrition and recruiting to bolster the program.

“Our administration has done a great job of continuing to build, grow and help us with the resources that we need to be suc-

7

“The staff has the juice,” said Asher Alberding, a Houston tight end who committed to UNT over the summer. “North Texas is going to win ball games because of the way they coach their players and recruit.”

Alberding is far from the only player who has noticed UNT’s rise. Littrell said the reception his coaches experience with Texas high school players and their coaches has never been better.

“North Texas is starting to beat out quite a few of the other Group of Five schools, and the occasional Power Five team, for in-state kids,” said Brian Perroni, a recruiting analyst for 247Sports. “There is a lot of excitement around the program and, with preseason expectations, there is a sense that things are getting even better.”

Cover story Heels’ offensive coordinator.

Littrell had never worked as a head coach. He’s an Oklahoma native and former Oklahoma fullback, but hadn’t worked in the region in years while bouncing from Arizona to Indiana and then North Carolina.

Any lingering doubts about how Littrell would fit in at UNT and if he could build the winning culture he envisioned have pretty much vanished.

The questions now are how far Littrell can take UNT, and how long the school can hang on to him.

“I have goals and aspirations for my future, but I am in no hurry,” Littrell said this summer. “I’m enjoying where I am at and have a great situation. I have no idea if somewhere down the road that leads to something else. It’s about focusing on the job that you have and doing everything possible to accomplish the mission and make sure this place is special.”

Littrell is well on his way to reaching that goal and enters the 2018 season with a team that has his handprints all over it.

His staff recruited most of the players on the roster and has drilled his message into them.

Ejiya said hearing that same mantra — selfless, tough and disciplined — can get old, but no one is arguing with the results.

“Coach Littrell understands how to motivate people and has a very clear vision of what success looks like,” offensive lineman Riley Mayfield said. “Success has followed him in college football. He knows what it looks like and how to win.”

August 30, 2018

Keeping it going

Denton Record-Chronicle file photos

North Texas has played in three bowl games in the last five seasons. Dan McCarney, bottom right, led UNT to a win over UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at the end of the 2013 season. The Mean Green lost to Army in the 2016 Heart of Dallas Bowl, despite a solid day from Jeffery Wilson, bottom left, who rushed for 81 yards. UNT lost to Troy in the New Orleans Bowl last season, despite 303 passing yards from quarterback Mason Fine, top, in his first bowl game. cessful,” Littrell said.

UNT’s students approved an increase in their fee that helps support athletics earlier this year, which made some of those improvements possible.

Baker is meticulous when it comes to organization and joined with UNT’s administration in crafting a strategic plan shortly after he arrived at the school. He sits down with Littrell regularly to talk about steps UNT can take that would benefit the program.

“We can’t do all of those things, but we can do some of them and have to consider which of them will give us the biggest impact,” Baker said.

UNT has done plenty already and has plans to do a whole lot more soon.

The school extended Littrell’s contract after his first season, giving him a five-year deal that would have made him the first coach in program history to make $1 million per season this fall.

UNT tore up that deal after the Mean Green’s appearance in the New Orleans Bowl in December and signed him to a new five-year contract that pays him $1.4 million annually.

The school also gave Baker a new six-

year deal that pays him $450,000 yearly.

UNT officials expect to break ground on a new indoor practice facility this fall that will be another key asset.

The impact of those improvements and the rise of UNT’s program in general are becoming apparent.

UNT drew a program record 22,362 fans per game last season, a 64 percent increase from 2015. The Mean Green averaged 13,631 fans per game the year before Littrell’s arrival.

Baker said this summer that all of UNT’s revenue streams, including ticketing and donations are up, some by as much as 80 percent.

The top high school football players in the state are taking note of the overall improvement in the program.

UNT ranked eighth in 247Sports’ rankings of the recruiting classes in C-USA in 2018. Littrell made a host of changes in the offseason in the hope that they would improve the Mean Green’s performance, including bringing on Luke Walerius as his new director of recruiting.

There is still a long way to go before national signing day in February, but UNT currently has the top-rated class in C-USA.

The challenge for UNT now is maintaining the momentum it has established.

The program is in better position to reach that goal than it has been in the past.

Littrell and his entire coaching staff are back to guide a team with 17 returning starters.

That core of talent is a big reason the Mean Green were picked to repeat as C-USA West Division champions in the league’s preseason media poll.

UNT will have a target on its backs this year, a challenge Littrell and his players say they are ready to meet as they look to prove that they will have staying power as a program.

The bottom line for UNT is that it needs to keep on winning.

Littrell plans on sticking with what put UNT on the right track in the first place as the Mean Green aim to reach that goal.

“We have to go back to our core values, who we are as a football team, what our mission is and how we are going to accomplish it,” Littrell said.

That mission includes winning a bowl game, a goal that has eluded the Mean Green in Littrell’s first two seasons. That milestone has often seemed out of reach since Ejiya flipped on the television and watched UNT beat UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

The foundation Littrell, Baker and the Mean Green’s players have put in place since gives them the feeling that this time is different, that UNT is a program on the rise and entering a sustained run of success.

“There were no expectations and now there are,” Fine said. “We have put in the work on the field and are going to keep doing what we have done the last two years, stick to our core values and work hard.”

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August 30, 2018

Football2018

NORTH TEXAS

Novil, family rally following house fire Defensive end will not let setback impact his pursuit of role at UNT

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Dion Novil was sound asleep before his mother’s screams echoed through their house in Abilene.

A new year had arrived for the family that includes six brothers, including Dion, who was home for the holidays just days after the Mean Green played in the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 16, 2017.

Novil will never forget that morning, or his mother’s cries to, “get out.”

“I didn’t know what was going on,” Novil said.

Novil needed just a few seconds to realize he was in grave danger, as were his mother, Donna Novil, and three brothers who were home at the time.

Their house was on fire.

“My first thought was to get the car out of the garage because it would be expensive to replace,” Dion Novil said. “I told my mom to get it. She grabbed the keys and got it out.

There was another car sitting by the side of the house. I rushed to get to it and move it out of the driveway.

“It was a chaotic moment.”

Dion Novil, his mother and his brothers got out of the house in time to avoid injury but were forced to stand and watch their rental home gutted. The roads were iced over following a snow storm, preventing firefighters from arriving until the house was consumed by flames.

The story of what happened from that moment on is a tale of perseverance on the part of Novil and his family.

They lost most of their worldly possessions that day. What they didn’t lose was their faith, love for each other or their will to strive for more in life.

Those traits are what helped Novil develop into a standout high school player at Abilene Wylie and a potential impact defensive end for UNT. They are also what helped the sophomore rally from a setback in life that rarely crosses his mind these days.

Novil is too busy thinking about the Mean Green’s opener against SMU on Saturday and making sure his family that is now spread across the country remains a

Jake King/DRC

North Texas defensive end Dion Novil and his family have persevered in the face of adversity. The family’s rental home in Abilene was gutted in a house fire on New Year’s Day. Novil’s family received an outpouring of support that helped Novil return to college and continue his pursuit of carving out a key role with the Mean Green. close-knit unit.

“Dion’s attitude has helped me a lot,” Donna Novil said. “He has handled what happened with the house and the pressure it caused well. Nothing really shakes him.

He always says, ‘Mom, it’s going to be OK. Things like this are a part of life.’ It’s amazing for me to hear that. He’s strong on the inside just like he is on the outside.”

Dion Novil attributes that strength to his faith, family and his experiences in life.

He left everything he knew behind when his family moved to Abilene before his sophomore year of high school.

Leaving Florida to follow his mother’s career path is a key part of Novil’s story.

The move brought him to Texas, where he found his calling in football and a nurturing community that came to his family’s aid following the fire.

“God has blessed me to have different experiences in life where I had to stay focused regardless of what happens,” Dion Novil

said. “He has shown me that I shouldn’t let anything distract me from what I want to do.

“My family knows that no matter what we go through there will be better times.”

The move that changed it all Donna Novil is a traveling nurse. She works on a contract basis with hospitals across the country.

Donna Novil began raising her six sons in Florida. Dion was the fifth and grew up playing basketball. He didn’t give football a try until he was a high school freshman in Florida.

Donna Novil received an offer she couldn’t refuse a few months later. A hospital in Abilene had an opening for a traveling nurse.

“With the salary and benefits they were offering, I decided to look into the schools there and the community,” Donna Novil said. “I decided it was time for a change.”

Dion Novil didn’t want to leave Flori-

da for a city with 120,000 people halfway across the country. It took some time, but the family eventually settled in.

Novil credits the way his mother became involved in the community for helping the family adjust.

The fact he took to football certainly helped matters. Wylie is a traditional power in Texas and produced Case Keenum, who went on to play to play in the NFL after a standout college career at Houston.

“He’s been a great young man to coach because he wanted to get better in all phases of what we were doing,” Wylie coach Hugh Sandifer told the Abilene Reporter-News when UNT offered Novil a scholarship in January of 2017. “He listened, was very attentive and soaked it all up. Then really worked hard on basic things. Starting out, it was working on his stance and then understanding the game of football.”

See NOVIL on 9

Football2018

NORTH TEXAS

August 30, 2018

9

From Page 8

Novil By the time he was a senior, Novil had not only learned the nuances of the game, he had developed into a college prospect.

Abilene Christian offered Novil a scholarship and a chance to play college football in his adopted hometown just days before national signing day.

UNT came in shortly after and became the first school that competes on the Football Bowl Subdivision to offer him a scholarship.

Novil committed to UNT and left Abilene. What he didn’t realize until last winter was how many friends his family made in his short time in the city.

An outpouring of support The story of what happened to Novil’s family spread quickly in Abilene.

Dion Novil and his brothers stayed up just long enough to welcome in the new year on Jan. 1 before going to bed. One of his brothers had an incense burner going when he fell asleep.

It turned over and caught the insulation in the wall on fire. From there the fire quickly spread to the attic.

Within hours, two online accounts were set up so that people could donate funds to support the family.

More than $11,000 came in through those accounts. UNT officials found out what size Novil’s brothers are, sent clothes and helped spread the word about the online fundraisers.

“That helped tremendously,” Dion Novil said. “We didn’t have insurance on the house and didn’t have anything. We had to start over.”

A relative of one of Novil’s high school basketball teammates allowed the family to stay in one of his rental houses for free while they got back on their feet.

The youngest brother in the family is currently living with friends in Abilene while his mother is working her latest temporary nursing job in North Carolina.

“The community rallied around us,” Donna Novil said. “They showed us so much love.”

A chance to make an impact The support of the Abilene and UNT football communities has helped Dion Novil continue to progress as a player despite all he has been through.

He finished with seven tackles, including one for a 9-yard loss, in UNT’s spring game. That performance helped Novil, who

Jake King/DRC

North Texas defensive end Dion Novil, center, works against linebacker William LeMasters in practice this fall. Novil was not highly recruited out of Abilene Wylie, but has shown signs that he could be an impact player at North Texas.

Courtesy photo

North Texas defensive end Dion Novil and his family were at home in Abilene on New Year’s Eve when their rental house caught on fire. The house and most of the family’s possessions were destroyed in the fire. has grown into a stout 6-foot-4, 266-pound lineman, earn playing time with the Mean Green’s second-team defense.

“Dion is a tough kid with a lot of faith,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said. “He continues to grow in all aspects of his life. He had his best spring and summer and has really changed his body. I am excited about the way he worked. We have high expectations for him.”

Novil’s teammates have also come to admire his toughness and the way he has approached a rough time in his life. They describe him as a focused person who didn’t let a setback derail his career.

“Dion is going through a tough time but tries to stay happy and not give any glimpse of what he has gone through,” defensive end LaDarius Hamilton said. “He’s a strong guy mentally and is also laid back. Everyone likes being around him.”

UNT running back Nic Smith said Novil can tune everything else out and focus on the task at hand.

“That’s more mental than anything,” Smith said. “He’s unbelievable.”

Novil credited the support of his family for helping him remain on track. He talks with his mother every day and regularly talks with his father, Sidney, who is living in

the Bahamas. Novil’s parents are divorced.

“I talk with my dad frequently,” Dion Novil said. “He is one my biggest supporters outside of the team. He keeps me motivated every day.”

That motivation appears as if it will pay off for Novil. He entered fall practice listed second on UNT’s depth chart at one defensive end spot behind Hamilton. The Mean Green had four defensive ends listed on their depth chart for their showdown with Troy in the New Orleans Bowl at the end of last season.

Hamilton is the only one of those players returning.

“I know I have to continue to work hard so that I will get the opportunity to play,” Dion Novil said. “I’m excited to see what the future holds. I feel like I can make an impact.”

Novil’s coaches and teammates feel the same way. They have watched over the last few months as Novil and his family were dealt with a tough blow.

The way they have responded has helped them move forward and put Novil in position to make an impact for the Mean Green.

“There are always obstacles in life,” Littrell said. “We talk about how to get through them every day and communicating about what your needs and feelings are. He’s a very mature young man. He has had to overcome a lot, but he does it with a great attitude.”

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August 30, 2018

NORTH TEXAS

Football2018

Fine striving to build on success at UNT

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Mason Fine could easily have talked about how far he has come and all he has accomplished while holding court this summer at Conference USA media days.

He did, after all, engineer a dramatic game-winning drive that lifted UNT past rival Texas-San Antonio as a sophomore just a few months ago.

Fine set plenty of records during the last two seasons he could have referenced as well.

The Mean Green’s main man picked a different route instead, to the surprise of absolutely no one who knows him.

“I still have that chip on my shoulder,” Fine said as he looked forward to the 2018 season. “I’m striving to be better every day.

I keep that pressure on myself. It’s even bigger this year because I still have room to grow and people to prove wrong.”

In short, success hasn’t changed Fine a bit, at least not when it comes to the drive that fostered his rise in major college football.

There were plenty of people who thought Fine would never make it as a 5-foot-10, 170-pound quarterback coming out of Locust Grove, a tiny school in Oklahoma.

Fine’s not only made it, he’s made a pretty good case that he is among the top quarterbacks in the country.

The junior enters the season as a Preseason All-Conference USA selection and has thrown for 5,624 yards and 37 touchdowns in his career. UNT’s records ­— the ones he doesn’t own already — are all in his sights.

Fine is focused on chasing those records and guiding UNT to a conference title and a bowl win, goals that have eluded him.

That focus is what has made Fine who he is, and could make him even better.

“Mason has had the best spring I have seen from any quarterback I have coached, and I have been around some pretty good ones over the years,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said.

That’s saying something coming from Littrell. He coached Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles at Arizona as well as Marquise Williams, statistically one of

Jeff Woo/DRC

NORTH TEXAS ON THE RISE

Quarterback Mason Fine made an immediate impact two years ago as a freshman at North Texas while guiding the Mean Green to four wins. He has continued to make strides since and enters his junior season with several program records to his credit and even more in sight. He guided UNT to the Conference USA West Division title last fall.

the best players to come through North Carolina’s program.

All one has to do is look at the last few months to see why Littrell is excited about what is next for Fine and the Mean Green.

Littrell took the two-time Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year and threw him to the wolves during his freshman season in 2016. He admits now that Fine wasn’t ready to play at the college level.

“We weren’t built for him to play yet, but our kids believed in him,” Littrell said.

“That is the type of person and player he is.”

Fine thrived anyway, guiding UNT to four wins in a 5-8 bowl season few saw coming after a 1-11 campaign the previous year.

Four wins might not sound like much, but it was a turning point for UNT and firmly established Fine as one of the Mean Green’s premier players.

Fine played in just 10 games as a freshman due to injury. He took the next step last year, throwing for 4,052 yards and 31 touchdowns while earning Offensive Player of the Year honors in C-USA. All those accomplishments did was whet Fine’s appetite for more.

That’s been obvious all offseason.

Fine is visibly bigger after a summer of hard work in the weight room. He’s pushed See FINE on 11

MEAN GREEN Quick facts Conference: C-USA 2017 record: 9-5 (7-1 C-USA) Coach: Seth Littrell (1413 in two seasons at UNT) Returning starters: Nine on offense, eight on defense Key players: QB Mason Fine, WR Jalen Guyton, WR Michael Lawrence, OL Sosaia Mose, DL Roderick Young, LB E.J. Ejiya Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3-5 Enrollment: 36,000 Stadium: Apogee Stadium

Football2018 From Page 10

Fine his weight from 175 to 185 pounds while dropping his body fat percentage.

Fine also increased the maximum amount he can bench press to 315 pounds.

Improving his physical conditioning is the latest way Fine has found to squeeze every ounce of production out of his natural talent.

“I worked harder than I ever have and did the little things like cleaning up my diet,” Fine said. “I’m stronger than I have ever been.”

That’s not the only way Fine has improved, according to his teammates and coaches.

Fine has also taken another step in his growth as one of UNT’s key leaders. That process has been a challenge.

“Off the field I am a quiet and reserved guy,” Fine said. “I don’t like the spotlight, but I understand it is something that goes with being a quarterback. I’m trying to be more social and represent my teammates.”

Those efforts have not gone unnoticed

by Fine’s teammates.

“Mason has grown,” running back Nic Smith said. “He’s smarter and stronger. He’s an awesome guy and a vocal leader. You

NORTH TEXAS MEAN GREEN A Fine season North Texas quarterback Mason Fine set multiple single records in 2017, including the following: Single season passing yards.............. 4,052 Single season passing touchdowns..........31 Single season completions...................324

need that in a quarterback to be successful.

That fuels everybody.”

Senior linebacker E.J. Ejiya has a frontrow seat when it comes to watching Fine’s growth. Ejiya has faced Fine in practice for the last two years and is also among UNT’s key leaders.

“Mason’s become more vocal even though his play on the field speaks for itself,” Ejiya said. “He has taken a leadership role on the offensive side of the ball. The guys trust him.”

There are plenty of reasons why that is the case, starting with his play on the field.

Fine was remarkably consistent last season. He threw at least one touchdown pass in 13 of UNT’s 14 games and cleared the 200-yard mark in all but two while leading UNT to a 9-5 season. He came through in the clutch as well while guiding five game-winning drives in the fourth quarter.

The most memorable was that dramat-

August 30, 2018

11

himself more than anyone,” offensive coordinator Graham Harrell said. “That’s the great thing about Mason, he’s a competitive kid. He’s playing with a ton of confidence and will be more experienced.”

Fine’s expectations and goals are a topic he became comfortable discussing last season. He said wants to be the best to ever play at UNT. Fine is well on his way.

He needs 2,896 yards to break UNT’s career passing yardage record of 8,519 yards set by Mitch Maher from 1991-94.

Fine is also 33 passing touchdowns short of grabbing the career passing touchdowns record of 69 held by Steve Ramsey, who played for UNT from 1967-69 before going on to play seven seasons in the NFL. Both marks are well within reach for Fine, who threw for 4,052 yards and 31 touchdowns last season.

Fine will attack those marks the same way he has approached his entire career.

He’ll have that chip on his shoulder and the desire to prove everyone who doubted him wrong, even though no one doubts his talents now.

“It was the way I was raised and the mentality that I have,” Fine said. “There is so much more we can work on as a team and I can work on as a quarterback.”

ic march against UTSA. UNT had the ball at its 2-yard line with 67 seconds left while trailing 26-22.

Fine calmly led the Mean Green on a seven-play march. He completed five passes on that drive, including a heave down the sideline that Michael Lawrence hauled in for a 49-yard gain.

Three plays later, Fine just got rid of the ball over the middle just before being leveled. Rico Bussey hauled the pass in, turned the corner and scored the game-winning touchdown from 22 yards out with 10 seconds left.

The way it all played out, begged the question: Can Fine be even better?

UNT’s coaches believe he can be better.

So does Fine.

Littrell said Fine can improve when it comes to making decisions. Fine points to the finer points of the position as his area for growth, including footwork and making the right reads. He still stews over the small mistakes he made last year, like looking to the wrong side of the field when looking the opposite way could have opened up the possibility for a big play.

Fine has worked all offseason to improve on those small points.

“The expectations for Mason are going to be extremely high from myself and from

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Sept. 1 ............. SMU ....................................6:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 ............. Incarnate Word ...................6:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 ........... at Arkansas .........................3:00 p.m.

Sept. 22 ........... at Liberty .............................5:00 p.m.

Sept. 29 ........... Louisiana Tech* ..................6:30 p.m.

Oct. 6............... at UTEP* .............................6:30 p.m.

Oct. 13............. Southern Mississippi*..........1:00 p.m.

Oct. 20............. at UAB* ...............................6:30 p.m.

Oct. 27............. Rice*....................................3:00 p.m.

Nov. 10 ............ at Old Dominion*.................2:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 ............ Florida Atlantic*...................8:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 ............ at UTSA* .............................6:00 p.m.

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Football2018

NORTH TEXAS

August 30, 2018

13

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year Point of concern UNT didn’t lose many games last season, but the games it did drop were ones in which it struggled defensively.

The Mean Green allowed a whopping 804 yards in a 69-31 loss to Florida Atlantic in the regular season and fell to Troy 50-30 in the New Orleans Bowl.

There were some bright spots for UNT along the way, including a game-saving defensive stand the Mean Green made late in a win over Louisiana Tech. The hope is UNT can come up with those stands on a more consistent basis and improve on the 35.0 points it allowed per game in 2017.

Reaching that goal could be a challenge considering how many key players the Mean Green lost on defense. Safety Kishawn McClain finished second among UNT players with 96 tackles as a se- Muhammad nior season last fall.

Three of the four defensive ends on UNT’s depth chart for the New Orleans Bowl will not return. Neither will play-making linebacker Joshua Wheeler.

UNT will look to safety Khairi Muhammad and cornerback Kemon Hall to help make up for those losses. Muhammad finished third among UNT players with 94 tackles, while Hall broke up a team-high eight passes. Both will be seniors this fall.

UNT has several talented players who redshirted last season and a few junior college transfers who could make an impact.

But there is no guarantee the Mean Green will improve.

Key newcomer UNT has several newcomers who could make an impact in 2018, but none are as safe of a bet to play a key role as Thomas Preston III. The Scottsdale (Arizona) Community College standout transferred to UNT at the semester break and won the starting job at left guard in the spring.

“Preston has done some really good things at guard while learning the system,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said this spring.

Preston UNT struggled at times up front offensively last season and allowed 15 sacks in its last two games combined.

How Preston fares will go a long way in determining if the group improves.

Denton Record-Chronicle file photos

North Texas returns three wide receivers who finished with at least 600 receiving yards last season. The trio, from left, Michael Lawrence, Jalen Guyton and Rico Bussey is expected to power the Mean Green’s offense. Lawrence and Guyton were both named to the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award that goes to the nation’s top receiver.

Position of strength One of the biggest questions North Texas faced after Seth Littrell took over the program heading into the 2016 season was if the Mean Green could cobble together a group of wide receivers capable of powering his trademark spread offense.

Those questions seem like a distant memory as UNT prepares to open the season against SMU on Saturday.

The Mean Green not only have a capable group of receivers, they might have the best batch in Conference USA. UNT had four wide receivers finish with at least 600 receiving yards last season, including three who will be back this fall.

Michael Lawrence led UNT in both receptions (62) and receiving yards (819).

Jalen Guyton caught a team-high nine

Game of the year UNT will face Florida Atlantic in a rematch of last season’s Conference USA title game on Thursday, Nov. 15.

The Mean Green will be out for revenge after falling to the Owls twice last season.

UNT’s annual showdown with rival SMU in its season-opener also looms large.

“Winning that game would show how

touchdown passes among his 49 catches that covered 775 yards. Rico Bussey, who caught 47 passes for 677 yards and seven touchdowns, rounds out UNT’s top trio that highlights a deep group overall. Lawrence and Guyton were both named to the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award that goes to the nation’s top receiver.

UNT also has high hopes for sophomore Jaelon Darden, not to mention Austin Ogunmakin and Jyaire Shorter, a pair of highly regarded freshmen who arrived over the summer.

“I was more pleased with our receivers this spring than I have been because of the maturity is starting to come in,” Littrell said. “It went from a group where at times I thought they were knuckleheads to one that has started to work. It’s been fun to

watch them grow up.”

The process began last fall, when UNT’s receivers made a series of critical plays that defined the season.

Two of the biggest came in the closing seconds of a game against Texas-San Antonio. UNT took over on its 2-yard line with 67 seconds left while trailing 26-22.

Lawrence caught a heave from quarterback Mason Fine for a 49-yard gain. Two plays later Bussey caught a ball over the middle Fine threw just before he was leveled by a UTSA player and scored from 22 yards out with 10 seconds left to give the Mean Green a 29-26 win.

“We have chemistry,” Guyton said. “Mason knows who can run which routes and who is going to be open when he needs them which downs.”

far we have come,” UNT linebacker E.J. Ejiya said of the Mean Green’s showdown with the Mustangs, who beat the Mean Green 54-32 last season.

SMU has long been Ejiya UNT’s fierce rival, and the team the Mean Green want to beat above

all others. The Mustangs lead the all-time series 31-5-1. It’s not often UNT’s game against SMU isn’t the game of the year, but this season marks one of those times.

CBS will carry the Mean Green’s game against the Owls nationally. The opportunity to impress on that type of stage doesn’t come along often for UNT. — Brett Vito

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August 30, 2018

CONFERENCE USA PREVIEW

FAU a target after breakout year

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

There might not have been a bigger question heading into the 2017 season in Conference USA than how the grand experiment would play out after Florida Atlantic hired Lane Kiffin as its head coach.

Kiffin left his job as Alabama’s offensive coordinator just days before the national title game in 2016, was fired by Southern Cal on the tarmac at the Los Angeles International Airport following a loss to Arizona State and departed Tennessee Kiffin after just one season.

There was no telling how he’d fare far out of the spotlight in Conference USA. As it turns out, he did just fine.

Actually, Kiffin did a whole lot better than fine. He thrived in his first season with the Owls, which is why a coach who is used to being the story finds himself in that position again, at least when it comes to C-USA. FAU heads into the 2018 campaign as the overwhelming favorite in the league, largely because the Owls overwhelmed just about every C-USA team they faced last season.

FAU went a perfect 8-0 in league play and won its regular season conference games by an average of 22.1 points per game. The Owls hosted North Texas in the conference title game and coasted to a 4117 win.

The question now is if FAU and Kiffin will have staying power.

“We won’t have a different approach,” Kiffin said. “We will just remind the players that it’s going to get harder because everyone is studying you and trying to figure out how to stop you. It’s hard to get to the top and really hard to stay there.”

FAU’s chances to reach that goal will hinge on a few factors. The Owls will have to handle the pressure that goes along with being the defending conference champion.

They’ll also have to find a new quarterback and adjust to a new offensive coordinator.

Jason Driskel elected not to use his final year of eligibility after he graduated with a degree in civil engineering, leaving FAU looking for a new quarterback. Charlie Weis Jr. took over as the Owls offensive coordinator after Kendal Briles left for the same job at Houston.

Those losses did little to alter FAU’s sta-

Football2018 C-USA Preseason poll The following is the Conference USA preseason poll as voted on by media members who regularly cover the league: First-place votes listed at right: EAST DIVISION 1. Florida Atlantic................................... 22 2. Marshall.............................................. 4 3. Middle Tennessee................................ 0 4. Florida International............................. 0 5. Western Kentucky................................. 0 6. Old Dominion....................................... 0 7. Charlotte ............................................. 0 WEST DIVISION 1. North Texas........................................ 18 2. Louisiana Tech..................................... 4 3. UAB..................................................... 3 4. Southern Miss...................................... 1 5. Texas-San Antonio................................ 0 6 (t). Rice................................................. 0 6 (t). UTEP ............................................... 0

C-USA All-league team Denton Record-Chronicle file photo

Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary carries the ball as North Texas cornerback Eric Jenkins closes in last season. Singletary was named Conference USA’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. tus as the favorite heading into the season largely because of the Owls overall talent.

Running back Devin Singletary led the nation with 32 rushing touchdowns in 2017.

FAU’s defense is also loaded with 10 returning starters.

“They have a lot of talent,” Louisiana Tech coach Skip Holtz said. “Some of those players were there. Some [Kiffin] brought in. It’s a talented team. He did a good job of coming in there, managing it and doing what he needed to do to flip the tide. Now everyone will be shooting for them.”

C-USA’s coaches are fond of saying there is no easy game in a league that struck a remarkable balance last season. The conference had 10 teams that were bowl-eligible with at least six wins in 2017.

FAU won the league’s East Division before hammering UNT, the winner in the West that is among the most likely obstacles to a repeat this fall.

The Mean Green have played in bowl games in each of the last two seasons and are coming off a 9-5 season that ranks among the best in program history.

Two of UNT’s losses came against FAU, which beat the Mean Green 69-31 in the regular season before completing a twogame sweep in the conference title game.

The teams will meet for a third time in a nationally televised Thursday night game on Nov. 15.

“I definitely think we are better than we played in those two games against FAU,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said. “We are much better as a football team now than we were last season. That gives us a chance. Is the chemistry better? I don’t know that yet. All the things that are necessary to win games are yet to be seen. Florida Atlantic is a great football team. We are going to have to play extremely well.”

Louisiana Tech has won bowl games in each of the last four seasons and will also be among the teams with a chance to knock the Owls off.

Marshall could be a factor in the league race as well. The Thundering Herd is coming off an 8-5 season that included a bowl win over Colorado State. Marshall added quarterback Alex Thomson, a gradate transfer from Wagner. The 6-5 pocket passer picked Marshall over Tennessee and Baylor.

UAB finished 8-5 last season and has the talent it will take to compete with the elite teams in C-USA. “Having 10 bowl-eligible teams means a lot, especially since we all have games at the beginning of the year that we are expected to lose,” Kiffin said. “To have [10] teams that are bowl-eligible says a lot about the players and coaches in the league.”

Those players and coaches will all be chasing Kiffin and FAU this fall.

The following is the Preseason All-Conference USA team as voted on by the league’s head coaches: OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Devin Singletary, Jr., RB, Florida Atlantic DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Azeez Al-Shaair, Sr., LB, Florida Atlantic SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR Parker Shaunfield, Sr., K, Southern Miss OFFENSE QB — Mason Fine, Jr., North Texas; Brent Stockstill, Sr., Middle Tennessee RB — Spencer Brown, So., UAB; Devin Singletary, Jr., Florida Atlantic OL — Reggie Bain, Sr., Florida Atlantic; Chandler Brewer, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Jordan Budwig, Sr., Florida International; Levi Brown, Jr., Marshall; O’Shea Dugas, Sr., Louisiana Tech TE — Harrison Bryant, Jr., Florida Atlantic WR — Tyre Brady, Sr., Marshall; Jalen Guyton, Sr., North Texas; Ty Lee, Jr., Middle Tennessee; Teddy Veal, Sr., Louisiana Tech DEFENSE DL — Jaylon Ferguson, So., Louisiana Tech; Fermin Silva, Sr., Florida International; Kevin Strong, Jr., Sr., Texas-San Antonio; Oshane Ximines, Jr., Old Dominion LB — Azeez Al-Shaair, Sr., Florida Atlantic; Khalil Brooks, Jr., Middle Tennessee; Chase Hancock, Sr., Marshall; Josiah Tauaefa, Jr., UTSA DB — Ben DeLuca, Jr., Charlotte; Malik Gant, Jr., Marshall; Shelton Lewis, Sr., Florida Atlantic; Amik Robertson, So., Louisiana Tech; Jalen Young, Sr., Florida Atlantic SPECIAL TEAMS K — Parker Shaunfield, Sr., Southern Miss P — Jack Fox, Sr., Rice KR — Isaiah Harper, Sr., Old Dominion PR — Darrell Brown, Jr., Old Dominion LS — Matt Beardall, Jr., Marshall

Football2018 WEST DIVISION

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Head coach: Skip Holtz (38-28 in five seasons at Louisiana Tech, 126-99 in 18 seasons overall) Team: 52 lettermen, 8 offensive, 7 defensive starters return from a 7-6 team (4-4 in C-USA, fourth in West Division), 14 lettermen lost.

Key player: Amik Robertson is one of the more highly regarded players to sign with a C-USA school in the last several years and didn’t disappoint in his freshman season. The Louisiana native intercepted five passes and posted 62 tackles on his way to earning Freshman All-American honors.

Outlook: Louisiana Tech has been remarkably consistent Robertson under Holtz and enters the 2018 season having won bowl games in each of the last four years. Utah, Georgia and Wisconsin are the only other teams in the country that can make that claim.

The Bulldogs will have an opportunity to extend that streak behind a host of returners, including quarterback J’Mar Smith. The junior threw for 2,974 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2017.

Rice Owls Head coach: Mike Bloomgren (first season at Rice) Team: 49 lettermen, 5 offensive, 5 defensive starters return from a 1-11 team (1-7 in C-USA, sixth in West Division), 27 lettermen lost.

Key player: Wide receiver Aaron Cephus averaged 24.8 yards per catch in 2017, the top total among players competing on the Football Bowl Subdivision level. The sophomore caught five touchdown passes and had 25 total receptions on the year.

Outlook: Rice hired Bloomgren, who was the offensive coordinator at Stanford, as its new head coach in December in the hope that he Cephus can jump-start a program that won just one game last season.

Rice knocked off Prairie View A&M 31-28 on a 23-yard field goal from Jack Fox as time expired in its season-opener last week.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Head coach: Jay Hopson (15-11 in two seasons at Southern Miss, 47-28 in six seasons overall) Team: 43 lettermen, 5 offensive, 4 defensive starters return from an 8-5 team (6-2 in C-USA, tied for second in West Division), 24 lettermen lost.

Key player: Racheem Boothe finished with 79 tackles and was named to the All-Conference USA Freshman Team last season. Boothe will take on an even larger role this fall for Southern Miss, which has just four starters returning on defense.

Outlook: Southern Miss has played in a bowl game in three straight seasons.

Boothe The Golden Eagles will have to replace several of its key skill position players to keep that streak alive, including Ito Smith, who rushed for nearly 6,000 yards in his career.

Southern Miss will also have to settle on a quarterback. Returning starter Qwadra Griggs was suspended in the preseason.

UAB Blazers Head coach: Bill Clark (14-11 in two seasons at UAB, 25-15 in three seasons overall) Team: 23 lettermen, 10 offensive, 7 defensive

CONFERENCE USA CAPSULES starters return from an 8-5 team (6-2 in C-USA, tied for second in West Division), 18 lettermen lost.

Key player: Running back Spencer Brown was named the C-USA Freshman of the Year in 2017 after he rushed for 1,329 yards and 10 touchdowns. Brown averaged 102.2 yards per game, the second-highest total for a freshman in C-USA history.

Outlook: UAB was one of the Brown stories of the year in college football last season when the Blazers played in the Bahamas Bowl in their first season back after a two-year hiatus.

The school elected to shut down its program after the 2014 season but later changed course.

Clark remained at the school and was named the National Coach of the Year by several outlets after guiding the Blazers to eight wins.

UAB could be even better in 2018 after returning 17 starters.

UTEP Miners Head coach: Dana Dimel (first season at UTEP, 18-31 in six seasons overall) Team: 50 lettermen, 7 offensive, 5 defensive starters return from an 0-12 team (0-8 in C-USA, seventh in West Division), 24 lettermen lost.

Key player: Cornerback Nik Needham was an honorable mention All-C-USA selection last season after posting 59 tackles and eight pass breakups. The senior has 24 pass breakups in his career and needs just two more to become the all-time leader in UTEP history.

Outlook: UTEP hired Dimel, Needham the former coach at Houston and Wyoming, in the hope that he can turn around a program that didn’t win a game last season.

UTEP will start from the bottom after being outscored by a combined 300 points in their 12 games last season.

Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners Head coach: Frank Wilson (12-12 in two seasons at UTSA) Team: 38 lettermen, 4 offensive, 6 defensive starters return from an 6-5 team (3-5 in C-USA, fifth in West Division), 25 lettermen lost.

Key player: Former Lake Dallas standout Josiah Tauaefa endured a tough follow-up campaign to a terrific debut season that saw him earn Freshman All-American honors. Tauaefa finished with 29 tackles while starting just seven games due to injury. He was named to the preseason All-C-USA team entering his junior campaign.

Outlook: UTSA appeared to be on its way to a breakout Tauaefa season when it beat Baylor to highlight a 3-0 start in 2017 only to struggle while losing a series of close games down the stretch.

The Roadrunners will have to find a new quarterback following the departure of Dalton Sturm and will lean on a stout defense. UTSA returns several key players from a unit that allowed just 17.0 points per game last season.

EAST DIVISION

Charlotte 49ers Head coach: Brad Lambert (17-41 in five seasons at Charlotte) Team: 52 lettermen, 8 offensive, 9 defensive starters return from an 1-11 team (1-7 in C-USA, seventh in East Division), 14 lettermen lost.

August 30, 2018

Key player: Safety Ben DeLuca has quickly established himself as one of the top defensive backs in C-USA heading into his junior season. DeLuca led the country with five forced fumbles and finished with 102 tackles.

He was Charlotte’s lone preseason All-C-USA selection.

Outlook: Charlotte has struggled in five seasons since DeLuca reviving its football program.

The 49ers have not posted a winning season in that span and won just one game last year, a 25-24 overtime win over UAB. Charlotte hopes to break through behind 17 returning starters.

Florida Atlantic Owls Head coach: Lane Kiffin (11-3 in one season at FAU, 46-24 in five seasons overall) Team: 37 lettermen, 5 offensive, 10 defensive starters return from an 11-3 team (8-0 in C-USA, first in East Division), 16 lettermen lost.

Key player: Devin Singletary was named the MVP of C-USA after leading the nation with 32 rushing touchdowns to along with 1,920 rushing yards. The junior rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the Owls final 11 games of the season. He tallied 164 yards in FAU’s win over North Texas in the C-USA title game.

Singletary Outlook: FAU finished 8-0 in C-USA play and was rarely challenged while winning its last 10 games, including a 50-3 drubbing of Akron in the Boca Raton Bowl.

FAU’s defense returns nearly intact, while Singletary returns to power the Owls offense.

Florida International Panthers Head coach: Butch Davis (8-5 in one season at FIU, 87-48 in 11 seasons overall) Team: 55 lettermen, 5 offensive, 4 defensive starters return from an 8-5 team (5-3 in C-USA, second in East Division), 21 lettermen lost.

Key player: Jordan Budwig is one of five returning starters FIU has on its offensive line that will anchor the Panthers in a season they have to replace several of their key skill position players. Budwig missed the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to injury before coming back to earn second-team All- Budwig C-USA honors last season.

Outlook: FIU was one of the surprise teams in C-USA last season. The Panthers improved their win total by four in their first season under Davis.

FIU will look to build on that performance after being hit hard by graduation. The Panthers return just nine starters.

Marshall Thundering Herd Head coach: Doc Holliday (61-42 in eight seasons at Marshall) Team: 52 lettermen, 9 offensive, 9 defensive starters return from an 8-5 team (4-4 in C-USA, tied for third in East Division), 20 lettermen lost.

Key player: Tyre Brady made a huge impact for Marshall in his first season playing for the Thundering Herd after transferring from Miami. He caught 62 passes for 942 yards and eight touchdowns while earning first-team All-CUSA honors.

Outlook: Marshall bounced

Brady

15

back from a 3-9 season in 2016 by finishing 8-5 with a bowl win.

The Herd has 18 starters returning and should be among the top teams in C-USA as long as it can replace quarterback Chase Litton, who declared for the NFL draft following the 2017 season. Marshall landed highly regarded Wagner graduate transfer Alex Thomson. If he pans out, Marshall could challenge for the C-USA title.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Head coach: Rick Stockstill (79-72 in 12 seasons at Middle Tennessee) Team: 46 lettermen, 8 offensive, 7 defensive starters return from an 7-6 team (4-4 in C-USA, tied for third in East Division), 15 lettermen lost.

Key player: Brent Stockstill will go down as one of the best players to ever suit up for Middle Tennessee. The senior already owns the program’s record for career touchdown Stockstill passes (77) and 300-yard passing games (14). Stockstill was a preseason All-C-USA selection.

Outlook: Middle Tennessee has played in bowl games in each of the last three years and knocked off Arkansas State 35-30 in the Camellia Bowl last season. The Blue Raiders return 15 starters and are expected to be a contender in C-USA’s East Division.

Old Dominion Monarchs Head coach: Bobby Wilder (72-37 in nine seasons at Old Dominion) Team: 46 lettermen, 9 offensive, 7 defensive starters return from an 5-7 team (3-5 in C-USA, sixth in East Division), 13 lettermen lost.

Key player: Wilder decided to roll the dice last season and start 17-year-old quarterback Steven Williams Jr. The freshman responded by throwing for 1,528 yards and six touchdowns while starting seven games and playing 10 overall. Williams Old Dominion is depending on Williams to build on that performance.

Outlook: Wilder said this summer the reason he elected to play Williams as a freshman was to prepare him for the 2018 season. The Monarchs have 16 returning starters. Wilder believes the experience Williams gained last year puts Old Dominion in position to break out this fall.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Head coach: Mike Sanford (6-7 in one season at Western Kentucky) Team: 55 lettermen, 4 offensive, 7 defensive starters return from an 6-7 team (4-4 in C-USA, tied for third East Division), 17 lettermen lost.

Key player: Lucky Jackson caught 39 passes for 600 yards in 2017 and is one of just four returning starters on offense for Western Kentucky, which was hit hard by graduation. Jackson caught a 93-yard touchdown pass in a win over Middle Tennessee.

The Hilltoppers need another big year from the junior.

Outlook: Western Kentucky Jackson finished under .500 in its first season under Sanford, ending a run of six straight winning seasons. The Hilltoppers won 11 and 12 games the previous two years.

Western Kentucky will have to recover without Mike White, who threw for 4,177 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior.

— Brett Vito

16

August 30, 2018

Football2018

NORTH TEXAS

English ready for long-awaited debut

Jeff Woo/DRC

North Texas defensive tackle Bryce English has traveled a long road in college football that appears as if it will reach a milestone on Saturday when the Mean Green open the season against SMU. English spent one season as a redshirt at Kansas State in 2015, transferred to UNT, sat out as a transfer in 2016 and then missed the 2017 season due to a foot injury. He is expected to make an immediate impact for the Mean Green this fall.

Defensive tackle overcomes series of setbacks on, off field

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Bryce English remembers quite a bit about the day his career was put on hold yet again just more than a year ago.

The big defensive tackle recalls going down with a broken foot in fall practice heading into his second season at North Texas. He remembers the pain — both from the injury and from finding out the setback would end his season before it began.

English even remembers the date the injury happened, Aug. 2.

The memories that are even more vivid are of what transpired in the ensuing months that put him in position to finally make his college debut, three years later than planned.

English is back on the field for UNT this

fall and is expected to play Saturday, when the Mean Green open the season at home against SMU. “Family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans, the people in the front office, even the people in the cafeteria were motivating me and supporting me to the fullest,” English said.

Those people played a key role in English’s comeback tale that has hit more bumps in the road than anyone could have ever envisioned when he graduated from DeSoto in 2015.

English has undergone two surgeries on his foot, transferred from Kansas State to UNT and dealt with his father, Lee English, being diagnosed with bone marrow cancer.

“I admire Bryce’s perseverance,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said. “Even if you are not

playing, you have to bust it in rehab and off the field. That is hard and can affect you a lot of ways. We have had to have some heart-to-heart discussions. He’s a great person who has a chance to do some special things.”

No one has ever doubted English’s potential since his days in high school.

He was rated among the top 40 defensive tackle prospects in the nation by ESPN, Rivals.com and Scout.com while playing for DeSoto, a powerhouse program that produces top college prospects every year.

English also has great bloodlines. His cousin, Cortez Kennedy, was a Hall of Fame defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, and that’s just for starters.

Lee English rushed for 1,028 yards as a fullback at UNT from 1978-81. Bryce En-

glish is also related to UNT Hall of Fame running back Abner Haynes.

What makes Lee English particularly proud is how hard his son has fought to continue his family’s legacy while taking advantage of the support system around him.

“I’m proud of the way he has progressed,” Lee English said. “He hasn’t stepped on the field in three years, but he kept his enthusiasm and a positive attitude.”

Remaining positive has been a challenge for English ever since he committed to Kansas State back in February of 2015.

English went to Manhattan that fall and struggled to stay in shape during his redshirt freshman season. He was already See ENGLISH on 17

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From Page 16

English a big guy at 315 pounds coming out of high school but let his weight balloon to nearly 350 pounds.

English could have continued to work to improve his plight in Manhattan but changed course when his father was diagnosed with cancer. He decided to transfer to be closer to home and landed at UNT, just a few miles from DeSoto.

“It was a tough decision for him,” Lee English said. “He wanted to come back and be with the family. I appreciate my son doing that because he could have stayed at Kansas State. He felt like he needed to come home.”

Bryce English looks back on that decision as one that has helped him just as much as it has helped his father, who is now in remission.

“It’s been a blessing to be close to family,” English said. “I get to go home, and they can come up here. We have family time. Your family can help you get through things you might not get through by yourself.”

English knows that all too well.

He had hopes and dreams for how his career at UNT would go. So far, they have all been put on hold.

English hoped the NCAA would grant him a waiver to play at UNT in the 2016 season based on his father’s medical condition. That appeal was denied, forcing him to sit out as a transfer that fall.

He was on course to play in 2017 and appeared as if he would be an impact player.

Those hopes were dashed when he broke his foot in preseason practice. UNT hoped to bring English back later in the year after he healed from surgery to repair the break.

Those hopes ended when the injury was slow to heal. Doctors had to perform a second procedure that finally corrected the problem.

Having multiple surgeries on his foot forced English to get around on a knee scooter that kept pressure off the bone and allowed it to heal.

For a while, English thought his playing days might be over.

“A lot of athletes go through a time when they feel like they might never play again,” English said. “I went through that after two surgeries. The support I received, and my faith, helped me get through it. There were a lot of people behind me. I appreciate what those people did for me.”

UNT strength coach Zack Womack has played a big role. He helped English lose

Dallas Morning News file photo

Defensive tackle Bryce English started his long journey to North Texas at DeSoto, where he was a standout for a program known for producing top college prospects on an annual basis.

Dallas Morning News file photo

Bryce English’s journey in college football began when he signed with Kansas State on Feb. 5, 2015. English’s redshirted in his only season with the Wildcats. nearly 60 pounds during the 2016 school year, when he sat out as a transfer.

Womack and his staff have been working with English again this fall to help him get back into shape. He weighed 290

pounds in fall camp and again looked like he could develop into a key player for the Mean Green.

Linebacker E.J. Ejiya has a locker near English’s stall in UNT’s locker room and

checks in with him every day. English said he has needed someone to talk to at times. Ejiya has been one of his sounding boards.

“Bryce said one day that he can’t wait to show what he has as a player,” Ejiya said.

“He hasn’t had the best road leading up to this season because of injuries and family issues. He has a big chip on his shoulder that keeps getting bigger. He is ready to compete.”

English always seemed destined to carry on his family’s football legacy. The journey hasn’t transpired the way he envisioned but it has worked out in a way.

Bryce English will make his college debut with the Mean Green, just like his father. His mother and two sisters also went to UNT. “I want to follow in my dad’s footsteps and try to be one of the greats,” English said.

Lee English will be there to watch him try to reach that goal.

“It’s been a long time coming to see him play,” Lee English said. “He is going to get his opportunity this year to step on the field.

It will be special to see him out there.”

18

August 30, 2018

MEAN GREEN Roster No. Name 1 Jaelon Darden 2 LaDarius Hamilton 2 DeAndre Torrey 3 Tim Faison 4 Khairi Muhammad 4 Anthony Wyche 5 Jason Bean 5 Tyreke Davis 6 Mason Fine 6 Tre Siggers 7 Evan Johnson 8 Rico Bussey 9 Nate Brooks 9 Jalen Guyton 10 Cade Pearson 10 Makyle Sanders 11 Quinetin Jackson 11 Cam Johnson 13 Austin Aune 13 Alex Morris 14 Cedric Fernandes 14 Greg White 15 Caleb Chumley 15 Ulaiasi Tauaalo 16 Cobe Craft 16 Kemon Hall 17 Kason Martin 17 Joe Ozougwu 18 Keegan Brewer 18 Jaxon Gibbs 19 Chris Jackson 19 Quinn Shanbour 20 Josh Adebayo 20 William LeMasters 21 Keelan Crosby 21 Nic Smith 22 E.J. Ejiya 23 Loren Easly 23 Jamie King 24 Taylor Robinson 25 Jordan Roberts 26 Roderic Burns 26 Chris Thornton 27 Ashton Preston 29 Chaz Davis 29 Nate Durham 30 Cole Hedlund 30 Dennis Smith 31 KD Davis 32 Michael Lawrence 34 Bryce English 36 Hayden Doggett 36 Alvin Kenworthy 37 Brandon Garner 39 Jameel Moore 40 Mike Linehan 40 Cole McCrary 41 Christian Cole 41 Jordan Hunt 42 Corey Mann 43 Larry Nixon III 44 Cannon Maki 45 Derrick Shaw 46 Christian Hosley 46 Patrick Udofia

Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. WR 5-9 170 So. DE 6-3 256 Jr. RB 5-7 185 So. LB 6-2 205 Jr. S 5-11 185 Jr. RB 5-11 191 Jr. QB 6-3 180 Fr. S 5-10 196 So. QB 5-11 180 Jr. S 5-8 200 Rfr. RB 5-6 185 So. WR 6-2 208 Jr. DB 6-0 192 Sr. WR 6-1 208 Jr. QB 6-3 207 Rfr. S 6-0 205 So. WR 6-3 202 Sr. DB 5-11 181 So. QB 6-2 199 Fr. S 6-1 200 Fr. DB 5-10 190 Sr. WR 6-3 193 Rfr. TE 6-5 258 Jr. DT 6-2 300 Sr. QB 5-1 1190 Fr. DB 5-11 190 Sr. QB 6-3 206 Fr. LB 6-3 227 So. WR 5-11 180 So. S 5-11 196 Fr. DB 5-9 170 Jr. QB 6-0 202 Sr. RB 6-0 221 So. LB 6-2 220 Jr. DB 6-1 175 Fr. RB 5-10 186 So. LB 6-3 230 Sr. RB 5-11 210 Jr. LB 6-3 232 Jr. DB 5-11 193 Jr. DB 6-1 172 Rfr. WR 5-10 170 Fr. LB 6-1 222 Rfr. DB 5-10 193 Sr. DB 5-10 168 So. DS 6-2 229 So. K 5-10 166 Gr. WR 5-9 172 Jr. LB 5-11 208 Fr. WR 5-10 186 Jr. DT 5-11 295 Jr. RB 6-2 214 So. P 6-3 200 Jr. LB 5-11 230 Sr. DB 5-10 180 Jr. LB 6-2 239 Jr. TE 6-2 229 Fr. K/P 6-2 175 So. LB 6-2 210 Fr. LB 6-0 209 So. LB 6-0 226 Fr. FB 5-11 233 Sr. DL 6-0 278 Fr. RB 5-9 191 Jr. DB 5-9 189 Jr.

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19

Choice making impact as UNT assistant

Jake King/DRC

North Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice, center, works with Nic Smith, left, during practice this fall at Apogee Stadium. UNT head coach Seth Littrell promoted the former Dallas Cowboys running back in January. Choice previously served as a quality control assistant. Choice has quickly bonded with his players not only because of his knowledge but also because of the way he cares about them as people. One of his goals is to prepare players for life after football.

Former Cowboys running back aims to pass on NFL knowledge

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Tashard Choice looks a little out of place on the new turf at Apogee Stadium on a searing August morning.

The temperature is headed toward 100 and the former Dallas Cowboys running back is in sweats chomping on his trademark toothpick.

Everyone else is in shorts.

North Texas’ new running backs coach is pouring sweat just like he did during six seasons playing the position in the NFL. He learned the finer points of the game during that time, from how to find the hidden running lanes in a defense to how to pick up a blitz.

Ask anyone around UNT’s program

and they will say the tips Choice is passing along to the team’s running backs gleaned from years of pro experience are just the beginning of what he is bringing to the Mean Green.

“What people don’t realize is what a good mentor and person Tashard is,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said. “He develops those guys on and off the field. Wins, losses and competing for championships are important. What you do for the next 40 to 50 years of your life is even more important. That is something we continue to stress. He does a great job with that running back group. He also relates to the whole team and continues to help our players grow.”

UNT’s coaching staff is loaded with veterans who have been coaching in college for

years.

Choice is a little different, and not just because of the attire that helps him stay in shape. He’s been in coaching for just a few years and has been on a meteoric rise ever since.

He started out in the high school ranks at Waxahachie before landing at UNT as a quality control assistant in 2017. Littrell promoted him to running backs coach in January.

Choice has spent time learning the tricks of the coaching trade with the Cowboys and the Oakland Raiders, where he worked this summer before returning to UNT. He’s spent this fall dishing out lessons on football, and more importantly life, with the Mean Green.

Choice considers himself as a life coach as well as a football coach.

He has plenty of lessons of all types to share after rushing for 1,579 yards and 10 touchdowns to go along with 574 receiving yards with four NFL teams.

“It didn’t matter if it was college, high school or pros,” Choice said. “What’s important to me is to help men grow. I want to help guys become better people, graduate and be better young men.”

He’s been learning the tricks of the coaching trade from some of the best in the business ever since he last played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2013, bouncing from team to team in the NFL. See CHOICE on 20

20

August 30, 2018

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From Page 19

Choice He spent several weeks over the summer working with Oakland Raiders special teams coordinator and former Cowboys assistant Rich Bisaccia.

“I wanted to be with him because I know what he stands for,” Choice said.

“He has helped me become a better coach and taught me how to be more than a ball coach.”

UNT’s running backs have reaped the benefits heading into what could be a challenging season for the group.

Choice helped Jeffery Wilson end his career with the Mean Green on a high note last fall. Wilson rushed for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns in just 11 games before a foot injury cut his season short. He went on to sign with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent and left a huge hole in UNT’s lineup.

A host of players will try to fill that void and have taken to Choice’s approach of developing them as people, as well as players.

“He’s a very passionate guy,” said DeAndre Torrey, who joined UNT’s backfield as a midterm transfer. “He teaches us more than he coaches us. He’s a good coach but a better man.”

The connection Choice has formed with his players has helped him impart the knowledge he gained during his NFL career to what he described as a talented group. Nic Smith rushed for 684 yards and six touchdowns while backing up Wilson last season.

Evan Johnson scored three touchdowns on just 43 carries, while Torrey was highly recruited coming out of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

“I have some dogs,” Choice said, putting it simply.

What is encouraging for Choice is that those players have taken to his overall message of the importance of progressing as people as well as players.

“The guys here are like sponges,” Choice said. “You can see them getting better, maturing and growing. Seeing Jeff transition from being a good player to an elite player while pushing his teammates and setting an example has helped.”

UNT’s running backs have a healthy respect for what Choice accomplished as a player and for what he can do for them as they look to follow in his footsteps.

“It’s amazing playing for coach Choice,” Smith said. “You have NFL eyes on you, evaluating what you do. If he says to do some-

Dallas Morning News file photo

Tashard Choice celebrates scoring his second touchdown during the Cowboys’ 33-30 win over the Washington Redskins at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington in 2010. Choice turned his attention to coaching after his six-year NFL career.

MEAN GREEN Choice’s NFL stats North Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice played for four NFL teams in six seasons. The following is a look at his career: Rushing yards................................... 1,579 Rushing touchdowns.............................. 10 Carries................................................. 372 Receptions............................................. 81 Receiving yards.................................... 574

thing, you have to do it. He has been in our position before and knows what he is talking about. You have to apply what he tells you so that you can get better every day.”

Choice emphasizes the finer points of the game.

“The attention to detail is what I learned in the NFL, how critical little things and fundamentals are in the game,” Choice said.

“The players are better in the NFL. There is very little room for error. What you do is go over the details and prepare your guys. That way they will know what to expect.”

UNT’s players are seeing the difference that attention to detail makes, both on and off the field.

“Coach Choice has helped us become smarter in the film room, understand the reads and picking up the blitz, which is important in this offense,” Smith said.

Choice is just as proud of the fact UNT’s

Jake King/DRC

North Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice talks to his running backs during practice, including Nic Smith. The sophomore is UNT’s leading returning rusher after piling up 684 yards as a backup last season. running backs are posting A’s and B’s in the classroom as of what they are accomplishing on the field.

The lesson is one he has put into practice himself. Choice is learning all he can about coaching, so he can reach some lofty goals.

Choice wants to become a head coach

and continue helping players develop on and off the field.

“My mission is to continue coaching and help players maximize their opportunities with the day-to-day grind of school, practice and doing the best they can in both,” Choice said. “That is what I am here for.”

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Muhammad ready to step into spotlight

By Brett Vito

MEAN GREEN Top tacklers

Staff Writer

Khairi Muhammad was never the biggest defensive back, or the fastest, during his formative years at DeSoto.

Muhammad displayed other traits that helped him develop into a college prospect, none more important that than a motor that never seemed to stop running.

In that way, the North Texas junior hasn’t changed a bit.

Muhammad’s drive has made him one of the Mean Green’s most overlooked and underappreciated contributors.

That fire is also his biggest weakness, one that can distract him from the task at hand.

“It depends on how I use it,” Muhammad said of his boundless energy and its impact on how he plays. “I have to make sure I am playing my game, stay on track and be a great leader and teammate.”

UNT is counting on Muhammad to reach that goal beginning Saturday when the Mean Green open the season against SMU at Apogee Stadium.

Muhammad will enter that game in an unfamiliar role as one of the Mean Green’s leaders in the secondary. Kishawn McClain was UNT’s unquestioned anchor in the back end of its defense for years. He finished his career last fall ranked seventh in program history with 336 career tackles.

The departure of McClain makes the maturation of Muhammad even more important. The 5-11, 185-pound bundle of energy has suddenly become one of the voices of experience in UNT’s secondary, where he is expected to start at strong safety for the second straight season.

“We need Khairi to make the next step,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said. “He has helped us, but he is not anywhere near where he can be. He’s smart, the smartest guy we have on defense. It’s not effort or passion he lacks. It’s maturity.”

Muhammad gets himself in trouble when he tries to cover for other players’ mistakes and ends up out of position.

Those occasional mistakes haven’t prevented Muhammad from becoming a highly productive player. If he can cut down on those mistakes, the sky is the limit.

Muhammad finished third among UNT players with 94 tackles last fall in his first season as a starter. He is hoping to take the next step and fill the leadership void left by McClain.

“I have to become a leader on our defense and make sure we stick to the task

North Texas returns four players who finished among the top five on the team in tackles last season. The following is a look at those players and where they ranked: Player Position Tackles 1. E.J. Ejiya Linebacker 109 3. Khairi Muhammad Safety 94 4. Kemon Hall Cornerback 72 5. Brandon Garner Linebacker 68

Jeff Woo/DRC

North Texas safety Khairi Muhammad (4) tips a pass intended for UAB wide receiver Sederian Copeland last season at Apogee Stadium. Fellow safety Kishawn McClain intercepted the ball on the tip. at hand,” Muhammad said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted. The coaches are counting on me to fill that role. I will fill it.”

Muhammad had the ideal role model in McClain and picked up plenty along the way.

“Playing next to Kishawn last year helped Khairi learn a lot that he can translate to this season,” senior linebacker E.J. Ejiya said. “He’ll be one of the players we look to.”

The most important lesson was that he must remained focused and follow the plan.

Muhammad admits there were times earlier in his career didn’t follow the direction of UNT defensive coordinator Troy Reffett to the detriment of himself and his team.

“I have done a better job of making the right decisions and being more of a leader,” Muhammad said. “I have been trying to bring my teammates along and make sure their minds are right.”

Muhammad believes he will reach that goal and continue to exceed expectations.

He was a lightly recruited 171-pound cornerback coming of high school. Few people expected him to emerge as a starter by his sophomore season at UNT, let alone become highly productive so quickly.

“I’ve been overlooked my whole life,” Muhammad said.

That was the case again at times last season, despite the way Muhammad stacked up tackles on a weekly basis. He finished with 13 tackles in a loss to Iowa, one of four games he posted double-figure stops.

Those performances are just part of the reason Muhammad’s time flying under the radar could be coming to an end.

DE-1694415-01

Littrell said Muhammad enjoyed the best spring of his college career just a few months ago.

UNT’s coaches and players saw Muhammad’s performance in spring practice as another indication he could be ready to make the next step as a player while harnessing the motor that has helped him develop into an overlooked contributor for the Mean Green.

“He’s a talker and loves football,” Littrell said of two of Muhammad’s traits that haven’t changed a bit before giving him credit for how he has developed. “He has really grown up.”

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When it comes to producing college football players, Denton is a ...

Gold Mine

24

August 30, 2018

Football2018

COVER STORY

Denton churning out college talent

By Brady Keane

DISD TALENT National ranking

Staff Writer

When Guyer first opened its doors back in 2005, John Walsh brought three coaches with him from Brownwood to help fill out the Wildcats’ first staff.

Walsh, David Jones, Mitch Stovall and Lee Vallejo were part of Steve Freeman’s staff at Brownwood that had become known for producing top level talent. In 2003, the Lions sent Kirby Freeman to Miami, Joey Ellis to Air Force, Lee Grimes to Texas A&M, Britton Maxwell to Houston, Bart Johnson to TCU, Kye Darden to UTEP and Jarret Lee to LSU. When Walsh got to Guyer, he knew it would be a few years before he had the opportunity to churn out a successful collegiate signing class. That’s why he was surprised to see Bobby Kennedy, then the assistant recruiting coordinator at Texas, on campus so early in his tenure with the Wildcats.

“Bobby Kennedy was a great recruiter at Texas, and I saw him coming through the halls. I looked at him and was like, ‘Man, what are you doing here?’ Walsh said with a laugh. “But he knew us at Brownwood, so he just stopped by to say hi. I remember telling him that in two years, he’d be making this [Guyer] a place to come by every time.

“He reminds me of that conversation because it’s a go-to stop now.”

Walsh, of course, was right. After suffering through an 0-10 season in 2006 and a 1-9 season in 2007, Guyer went 12-3 with its first senior class in 2008. The success led to five Division I signees in Kyle Clark (Texas Tech), Jesse Coffey (Nebraska), Cody Marley (Kansas State), Greg Hall (SFA) and Spencer Wilson (Navy).

The Wildcats have maintained that success since, producing a total of 52 Division I signees in 12 years.

“Some coaches say, ‘It’s not my job to get kids to college, it’s my job to win football games,’” Walsh said. “I think it’s important to do the whole spectrum. We take a lot of pride in winning state championships here and a lot of pride in getting kids to the next level. We’ve had a lot go the Division I route but we’ve had a lot go to Division II and even the non-scholarship level to continue doing what they love. We’ve done our job if when they leave our program they want to keep going at the next level.”

Guyer isn’t the only school to experience success on the recruiting trail, and there is

The following is a list of the top public high schools in the country when it comes to turning out highly regarded college football prospects, according to a study by College Football Data Lab. The site examined schools that produced at least 30 college football players from 2004-17 and ranked them on the basis of how those players were rated by recruiting websites.

School................................. Avg. ranking Carver (Columbus, Ga.)....................... 84.2 Dallas Skyline..................................... 84.1 Cass Technical (Detroit)....................... 84.1 Galena Park North Shore..................... 83.9 Sandy Creek (Tyrone, Ga.)................... 83.8 Centennial (Corona, Calif.).................. 83.7 McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)....... 83.6 Booker T. Washington (Miami).............. 83.5 Amos P. Godby (Tallahassee)............... 83.5 Chandler (Ariz.)................................... 83.4 Tucker (Georgia).................................. 83.4 Polytechnic (Long Beach, Calif.).......... 83.3 Guyer.................................................. 83.3 Miami Northwestern Senior................. 83.3 Ryan................................................... 83.2

Jeff Woo/DRC

Denton is one of the most fruitful cities in the country when it comes to producing college football players. The city’s four high schools all have talented players who could help carry on that tradition, including, clockwise from top right, Denton defensive back Marcellus Lockley, Guyer lineman Grant Mahon, Braswell running back Jhari Grose and Ryan defensive back Tra Smith. no question the greater Denton area is one of the biggest high school football hotbeds in the country. The 13 schools in the Denton Record-Chronicle’s coverage area have played in 21 state title games since 2000 and won seven of those contests.

That dominance extends to the recruiting scene as well, where Ryan and Guyer stand out as two of the most consistent schools in the country when it comes to producing Division I talent.

According to a study conducted by College Football Data Lab during the spring, Guyer and Ryan are two of just 101 schools in the nation to have produced 30 or more Football Bowl Subdivision recruits from 2004-2017. The Denton ISD powerhouses also produced some of the highest-rated recruits from that subgroup of schools, as Guyer had 30 FBS recruits with an average rating of 83.3 in 247Sports’ composite rankings while Ryan had 30 FBS recruits

with an average rating of 83.2.

Those numbers rank 13th and 15th, respectively, among public high schools across the country. Dallas Skyline and Galena Park North Shore are the only other Texas schools to crack the Top 15.

“These are some of the finest high school football programs in the country,” Denton ISD athletic director Florence said. “Our coaches do a tremendous job. If you’re coming through a Denton ISD program, you’re going to be prepared [to play in college]. That doesn’t guarantee success at the next level – it’s a tough business when they get out of here, but our coaches have done a good job of putting kids in a position to succeed.”

Born and bred The tide began to turn in Denton ISD when Florence took over at Ryan after the 1999 season. Florence immediately led the Raiders to four consecutive state championship game appearances. Those games marked the start of the district developing into a football powerhouse. College coaches soon began flocking to the city in search of the abundance of untapped talent.

Since then, Ryan has a laundry list of See TALENT on 25

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COVER STORY

August 30, 2018

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From Page 24

Talent players who have gone on to play at the highest level of college football. The 2012 class featured Trey Mohair (UTSA), Dominique Banks (Baylor), Alex De La Torre (Texas), Jordan Richmond (Texas A&M) and Mario Edwards Jr. (Florida State).

There’s also the more recent success stories of players like Earnest Brown IV (Northwestern), Delano Robinson (SMU) and Tauskie Dove (Missouri). Tyreke Davis decided to stay home and signed with North Texas in 2017 and is currently in line for a much bigger role with the Mean Green.

Spencer Sanders, one of the top prep quarterbacks to ever come through the Denton area, is now competing for the starting job at Oklahoma State.

“A lot of that is genetics,” Ryan coach Dave Henigan said. “Don’t get me wrong, all the schools — including us — do a great job of developing kids. But you can’t coach size. You don’t coach Earnest Brown to be 6-foot-5, 240 pounds. You can make him better, but you don’t coach Spencer Sanders’ arm talent and ability to run. We put them in a position to be successful.”

Florence agreed with Henigan and said that Division I talent is born, but credited Walsh, Henigan, Denton coach Billy Miller and Braswell coach Cody Moore for the job they’ve done building a program and helping kids prepare for college athletics at any level.

The four Denton schools have combined to send 45 players to the college level over the last two years alone, and the pipeline isn’t going to dry up anytime soon. Guyer’s Eli Stowers, Ryan’s Billy Bowman Jr. and Braswell’s Erick Cade are already among the top recruits in the Class of 2021 as they prepare to take the field for their sophomore seasons.

“Division I talent is definitely born,” Florence said. “But what I’m proud of is that if you’re a Division I player playing at Ryan, Denton, Braswell or Guyer, you’ll get recruited because they’re going to stop here.

We’ve all made it a place to where every bigtime Division I coach comes through Denton. There are tremendously talented kids in this community.”

Following suit When Braswell joined Denton ISD in 2016 as the district’s fourth high school, the Bengals — like Guyer in 2005 — knew it would take some time to get a winning tradition established on the football field.

DRC file photos

Denton’s high schools have a history of producing top college prospects. Denton High offensive lineman Herman Johnson, left, played for LSU. Guyer quarterback JW Walsh, center, went on to play at Oklahoma State. Former Ryan quarterback Spencer Sanders is a freshman at OSU this fall. Several area players could follow in their footsteps next season.

The program went 0-10 in Year 1 under Moore but took a step forward last season by stringing together two wins, including one over an injury-riddled Denton squad late in the season.

A large part of the team’s ability to break through with its first set of wins hinged on the leadership of the senior class. The Bengals’ first graduating class didn’t produce a Division I signee, but Caleb Richardson (Southwestern), Jaeden Johnson (Mary Hardin-Baylor) and Sam Madison (Mary Hardin-Baylor) did lay the foundation for the future by continuing their careers in college.

“The first challenge in attracting college coaches to our campus was to let them know we exist,” Moore said. “Most of the traffic we received from recruiters the first year was primarily due to guys who were traveling on 380 and just saw the campus.

I would contact high school coaches in the area and tell them to send recruiters our way. That helped a lot.

“Once the word was out that our school had opened, and colleges realized we have good players in our program, our recruiting traffic increased dramatically.”

Before Guyer began excelling on the football field, part of what helped increase visits from college coaches was getting that first Division I recruit. For the Wildcats, it was Mark Weber in 2006. Weber signed with Air Force, paving the way for Guyer’s rising stars to emerge as future Division I recruits.

Weber went on to serve as a combat rescue officer in the Air Force after his graduation from the Academy in 2011. He passed

away in March 2018 alongside six other military members when their helicopter crashed in Iraq.

“You want colleges to come, and they can’t come to every school,” Walsh said.

“You want to get your name on their itinerary, and Mark really helped us do that.

Right after Mark, we had a class of really big-name guys.”

Braswell is experiencing a similar rise on the recruiting trail as college coaches are infatuated with Cade, a 6-foot-7, 290-pound offensive tackle who is listed at No. 100 in 247Sports’ 2021 rankings. Cade has several offers from Division I schools, including Arkansas, Baylor, LSU, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. That list of offers will continue to grow as he develops into a more fundamentally sound player.

“He already has around 15 or 20 Division I offers,” Moore said. “The attention he has received has benefited our other players, as well as our program, tremendously.”

Dealing with growth Denton may be the longest standing high school in the district, but the Broncos are in a similar position to Braswell as far as building a program goes. Coach Billy Miller enters his second season with the program in a much better position after laying the foundation during what was expected to be a bit of a down year last season.

The Broncos haven’t produced copious amounts of Division I talent over the years like Ryan and Guyer. But even as the school fights to overcome losing students to each new campus as they open — first Ryan, then Guyer and most recently Braswell —

Denton has remained competitive and had several big-name players of its own.

Herman Johnson, a 6-foot-7, 350-pound offensive tackle, was one of the top offensive line recruits in the country when he committed to LSU in 2004. More recently, Chris Miller and Grant Polley signed with Colorado in 2016.

Miller is confident he has players on the roster who will help the Broncos become an annual playoff contender and a school that is consistently producing college-level talent. Guys like Marcellus Lockley in the secondary have high-end potential — just what Miller needs to get things going.

“If you do pile up the wins, people tend to look there first,” Miller said. “It doesn’t mean you can’t get looks from outside without a winning tradition or program, but it does mean that it’s a little more difficult. We’re not in a shortage of talent around here. Our job has just got to be to get those guys doing the right thing on a daily basis.”

The blueprint, both for winning and turning a program into a recruiting pipeline, is certainly there. It’s just a matter of time before the success trickles down to both Miller and Moore as they continue to take important steps to improve their programs.

“It’s good to wave that Denton ISD banner and not just our school banner,” Walsh said. “There is some special football and special athletes in general in this district.

Coaches are going to hit all four schools now. If they come to Ryan and Guyer, they have the chance to stop at Braswell and Denton, too. It’ll just take one or two guys to really get them on the map as well.”

26

August 30, 2018

GUYER

Football2018

Guyer to feature loaded defensive line

By Brady Keane Staff Writer

Guyer knew it was going to be in a bit of a tough spot defensively last year after returning just two starters from its 2016 team that featured Division I signees Thabo Mwaniki (Oklahoma State) and Bryce Jackson (Northwestern).

What the Wildcats didn’t expect was to give up 27 touchdowns from more than 20 yards away from the end zone, including 13 from at least 50 yards out. The last long scoring play of the year — a 46-yard pass from Trophy Club Nelson’s Chase McLean to Nick Santini late in the fourth quarter of the Class 6A bi-district round of the playoffs — essentially ended the Wildcats’ season.

As detrimental as big plays were last year, Guyer is confident it has a remedy in the form of what could be one of the most feared defensive lines in the state.

Led by Oklahoma State commit Grant Mahon, the Wildcats’ defensive front has a chance to emerge as one of the best the team has produced.

“They should be right up there at the top,” Walsh said. “We have the size, the strength and the athleticism to go with it coming off the edge. Only time will tell where they end up stacking up. They need to be accountable every play. If they keep that mentality, they could be one of the top groups we’ve had as a whole.”

Mahon will slide over to his natural position at defensive tackle after shining as a makeshift defensive end last year, finishing with 43.5 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Mahon’s sheer size and strength at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds will help clog the interior of the defensive front while his speed and footwork — demonstrated on the edge last season — will likely draw double teams from opposing offenses.

Doubling Mahon will only make things easier on the rest of a talented defensive front that includes Lawrence Norton, Chad Aune, Devin Goree and Isaac Carrillo.

Goree and Aune will be looking to prove themselves after battling injuries last year while Carrillo had 37 tackles, six TFL and

Jeff Woo/DRC

GUYER ON THE RISE

Guyer will lean on a stout defensive line this season that will feature, from left, Devin Goree, Isaac Carrillo, Grant Mahon, Lawrence Norton and Chad Aune. Mahon has committed to continue his career at Oklahoma State and will move to his natural position at defensive tackle this year. The Wildcats believe the group can help them improve on a 7-4 finish last season.

two sacks as a junior.

“Whatever they have to do to stop me is on them,” Mahon said. “If they’re double or triple teaming me, that just means there’s another guy on the field who is free to make the play. As long as we’re making stops, that’s all that matters. We have great players up front. They’ll get the job done.”

The talent up front will likely cut down on the number of long touchdown runs that plagued Guyer last season, but the Wildcats are banking on their secondary to return to form as well this year. Those hopes rest in the hands of a group headlined by safety Brent Jackson, rising sophomore corner Deuce Harmon and corner

Seth Meador.

Meador will also be one of the team’s top offensive threats on the perimeter as the Wildcats introduce Eli Stowers, the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2021, as their new starter. With Kaedric Cobbs back as a workhorse in the backfield, Guyer will rely on Meador to headline a receiving corps that also includes Dylan Parham, Travis Romar, Camden Thrailkill, Tyler Jarrett and Jaden Fugett.

“He is such a home run hitter and an explosive player,” Walsh said of Meador.

“You’re going to see him all over the place. I See GUYER on 28

WILDCATS Quick facts District: 5-6A 2017 record: 7-4 (5-2 in district) Coach: John Walsh (11247 in 13 years at Guyer) Returning starters: Three on offense, five on defense Key players: DL Grant Mahon, WR/CB Seth Meador, QB Eli Stowers, RB Kaedric Cobbs, DB Brent Jackson, TE/LB Cole Ramsey Offense: Pro/Multiple Defense: 4-3 School enrollment: 2,514 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Guyer Wildcats 2018 Football Schedule Date Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 25 Nov. 2 Nov. 8

Opponent Time Aledo............................... 7:30 p.m.

Cedar Hill (Cotton Bowl) ..... 8:00 p.m. at North Crowley............ 7:30 p.m. at Keller Central* ........... 7:00 p.m. at Southlake Carroll*...... 7:00 p.m.

Keller Timber Creek* .... 7:00 p.m. at Keller* ........................ 7:00 p.m.

Haslet Eaton*................. 7:00 p.m.

Trophy Club Nelson* ..... 7:00 p.m. at Keller Fossil Ridge* ... 7:00 p.m.

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*Denotes District 5-6A games

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28

Football2018

GUYER

August 30, 2018

DRC file photos

Guyer will feature a standout defensive line that will be among the best in the area this season. Grant Mahon, left photo, will move from defensive end to defensive tackle, his natural position. Lawrence Norton also returns and will give the Wildcats another playmaker at the line of scrimmage.

From Page 26

Guyer have to get the ball in his hands. There will be a coach in charge of reminding me to call plays that get him the ball.”

After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year, the return and growth of players like Mahon, Cobbs and

Meador are part of the reason why the expectations surrounding the program have skyrocketed. The Wildcats enter the season ranked No. 22 in Class 6A but were projected to win the Division II Region I final by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.

The team’s internal expectations are so high, though, that the Wildcats were fired up about being projected to fall to Longview in the state semifinals. The Lo-

bos are 2-1 all-time against Guyer, including back-to-back wins over the Wildcats in the 2008 and 2009 state semifinals.

“There aren’t too many programs we have a losing record against, and Longview is one of them,” Walsh said. “If that were to come true, we’d have to even it up.”

For now, the Wildcats are focused on taking the first step toward producing one of the multi-year runs of success the team

has become known for. Guyer went 38-8 from 2008-2010 and 49-10 from 20122015.

“We feel, right now, that we have the pieces in place,” Walsh said. “We have some kids that need to grow up and some kids that need to prove they can make the plays the Guyer stars of the past have made to get us there before. Hopefully they answer the challenge.”

Guyer High School – Go Wildcats!

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GUYER

August 30, 2018

29

Jeff Woo/DRC

Guyer running back Kaedric Cobbs rushed for 1,362 yards and 25 touchdowns last season and is aiming for an even bigger year this fall. He has quickly grown into a vocal leader for the Wildcats, who finished 7-4 in 2017.

Guyer’s Cobbs aiming for huge season

By Brady Keane Staff Writer

Guyer was in a deep hole in its District 6-6A opener last year, trailing Plano 38-14 at the end of the third quarter. The Wildcats needed at least three touchdowns to get back into the game, and the team had thrown eight straight incomplete passes dating back to the first half.

Rather than getting into a traditional hurry-up offense and attempting to force the ball down the field through the air, Guyer coach John Walsh put the team’s comeback efforts squarely on the shoulders of sophomore running back Kaedric Cobbs.

Cobbs, who already had 22 carries in the game, got another nine touches in the final quarter and churned out 89 yards and three touchdowns ­­— just enough to pull the Wildcats within two points by scoring a touchdown as time expired.

It was that fourth quarter performance — one that put Cobbs at a final stat line of 31 carries for 206 yards and four touchdowns — that let Walsh know just what he had in his latest star in the backfield.

“We were just riding the horse on iso and stretch,” Walsh said. “They knew who was getting the ball, and I’m trying to beat the clock running the horse back there in a

two-minute offense. I knew in that game that he was something special.”

While the performance was an impressive one, Cobbs is still haunted by the game’s final play. After getting in the end zone as time expired to pull within two points of Plano, Cobbs was stopped short of the goal line on the 2-point try as Guyer fell to 0-1 in district play.

“I felt like I let the entire school down,” Cobbs said. “We were down by three touchdowns, and the crowd started getting back into it. Then, I heard the life being sucked out of our side [when I got stopped] and Plano went wild. I was just sitting on the

field and watched their sideline rush the field to celebrate.

“I never want to feel that feeling again.”

That moment continues to serve as one of Cobbs’ biggest motivating factors entering the 2018 season as the rising junior looks to build on a breakout year that included 1,362 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. After transferring to Guyer from Melissa in the spring of 2017, Cobbs — who picked up his first offer from Abilene Christian this summer — has an entirely new level of confidence and poise after shining See COBBS on 30

30

August 30, 2018

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH Guyer coach John Walsh was high on his defensive line last year with senior Arian Bhat (Missouri State) leading the way. That same unit will be even more fearsome this season, and Walsh believes it may be one of the most talented defensive fronts the program has ever rolled out.

Walsh Grant Mahon, Chad Aune, Devin Goree, Isaac Carrillo and Lawrence Norton give Guyer a lot of depth up front and there is a solid combination of strength and speed among the group as well. The Wildcats should have no issues creating problems in opposing backfields while controlling the line of scrimmage.

POINT OF CONCERN Secondary play was one of the Wildcats’ biggest weaknesses last season and Walsh is hoping the group can take a meaningful step forward as they look to return to the level of production Guyer is used to seeing from its secondary on a regular basis.

There will be some youth and inexperience at both safety and corner, but Jackson Guyer certainly has the talent to cut down on the number of big plays allowed — especially in district play — this year. Brent Jackson returns to lead the way while Seth Meador will be part of a rotation

From Page 29

Cobbs in Year 1 at the Class 6A level.

When he first stepped on campus last year, Cobbs was shy, quiet and timid while adjusting to a campus almost three times bigger than what he had grown accustomed to at Melissa.

Spring football helped ease the transition, and Cobbs continued to grow more comfortable throughout the year. Now, he’s one of the team’s most vocal leaders.

“When I first got here, I didn’t say a word to anyone in my first two days,” Cobbs said.

“I was very shy in the beginning. But once you get to know me, I’m really loud and yell all the time just trying to encourage people.

Eventually I became a leader of the team.

I’ve been able to lead by example. It’s made everything much more enjoyable.”

Football2018

GUYER

on one side of the defense at corner. Sophomore Deuce Harmon has locked down the other corner spot while Trace Jewell and Jordan Eubanks will share time at the other safety position alongside Jackson.

KEY NEWCOMERS Sophomore quarterback Eli Stowers and sophomore corner Deuce Harmon have dominated the conversation entering the season as important newcomers, but Walsh is high on Jaden Fugett as well.

Fugett will see time at both wide receiver and corner, rotating with Seth Fugett Meador on defense to help take some of the pressure off the Wildcats’ most explosive player. Look for Fugett to make an early impact as a sophomore.

GAME OF THE YEAR The Trophy Club Nelson game on senior night late in the season has a lot of intrigue given the Bobcats knocked Guyer out of the playoffs at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex last season. But the renewal of the Southlake Carroll rivalry, set for Oct. 5 in Southlake, gives the Wildcats a chance to become the first team to beat the Dragons twice on their home field.

The game will likely have a significant impact on the race for a district championship and could give Guyer a chance to prove it’s ready for a deep playoff run this season.

As good as Cobbs was last season, the Wildcats are looking for him to have an even bigger season this year. Walsh said he expects his star in the backfield to be one of the top players in Texas after cutting weight, adding strength and showing a remarkable skill set catching the ball in one-on-one situations during the 7-on-7 summer circuit.

Those attributes — combined with the speed, power and vision Cobbs displayed last year — will help ease sophomore quarterback Eli Stowers into the offense as he moves into his first season as the team’s starter.

“Kaedric is going to be a completely different player this year,” Walsh said. “He was really good last year — one of the better running backs in this area. But he was still trying to feel his way through being a new kid on the block. It’s hard to put your feet down and make this your place. You can tell he’s home now. He’s a Guyer Wildcat and he’s a proud one.”

No. Name 1 Kaedric Cobbs 2 Cam Thrailkill 3 Trace Jewell 4 Harrison Bohannon 5 Eli Stowers 6 Tanner Jarrett 7 Kaleel Rhoden 8 Tyler Jarrett 9 Dylan Parham 10 Cole Schroeder 11 Cole Ramsey 12 Deuce Harmon 13 Jailin Rollins 14 Travis Romar 15 Devin Goree 16 Connor Briggs 17 Jaden Fugett 18 Jonathan Jones 19 Seth Meador 20 Brandon Deleon 21 Zach Bland 22 Tiger Berry 23 Zion Settles 24 Lawrence Norton 25 Ty Alridge 26 Grant O’Bara 27 Issac Trammell 28 Jordan Eubanks 29 Brent Jackson 30 Darious Goodloe 31 Emilio Martinez 32 Kaleb Thomann 33 Ola Olanipekun 34 Byron Phillips 35 Isaac Carrillo 36 Vincent Paige

WILDCATS Roster

Pos. RB/LB WR/DB QB/DB RB/LB QB/DB WR/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/K TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DE TE/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB FB/LB WR/DB WR/DB FB/DL RB/LB RB/DB FB/LB WR/DB DB/WR DB/WR TE/DL WR/DB FB/LB RB/LB FB/DL RB/LB

Ht. Wt. Yr. 5-9 205 Jr. 5-8 160 Jr. 6-0 190 Jr. 5-9 180 Jr. 6-3 190 So. 5-10 180 Sr. 5-10 190 Sr. 5-11 175 Jr. 5-11 175 Sr. 5-10 175 Sr. 6-3 220 Jr. 5-10 170 So. 5-10 165 Jr. 5-9 170 Jr. 6-3 225 Jr. 6-2 225 Jr. 6-2 180 So. 5-10 185 Jr. 5-10 175 Jr. 5-9 170 Jr. 5-10 210 Sr. 5-10 160 Jr. 5-9 155 Jr. 6-1 220 Sr. 5-9 175 So. 5-9 165 Jr. 5-9 175 Sr. 6-2 185 So. 6-1 190 Sr. 6-0 170 So. 5-10 235 Sr. 5-10 165 Sr. 5-8 180 Sr. 5-11 200 So. 6-0 250 Sr. 6-0 190 So.

GUYER Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 Aledo 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 Cedar Hill (Cotton Bowl) 8 p.m.

Sept. 14 at North Crowley 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Keller Central* 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Southlake Carroll* Oct. 12 Keller Timber Creek* 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Keller* 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 Haslet Eaton* 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 Trophy Club Nelson* 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Keller Fossil Ridge* * District 5-6A 41 42 44 45 50 51 52 53 54 56 58 59 62 64 65 70 72 81 82 83 84 85

Garrett Tucker Dotun Olanipekun Blaine Smith Nick Gallo Colby Strange Omar Lopez JJ Melendez Grant Mahon Chet Beach Jon Dillenberg Knox Boyd Jess Holbert Gabe Blair Jordan Thorne Mason Massingill Alvaro Rodriguez Devon Mack Cooper Lanz Chad Aune Zach Warren Bryce Beago Landry Olson

FB/DL TE/DL FB/DL TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL TE/DL TE/DL WR/DB WR/DB

5-9 200 Sr. 5-10 240 So. 5-11 240 So. 6-0 240 Sr. 5-9 225 Jr. 5-8 175 Sr. 5-10 190 Sr. 6-3 270 Jr. 6-0 255 Jr. 5-10 220 Sr. 6-5 270 So. 6-2 275 Jr. 6-2 275 So. 6-4 265 Jr. 5-10 235 Jr. 6-2 255 Sr. 6-2 300 Jr. 6-2 205 So. 6-4 225 Sr. 5-11 205 Sr. 5-10 160 Jr. 5-11 160 Sr.

Jeff Woo/DRC

Guyer running back Kaedric Cobbs carries the ball in a game against Boyd last season at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. Cobbs rushed for 1,362 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2017 and will play a key role for the Wildcats this fall.

Football2018

DENTON

31

August 30, 2018

Denton to depend on two-way players

By Matt Brune For the Denton Record-Chronicle

With a full year under his belt as the head coach at Denton, Billy Miller is intent on doing whatever it takes to get the Broncos back into the playoffs.

Miller and his coaching staff have decided the best way to reach that goal is to keep as many of Denton’s top athletes on the field as possible by having a handful of players play on both sides of the ball.

It’s a challenging task, and not a normal one for a school with over 2,000 students, but Miller believes the approach will address the Broncos’ lack of depth at some positions.

“Depth-wise, I don’t know that we go very deep,” Miller said. “But I would put our top 15-20 guys up against anybody in the state. Our top 15-20 guys are what we look for to be Broncos.”

Junior wide receiver/defensive end Isaac Broades, junior wide receiver/defensive back Marcellus Lockley, senior defensive end/tight end Kyle Williamson and senior wide receiver/defensive back Elijah Thibodeaux are expected to be among Denton’s two-way stars.

Those players not only hold the responsibility of getting themselves physically and mentally prepared to play both ways, but also to lead the team on and off the field.

Their leadership has already shown as the summer dwindles to an end. “[Those four] have gone above and beyond what it means to be in that leadership role,” Miller said. “Being leaders in summer workouts, making sure guys on the team are being held accountable, and being coaches on the field ­— those guys are who we needed to lead, and they’ve done a fantastic job of embracing that role.”

Denton will lean on that core to help the team move on from an underwhelming 3-7 record in the 2017 season and capitalize on a lengthy list of returning starters. Miller said the team will roll out 18 or 19 players who started at times last season after injuries ravaged the Broncos’ lineup throughout the year.

On the defensive side of the ball, Wil-

Jake King/DRC

DENTON ON THE RISE

Denton is hoping to break out after finishing 3-7 in 2017 and will depend on a host of two-way players as it strives to reach that goal. Those players include, clockwise from top left, Isaac Broades, Kyle Williamson, Elijah Thibodeaux and Marcellus Lockley.

Denton coach Billy Miller said all four have done a good job in the offseason of preparing to play both offense and defense.

liamson and the other returners know what they gained from last season was the experience needed to lead a bounce back season this year. “[We can improve] with our experience,” Williamson said. “We were still pretty new to varsity last year. Even though we played our sophomore years, we got to feel the pressure of starting the whole game as a defense.”

Offensively, there is plenty of room for improvement for Denton as the team averaged 18.8 points per game last season. The Broncos will be adding Lockley and Thibodeaux to their receiving corps, both of whom are still learning the position but have the

athleticism to pick it up quickly. At running back, junior Xylohn Posey has the potential for a breakout season after battling injuries throughout his sophomore campaign.

In addition, Miller added a new offensive coordinator in David Johnson to help uncork the potential of the offense. Johnson should help junior quarterback Landry Kinne, last year’s District 5-5A offensive newcomer of the year, progress after an ACL injury cut his season short in 2017.

“We’ve improved by leaps and bounds on the offensive side,” Lockley said. “Our new offensive coordinator really helped See DENTON on 33

BRONCOS Quick facts District: 5-5A (Division I) 2017 Record: 3-7 (1-5 in district) Coach: Billy Miller (3-7 in one year) Returning starters: Nine on offense, eight on defense Key Players: RB Xylohn Posey, WR Isaiah Wofford, WR/DB Elijah Thibodeaux, QB Landry Kinne, WR/DB Marcellus Lockley Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple School Enrollment: 2,022 Stadium: Bronco Field

32

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Denton Broncos 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 ..... Lake Dallas ................... 7:00 p.m.

Sept.6 ....... at Frisco Lone Star (Toyota Stadium) .......... 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 14 .... Frisco Independence .... 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 28 .... at Ryan* ........................ 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 5........ at R. L. Turner* ............ 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 12...... Grapevine* .................... 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 18...... at Birdville*.................... 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 26...... Carrollton Creekview* .... 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 2 ....... Newman Smith* ............ 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 9 ....... at Colleyville Heritage*.. 7:00 p.m.

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August 30, 2018

33

Jake King/DRC

Jeff Woo/DRC

Denton defensive back Elijah Thibodeaux (6) returns an interception last season as Lake Dallas wide receiver Zach Sasser closes in. Thibodeaux will play both wide receiver and defensive back again this fall.

Denton linebacker Kyle Williamson tackles Wichita Falls running back Ben McAfee last season. Williamson will play both linebacker and tight end this season for the Broncos, who plan to use several players on both offense and defense.

From Page 31

to win.

“I’ve never seen it in nature, but you see it on TV, if you throw a chicken bone in a piranha tank there’s 15 piranhas on that chicken bone,” Miller said. “That’s the type of mentality we have to have. We have to be piranhas.”

The Broncos are locked in on taking a major step forward in Miller’s second season, and the combination of experience and

Denton us a lot and our new coaches have helped us improve with better techniques and more things we can do to improve as an offense.”

With this being Miller’s first full offseason with the Broncos, there are obvious

areas where he wants to see improvement.

Cutting down on turnovers and building a winning culture are a few tangible areas, but on the mental side, Miller has one pivotal area where he wants to see changes.

“Team pursuit,” Miller said. “Offense, defense, special teams, if you don’t have numbers around the ball you don’t have a good football play. You have to have guys around the ball if you want to have a chance

top-end talent — headed by four two-way players in Broades, Lockley, Thibodeaux and Williamson — should set up Denton for an intriguing year.

“With the new coaching staff and this new energy, it’s really pushed us to become better,” Thibodeaux said. “We’ve cut out a lot of toxic people in our locker room and we’re just all around a better team than we were last year.”

Denton High School – Go Broncos!

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August 30, 2018

Football2018

DENTON

Jake King/DRC

Ty Mongo has long been a standout baseball and track athlete at Denton. The senior added to his sports lineup over the summer when the Broncos coaching staff convinced him to play football for the first time since middle school. Mongo quickly worked his way into a key role and will play in Denton’s secondary.

Return to football pays off for Mongo

By Matthew Brune For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Ty Mongo didn’t need long to catch Denton head coach Billy Miller’s attention.

In the summer of 2017, just a few months after Miller took over, the coaching staff implemented its strength and conditioning program. While Mongo wasn’t a football player, he made his presence known throughout the summer and showed up for every single workout.

“Everyday [a different coach] asked him, ‘What do you do?’” Miller said. “And every day he said, ‘I play baseball’ or ‘I run track.’”

Mongo had not played football since he was in middle school and was focused on

being the best baseball player and track athlete possible. That focus earned him all-district honors in baseball last year, despite injuries limiting his play at times.

Miller and the coaches persisted, though, throughout his junior year. Mongo did not need the bright lights of Texas high school football, but the table was already set for him to come in this year as a senior and make an immediate impact with his size and speed.

“I had thought about playing football, but I never did because I didn’t think you could just get back into it,” Mongo said.

“But I just went out to practice one day and I ended up having a lot of fun and really liking it so [I stuck with it].”

The first practice he had late last year was 7-on-7 style, allowing Mongo’s raw athleticism to shine. Miller put him at defensive back to see how he could stay with receivers, and he fit right in.

“We got him out there, got him a shirt and some cleats and he went out there and started picking passes off,” Miller said.

“He’s a natural and not having to worry about his physical stature is big. His speed is his forte, though. He’s just a great athlete. We think he’s going to be a great asset to the team.”

While most players are comfortable and established by the time they entire their senior year — like Mongo is on the baseball field — he’s embarking on the new challenge

of relearning the intricacies of football.

Miller has kept Mongo at cornerback in the secondary, letting him get accustomed to a position based more on instincts and pure athletic ability.

“It was hard at first, but I’m starting to get a hang of it,” Mongo said. “[For instance] when receivers run a stop-and-go route, if they are really fast or athletic it’s hard to keep up with them, but you get the hang of it eventually.”

One of the players who has helped Mongo learn the ropes the most is junior cornerback Marcellus Lockley. Lockley has emerged as one of the leaders on the See MONGO on 35

Football2018

DENTON

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

KEY NEWCOMERS

After battling injuries throughout his sophomore year, Xylohn Posey returns for what Denton coach Billy Miller believes should be a breakout season.

Posey used the summer to bulk up and is in better condition than he was last year when he rushed for 605 yards and six touchdowns.

Posey With Xavier Bennett and Wyatt Novak back to lead the way on the offensive line, Posey has the talent to give Denton a consistent — and dangerous — weapon in the running game.

Montrill Williams came to the Broncos from El Paso Eastlake in December and has shown loads of potential ever since.

Williams has experience playing in the secondary from his time at Eastlake. The Broncos plan to add him to their defensive backfield that should be one of their biggest strengths.

Williams Senior Ty Mongo will join Williams on the backend of the defense after making the decision to play football for the first time since middle school.

The duo will help shore up the limited holes the Broncos have in the secondary heading into the season.

POINT OF CONCERN Depth is one of the biggest concerns for the Broncos as they enter Year 2 under Miller.

The coaching staff is high on what they will roll out in the starting lineup but will need a handful of players to start on both sides or move around the field to compensate for a lack of quality depth.

It’s a risk to have players play on both sides of the ball because it could diminish their impact on the game in one position, but it could turn out to be exactly the move Miller and company need to make some noise in District 4-5A Division I.

GAME OF THE YEAR After falling to Ryan in a game televised on ESPN2 last year, Denton enters this year excited about another chance to knock off its crosstown rival.

The game marks the start of District 4-5A Division I play, and Miller said Miller the team is looking forward to it serving as an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the district season.

No. Player 1 Landry Kinne 2 Hunter Hope 3 Ethan Rogers 5 Jesus Sanchez 6 Elijah Thibodeaux 7 La’Travious Brice 8 Ty Mongo 11 Isaac Broades 13 Marcellus Lockley 14 Montrill Williams 15 Tyler Jackson 16 Christian Herry 18 Allen Rosales 19 Isaiah Wofford 20 Connor Roche 22 Landry Williams 23 Quatrell Coleman 25 Quincy McBath 26 Vincent Marquez 32 Lerontay Washington 33 Xylohn Posey 34 Cortez Morris 35 Alex Liu 36 Miguel Barnett 37 Ja’Mal McCoy-Maxwell 38 Josh King 40 Luis Granado 41 Jake Kelley 42 Kyle Williamson 44 Andy Scott 45 Gerald Haggerty 46 Daniel Recalderon 47 Coree Hargrove 48 Nick Manry

35

August 30, 2018

BRONCOS Roster Ht. 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-9 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-2 5-11 6-2 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-7 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-11 6-1 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-10

Wt. 175 185 155 225 175 190 180 195 175 190 175 185 170 190 155 165 180 195 185 210 220 190 165 165 155 145 235 185 205 225 190 195 185 185

Yr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

DENTON Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 Lake Dallas Sept. 6 at Frisco Lone Star^ Sept. 14 Frisco Independence Sept. 28 at Ryan* Oct. 5 at R.L. Turner* Oct. 12 Grapevine* at Birdville* Oct. 18 Carrollton Creekview* Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Newman Smith* at Colleyville Heritage* Nov. 9 *District 4-5A (D1) ^at Toyota Stadium 52 54 55 56 57 58 60 62 64 65 72 74 75 76 77 81 83 88

Jon Cogan Jaden Oberkrom Xavier Bennett Jorge Chavez Sebastian Price Arturo Reyes Danny Brown James Bridges Matt Garcia Vallente Vallejo Hayden Yarbrough Wyatt Novak John Mejia Brandon Johnson Devin Freeman Sam Strange Jakob Williams Nathan Bershell

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

5-11 205 Sr. 6-3 285 Sr. 5-10 295 Sr. 5-6 225 Jr. 5-9 240 Jr. 5-10 240 Jr. 5-10 205 Sr. 6-0 250 Jr. 5-11 205 So. 5-11 225 Sr. 6-0 310 Sr. 6-1 265 Sr. 6-0 305 Jr. 6-0 250 Sr. 6-1 300 Jr. 6-0 175 Jr. 5-9 165 Sr. 5-11 195 So.

From Page 34

Mongo Broncos’ team after a strong sophomore season in 2017.

Mongo adds depth in the secondary for Denton and has the potential to be an effective player alongside Lockley with his 6-foot-1 frame and blazing speed.

“I feel like we’re going to go deep this year,” Mongo said. “We have a lot of athletic players and a whole bunch of talent, and we’ve been working hard.”

As Mongo demonstrated when he never missed a strength and conditioning camp, he has the work ethic to grow at a fast rate on the field. The hope is the experience is worth the challenges, and both Mongo and Miller are confident it will work out this year.

“We’ll let him go out there and be an athlete [at first],” Miller said. “Then as we keep training him we’ll get him locked in and doing things the right way and doing them well. Hopefully it pays off for him and it pays off for us.”

Jeff Woo/DRC

The Denton coaching staff convinced Ty Mongo to resume playing football heading into his senior year and has seen him develop into a potential impact player in the Broncos secondary. Mongo had not played since middle school.

36

August 30, 2018

RYAN

Football2018

Bailey, Raiders excited for new offense

By Steve Gamel Contributing Writer

Entering his second season with the Ryan Raiders, junior running back Emani Bailey finally has the opportunity he’s been waiting for to carry a bigger load on offense.

And he says there will be nothing quiet about his game.

“It’s a new year and new team. I’m ready to help my team win,” Bailey said. “I would love to get to 2,000 or 3,000 yards.”

Those are lofty goals, but likely not out of the question for a guy who quietly piled up 1,244 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns for a team that aired it out 60 percent of the time thanks to some much bigger stars around him. Gone are quarterback Spencer Sanders (Oklahoma State) and receivers Gabriel Douglas and Tauskie Dove (Missouri). The trio was responsible for Ryan amassing nearly 4,000 passing yards and reaching the Class 5A Division I state semifinals.

Ryan was 41-3 over the last three seasons with them in the fold and has not lost a regular-season game since 2014.

Their departure leaves the door wide open for guys like Bailey, who represents a changing of the guard offensively for Ryan.

The Raiders have a slew of fresh faces but the same winning attitude entering 2018.

“I would want people to believe [we aren’t as good anymore], so we can shock them,” Bailey said.

While the Raiders are without the household names opponents have gameplanned for all these years, people forget the coaching staff has always made it a mission to spread the wealth by getting the ball into the hands of as many playmakers as possible. Not only does that philosophy keep defenses honest, but it goes a long way in helping younger guys get their feet wet before it is time for them to step into a more prominent role. Ryan scored 40 rushing touchdowns last year with five different runners and had four receivers catch at least 37 passes.

That includes Bailey, Ke’ori Hicks, Jamarion Robertson, Tra Smith, Billy Bowman Jr. and Ja’tavion Sanders, who are all

Jeff Woo/DRC

RYAN ON THE RISE

Ryan lost several standout offensive players from a team that reached the Class 5A Division I state semifinals last season, including quarterback Spencer Sanders, who signed with Oklahoma State. Sanders’ departure opens up opportunities for, from left, wide receiver Billy Bowman Jr., running back Emani Bailey, quarterback Ian Henigan and running back Ke’ori Hicks.

back. All of them, along with newcomers Del’shun Neal (defensive starter last year) and Drew Sanders (transfer from Colleyville Heritage), create an embarrassment of riches this year at the skill positions.

And perhaps there is no more depth at any one position than at running back.

While Bailey expects to have a big year, he’ll share the load with Hicks in a twoback system. Hicks, a sophomore, saw limited action last year while rushing for 173 yards and three touchdowns. At 200 pounds, Hicks is considered by many to be a breakout star in the making. Both backs can run, block, and catch passes out of the backfield.

Adding to that run game are two-way stars Bowman Jr. (358 receiving yards, 58 rushing yards, four TDs) and Smith (143 rushing yards, three TDs), who will work into both the running and passing games and could see time in wildcat formations.

At receiver, Robertson was second on the team with 1,010 receiving yards last year and will take on a larger role. He scored 10 touchdowns and averaged 23.5 yards per catch, which also ranked second on the team.

“We will look different, but we’re not making wholesale changes because a lot See RYAN on 38

RAIDERS Quick facts District: 4-5A (Division I) 2017 record: 14-1 (6-0 in district) Coach: Dave Henigan (46-8 in four years at Ryan) Returning starters: Four on offense, six on defense Key players: RB Emani Bailey, WR Jamarion Robertson, OL Quincy Gulley, DB Tra Smith Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 School enrollment: 2,044 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Ryan Raiders 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 ....at Mesquite Poteet ............7:00 p.m.

Sept. 7 .....Keller Fossil Ridge ............7:00 p.m.

Sept. 20 ...at West Mesquite ..............7:00 p.m.

Sept. 28 ...Denton* .............................7:00 p.m.

Oct. 5.......Newman Smith* ................7:00 p.m.

Oct. 12.....at Colleyville Heritage*......7:00 p.m.

Oct. 18.....at Carrollton Creekview* ...7:00 p.m.

Oct. 25.....at R.L. Turner* ..................7:00 p.m.

Nov. 2 ......at Grapevine* ....................7:00 p.m.

Nov. 8 ......Birdville* ............................7:00 p.m.

TK

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37

38

From Page 36

Ryan of what we do will still be the same — just with a different bow on top,” Ryan coach Dave Henigan said. “The bottom line is we have four guys who can start anywhere in the backfield. That’s a position I feel really good about.

“We will find ways to get Tra and Billy the ball. You have to because they are special. Ke’ori is a beast of a runner, and I will be shocked if Emani doesn’t have a monster year. Any time you put the ball in his hands, he is finishing runs.”

This is great news for Henigan’s son, Ian Henigan, who steps in at quarterback and has the task of following last year’s Associated Press player of the year in Sanders.

Ian Henigan, a senior, is Ryan’s first new starting quarterback in four seasons but has been in the Ryan system since his father took over prior to the 2014 season.

He’s a coach’s kid and possesses poise in the pocket, a strong arm and the ability to make good decisions on the field.

More importantly, he’s got plenty of weapons to choose from.

“Yes, it will be a different offense, but I’m excited for it,” Ian Henigan said.

Football2018

RYAN

August 30, 2018

“With a lot of these guys, I’ve been throwing to them and playing with them since the eighth grade. Emani has incredible speed and then there’s Ja’tavion and Billy. Will I be breaking off 80-yard runs?

No. But I won’t be nervous, either. I have poise in the pocket, and I know where to get the ball.

“I’m here to be coached and to be the best player I can be to help this team win.”

Dave Henigan said there will be unfair comparisons to Spencer Sanders — and the offenses of old, in general — but he knows he has a quarterback who can win, and the weapons to scare any defense.

“We aren’t asking Ian Henigan or any of our quarterbacks to be Spencer Sanders,” Henigan said. “That’s not a normal kid we just coached. To me, Ian has great decision-making skills. He’s accurate, he can throw to the right guy on time, he takes care of the ball and he has leadership abilities. He possesses all those things. I think all our guys are smart enough and confident enough to help us win a lot of football games.”

Bailey agreed, saying the Raiders don’t intend on taking a back seat to anyone.

“We’re just trying to find our footing, and once we do, we’ll be fine,” Bailey said.

“We’re looking forward to this year.”

Jake King/DRC

Ryan quarterback Ian Henigan looks for an open receiver as offensive coordinator Conroy Hines puts his arms up to simulate a defender during the Raiders first practice in preparation for the 2018 season on Aug. 6.

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Football2018

RYAN

August 30, 2018

39

Smith to lead hard-hitting Ryan defense

Jeff Woo/DRC

Ryan safety Tra Smith is far from the biggest high school defensive back in Texas at 150 pounds, but he is quickly making a name for himself due to his physical style. Smith made one of the memorable plays of last season for the Raiders when he cut down Frisco Lone Star quarterback MJ Rivers for a game-saving tackle.

Free safety packs a punch for Raiders defense despite small stature

By Steve Gamel Contributing Writer

At a lean 150 pounds, Ryan free safety Tra Smith looked like the last person on the field who could have taken down Frisco Lone Star’s mammoth quarterback MJ Rivers with the game on the line late in last year’s Week 4 showdown.

But with the Rangers knocking on the door for a potential game-tying touchdown with six seconds to play, Smith, then a sophomore, made a beeline for the 6-4, 210-pound signal caller and tripped him up near the 3-yard line as the rest of the Raider

defense swarmed in to finish the job. Rivers came up about a yard short, giving Ryan a dramatic 28-21 win.

It was the first of many big-plays for Smith, who was named the District 5-5A defensive newcomer of the year while helping lift Ryan to the Class 5A Division I state semifinals for a second straight year. While not the biggest guy on the field, he certainly was the fastest and became known for delivering hits like a 250-pound linebacker.

“I’m not trying to hurt anyone, but I want them to know I’m coming,” Smith said of his hard-hitting style.

That intensity is something Smith’s coaches hope the rest of the team emulates in 2018.

“When he came over after we had just lost guys like Delano [Robinson] and Tyreke [Davis], I knew immediately we had a special player on our hands,” Ryan defensive coordinator Shane Tolleson said. “He may not be the biggest, but he brings all 150 pounds. There’s nothing that he leaves out, and if I can get the other 10 guys to do that, our defense will be scary.”

This is a pivotal year for the Ryan defense, which has a wealth of experience

with six returning starters and will be asked to shoulder a significant load — especially early in the season — as the much-younger Raiders’ offense finds its footing. At the heart of it all is Smith. The junior will again start at free safety a year after posting 102 tackles and a team-leading four interceptions. He’ll also see his role expand on offense as a wide receiver, running back and possibly as a wildcat quarterback.

The extra work suits Smith just fine, but he also knows he won’t be alone on defense.

See SMITH on 40

40

August 30, 2018

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH Ryan has always hung its hat on defense but expect that unit to take a more prominent role as the Raiders retool what has been one of the state’s more potent offensive attacks. Six starters return on defense and several new faces could be stars by the end of the year.

Defensive back Tra Smith had four interceptions a year ago and leads a secondary that is being Neal called a no-fly zone with TJ Walker returning at safety and two-way star Billy Bowman Jr. entering the mix.

Bowman has an offer from Texas Tech.

Defensive end Del’shun Neal and Anthony Flemings highlight an experienced defensive line. Neal had 57 tackles and nine sacks as a sophomore.

Oklahoma pledge Drew Sanders expects to offset the graduation of linebacker Kosi Eldridge.

POINT OF CONCERN Ryan’s offense has been nothing short of special over the last three seasons and was a big reason the Raiders piled up a 41-3 record in that stretch. But everyone knows they’ll be breaking in a new quarterback and offensive line.

How quickly those two areas get up to speed will go a long way in determining the team’s success.

Ian Henigan is Ryan’s first new starter at quarterback in four years and saw limited snaps a year ago. He’ll have plenty of weap-

From Page 39

Smith He’ll lead a secondary he calls a no-fly zone with TJ Walker returning at safety and twoway star Billy Bowman Jr. entering the mix at corner. Last year, Smith and Walker combined for 225 tackles as first-year starters.

Add in Stanley Nwosu, and Ryan’s entire 400-meter relay team that qualified for state will be starting in the secondary.

“I do feel like the secondary is the strongest piece to our defense,” Smith said. “Billy brings a lot of intensity and has the speed and athleticism to stop balls in the air. TJ has experience, too, and none of us are afraid to tell each other what we need to do to get better. We have a great friendship out there.”

But they may not have to be in coverage

Football2018

RYAN

ons at running back and wide receiver, but he’ll need protection.

Quincy Gulley is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. Anywhere from six to eight players are battling for those open spots, which may not be solidified until district play.

KEY NEWCOMERS Head coach Dave Henigan pointed to the sophomore duo of running back Ke’ori Hicks and wide receiver/defensive end Ja’tavion Sanders as his key newcomers.

At 200 pounds, Hicks (173 rushing yards, 3 TDs) is a bruising runner who will get plenty of work as a full-time starter alongside returning junior Emani Bailey (1,244 rushing yards, 15 TDs) in a new Hicks two-back set.

Meanwhile, Sanders showed incredible athleticism last year while racking up 130 receiving yards. He’ll take on a more prominent role and will also start opposite Neal at defensive end.

GAME OF THE YEAR Henigan again eyes the first district game as his game of the year. For the third year in a row, that game will be against long-time rival Denton on Sept. 28 at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex.

Last year’s meeting was nationally televised on ESPN2, and Ryan won 42-13.

Ryan has not lost a regular season game since 2014. for long. Defensive end Del’shun Neal and Anthony Flemings highlight an experienced defensive line that should put plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Neal had 57 tackles and nine sacks as a sophomore. Meanwhile Oklahoma pledge Drew Sanders expects to offset the graduation of former linebacker, Kosi Eldridge, and will join returning starter Ahmad Terry.

Ja’tavion Sanders will play opposite of Neal at defensive end. Defensive lineman Jacquez Flemings and rover Asher Finke round out some of the remaining big names on defense.

“The defense is definitely the strength of the team going in. I’m real excited about that group as a whole,” Ryan head coach Dave Henigan said. “As for Tra, he’s the honey badger. He’s undersized, but he will strike you and he’s scary good with the ball in his hands. He’s worked his tail off.”

RAIDERS Roster No. Player 1 Ja’tavion Sanders 2 Billy Bowman Jr. 3 Keori Hicks 4 Stanley Nwosu 5 Anthony Flemings 6 Seth Henigan 7 Tra Smith 8 Jacquez Flemings 9 Emani Bailey 10 Ahmad Terry 11 TJ Walker 12 Ian Henigan 14 Jamarion Robertson 15 Aaron Dixon 16 Drew Sanders 18 DuJuan Harris 19 Martin Rodriguez 20 Josh Watts 21 DJ Arkansas 22 Michael Ayeni 23 Devin Ramirez 24 Riley Nuzzo 25 Jack Hines 26 JC. Coleman 27 Marcus Hendricks 28 David Hudson 29 Josh Rodgers 30 Dorian Anderson 31 Tamir Turner 34 Del’shun Neal 35 Alex Colvin 36 Keegan Pate 37 Ashton McGary 38 Ryan Chaffee 39 Fernando Sanchez 43 Zach Oyer

Pos. WR/DE WR/DB RB/LB DB DL QB RB/DB DT RB LB DB QB WR/DB WR/DB LB/WR WR DB WR LB LB RB K WR DT RB DE LB DE DE DE/WR DB DB WR DB K TE/LB

Yr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

RYAN Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 at Mesquite Poteet 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 Keller Fossil Ridge 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 at West Mesquite 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 Denton* 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 Newman Smith* 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Colleyville Heritage* 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Carrollton Creekview* 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 at R.L. Turner* 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Grapevine* 7 p.m.

Nov. 8 Birdville* 7 p.m. *District 4-5A (D1)

44 Asher Finke 48 Akeel Malik 50 Parker Last 52 Preston Couch 53 Noriece Laurence 55 Marc Barrera 56 Cortt Gentry 57 Wyatt Post 58 Daniel Nielsen 60 Austen Barnett 62 Jerad Brown 63 Jakob Tutt 66 Quincy Gulley 73 Tomas Hernandez 77 Riley Hampton 80 Ryan Green 81 John Schenck 83 Izaziah Johnson 94 Fabian Perez 96 Kayode Bell

LB LB OL OL OL OL DS OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR DT DT

Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

Jeff Woo/DRC

Ryan safety Tra Smith returns a kickoff for a touchdown last season during a win over Lubbock Coronado at Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium in Abilene.

Football2018

BRASWELL

August 30, 2018

41

Grose hoping to guide Braswell uprising

By Jimmy Isbell For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Guyer finished its second varsity season in 2007 with a 1-9 record. A year later, the Wildcats improved to 12-3, falling to Longview 41-30 in a state semifinal game at Texas Stadium.

Huge turnarounds can happen in high school football.

Braswell is hoping to produce a winning season in its third year just like the 2008 Guyer team did. Improving from 1-9 to 12-3 may seem far-fetched. To the Wildcats it was not.

The Bengals believe they are capable of a turnaround of their own. Coming off a 2-8 season and a win over crosstown rival Denton in the final game of the regular season, the Bengals hope to replicate Guyer’s success.

“Every team in the state has one goal and that is to compete for a state championship,” senior outside linebacker Jhari Grose said. “We’ll rise up to the expectations and be a team that can expect to win.”

Braswell’s schedule will be one of the toughest in the area in terms of advancing to playoffs. Every game in District 7-5A, a nine-team league, will be important. Braswell is in one of seven nine-team or greater districts in the state.

If the Bengals win early, they can ride that wave into district action and join the playoff chase.

A winning mentality starts with a team’s mantra. Each fall Braswell coach Cody Moore comes up with a new slogan for the Bengals to abide by on and off the field annually. This year’s theme is “Rise Up!” “We are going to be considerably better,” Moore said. “Our staff has poured into this program for two years, and I’ve seen the fruits of our labor. We will win, and we expect to. I don’t necessarily know what that looks like in a win-loss column, but we are ready to take that step to competing with every team we line up against next year.”

Grose embodies what it means to live up to expectations. He started at running back

Jake King/DRC

BRASWELL ON THE RISE

Braswell is hoping to break through after finishing 2-8 last season and will turn to senior outside linebacker Jhari Grose to help set the tone. Grose played a significant role on the Bengals offense as a running back last season. Braswell’s coaching staff moved Grose to linebacker in the offseason hoping that he can develop into a standout defensive player.

as a sophomore on one of the JV teams before splitting time with Ki’Andre Jackson and Jeremiah Richardson last year. Grose rushed 47 times for 168 yards and a touchdown in 2017.

As one of the most talented players on the Bengals’ roster, Grose accepted a new role at outside linebacker this fall. Grose aspires to play in college and will look to catch the attention of coaches this fall on the defensive side of the ball.

“It did not make sense in the offseason when we sat down as a staff and thought that Jhari is one of the best players on the team, and there should be no reason why he should continue to get a third of the snaps

at running back,” Moore said.

“I moved him to outside linebacker and he was at home since the day we moved him there. With him and C.J. [Johnson] shoring up the outside, they are as good as there is around.”

Braswell’s defense has been a bit spotty the last two seasons.

The unit surrendered an average of 42 points per game last fall. Outside linebackers coach Jake Spoerl has taken over as the Bengals defensive coordinator following Bryan O’Neal’s departure to Frisco Memorial.

See BRASWELL on 43

BENGALS Quick facts District: 7-5A (Division II) 2017 Record: 2-8 Coach: Cody Moore (2-18 in two seasons at Braswell) Returning starters: Eight on offense, eight on defense Key Players: QB Greyson Thompson, OL Erick Cade, RB Jeremiah Richardson, MLB Alex Rivera, CB Tavion Wafford, OLB C.J. Johnson Offense: Spread/Multiple Defense: 3-4/Multiple School Enrollment: 1,734 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

42

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Braswell Bengals 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 ...... at Red Oak........................................ 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 6 ....... Burleson............................................ 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 14 ..... at Frisco (Toyota Stadium) .................... 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 21 ..... Frisco Memorial ................................ 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 28 ..... at Lovejoy.......................................... 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 11....... Frisco Lebanon Trail*........................ 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 19....... at Frisco Reedy (Memorial Stadium)* .... 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 26....... Princeton* ......................................... 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 2 ........ at Lake Dallas*.................................. 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 9 ........ Denison* ........................................... 7:00 p.m. *Denotes District 7-5A (D2) games

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Football2018

BRASWELL

43

August 30, 2018

From Page 41

Braswell Moore likes what Spoerl has accomplished since spring practice.

“We’re faster and bigger up front,” Grose said. “We feel like we can do some things to confuse offenses. Coach Spoerl is doing some things with us on defense that helps us succeed.”

Grose has only spent a few weeks in pads during spring practice on defense but feels comfortable there.

“It helps that I’ve played running back,” Grose said. “My knowledge of the game has increased since playing offense and defense. Delivering the contact is a lot more fun than receiving it.”

The Bengals return eight players on defense who received substantial playing time last season. Those players are ready to prove they can form a daunting group.

Grose’s move to linebacker will give Braswell another playmaker on defense.

That move adds to the Bengals’ confidence heading into the season.

“We’re going to do whatever it takes to win,” Grose said. “Playoff teams have good defenses, and we know we have to win a lot of games in our district to make it.”

Jeff Woo/DRC

Braswell running back Jeremiah Richardson carries the ball in a game against Denton last season at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. Braswell’s coaches and players believe they are in position to post a breakout season.

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44

August 30, 2018

BRASWELL

Football2018

Jake King/DRC

Braswell quarterback Greyson Thompson showed flashes of potential as a sophomore last season when he threw for 1,305 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Bengals are counting on Thompson to continue improving this fall. Braswell is still trying to find its footing as a new program and will look to Thompson to lead the way.

Braswell counting on Thompson’s growth

By Jimmy Isbell For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Greyson Thompson caught the eye of Braswell coach Cody Moore right away when he arrived to build a program from scratch at the school in 2015.

Thompson was talented then and has grown since, giving hope to a program still looking to find its footing. He has 10 starts under his belt and should continue to progress this fall.

“I saw Greyson for the first time when he was in the eighth grade,” Moore said. “I had just taken the [Braswell] job and went over

to Navo [Middle School] to look at some of the kids we’d be getting the next couple of years.

“I’ve seen him grow and mature physically and mentally. He’s become more of a vocal leader now and sees himself as ‘that guy.’ I do too. I think he’s ready to take the next step and lead the offense.”

Thompson threw for 1,305 yards and 14 touchdowns last year, and believes he is capable of much more. The Bengals will need Thompson to improve his decision making and ability to take care of the ball for him to truly break out after he threw 10 intercep-

tions as a sophomore last year.

Thompson displayed flashes of brilliance when he had protection. In the program’s first win over Wichita Falls, he tossed four touchdown passes in the first half. Thompson finished that game 7-of-11 for 132 yards.

Since then, the junior has been on trips to football camps across the state including SMU, North Texas, Texas A&M-Commerce, Incarnate Word and Sam Houston with a few of his teammates to receive some exposure to college coaches and better himself.

“I spent a lot of time in the weight room

and throwing with the receivers over the summer to build more chemistry,” Thompson said. “I’ve been with most of these guys since middle school, but there is always room to improve.”

Braswell lost its entire group of starting receivers from last year. Of Thompson’s 1,305 passing yards, 866 came from the trio of Christian Battle, Jaeden Johnson and Sam Madison. Johnson and Madison are continuing their careers at Mary Hardin-Baylor.

See THOMPSON on 49

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Football2018

BRASWELL

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH Braswell’s linebacker corps has the most experience among any position group. Senior Alex Rivera leads the way at middle linebacker and he’s one of only a handful of three-year starters on the team. He’ll be the anchor of the defense in his final season with the program while C.J. Johnson, Rivera Jhari Grose and Justin Vu man the other three positions on the second line of the defense.

The success of the Braswell defense, an important factor of the team’s hopes to take another step forward this year, will depend on the strength of its linebackers to say healthy and consistently disrupt opposing offenses.

POINT OF CONCERN The Bengals have skill and experience on the front line. What they don’t have is depth.

It’s been a struggle for the Bengals throughout the years to keep its line healthy, but when they are all on the field, the offense produces touchdowns.

Coach Cody Moore knows Moore he has experience but will need the line to stay healthy if Braswell wants to keep quarterback Greyson

From Page 44

Thompson Even so, there are several weapons returning who Thompson can utilize to put up big numbers this season. Sully Martinez is back at tight end/H-back for the Bengals after he finished third on the team in receiving yards with 303 and two scores.

Seniors Ivry Mundy and Jordan Joyce also return. The two combined for 13 catches for 85 yards and a touchdown.

“We have true depth at the receiver position, which is something we haven’t had,” Moore said. “There’s not much of a drop-off between the starters and the backups. I’m comfortable and I know Greyson is comfortable for whoever lines up for us.”

AJ Flowers and Jared Shaabani will also add depth to the receiving corps. None of the production from a year ago matters un-

Thompson upright.

Thompson struggled at times with interceptions last season. Part of the problem was Thompson facing pressure on most of his traditional drop-back passes. If the Bengals stay healthy up front, they’ll be able to protect their quarterback more efficiently and should see improvements in the passing game.

KEY NEWCOMER Cam Smith is a sophomore hoping to explode onto the scene for the Bengals.

Smith played on the freshman team a year ago and is a player Moore is excited about.

He played wide receiver for most of the year and has the speed and playmaking ability to put pressure on opposing secondaries.

GAME OF THE YEAR Denison is the last game on the regular season schedule and one of two teams Braswell will play from its previous district.

The teams know each other well, and Denison has handed two lopsided losses to Braswell the last two years.

With the Bengals trending in the right direction after recording the first two wins in program history last season, the team will have its calendar marked for the last game of the year.

Lake Dallas and Frisco Reedy are expected to take the top two spots in District 7-5A Division II, but the final two playoff spots are up for grabs.

less Thompson has the protection he needs to be successful.

The Bengals return sophomore left tackle Erick Cade to protect Thompson’s blindside. The 6-foot-8 inch, 300-pound lineman holds eight Division I offers, according to 247Sports, including Arkansas, Baylor, Texas A&M, LSU, Oklahoma State, SMU, Texas Tech and Tulsa.

“It’s nice to have him [Cade] and all those guys up there protecting me,” Thompson said. “I know my success is affected by what they do up front, so I make sure to encourage them.”

In Moore’s last year as Rockwall’s offensive coordinator in 2015, the Yellow Jackets led the Dallas-Fort Worth area with an average of 587 yards per game. Rockwall’s success was due to a balanced attack, an accurate quarterback and a stable of receivers he could rely on.

Moore knows Thompson is capable of similar numbers and feels this is the breakout season he needs to prove it.

49

August 30, 2018

BENGALS Roster No. Player Pos Yr. 1 Jared Shaabani WR Sr. 2 Ivry Mundy WR Sr. 3 Jordan Joyce WR Sr. 4 Elijah Norris WR Sr. 5 Jhari Grose LB/RB Sr. 6 Ta’vion Wafford DB Sr. Cam Smith QB/WR So. 7 8 Jon’trevous Promise DB Sr. 9 Deondre Bruce DB Sr. WR Jr. 10 Aj Flowers QB Jr. 11 Greyson Thompson 12 Malik Williams DB Sr. DB Jr. 13 Ben Blackmore 14 Taji Moultry WR Sr. 15 Ifesimi Yessuff RB Jr. QB Jr. 16 Jacob Ruston 18 Bradley Taylor WR Sr. 19 Wayne Willis DB Jr. 20 Jeremiah Richardson RB Sr. 21 Miraen Calendar DB Sr. 22 Kederrion Gray-Eaton DB Sr. 23 Mitchell Lesue DB Sr. 24 Kaivon Kendrick RB Sr. 25 Robert Silva DB Sr. 27 Kobe Smith RB Sr. 28 Cj Johnson LB/RB Jr. 29 Mercedes Harrison DB Jr. 32 Sully Martinez WR Jr. 33 Dre Young DB Jr. 34 Jaylon Banks DL/RB So. 35 Justin Vu LB Jr. 36 Quavon Beck LB Jr. 38 Koleone Bowens-Thomas LB Jr. 40 Braylen Butler DL/RB So.

BRASWELL Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Red Oak Sept. 6 Burleson Sept. 14 at Frisco^ Sept. 21 Frisco Memorial Sept. 28 at Lovejoy Oct. 11 Frisco Lebanon Trail* Oct. 19 at Frisco Reedy*# Oct. 26 Princeton* Nov. 2 at Lake Dallas* Nov. 9 Denison* * District 7-5A (D2) ^ at Toyota Stadium # at Memorial Stadium

41 43 44 45 47 52 53 54 56 61 63 71 73 74 75 76 80 84

Dylan Allison Alex Rivera J’vonte Morris Michael Artis Keagan Gottlieb-Smith Evan Addington Slater Bausher Amari Banks Nelson Hennagir Zach Taft Zak Davis Cameron Martin Michael Aguilar Connor Hoelscher Dj Stephenson Erick Cade Arturo Ramirez Jaden Washburn

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

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LB LB DL LB DL DL DL DL OL DL DL OL OL OL OL OL K WR

Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr.

Jeff Woo/DRC

Braswell quarterback Greyson Thompson throws a pass during a game against Kaufman last season at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. Thompson is back as the Bengals starter after throwing for 1,305 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

50

August 30, 2018

The following are the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football preseason rankings: Class 6A 1. Allen 2. Lake Travis 3. Katy 4. Austin Westlake 5. Converse Judson 6. Galena Park North Shore 7. Duncanville 8. Cypress-Fairbanks 9. Longview 10. Klein Collins Class 5A Division I 1. Lufkin 2. Highland Park 3. Mansfield Legacy 4. Denton Ryan 5. Frisco Lone Star 6. College Station 7. Hutto 8. Angleton 9. Cedar Park 10. Colleyville Heritage Class 5A Division II 1. Aledo 2. Manvel 3. Fort Bend Marshall 4. A&M Consolidated 5. Port Neches-Groves 6. Ennis

Football2018

STATE HIGH SCHOOL POLLS

3. Childress 4. Gunter 5. Lexington 6. Waskom 7. East Bernard 8. Sonora 9. Daingerfield 10. Buffalo

Denton Record-Chronicle file photos

Argyle coach Todd Rogers, left, and Ryan coach Dave Henigan have two of the top teams in their respective classifications this season. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has Argyle ranked No. 1 in Class 4A Division I and Ryan rated No. 4 in Class 5A Division I. 7. Crosby 8. Corpus Christi Calallen 9. Marshall 10. Corsicana Class 4A Division I 1. Argyle 2. Carthage 3. Stephenville 4. Waco La Vega 5. Liberty Hill

6. Midlothian Heritage 7. Kennedale 8. Henderson 9. Wichita Falls Hirschi 10. Melissa Class 4A Division II 1. West Orange-Stark 2. Cuero 3. Gilmer 4. Silsbee

5. Pleasant Grove 6. Graham 7. Wimberley 8. Texarkana Liberty-Eylau 9. Lubbock Estacado 10. Sweeny Class 3A Division I 1. Brock 2. Goliad 3. Rockdale

4. Atlanta 5. Yoakum 6. Franklin 7. Wall 8. Kemp 9. Malakoff 10. Grandview Class 3A Division II 1. Newton 2. Canadian

Class 2A Division I 1. Refugio 2. Shiner 3. Mason 4. DeLeon 5. Bosqueville 6. San Augustine 7. Valley View 8. Hearne 9. Centerville 10. Pandhandle Class 2A Division II 1. Mart 2. Wellington 3. Muenster 4. Burton 5. Albany 6. Stratford 7. Falls City 8. Bremond 9. Lovelady 10. Clarendon

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Small enrollment leaves Lake Dallas fighting a ‌

Numbers Game

52

August 30, 2018

Football2018

COVER STORY

Low enrollment no problem for Lake Dallas

By Steve Gamel Contributing Writer

When the UIL released its class cutoffs and preliminary enrollment figures for all classifications in December, one of the more shocking numbers reported came out of Lake Dallas, whose enrollment stood at 1,260 students.

Mind you, Lake Dallas has always been a small Class 5A school. There’s nothing new about that. The district consists of just the one high school and is tucked between two behemoth districts in Denton (four high schools) and Lewisville (five high schools). But it didn’t take much for several eagle-eyed reporters to notice Lake Dallas was a mere 111 students shy of the Class 4A cutoff of 1,149.

That’s a significant number when you consider many 5A schools the Falcons face have nearly double that enrollment.

“At this point, we’re used to being the smallest,” Lake Dallas football coach Michael Young said while shaking his head.

“That enrollment number is actually less than the previous realignment. We’ve lost a few kids since then.”

Numbers mean everything in athletics. The bigger you are, the more kids you choose from and the more likely it is that you will have success across all sports. Conversely, the smaller you are, the bigger the uphill climb.

Over the years, Lake Dallas has been in districts with everyone from Ryan and Guyer to the Fort Worth schools and Prosper. Six of its former mates in District 145A (McKinney North, The Colony, Little Elm, Carrollton Newman Smith, Carrollton Creekview and Carrollton R.L. Turner) have enrollments over 1,900. Prosper, that district’s eighth team, currently sits at 2,975 and was bumped up to Class 6A with the latest realignment.

But Lake Dallas continues to find ways to win. The football team has only missed the playoffs twice in Young’s 14-year tenure and was one win from playing in a state title game when it lost to Frisco Lone Star in 2015. When the UIL’s new split-division format for 5A goes into effect this season, Lake Dallas will suddenly find itself on a more level playing field.

And that’s got everyone in Falcon country thinking deep playoff run.

“On top of that, we have 36 seniors,” Young said. “This could be one of our better teams in terms of balance between offense and defense,” Young said. “I’m proud of our

Jeff Woo/DRC

Lake Dallas coach Michael Young raises his hand as the school’s band plays following a game last fall. The Falcons have made the playoffs in 12 of Young’s 14 seasons, a remarkable accomplishment considering the size of the school. Lake Dallas’ enrollment figures have been consistently lower than its rivals. kids. We can’t wait to see what happens this year.”

Finding a competitive balance A deeper dive of the enrollment numbers and class cutoffs shows there are only 17 Class 5A schools in the state smaller than Lake Dallas, if you don’t include charter schools that automatically get bumped up for being in a bigger school district. Only Dallas South Oak Cliff (1,212) and Princeton (1,174) are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

While not a perfect fix, the UIL’s newsplit division format for Class 5A is a purposeful response to the long-time competition problem of having smaller schools lumped in with schools that have significantly larger enrollment figures. The format is meant to mirror what is already in place for Class 1A-4A for district and playoffs. Lake Dallas will be in Class 5A Divi-

LAKE DALLAS Numbers crunch Lake Dallas has long been one of the smaller schools in its district. The Falcons will face that familiar challenge in District 7-5A (Division II) this year. The following is a look at the enrollment figures of the teams in the league: Frisco Reedy.......................................1,819 Frisco Lebanon Trail.............................1,757 Braswell...........................................1,734.5 Frisco Memorial..................................1,527 Frisco..................................................1,527 Lucas Lovejoy......................................1,485 Denison..............................................1,327 Lake Dallas.........................................1,260 Princeton............................................1,174

sion II with schools that have enrollment numbers between 1,150 and 1,839.

All schools with enrollments between

1,840 and 2,189 will be in Class 5A Division I. Anyone above that is in 6A. The change is noticeable in Lake Dallas’ new district for football, which includes Frisco Reedy (1,819), Lucas Lovejoy (1,485), Denison (1,327), Princeton (1,174), Braswell (1,734.5), Frisco (1,527), Frisco Lebanon Trail (1,757) and Frisco Memorial (1,527).

Lake Dallas is still the second smallest of the nine teams in terms of enrollment, but the gaps aren’t near as striking as in previous years. Not to mention, Braswell, Reedy, Lebanon Trail and Memorial have all been open for three years or less. Lake Dallas beat Reedy last year in the playoffs.

In the grand scheme of things, the announcement of the new cutoffs wasn’t much of a surprise to many Denton-area teams. Lake Dallas and Braswell were pegged to be in Division II from the very See NUMBERS on 53

Football2018

COVER STORY

53

August 30, 2018

From Page 52

Numbers beginning. Braswell, which went a combined 2-18 during its first two seasons of varsity play, was previously lumped in the same district with Ryan and Denton in District 5-5A. Both of those teams are now in Division I. Meanwhile, Argyle and Sanger will remain in Class 4A Division I, while Aubrey and Krum remain in 4A Division II. Pilot Point and Ponder both remain in Class 3A Division I. For Lake Dallas, the numbers mean everything.

“Any coach will tell you that size makes a huge difference,” Young said. “We hope to have 150 kids on the first day of practice, whereas some of our opponents in the past would have 170 to 200. That makes it tough on subvarsity because they end up taking a lot of thumpings and become discouraged.

I still don’t believe the UIL got it right — Frisco Reedy still has over 1,800 kids and Braswell will be over 2,000 before too long.

But it isn’t any worse than what we’ve had in the past. We could be with teams like Princeton and Lovejoy for a while, and that’s a good thing. It will be nice to play teams that are closer in size.”

Lake Dallas athletic director Scott Head agreed.

“We’ve had our lulls in the past. We don’t reload every year as easily as some of the bigger schools do, but we’ve embraced that challenge. Our kids work hard,” Head said. “It’s a great thing for our kids when we know we can go out there and beat those bigger teams. A lot of people wonder, how do we do it? It’s a mental thing. Our kids believe.”

Doing more with less Young and his coaching staff aren’t scouring the halls of the cafeteria or the desks of their classrooms looking for hidden talent to recruit to their football team every year. What they are doing, though, is

Jake King/DRC

Lake Dallas players pose for a photo after knocking off Frisco Reedy at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco last season.

The Falcons are one of the smallest schools in terms of enrollment in Class 5A. putting more of an emphasis on developing players over a longer period and ensuring kids are invested in the program.

“We have to keep kids who weren’t on varsity their sophomore and junior year engaged and working hard in the program [for when their time comes],” Young said.

“We could have guys who go from not playing for several years to all of a sudden starting on varsity. Other teams may have kids who aren’t starters, but they’re still getting chances to play in a third of the games. We have to develop ours during the offseason and build them more through our weight room program.”

Examples of those diamonds in the rough are everywhere at Lake Dallas. Former wide receiver Christian Covington hardly played at all as a junior but ended up finishing his senior year fourth on the team in receiving yards while earning all-district honors. Zack Graham was a special teams

player turned all-district linebacker, and Jalen Harris was an all-district safety despite not playing football the year before.

Meanwhile, other athletes have quickly become go-to guys heading into this season. Quarterback Ryan Depperschmidt threw for just more than 2,300 yards and 21 touchdowns last year while also rushing for 17 more scores. He’s one of the top returning signal callers in the Denton area and will have plenty of targets in Ky’lee Smith (580 receiving yards) and Brandon Engel (951 receiving yards, eight touchdowns).

Lake Dallas was picked to finish second in its new district after going 7-5 last year.

“We have guys who have to come up big if we plan to win this year,” Young said with a laugh. “But we know they will.”

Embracing the challenge Young has been critical of the UIL this offseason, and he’s not alone. Many coach-

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es suggest that the competition issue is far from fixed despite the great lengths the UIL went through to create a split-division format.

On realignment day in February, Young and Head were among hundreds of coaches and administrators in attendance at the Birdville Fine Arts/Athletic Complex as they eagerly awaited word on who they’d be in the same district with for the next two years. Once those districts were displayed on the many screens throughout the room, it took both men all of five minutes to leave.

They had seen all they needed to see. “[Split divisions] doesn’t solve everything; we will still have big schools in our district and if I were the UIL, I’d forget everything they know and re-divide the whole thing — even if that means creating a Class 7A. Our district now isn’t any easier. We still face really good teams. But I’m proud of these kids. We like our chances.”

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54

August 30, 2018

Football2018

PRESEASON ALL-AREA OFFENSE

QB: Ryan Depperschmidt, Lake Dallas

OL: Andy Buttrell, Liberty Christian

Depperschmidt threw for 2,392 yards and rushed for 507 more while accounting for 38 total touchdowns last season.

The senior is surrounded by talented skill position players and could lead Lake Dallas on a deep run in the playoffs.

Buttrell brings size and strength to the Warriors’ offensive front and will be an important piece of the puzzle in first-year coach Steven Greek’s new scheme. Buttrell will be key to helping get things going, both on the ground and in the air.

RB: Emani Bailey, Ryan

OL: Connor Homeyer, Argyle

Bailey quietly rushed for 1,244 yards and 15 touchdowns last season while playing in the shadow of quarterback Spencer Sanders. Bailey will be the focal point of Ryan’s offense now that Sanders has moved on to Oklahoma State.

Homeyer will be a key piece for Argyle on the Eagles’ offensive front.

He has an offer from Southern Miss entering the season. The Eagles offensive line is one of the reasons Argyle’s expectations are so high entering the year.

RB: Xylohn Posey, Denton

OL: Preston Wilson, Argyle

Posey rushed for 605 yards and six touchdowns, despite missing time due to injury. The Broncos are counting on much more out of their star in the backfield this season as the team looks to return to the playoffs under Billy Miller.

Wilson is the area’s most sought after college prospect and enters his senior year with 30 Division I offers after committing to Oklahoma State. Last season was his first year on the offensive line so his stock is sure to continue to rise.

RB: Noah Lang, Argyle Lang rushed for 886 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior in limited time. Don Williams graduated so the Eagles’ will lean on Lang, who could be in for a big year while working behind one of the top offensive line units in the state.

WR: Brandon Engel, Lake Dallas Engel was a star as a sophomore last season, posting 951 yards and eight touchdowns. Quarterback Ryan Depperschmidt and speedster Ky’Lee Smith return. The pair will take pressure off Engel, who could be in for another big year.

WR: Jamarion Robertson, Ryan With defenses keying in on former Ryan receivers Gabriel Douglas and Tauskie Dove, Robertson quietly racked up 1,010 yards and 10 touchdowns last season while averaging 23.5 yards per catch.

He will step into the lead role this season.

OL: Devon Mack, Guyer

Jeff Woo/DRC

Guyer running back Kaedric Cobbs is the top returning offensive player in the Denton area this year. Cobbs rushed for 1,362 yards and 25 touchdowns as a sophomore last season and will be the focal point of Guyer’s offense this fall.

Player of the Year: Kaedric Cobbs, Guyer There were a lot of questions from the outside surrounding the Wildcats’ backfield heading into last season after the departure of Noah Cain to the IMG Academy.

Clearly, Cobbs put those concerns to rest by emerging as one of the top running backs in the state in his first year at the Class 6A level.

He rushed for 1,362 yards and 25 touchdowns after transferring from Melissa and should be used more in the passing game as well this season.

Cobbs isn’t slowing down anytime soon and Guyer’s offense will again be centered around its latest bruiser in the backfield.

Guyer has to replace its entire offensive line but coach John Walsh is confident in the group he’ll roll out. Mack saw significant time in two games last year and is expected to help pave the way for junior Kaedric Cobbs ground.

WR: Isaiah Wofford, Denton Injuries were a problem for Wofford last year, but he still finished with 31 catches for 537 yards and four touchdowns.

Wofford will be one of the top targets for quarterback Landry Kinne as the Broncos aim for a breakout season.

WR: Seth Meador, Guyer Guyer hopes to improve its passing game this season, which is good news for Meador. He shined in limited opportunities as a sophomore, finishing with 22 catches for 402 yards. With 4.48 speed, look for a big year out of Meador.

Football2018

PRESEASON ALL-AREA DEFENSE

August 30, 2018

DL: Grant Mahon, Guyer

DB: Billy Bowman Jr., Ryan

Mahon shined as a defensive end last season but was playing out of position. The District 6-6A defensive newcomer of the year will shift over to his natural position at defensive tackle after committing to Oklahoma State over the summer.

Bowman burst onto the scene last year as a freshman and already has offers from Boston College and Texas Tech. He will start at cornerback also play on offense. Last year, Bowman racked up 416 yards and scored four times.

DL: Del’shun Neal, Ryan

DB: Brent Jackson, Guyer

Neal racked up 57 tackles and 9 sacks as a sophomore at defensive end and is part of a goldmine of returning talent on Ryan’s defensive line. His versatility as a big-play wide receiver this season could also pay dividends for the Raiders.

Guyer is banking on Jackson’s experience and leadership to bolster a secondary that struggled at times last season.

Jackson is the younger brother of former Guyer star Bryce Jackson and finished with 49 tackles last season.

DL: Austin McCallion, Aubrey

DB: Tra Smith, Ryan

McCallion was one of the top defensive linemen in the area last year and was a first team all-district selection. He has the leadership and experience to help guide what will be a young team and will be relied upon heavily in the trenches.

Smith could be the most important player on the field this season for Ryan, which will rely on the junior to anchor its secondary and contribute on offense. Smith racked up 102 tackles last year and led the Raiders with four interceptions.

LB: Logan Graham, Liberty Christian Graham is a senior captain for the Warriors and is a key part of the team’s defense as its middle linebacker. He had a productive season as a junior and will pair with Connor Payton to anchor Liberty Christian’s front seven.

LB: Drew Sanders, Ryan At 6-5, 230 pounds, Sanders should have a monster season as the Raiders’ new middle linebacker. The Oklahoma pledge has the tools to compete at the next level and has two years of varsity experience having played at Lake Dallas.

LB: DL Roberson, Lake Dallas After catching the eye of college coaches on the defensive line, Roberson will shift to linebacker this year to better fit the Falcons’ scheme. He forced five fumbles as a junior and will now look to make a similar impact defensively this year.

DB: Hayden Clearman, Argyle

Jeff Woo/DRC

Argyle senior Chase Petter set a program record with 15 sacks while playing defensive end last season. Petter will move to middle linebacker for the Eagles this fall and is expected to be one of the top players in the Denton area.

Player of the Year: Chase Petter, Argyle While Petter may be a bit undersized when it comes to height, he makes up for it in sheer strength.

Petter created problems for opponents last season while coming off the edge of the defensive front, setting a new single-season sack record at Argyle with 15.

He also had 112 tackles and 25 tackles for loss with five forced fumbles. Petter will move to middle linebacker to fill the hole left by Gage Campbell, who had 106 tackles and 20 TFL last season.

How Petter fares while anchoring the middle of Argyle’s defense will help determine if the Eagles live up to lofty expectations.

Clearman has done it all for Argyle over the last few years but will settle into the same spot he started last season — at free safety. He had 71 tackles and two forced last season and will look to post an even bigger stat line as a senior.

DB: Elijah Thibodeaux, Denton Thibodeaux will likely see time for Denton both at wide receiver and safety, where he has already shown his talent. Thibodeaux recorded 97 tackles and four interceptions as a junior last season and will look to surpass those totals.

DB: Blake Ramsey, Argyle Ramsey was an honorable mention all-state defensive back last year after recording 32 tackles, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and five interceptions. He’ll again play a key role in what should be one of the area’s top secondaries.

55

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August 30, 2018

LAKE DALLAS

Football2018

Depperschmidt back to guide Falcons

By Brady Keane Staff Writer

Lake Dallas quarterback Ryan Depperschmidt vividly remembers the Falcons’ thrilling run to the state semifinals in 2015.

As a freshman, Depperschmidt and the rest of the Class of 2019 pictured themselves one day leading the program on a similar deep run through the playoffs. After bouncing back from missing the postseason in 2016, Lake Dallas took the first step toward making that goal a reality by knocking off Frisco Reedy to advance to the area round of the playoffs last year.

Now the Falcons appear to have the pieces in place to complete the rise back to the top of Class 5A Division II. “The coaches have been telling us that we remind them a lot of that group,” Depperschmidt said. “I feel like we have the right people in the right positions to make that kind of run. We got a taste of what it feels like with a win in the first round last year. I think we’re hungry to go deep this season.

“The sky is the limit with us. We’ve all bought in and we’re playing for each other.

That’s what you look for in a good team.”

While the team’s offense may not be as explosive as it was in 2015, it certainly isn’t far behind. And with college-level talent scattered throughout the defense as well, the Falcons likely have a more balanced team as they prepare for the 2018 season.

Depperschmidt returns to lead the way under center after accounting for 2,910 total yards and 39 touchdowns last season. He also has star receivers Brandon Engel (58 catches, 951 yards, 8 TDs) and Ky’lee Smith (953 total yards, 5 TDs) back on the perimeter, giving Lake Dallas one of the area’s more potent air attacks entering the season.

The Falcons averaged 29 points per game last year and are betting on an improved running game to push their offense to the next level. Depperschmidt (167 carries, 514 yards, 17 TDs) was the team’s leading rusher and was the only Falcon to rush for more than 100 yards in a game last season.

Ike Onyekwere and Trevor Lindsey will head the rotation in the backfield while Smith is expected to rotate between receiv-

Jeff Woo/DRC

LAKE DALLAS ON THE RISE

Ryan Depperschmidt was a young player when Lake Dallas made a run to the state semifinals in 2015 and hopes to lead the Falcons deep into the playoffs again this fall. Depperschmidt, who is now Lake Dallas’ starting quarterback, accounted for 2,910 total yards and 39 touchdowns last season. He has his two top receivers back in Brandon Engel and Ky’lee Smith.

er and running back in order to get the ball in his hands as often as possible.

“Our running game is going to be better and I think that’s definitely going to help us win more games,” Lake Dallas coach Michael Young said. “Some of Ryan’s workload will be easier because of that, and if the running game improves I think he could end up throwing for more yards and more touchdowns this season.”

The running game will be powered by an offensive line headlined by Tyler Kay, Kevin Culberson and Brandon Machuca. Hayden Brockenbush — a first team all-district selection last season — will move over to defense as the Falcons adjust from a 4-3 to a

3-4 front.

Moving Brockenbush, who has offers from Air Force, Incarnate Word, Stephen F. Austin and Northwestern State, allows the Falcons to bump defensive lineman Roberson to inside linebacker. Roberson adjusted well to the move through the spring and summer and is expected to build on a season in which he had 67 tackles, 5 sacks, 27 quarterback hurries and 5 forced fumbles.

“I like to think of myself as an athlete without holding myself to one position,” Roberson said. “Wherever coach needs to put me to give us the best chance to win. I See LAKE DALLAS on 59

FALCONS Quick facts District: 7-5A (Division II) 2017 record: 7-5 (5-2 in district) Coach: Michael Young (103-48 in 13 seasons at Lake Dallas) Returning starters: Eight on offense, seven on defense Key players: QB Ryan Depperschmidt, WR Brandon Engel, OL Tyler Kay, WR Ky’lee Smith Offense: Multiple-set spread Defense: 3-4 School enrollment: 1,260 Stadium: Falcon Stadium

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Lake Dallas Falcons 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 ........ at Denton ...................................7:00 p.m.

Sept. 7 ......... at Frisco Centennial (The Star) ...7:00 p.m.

Sept. 14 ....... Frisco Reedy* ............................7:00 p.m.

Sept. 21 ....... at Princeton* ..............................7:00 p.m.

Oct. 5 ........... Denison* ....................................7:00 p.m.

Oct. 11 ......... at Frisco (Memorial Stadium)* ......7:00 p.m.

Oct. 19 ......... Frisco Memorial* ........................7:00 p.m.

Oct. 26 ......... at Lovejoy* .................................7:00 p.m.

Nov. 2........... Braswell* ....................................7:00 p.m.

Nov. 8........... at Frisco Lebanon Trail (Toyota Stadium)*..........................7:00 p.m.

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*Denotes District 7-5A (D2) games

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58

August 30, 2018

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH There is no substitute for experience at the varsity level, and Lake Dallas has plenty.

The Falcons return 32 lettermen and 15 starters from last year’s area finalist squad.

A large and talented senior class gives Lake Dallas coach Michael Young a lot of confidence. The Falcons Young will also have more depth throughout the roster than in recent years.

season. Zyon Hurd will fill one of the few.

Nick Cagnetto is moving from cornerback to safety, opening up a spot for Hurd who will take over on the opposite side of Preston Suttice.

Young and the coaching staff are high on Hurd and Hurd what he’ll bring to the table for a secondary looking to create more turnovers this season.

POINT OF CONCERN

GAME OF THE YEAR

Injuries are a concern for any team and could loom particularly larger for Lake Dallas this year. The Falcons went through the majority of their 7-on-7 season without star receiver Brandon Engel, who injured his foot in the spring. If the Falcons can keep their top-end talent — like Engel — healthy, they should have a chance to make a lot of noise in Class 5A Division II.

The Falcons are thrilled about having an opportunity to avenge two straight losses to Denton in their season opener, but there is no doubt the first game of District 7-5A DII play against Frisco Reedy is circled on the calendar. Lake Dallas knocked off Reedy in the first round of the playoffs last season and will have a chance to put itself in a good position early in the race for a district championship with another win over Reedy. The Lions were projected to finish atop the district standings, just above the Falcons, giving Lake Dallas an early chance to make a statement.

KEY NEWCOMER With 15 returning starters throughout its offense and defense, Lake Dallas doesn’t have many spots to fill entering the 2018

Football2018

LAKE DALLAS No. Player 1 Nick Cagnetto 2 Anthony Patti 3 Brandon Engel 4 Jayvon Freeman 5 Gabe Couron 6 Andre McAdoo-Franklin 7 Ryan Depperschmidt 8 Darryl Minor 9 CJ Broadway 10 Kobe Minor 11 Ryan Hull 12 Kyle Nielsen 13 Zyon Hurd 14 Brandyn Braxton 15 DL Roberson 16 Braeden Caine 18 Hayden Brockenbush 19 Austin Arvizo 21 Jaden McGrew 22 Tye Studhalter 23 Christian Hernandez 24 Ike Onyekwere 25 Ladarius Fleming 26 Preston Suttice 27 Trevor Lindsey 28 Ky’lee Smith 32 Ryan Hawley 33 Jared Fenley 35 Noah Valasek 40 Christian Crawford 43 Kelvin Ukah 45 Telanio Evans 48 Daniel Burks

FALCONS Roster Pos. Ht. DB 5-10 K 5-10 WR 6-2 DB 5-10 WR 5-10 DB 6-0 QB 6-3 LB 6-0 WR 5-10 DB 5-11 WR 5-11 QB 6-1 DB 5-10 DB 5-10 DL 6-3 WR 5-11 DL 6-5 LB 5-11 WR 5-10 DB 5-10 DB 5-11 RB 6-0 RB 5-11 DB 6-0 RB 5-11 RB 5-8 LB 5-11 LB 6-0 LB 5-11 DL 6-1 DL 6-1 DL 6-1 DL 6-0

Wt. Yr. 170 Sr. 155 So. 190 Jr. 155 Sr. 160 Sr. 185 Sr. 185 Sr. 210 Sr. 160 Sr. 170 Jr. 155 Sr. 175 Jr. 190 Sr. 180 Jr. 225 Sr. 170 Sr. 220 Sr. 200 Jr. 150 Jr. 170 Sr. 150 Jr. 190 So. 165 Sr. 175 Sr. 170 Jr. 170 Sr. 185 Sr. 200 Sr. 215 Sr. 200 Jr. 200 Jr. 225 Sr. 235 Sr.

LAKE DALLAS Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 at Denton 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Frisco Centennial^ 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 Frisco Reedy* 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Princeton* 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 Denison* 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Frisco*# 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 Frisco Memorial* 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Lovejoy* 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 Braswell* 7 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Frisco Lebanon Trail*% 7 p.m. *District 7-5A (D2); ^ at The Star; # at Memorial Stadium; % at Toyota Stadium 50 Deven Holder 54 Kayvon Bernstein 56 Kellen Culberson 57 Michael Soileau 58 Mason Rudolph 61 Alex Gonzales 64 David Blair 65 Dakota Smith 72 Cooper Erwin 73 Tyler Kay 74 Brandon Machuca 75 Robert Desrosier 76 Timothy Lewis 78 Jackson Berry 79 Junior Flores 84 Cole Rodgers 87 Jakoby Washington

OL DL DL OL OL OL DL DL OL OL OL OL DL OL DL WR WR

6-0 5-11 6-0 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-6 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-2

235 Jr. 200 Sr. 245 Jr. 235 Jr. 200 Sr. 200 Sr. 220 Sr. 205 Sr. 250 Sr. 285 Sr. 255 Sr. 270 Sr. 255 Sr. 195 So. 215 Jr. 160 Sr. 185 Jr.

Football2018

UIL STATE CHAMPIONS

August 30, 2018

59

Class 4A Division I — Waco La Vega 33, Argyle 31 Division II — West Orange Stark 22, Celina 3 Class 3A Division I — Brock 43, Cameron Yoe 33 Division II — Waskom 33, Franklin 21 Class 2A Division I — Canadian 61, Refugio 20 Division II — Bremond 35, Albany 20 Class A Division I — Abbott 40, Crowell 30 Division II — Richland Springs 72, Follett 26

The following is a list of UIL state title games for the 2014-17 seasons:

2017

Class 6A Division I — Allen 35, Lake Travis 33 Division II — Cypress-Fairbanks 51, Hewitt Midway 35 Class 5A Division I — Highland Park 53, Manvel 49 Division II — College Station 20, Aledo 19 Class 4A Division I — Carthage 49, Kennedale 21 Division II — Pleasant Grove 41, West Orange-Stark 21

2014

Class 3A Division I — Rockdale 45, Brock 29 Division II — Newton 40, Gunter 16

DRC file photo

Argyle coach Todd Rodgers hugs running back Nick Ralston after the Eagles fell 45-32 to Navasota in the 2014 Class 4A Division I state title game at AT&T Stadium. Argyle is the last area team to play in a state championship game.

Class 2A Division I — Mart 34, Refugio 21 Division II — Muenster 27, Tenaha 20

Class 4A Division I — Carthage 31, Abilene Wylie 17 Division II — West Orange Stark 24, Sweetwater 6

Class A Division I — Borden County 60, Jonesboro 22 Division II — Strawn 78, Balmorhea 42

Class 3A Division I — Mineola 35, Yoakum 14 Division II — Gunter 43, Boling 7 Class 2A Division I — Refugio 23, Crawford 20 Division II — Bremond 49, Iraan 28 Class A Division I — Borden County 60, Jonesboro 12

2016 Class 6A Division I — Lake Travis 41, The Woodlands 13 Division II — DeSoto 38, Cibolo Steele 29 Class 5A Division I — Highland Park 16, Temple 7 Division II — Aledo 24, Corpus Christi Calallen 16

From Page 56

Lake Dallas don’t really care where that is. I’m adjusting.”

As a team, Lake Dallas will have to quickly adjust to a new schedule that forces it to start district play in Week 3. The Falcons will have just two non-district games — against Denton and Frisco Centennial — before opening District 7-5A DII play against Frisco Reedy on Sept. 14.

Lake Dallas opted out of spring football because of the shortened non-district schedule, giving the team a second scrimmage during August’s preseason practices.

Division II — Richland Springs 96, Balmorhea 50

2015 Class 6A Division I — Galena Park North Shore 21, Austin Westlake 14 (OT) Division II — Katy 34, Lake Travis 7 Class 5A Division I — Richmond George Ranch 56, Mansfield Lake Ridge 0 Division II — Cedar Park 22, Frisco Lone Star 6

Class 6A Division I — Allen 47, Cypress Ranch 16 Division II — Cedar Hill 23, Katy 20 Class 5A Division I — Aledo 49, Temple 45 Division II — Ennis 38, Cedar Park 35 Class 4A Division I — Navasota 42, Argyle 35 (2OT) Division II — Gilmer 35, West Orange Stark 25 Class 3A Division I — Cameron Yoe 70, Mineola 40 Division II — Waskom 41, Newton 22 Class 2A Division I — Canadian 34, Mason 7 Division II — Bremond 28, Albany 21 Class A Division I — Crowell 62, May 16 Division II —Throckmorton 66, Groom 20

Stuart M. Hilliard, MD, FACS

“I think that extra week of practice and extra scrimmage is going to be important for us,” Young said. “It helps you get in game shape.”

The Falcons will get their first chance to see if the move pays off in the season opener against Denton, a team that has bested Lake Dallas in each of the last two seasons. But with its sights set on playing into December, a win over the Broncos is the first step toward Lake Dallas’ return to postseason glory.

“Oh yeah,” Young said. “That was disappointing last year. We are looking forward to that game. We need to play well the first two games and then focus on winning the district championship. That sets everything up from there.”

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60

August 30, 2018

ARGYLE

Football2018

Linemen to power top-ranked Argyle

By Steve Gamel Contributing Writer

When it comes to having an offense that consistently puts up gaudy numbers, few Class 4A programs can match Argyle’s arsenal. The Eagles are masters of getting the ball into the hands of a lot of athletes and, in doing so, have averaged nearly 6,000 yards in each of the last four seasons alone.

That includes last year when they exceeded that mark while scoring 50 points per game.

It’s easy to look at the quarterback and myriad of skill position players racing up and down the field as reasons for that success, but Argyle also prides itself on being physical in the trenches. Having what many believe is already the top offensive line in the state will go a long way in helping the No. 1 Eagles maintain their identity in 2018 while an entirely new cast of characters gets their feet wet toting the football.

“I think if I was ever asked the question if I had returning starters, would I want linemen back or skill position players back, I think I would say I would want linemen,” Argyle coach Todd Rodgers said. “Having big, physical offensive linemen is special.

You have to protect the quarterback and run the football to win games in December.”

Argyle has seven returning starters on offense, and three of them are linemen. Returning on this year’s line is the trio of right tackle Preston Wilson (6-4, 280), left tackle Garrett Thomas (6-3, 250) and left guard Brandon Michels (6-3, 265). All of them led a potent attack last year that threw for 3,362 yards and rushed for 3,022.

Wilson is the No. 74 offensive tackle in the country, according to 247Sports. He recently committed to Oklahoma State and had offers from 30 Division I schools, including Arizona State, Baylor, North Texas, SMU, Northwestern and Vanderbilt.

Joining them are Connor Homeyer (66, 270) at right guard and center Rylan Shobe (6-2, 255). Though Homeyer and Shobe are new to the line, both are highly regarded. In fact, Shobe was penciled in as the team’s starting center but missed the year with a shoulder injury. Homeyer, who recently picked up offers from Southern

Jeff Woo/DRC

ARGYLE ON THE RISE

Argyle will lean on its stout line to power its offense this season when the Eagles are expected to be a state title contender. The group includes, from left, Garrett Thomas, Brandon Michels, Preston Wilson, Connor Homeyer and Rylan Shobe. Wilson is one of the top offensive line prospects in Texas and has committed to Oklahoma State.

Mississippi and Incarnate Word, saw plenty of playing time last year while stepping in for then starting guard, Preston Coyle.

“I’ve never seen a high school offensive line like this,” Shobe said. “We have the size, and we’re all incredibly fast. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of defenses out there.

I have a feeling we are going to be very special up front.”

Having such a formidable group in the trenches should keep defenses at bay for a younger group of skill players.

Alex Gonzales returns after racking up 375 receiving yards and four scores. Noah Lang is also back after rushing for 887 yards and 18 scores.

Joining them are a slew of athletes, including Dillon Carter, Hayden Clearman, Cade Merka, Adam Schleder and Tito Byce.

Bo Hogeboom, a Houston baseball commit, won the starting quarterback job.

“What you have is a bunch of kids who were playing on varsity in some capacity last year. They just weren’t the go-to guy,” Rodgers said.

And with a solid line paving the way, Argyle could be in for a deep playoff run.

“I really believe this is the top offensive line in the state,” Wilson said. “We’ve lost twice in the third round, and that’s never a good feeling. This is a strong senior class, and we want to go out with a bang.”

EAGLES Quick facts District: 7-4A (Division I) 2017 record: 12-1 (5-0 in district) Coach: Todd Rodgers (168-35 in 15 years) Returning starters: Seven on offense, eight on defense Key players: LB/DE Chase Petter, OL Preston Wilson, RB Noah Lang, DB Hayden Clearman, WR, Alex Gonzalez Offense: Spread Defense: 5-1 Bear/Multiple School enrollment: 854 Stadium: Eagle Stadium

Football2018

August 30, 2018

61

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Argyle Eagles 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 .... Stephenville ...................... 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 7 ..... La Vega ............................ 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 14 ... at Tyler Chapel Hill ........... 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 28 ... Liberty Eylau (Sulphur Springs) 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 5....... Sanger*............................. 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 12..... at Paris North Lamar* ....... 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 19..... Paris* ................................ 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 26..... at Melissa* ........................ 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 2 ...... Anna* ................................ 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 9 ...... at Celina* .......................... 7:00 p.m.

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August 30, 2018

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH A year ago, the Eagles went into the season hoping their young offensive line would be able to handle the rigors of yet another tough Class 4A slate of opponents. This year, the coaching staff is convinced defenses won’t be able to keep up with what could be one of the top lines in the state.

Preston Wilson (6-4, Wilson 280) is committed to Oklahoma State and leads a group that includes highly-touted recruit Connor Homeyer, as well as Rylan Shobe, Garrett Thomas and Brandon Michels. Their experience will help tremendously as a new crop of skill position players get their feet wet.

POINT OF CONCERN Argyle has seven starters returning on offense but will feature several new skill position players.

The Eagles will break in a new quarterback and there will be a complete overhaul at wide receiver. Running back Noah Lang is stepping in as the featured back after sharing carries last year. Argyle’s offense has

Football2018

ARGYLE

talent, but will have to grow up fast.

KEY NEWCOMER Head coach Todd Rodgers didn’t hesitate when talking about the importance of offensive lineman Rylan Shobe. The 6-2, 255-pound senior was penciled in as the team’s starting center last year but ultimately missed the entire season with a torn labrum. He’ll be the centerpiece on an athletic offensive line that could be one of the more dominating units in Class 4A.

GAME OF THE YEAR Take your pick. Argyle is known for facing some of the best teams the state has to offer in its nondistrict schedule, and this year will be no different. The Eagles will face Stephenville, Waco La Vega and Liberty-Eylau in the first four weeks. Head coach Todd Rodgers pointed to a Week 1 battle against Stephenville, which ousted the Eagles in the third round a year ago.

“It’s the first game of the season, and you never want to think too far down the road,” Rodgers said. “It certainly doesn’t define our season, but you want to come out of the blocks and perform well. It puts us on a path.”

No. Player 2 Hayden Clearman 3 Dillon Carter 4 Noah Lang 5 Brenden Dixon 6 Alex Gonzales 7 Adam Schleder 8 Jackson Sullivan 9 Tito Byce 10 Cade Merka 11 Brandon White 13 Bo Hogeboom 14 Hunter Martindale 15 Caleb Murdock 16 Carter Dodson 17 Blake Ramsey 18 Frank Russell 19 Connor Kilgore 20 Braden Baker 21 Jake Sullivan 22 Ethan Pruner 23 Riley Hartman 24 Cole Kirkpatrick 25 Chase Petter 26 Luke Farris 27 Luke Hamblin 28 Blake Michels 30 Colin Crawford 32 Grant Shaw 33 Mason Ramsey 35 Davis Elsey 36 Jake Woelfel 37 John Krzysiak 40 Wyatt Allcorn 41 Nico Patrick 42 John Crowder 43 Christian Burkhart 44 Tate Van Poppel 45 Colby Morse 46 Braiden Rexroat 47 Elias Garcia

EAGLES Roster

Pos. S WR RB DB WR WR DB RB WR WR QB QB DB WR DB WR DB RB DB DE DB WR LB RB WR LB WR K LB LB WR WR DE TE TE DE DL DE LB WR

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

Argyle High School – Go Eagles!

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ARGYLE Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 Stephenville Sept. 7 La Vega Sept. 14 at Tyler Chapel Hill Sept. 28 Liberty Eylau^ Oct. 5 Sanger* Oct. 12 at Paris North Lamar* Oct. 19 Paris* Oct. 26 at Melissa* Nov. 2 Anna* Nov. 9 at Celina * *District 7-4A (D1) ^ at Sulphur Springs 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 58 62 63 64 67 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 78 79

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Tanner Starkey TE Blake Sullivan DL Calvin Davee DE Brandon Lancaster OL/DL Naton Edwards DE Brandon Michels OL Landry Barnett OL/DL Carson Hackney DL Rylan Shobe OL Connor Homeyer OL CJ Massey OL Garrett Peck OL/DL Colton Van Alstine OL/DL Garrett Thomas OL Ross Picquet DL Preston Wilson OL Caden Reeves OL Jayton Polley OL Jack Tucker OL Austin Rivero OL Blake Spence OL Micah Hiter OL

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. So. Jr.

Football2018

SANGER

August 30, 2018

63

Sanger aims to exceed low expectations

By Rich Luna For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Brock Howard looks over his shoulder and points at a sign on the wall in the Sanger weight room.

“That,” the senior linebacker said, “is a big motivator for us. They just don’t even know what we’re about this year.”

The sign lists Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s District 7-4A Division I prediction. The Indians are projected to finish last among seven teams.

On the surface, there’s plenty to support that prediction. The Indians are coming off a four-win season from a team that graduated 23 players. With only four returning starters on offense and defense, four starters who play on both sides of the ball, untested offensive and defensive lines and a district schedule that includes Argyle, Celina and Melissa, well, let’s just say Sanger may be more suited to be the spoiler in 2018.

“This team is going to get better each week if we stay positive,” coach Cole Ford said. “We’ve got to learn from our mistakes.

We’ve got to be a tough, physical, disciplined team and, yes, we’ve got to avoid injuries.”

One of the promising aspects of the team is the leadership ability of players like Howard and seniors Dillon Wilkerson and Hank Lemons, both two-way starters at wide receiver and defensive back. Senior offensive lineman Gage McCarty, the only returning veteran up front will serve as a mentor to new starters on Sanger’s offensive line.

There’s also an inspiring story in senior Cade Hamilton, who had not played varsity football prior to this year. He’s been a standout on the Sanger baseball team. Hamilton came out for football and will start at running back and defensive end.

“Everyone is helping each other out,” said Wilkerson. “We’re all playing for each other. That’s a change. We know we can’t be selfish because we have jobs to do. You can see a big difference in our summer workouts and in our practices. There’s a different attitude here.”

The camaraderie will serve the Indians well as they face one of the area’s tougher schedules. The season opener on the road

Jeff Woo/DRC

SANGER ON THE RISE

Expectations are low for Sanger following a 4-7 season in 2017. The Indians were picked to finish last in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s projections for District 7-4A Division I. Sanger’s hopes to exceed those expectations will rest with, from left, wide receiver/defensive back Hank Lemons, linebacker Brock Howard and wide receiver/defensive back Dillon Wilkerson.

against Plainview in Ardmore, Okla., will be an immediate test.

Sanger lost versatile threat C.J. Jackson, who threw for 1,149 yards and eight touchdowns and rushed for 776 yards and eight TDs last season. Senior Logan Walker takes over at quarterback.

Hamilton will share time with junior LaDerrious Day at running back.

Ford would like to slow the game down offensively. The big concern is the offensive line where McCarty is the only returning starter. He’s working with juniors Ethan Lance, Daniel Hubanks, Ben Rainey and Quaylynn Burkes to solidify the unit.

Defensively, the Indians play a 4-2-5 sys-

tem to take advantage of a talented secondary that includes two-way starters Lemons and Caleb Freeman in addition to Jacob Campbell, Bryon Dallas and Jezick Collett.

“If we stick together and cut down on the mental errors, we’re going to surprise some people.” Ford said.

That would suit Ford just fine. Winning games is important but so is building the foundation of the program.

“Last year, we lost to six teams that got to the third round of the playoffs,” Ford said.

“The other team we lost to was 5A Denton High. The schedule isn’t necessarily any easier, but what we’ve got to do is keep our focus, stay healthy, and get a little lucky.”

INDIANS Quick facts District: 7-4A (Division I) 2017 Record: 4-7 (2-3 in district) Coach: Cole Ford (4-7 in one season) Returning starters: Four on offense, four on defense Key Players: LB/RB Brock Howard, S/WR Dillon Wilkerson, CB/WR Hank Lemons, DE/ RB Cade Hamilton, QB Logan Walker Offense: Multiple spread Defense: 4-2-5 School Enrollment: 822 Stadium: Indian Stadium

64

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Sanger Indians 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 .....at Plainview (Ardmore, Okla) . 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 ......Springtown......................... 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 ....Bridgeport .......................... 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 ....at Mineral Wells................. 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 ....Celina* ............................... 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 5........at Argyle*........................... 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 19......Paris North Lamar*............ 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 26......at Paris*............................. 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 2 .......Melissa* ............................. 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 9 .......at Anna*............................. 7:00 p.m.

DE-1695954-02

Denotes District 7-4A (D1) games

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Football2018

SANGER

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year Position of Strength

Key Newcomers

Sanger is athletic and physical on defense. Led by three-year starting linebacker Brock Howard, the unit will need to carry the team early on until the offensive can come together.

Drake Miller will work the middle with Howard in the 4-2-5 scheme.

Sanger’s secondary includes two-way starters Lemons Hank Lemons and Caleb Freeman.

Defensive line of newcomers Tallyn Welborn and Cade Hamilton, along with Damian Echols and Tony Valdez could help form a solid defense Sanger can lean on.

There are high expectations for Tallyn Welborn, who will start at defensive end and also see playing time at tight end. Ford said Welborn is a “physical young player with a big upside.”

The program got a boost from its baseball team when Cade Hamilton decided to come out for football. Hamilton will start both at running back and defensive end.

“We didn’t know if he would come out,” Ford said, “but there is no doubt he can contribute. He’s an athlete.”

Point of Concern Sanger lacks varsity experience. The Indians featured 23 seniors last year, many of whom were three-year varsity players.

Coach Cole Ford is looking to veterans Brock Howard, Dillon Wilkerson, Gage McCarty and Hanks Lemons for leadership.

The Indians cannot afford any injuries to veteran players in a season they return just four starters on each side of the ball.

Game of the Year Sanger’s season opener in Plainview, Okla., against Ardmore is just as good a place to start as any. A strong showing would go a long way toward giving this young team confidence.

Ford is emphasizing mental toughness and discipline and will closely watch how his team handles the opener. The schedule doesn’t get any easier. In District 7-4A, the Indians will see the likes of Celina, Argyle and a Melissa team that could very well challenge for the district title. For a team that lacks experience getting off to a good start will be crucial.

65

August 30, 2018

INDIANS Roster No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 13 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 30 32 33 35 40 41 50 51 52

Name Hank Lemons Caleb Freeman Cole Mathes Jacob Campbell Cade Hamilton Josh Driggers Bryon Dallas Jezick Collett Tallyn Welborn Bryce Mitchell Brandon Henderson Cody Floyd Logan Walker Jay Flippin Dillon Wilkerson Cody Kyle Laderrious Day Elijah Ritzel Drake Miller Jordan Williams Brylon Vidrine Brock Howard Tre Peoples Brett Carter Andres Tostado Laderrick Day Carson Stamper Dameon Echols Tony Valdez

Pos. Yr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB Sr. RB/DB Jr. RB/DE Sr. WR/DB Jr. QB/DB Jr. WR/DB So. TE/DE So. QB/DB Jr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB Sr. QB/DB Sr. WR/DE Sr. WR/DB Sr. RB/LB Jr. RB/LB Jr. WR/DB Sr. RB/LB Sr. WR/DE Sr. TE/LB Sr. TE/LB Sr. WR/DB Sr. TE/DE Sr. TE/LB Sr. TE/DT So. OL/LB So. OL/DT Sr. OL/DE Jr.

SANGER Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Plainview Sept. 7 Springtown Sept. 14 Bridgeport Sept. 21 at Mineral Wells Sept. 28 Celina* Oct. 5 at Argyle* Paris North Lamar* Oct. 19 at Paris* Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Melissa* at Anna* Nov. 9 * District 7-4A (D1) ^ at Ardmore, Okla.

54 55 56 58 59 60 66 70 71 72 75 99

Daniel Rodriguez Ethan Lance Sam Kirk Gage McCarty Mason Horton Daniel Hubanks Ben Rainey Syler Saenz Caleb Robertson Quaylynn Burkes Vince Nolte Mason Phillips

Time 7:30 p.m.

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7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

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66

August 30, 2018

AUBREY

Football2018

Holder steps in to lead Aubrey offense

By Brady Keane Staff Writer

When former Aubrey quarterback Taylor Swarbrick took over the offense as a sophomore, he went on to excel and provide the stability coach Keith Ivy needed to build a consistently successful program.

But with Swarbrick lost to graduation after three years as the starter, the Chaparrals will have a new face under center for the first time since 2015.

Like Swarbrick three years ago, Jaxon Holder will be handed the keys to the offense as a sophomore. Developing young quarterbacks into long-term starters is a luxury many coaches don’t often experience. Ivy said he’s excited about what his newest signal caller will bring to the table.

“I’ve been on coaching staffs where you rotate quarterbacks almost every year,” Ivy said. “It’s nice to have that consistency in there. It’s kind of tough at the front end of it. You know they’re going to make mistakes because everyone does. But at the back end of it, it’s great because they’re like coaches on the field and can run the system.

“Losing Swarbrick hurts, but Jaxon has set himself up to be successful. He’s a very good athlete and he’s worked extremely hard at it. I think he’s going to be a good one.”

Holder isn’t the only young player Aubrey will rely on to step up in a big way this season. The Chaparrals have just five returning starters from last year’s eight-win team as the program enters a new era after the graduation of a loaded senior class.

Aubrey’s first two Division I football signees, Gatlin Grisso (Washington State) and Jordan Redfearn (North Texas), and players like Swarbrick, Pablo Vera, Jarom Larman, Spencer Neumann and Connor Laughlin are among the key players the team must replace.

“We’re obviously going to be very inexperienced and that’s the biggest deal,” Ivy said. “I do feel like we have some guys who can play. They just haven’t had that opportunity yet because of the senior class we had. These kids have worked hard and waited for their time.”

Some players, including Brody Bounds

Jeff Woo/DRC

AUBREY ON THE RISE

Aubrey enjoyed success as a program over the last few years largely because it developed a young quarterback in Taylor Swarbrick who went on to great success. The Chaparrals are hoping Jaxon Holder will develop in a similar manner. Holder will be a sophomore this fall. Aubrey coach Keith Ivy believes Holder has what it takes to be a top high school quarterback.

(last year’s District 5-4A offensive newcomer of the year), Kameron Scott and Luke Sciba, had an early taste of full-time varsity work last season after injuries decimated the Chaparrals’ starting lineup. Those three players will get the bulk of the work in the backfield after splitting time with Neumann and Vera last year.

“I think we’re going to be really good,” Bounds said. “We’ve played together since middle school and have had a lot of success so we all work really well together.”

While a significant part of the team will be new to the varsity level on a full-time basis, Aubrey does have returning starter Austin McCallion to lead the way in the

trenches. McCallion, a first team all-district selection as a junior, will be key on both the offensive and defensive front as a senior.

With Redfearn, Larman, Laughlin, Dylan Brown and Kaleb Wiseman all gone from the offensive line, the Chaparrals will base a large part of their offense around running behind McCallion’s blocking.

He’ll be just as vital again defensively, lining up alongside Wilson Odimba and Jacan Farmer to solidify the front line for a defense featuring an almost entirely new look at the second level.

“I’ve worked harder and harder every See AUBREY on 68

CHAPARRALS Quick facts District: 3-4A (Division II) 2017 record: 8-4 (3-2 district) Coach: Keith Ivy (24-22 in four years at Aubrey) Returning starters: Three on offense, two on defense Key players: OL/DL Austin McCallion, RB/ CB Brody Bounds, RB/LB Luke Sciba, OL/ DL Kye Ranton, QB Jaxon Holder Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-3/multiple School enrollment: 684 Stadium: Chaparral Stadium

Football2018

August 30, 2018

67

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Aubrey Chaparrals 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 ....... at Van Alstyne................ 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 ........ Whitesboro..................... 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 ...... at Pilot Point................... 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 ...... Pottsboro........................ 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 ...... at Wichita Falls Hirschi .. 2:00 p.m.

Oct. 12........ Vernon* .......................... 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 19........ at Krum*......................... 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 26........ Iowa Park* ..................... 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 2 ......... at Graham* .................... 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 9 ......... Bridgeport* ..................... 7:00 p.m.

DE-1695954-02

*Denotes District 3-4A (D2) games

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68

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

just to the varsity level on the fly.

With senior Austin McCallion leading the way, Aubrey coach Keith Ivy is confident the defensive line will be one of his team’s strongest units this season.

McCallion was a first team all-district selection as a junior but will have to shoulder even more of the load this season as the Chaparrals return just two McCallion starters on the defensive side of the ball.

Jacan Farmer and Wilson Odimba are expected to make an impact alongside McCallion as Aubrey looks to control the line of scrimmage to ease in a new linebacking and secondary corps.

POINT OF CONCERN Inexperience across the board will be Aubrey’s biggest concern entering Ivy’s fifth season at the helm of the program.

The Chaparrals were gutted by the loss of a talented senior class and return just five starters.

Aubrey’s incoming sophomore class went 9-1 at the freshman level last season and will be counted on to step in. The Chaparrals hope their young talent can ad-

From Page 66

Aubrey day and I push my other teammates that way too,” McCallion said. “If everyone gets stronger and faster, we can work as a unit and lessen the load. It’s a team game and that’s what will help us go out and succeed.”

Regardless of the lack of experience the team may have, Ivy and the Chaparrals have developed a winning culture. The program went 1-9 in 2014 when Ivy first arrived before posting a 23-13 record since.

Football2018

AUBREY

August 30, 2018

KEY NEWCOMER With three-year starter Taylor Swarbrick off to Tyler Junior College, the Chaparrals will roll out a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2015.

Sophomore Jaxon Holder is expected to step in after starring at the freshman level last season and shinning in the weight room throughout the offseason. Holder, who also started at third base for the Aubrey baseball team last year, should be a solid runner in Ivy’s run-based attack while also boasting a strong arm with room to grow early in his career.

GAME OF THE YEAR Most of the Chaparrals were disappointed to see Celina left off the schedule this year as the team fell just short of knocking off one of the state’s traditional powers over the last few years. But in the new District 3-4A DII, Aubrey will have its hands full with Graham, Iowa Park and Vernon.

The Vernon game on Oct. 12 is the first district match up of the season and could give the Chaparrals a chance to make an early move in the standings before facing Iowa Park and Graham in back-to-back weeks later in the year.

CHAPARRALS Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Landon Stewart RB/DB/K 5-7 150 Jr. 2 Luke Sciba RB/LB 5-9 155 Sr. 3 Brody Bounds RB/DB 5-10 155 Sr. 4 Levi Moore RB/DB 5-7 135 Jr. 5 Jameison Bufford RB/DB 6-0 160 Sr. 6 Angel Monreal WR/DB 5-6 130 Sr. 7 Isaiah Byers WR/DB 5-10 160 Jr. 8 Jackson Jennings RB/DB 5-10 155 So. QB/LB 5-10 180 So. 9 Jaxon Holder 10 Amos Perkins RB/DL 5-10 170 Sr. WR/DB 5-10 135 Jr. 11 Kolten Burt 13 A. J. Prince RB/DB 5-10 145 Jr. 14 Jesus Ponce RB/DB 5-8 145 Jr. 15 Tyler Covington WR/DB 5-9 150 Jr. 16 J.J. Cooke RB/DB 5-6 135 So. RB/LB 5-7 150 Jr. 18 Jose Noyola 20 Sassou Kudayah WR/DL 6-3 175 Sr. 21 Grayson Larson WR/DB 6-2 145 Sr. 22 Kameron Scott RB/LB 6-2 180 Sr. 23 Caden Britten WR/DB 6-0 150 Sr. 24 Brenden Hough TE/LB 5-8 165 Sr. 25 Bryce Larson RB/DL 5-9 150 Jr. 5-6 140 Jr. 26 Landon Dorsey RB/LB 30 Adam Wilbert WR/DB 5-7 140 Jr. 32 Jason Freestone RB/LB 5-9 165 Jr. 33 Christian Allen WR/DB 5-8 145 Jr. 36 Christian Sevier RB/LB 5-8 150 Jr. 40 Dylan Stonecipher TE/LB 5-10 185 Jr. 44 Hayden Tinney TE/LB 6-1 185 Sr.

AUBREY Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 at Van Alstyne 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 Whitesboro 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Pilot Point 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 Pottsboro 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Wichita Falls Hirschi 2 p.m.

Oct. 12 Vernon* 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Krum* 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 Iowa Park* 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Graham* 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Nov. 9 Bridgeport* *District 3-4A (D2) 50 Austin McCallion 51 Trayce Hopkins 52 Shawn Stephens 53 Kye Ranton 55 Jordan Stevens 60 Aaron Scott 64 Mikael Conn 70 Ethan Coppedge 71 Drew Hammett 73 Ian James 76 Korbin Larman 77 Jacob Millican 79 Wilson Odimba 80 Sterling Tulk 82 Jackson Fetters 88 Jacan Farmer

TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/DL TE/DL

6-2 5-9 6-2 5-11 5-11 5-8 5-9 6-0 5-9 6-5 6-7 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-2

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Aubrey won’t get any help from its schedule, though, as nine of the team’s 10 opponents — including Graham, Wichita Falls Hirschi, Whitesboro, and Iowa Park – advanced to the playoffs last season.

But Ivy hopes the standard of winning will help his team grow up quickly as the Chaparrals’ aim for a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

“I know the desire will be there and the competitiveness will be there,” Ivy said.

“We’re sure hoping that these kids will rise up to the tradition and expectations we’ve established.”

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KRUM

69

August 30, 2018

Lightfoot hopes to guide Krum revival

By Brady Keane Staff Writer

While there weren’t many bright spots during Krum’s 1-9 season last year, the Bobcats were able to find their quarterback of the future in then-freshman Bryson Lightfoot.

Lightfoot didn’t get an opportunity to take over the job full time last season, but he made enough of an impact in a changeof-pace role to turn heads and spark Krum’s offense on more than a few occasions.

Now, as the Bobcats prepare for their second season under coach Allen Oh, Lightfoot has been named the team’s starting quarterback — and Krum is excited about the future.

“He has unlimited potential,” Oh said.

“He could probably turn into one of the really good players to ever come through the program. He grinds in the weight room, he runs track and he takes all of that seriously.

The sky is the limit.”

After promoting Chad Longley to offensive coordinator in the offseason, the Bobcats have completely revamped their game plan to better fit Lightfoot’s skill set as a dual-threat quarterback.

Krum implemented a scheme similar what was used by 2016 Class 3A Division I state champion Mineola, hoping to follow the formula that allowed Yellow Jackets’ quarterback Jeremiah Crawford to lead the offense to an average of more than 45 points per game.

The Bobcats first experimented with Lightfoot at quarterback against Lake Worth last year, and he helped guide the team to its highest scoring output (41 points) and only win of the year. His showing in limited situations is part of what led to the shakeup in schemes in the months leading up to this season.

“Every time he came in at quarterback, it provided a spark for us,” Oh said. “We were able to make some bigger and more explosive plays with him in the backfield.

Now he has a full high school offseason and summer workout program in and his leadership is at a new level.”

Jeff Woo/DRC

KRUM ON THE RISE

Bryson Lightfoot showed promise last season when he served as a change-of-pace player at quarterback for Krum. He guided the Bobcats to a 41-point outburst against Lake Worth in one of their best games of the year. That performance is one Lightfoot will look to replicate this fall when he starts for Krum, which is looking to improve on a 1-9 season in 2017.

But as a freshman who already had a starting role at slot receiver and cornerback, the coaching staff hesitated at putting too much pressure on Lightfoot. A year later, Lightfoot has the quarterback job in his hands but will retain his starting spot in the secondary as well.

“I hate at the end of games when people are saying, ‘I could have done this better’ or ‘I could have done that better,’” Lightfoot said. “If I make a mistake on offense, I don’t have to sit and live with that. I can go do something about it defensively, and that’s a good feeling.”

After the worst season at the varsity level in Krum’s short history, the Bobcats

are hopeful Lightfoot will play a key role in leading the team back to the playoffs. Krum has a lot of experience returning around him to help ease the transition.

Ben Perches, Anthony Salazar, Zane Tyler and Zayne Carrasco are back on the offensive line and Perches — who missed almost all of last season with injuries — will be an impact player up front on both sides of the ball. He was a first team all-district selection as a sophomore in 2016, when the Bobcats went 10-2 and advanced to the area round of the playoffs.

“It’s really reassuring,” Lightfoot said. “I See KRUM on 71

BOBCATS Quick facts District: 3-4A (Division II) 2017 Record: 1-9 (0-4 in district) Coach: Allen Oh (1-9 in one year) Returning starters: Six on offense, eleven on defense Key Players: OL/DL Ben Perches, QB/DB Bryson Lightfoot, RB/LB Trey Cook Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 School Enrollment: 653 Stadium: Bobcat Stadium

70

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Krum Bobcats 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 ...... at Plano John Paul ll........ 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 ....... Pilot Point ........................ 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 ..... at Benbrook ..................... 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 ..... at Carrollton Ranchview .. 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 ..... Wills Point........................ 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 ....... Bridgeport* ...................... 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 19 ....... Aubrey* ............................ 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 26 ....... at Graham* ...................... 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 2......... Vernon*............................ 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 9......... at Iowa Park* ................... 7:00 p.m.

DE-1695954-02

*Denotes District 3-4A (D2) games

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Football2018

KRUM

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH Krum’s strength will be its offensive and defensive lines. Ben Perches, Anthony Salazar, Zane Tyler and Zaine Carrasco return to lead the way on the offensive line.

Perches and Tyler are back from last year’s defensive front and will contribute on that side of the ball again. Krum coach Allen Perches Oh will use his top linemen on both offense and defense. He hopes to develop six players to rotate throughout the team’s three-man defensive front.

POINT OF CONCERN While Bryson Lightfoot is expected to shine at quarterback, the Bobcats will have a lot of new players at the other skill positions. Those players will have to grow up quickly while learning a new offensive

From Page 69

Krum think about it all the time when we’re going

BOBCATS Roster

The Bobcats are already talking about a chance at redemption when they face Bridgeport. Krum fell to the Bulls 21-14 in district play last season. The Bobcats will have a chance to avenge that loss in the first game of District 3-4A Division II action this year. A win in the district opener would significantly improve Krum’s chances of making the playoffs.

No. Name 1 Bryson Lightfoot 2 Bryan Camunez 3 Johnny Rodriguez 5 Jesus Campusano 6 Adam Harlow 8 Victor Campusano 9 Zack Kirk 11 Brooks Garrett 12 Chandler Plank 15 Ryan Harwell 17 Keegan Flanagan 18 Darrius Price 21 Daniel Lackey 22 Justus Simpkins 28 Trey Cook 33 Brandon Godina 55 Zaine Carrasco 56 William Worley 58 Dylan Woods 59 Jaime Chinas 60 Tarius Hare

through practice. It’s nice to have some people back up front so we already have that mesh and know what we’re doing.”

Krum has embraced its role as an afterthought in the new District 3-4A Division

II. The Bobcats won just one game last season after advancing to the playoffs in each of the first five years it was eligible for the postseason as a new varsity program.

“We love it,” Lightfoot said. “It’s a fun

scheme. Krum will lean on its offensive line to ease that transition early in the season.

KEY NEWCOMER Sophomore Trey Cook saw some varsity action as a freshman last season. He is among a handful of players who will take on significantly larger roles this year. Cook is a key part of the Bobcats’ plans at both running back and inside linebacker, where he made an impact late last year.

GAME OF THE YEAR

71

August 30, 2018

Pos. Yr. QB/DB So. WR/DB Jr. WR/DB Jr. K Sr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB Jr. WR/DB Sr. TE/DL Sr. WR/LB Sr. WR/DB Jr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB Sr. TE/LB Jr. RB/DB Jr. RB/LB So. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/LB So. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr.

KRUM Schedule Date Opponent Time Oct. 31 at Plano John Paul II 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 Pilot Point 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Benbrook 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Car. Ranchview 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 Wills Point 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 Bridgeport* 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 Aubrey* 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Graham* 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 Vernon* 7 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Iowa Park* 7 p.m. *District 3-4A (D2)

63 65 71 74 77 75

Kyler Lowrimore Lane Pearson Ben Perches Zane Tyler Anthony Salazar Fabien Sanchez

OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

thing to have here. Being 1-9, picked last in our district, that’s fueling us. In a small town, you hear about a 1-9 season all the time. Word travels fast. It’s going to be a fun year and I promise we’ll be ready to go.”

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August 30, 2018

PILOT POINT

Football2018

Bearcats to lean on strength up front

By Greg Ford For the Denton Record-Chronicle

A year ago, Pilot Point graduate Danny David returned to his alma mater to resurrect the Bearcats’ football program. Over the course of 11 games, including one playoff, David led the Bearcats to a 3-8 record.

David and his staff adjusted to a new set of players while those players adapted to new schemes. Now, everyone is familiar with each other, and the goal is not only to improve but get back to the postseason.

The Bearcats’ offensive line, where a number of experienced players return, will play a key part in Pilot Point’s efforts to reach that goal.

“Record-wise I feel like we can do 7-3, 6-4 and make it to the playoffs and then, hopefully, get three or four rounds deep,” senior lineman Walker David said. “I feel like we’re going to do really well.”

In order to make the postseason, the Bearcats must get through District 4-3A in Div. I — a district that also includes Brock, Whitesboro, Bowie, Boyd, Paradise and Ponder, where winning will be easier said than done.

Paving the way through that set of foes will be a line that not only has Walker David, but also seniors Jacob Morris, Kolton Reid and junior Connor Lynch, the team’s tight end. Newcomers with potential include Brandon Fangman, a junior, Jacob Scott and sophomores Troy Tincher and Caleb Holloway, who moved up from JV. “I’m excited,” Reid said. “We were working out some kinks with the new coaching staff last year. Hopefully, it all meshes together this year. After learning everything last year, now it’s time to put it into action.”

One of the line’s primary goals will be keeping junior quarterback Jacob Pitts upright. He is a dual-threat weapon who will be charged with operating the Bearcats’ multiple-style offense. Max Hollar, who comes up from the JV, will be his backup and could also see time carrying the ball in the backfield.

“We can go from three backs and power football to no backs if we have to throw it,” Danny David said. “We are going to have an

Jeff Woo/DRC

PILOT POINT ON THE RISE

Pilot Point finished 3-8 last season and is aiming to revive its once-proud program under Danny David, a graduate of the school. The Bearcats will lean on an experienced offensive line featuring, from left, Walker David, Jacob Morris, Kolton Reid and tight end Connor Lynch as they strive to reach that goal.

offense that adjusts to the defense. I would rather run first. You can control the clock. If you are moving the sticks and moving the football, you can shorten the game and the other team’s offense doesn’t have the ball.”

Several Bearcats will carry the ball behind Pilot Point’s experienced blockers, including Javon Bruce, Jay Cox, Kaleb Ratliff and Saul Gregorio.

Defensively, the Bearcats hope to be more aggressive. Several offensive linemen could also see time on defense, where they’ll join senior Diego Martinez. The undersized lineman was a first team all-district selection a year ago and is expected to create some havoc in 2018.

It’s at linebacker where Danny David must find some new bodies, as a majority of last year’s starters graduated this past spring.

Javon Bruce and Cox are two players who could fill in as the season approaches.

While the inexperience will be there, David has set high expectations for a program looking for its first playoff win since 2014.

“To me, your goal is to always win the state championship,” coach David said. “If you don’t strive to be the best, I don’t know why you do something. But, then, you have to be realistic too. I don’t care about records as much as we would like to get in the playoffs.”

BEARCATS Quick facts District: 4-3A (Division I) 2017 Record: 3-8 (2-3 in district) Coach: Danny David (3-8 in one year at Pilot Point) Returning starters: Six on offense, five on defense Key players: QB Jacob Pitts, RB Javon Bruce, WR Javin Bruce, WR Bryson Griffin, OL/DL Jacob Morris, OL/DL Kolton Reid Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 School Enrollment: 450 Stadium: Massey Stadium

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Pilot Point Bearcats 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 ............ at Bridgeport .........................7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 ............. at Krum .................................7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 ........... Aubrey...................................7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 ........... Gunter ...................................7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 ........... at Brock* ...............................7:30 p.m.

Oct. 5............... Whitesboro* .........................7:30 p.m.

Oct. 12............. at Ponder*.............................7:30 p.m.

Oct. 19............. Boyd* ....................................7:30 p.m.

Oct. 26............. at Paradise* ..........................7:30 p.m.

Nov. 9 .............. Bowie*...................................7:30 p.m.

DE-1695954-02

*Denotes District 3-4A (D1) games

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August 30, 2018

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year Positions of Strength Pilot Point returns several starters along its offensive and defensive lines and will depend on those players to anchor a team that lost several seniors at key positions.

Seniors Jacob Morris, Kolton Reid and Walker David and junior tight end Connor Lynch will form a strong front that Pilot Point will depend on to protect Jacob Pitts, who returns at quarterback.

The Bearcats will look to Diego Martinez, an undersized lineman, who was an all-district selection last season to anchor its defensive front. Pilot Point coach Danny David is hoping those linemen can provide leadership for a young team.

Point of Concern Since many Class 3A schools, including Pilot Point, utilize two-way players, one or two injuries could ruin a season, particularly if they occur to key players.

“You are always concerned about depth,

Football2018

PILOT POINT

and trying to keep everybody injury-free,” David said. “You’re also going to have deal with temperature [in early games] as well.”

Key Newcomer Pilot Point’s junior varsity finished 8-2 a year ago, and many of those players could move up and make an impact on the varsity team.

“I don’t know if there’s one key [player],” David said. “I know there is a good group of freshmen who are going to be sophomores.

They are used to winning from Pee Wee to junior high and last year on JV.”

Game of the Year David wants to see Pilot Point get off to a fast start, which makes the Bearcats Aug. 31 season opener against Bridgeport vital.

The game could set the tone for the 2018 campaign, which will have Pilot Point playing in District 4-3A alongside Bowie, Boyd, Brock, Paradise, Ponder and Whitesboro.

No. Player 2 Javon Bruce 3 Kaleb Ratliff 4 Jacob Pitts 5 Javin Bruce 6 Jay Cox 7 Logan Whisenant 8 Jabari Anderson 9 Michael Hargrave 10 Colton Beathard 11 Saul Gregorio 12 Max Hollar 13 Victor Martinez 18 Sammy Giron 20 Diego Martinez 22 Bryson Griffin 23 Gage Rider 32 Kolton Reid 45 Connor Lynch 50 Brandon Fangman 52 Walker David 54 Micah Henson 55 Jacob Morris

BEARCATS Roster Pos. RB/LB RB/DB QB/DB SE/DB RB/LB SE/DB RB/DB SE/DB SE/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DL K RB/DL SE/DB SE/DB OL/DL TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

Wt. 165 152 183 168 162 143 130 138 157 171 146 170 154 166 145 156 172 244 200 238 170 181

Yr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

PILOT POINT Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Bridgeport Sept. 7 at Krum Sept. 14 Aubrey Sept. 21 Gunter Sept. 28 at Brock* Oct. 5 Whitesboro* Oct. 12 at Ponder* Oct. 19 Boyd* Oct. 26 at Paradise* Bowie* Nov. 9 *District 3-4A (D1)

56 59 61 68 72 75 77 80

Troy Tincher Drayden Lawson Enrique Colmenero Caleb Holloway Angel Garcia Hud Morgan Jacob Scott Zach Powell

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL RB

HEAD OF THE CLASS 2017 all-district players returning

The following is a list of Denton area players and coaches who received all-district honors last season and are returning this fall: Superlatives Kaedric Cobbs, Guyer Offensive Newcomer of the Year Grant Mahon, Guyer Defensive Newcomer of the Year Tra Smith, Ryan Defensive Newcomer of the Year Landry Kinne, Denton Offensive Newcomer of the Year Ryan Depperschmidt, Lake Dallas Offensive MVP Ky’lee Smith, Lake Dallas Offensive Utility Player of the Year DL Roberson, Lake Dallas Defensive Lineman of the Year Hayden Clearman, Argyle Utility Player of the Year Brody Bounds, Aubrey Offensive Newcomer of the Year Dave Henigan, Ryan Coach of the Year First Team Offense RB Kaedric Cobbs, Guyer RB Emani Bailey, Ryan RB Jacob Helzer, Calvary WR Jamarion Robertson, Ryan WR Isaiah Wofford, Denton WR Brandon Engel, Lake Dallas WR Dillon Wilkerson, Sanger TE Sullivan Martinez, Braswell TE Luke Wakeland, Calvary

OL Kye Ranton, Aubrey OL Brandon Michels, Argyle OL Cole Hardy, Liberty Christian OL Wilson White, Calvary First Team Defense DL Diego Martinez, Pilot Point DL Anthony Flemings, Ryan DE Del’shun Neal, Ryan DE Austin McCallion, Aubrey DE Chase Petter, Argyle LB Darryl Minor, Lake Dallas LB Blake Ramsey, Argyle LB Brock Howard, Sanger CB Marcellus Lockley, Denton CB Brenden Dixon, Argyle S Jake Sullivan, Argyle

Jake King/DRC

Argyle offensive lineman Preston Wilson was a first-team All-District 4-4A selection in 2017 and is one of the top returning players in the area.

OL Hayden Brockenbush, Lake Dallas OL Garrett Thomas, Argyle OL Preston Wilson, Argyle P Alex Gonzales, Argyle P Beck Hillman, Calvary K Arturo Ramirez, Braswell Second Team Offense QB Jacob Pitts, Pilot Point RB Noah Lang, Argyle RB Andre Washington, Liberty Christian

RB Jeremiah Richardson, Braswell UB Beck Hillman, Calvary WR Billy Bowman Jr. WR Hank Lemons, Sanger WR Zach Kirk, Krum OL Guincy Gulley, Ryan OL Xavier Bennett, Denton OL Wyatt Novak, Denton OL Jaden Oberkrom, Denton OL Austin McCallion, Aubrey

Second Team Defense DL Anthony Flemings, Ryan DL JC Coleman, Ryan DL Michael Manning, Liberty Christian DE Grant Mahon, Guyer DE Isaac Broades, Denton DE Telanio Evans, Lake Dallas DE Blake Michels, Argyle LB Connor Payton, Liberty Christian LB Derek King, Calvary LB Bryce Petty, Sanger CB Seth Meador, Guyer CB Ta’vion Wafford, Braswell CB Nick Cagnetto, Lake Dallas CB Mason Durrett, Ponder DB Jacob Helzer, Calvary S Elijah Thibodeaux, Denton S Mitchell Lesue, Braswell

180 181 160 250 267 168 338 160

So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr.

Football2018

PONDER

75

August 30, 2018

Ponder’s Durrett settling into QB role

By Greg Ford For the Denton Record-Chronicle

As Ponder enters Rusty Ballard’s fourth season at the helm of the program, the Lions have a handful of important questions to answer if the team is going to make it back into the postseason.

One is how will a mix of returnees and new players will mesh and, second, what does that mean for Ponder in the realigned District 4-3A Division I? The division includes old foes Brock, Boyd, Paradise, Bowie and newcomers Pilot Point and Whitesboro.

Those are questions the Lions are confident senior quarterback Mason Durrett can help answer.

Durrett accumulated nearly 900 yards of total offense in 2017 and scored 14 touchdowns. That experience could pay dividends this fall.

“I’m a lot more comfortable,” Durrett said. “Around this time last year, I wasn’t even sure I was going to be quarterback.

This year, I’m sure and I’m ready. I want to go to the playoffs.”

Ponder is hoping to reach that goal after finishing 3-7 last season, including a 1-5 mark in district play.

Improving on that record won’t be easy in a district Ponder coach Rusty Ballard believes will be highly competitive. Brock was the Class 3A Division I state runner up last year and Whitesboro went three rounds deep in the postseason.

Bowie, Boyd and Pilot Point each qualified for the playoffs as well.

“It’s going to be wide open,” Ballard said.

“On one hand, Brock and Whitesboro separate themselves. They are kind of the cream of the crop. Then, honestly, us, Bowie and Pilot Point are all kind of in the same boat right there. Last year, we beat Boyd and they made the playoffs. Paradise, too, they have gotten a lot better over the past years. I expect them to be very competitive.

“We’re in a tough situation. It’s a tough district.”

Ponder will lean on Durrett and senior running back Carlos Zepeda as it looks to navigate the challenges of the league.

Jake King/DRC

PONDER ON THE RISE

Ponder missed the playoffs last season and is pinning its hopes to return to the postseason this fall on quarterback Mason Durrett. The senior accounted for nearly 900 yards last season when he scored 14 touchdowns. The experience Durrett gained last fall could be vital for the Lions, who are coming off a 3-7 season in which they won just one district game.

Zepeda rushed for 531 yards and five touchdowns last season.

“We’re going to primarily run the ball,” Ballard said, “[Durrett] is kind of the guy who makes everything go. Everything is built off him.”

Durrett will operate behind a younger and smaller offensive line than in 2017. It’s not that the Lions will be tiny up front, but rather they’ll have some players, such as Caden Doolittle, who’ll play in the 200-pound range.

That line will be called on to pass block occasionally to give Durrett time to find the likes of junior wide receiver Oscar Martinez. Tight end Darren Kelly will also be in-

volved in the passing game. “[Kelly] has really soft hands, and he’s improved his speed in the offseason,” Ballard said. “[Martinez] basically started as a sophomore for us, both ways, and never came off the field. He has been a solid kid for us.”

That two-way ability is something the Lions will be seeking, as many of their players will play on offense and defense.

Playing both ways will be tiring, and a year ago, Durrett said, fatigue was a factor in Ponder falling in games that got away in the second half.

“I think we’re in better shape this year,” See Ponder on 77

LIONS Quick facts District: 4-3A (Division I) 2017 record: 3-7, (1-4 in district) Coach: Rusty Ballard (12-19 in three seasons at Ponder) Returning starters: Six on offense, seven on defense Key players: QB Mason Durrett, RB Carlos Zepeda, S Terrance Clark, LB Chase Taylor Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple fronts School enrollment: 420 Stadium: Ponder Field

76

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Ponder Lions 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31........at Howe........................... 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7.........Wichita Falls City View ... 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14.......Nocona............................ 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21.......at S&S Consolidated....... 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28.......Boyd* .............................. 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 5...........at Paradise* .................... 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 12.........Pilot Point* ...................... 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 19.........at Bowie*......................... 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 26.........Brock* ............................. 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 2..........at Whitesboro* ................ 7:30 p.m.

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*Denotes District 3-4A (D1) games

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Football2018

PONDER

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year Ponder coach Rusty Ballard likes what he has at the skill positions, especially senior quarterback Mason Durrett and senior running back Carlos Zepeda.

Ballard said both worked hard over the summer and should be key assets in the running game. They have played in Ponder’s system since the Zepeda seventh grade, which gives both insight into how Ballard envisions the Lions offense running.

In 2017, Durrett scored 14 touchdowns while amassing nearly 900 yards on offense. Zepeda rushed for more than 500 yards and five scores.

POINT OF CONCERN Ponder lost three starters from its offensive line and will be younger and smaller up front.

The Lions featured multiple players who weighed at least 300 pounds last season. This year’s group will include players who weigh in mid-200s.

“This year, we’ll be younger and lighter,

but we should be more agile and faster,” Ballard said.

KEY NEWCOMERS Sophomore Terrance Clark comes over from Lake Dallas and is expected to play free safety and see time at running back.

Also, sophomore Chase Taylor, who saw time on varsity as a freshman, should make an impact at linebacker and will also see time at running back on offense.

GAME OF THE YEAR Ponder and Brock have long been fierce rivals when it comes to boys’ basketball.

Ballard would like to see that rivalry become a little more heated in football, where Brock has dominated over the years.

Ponder fell to its longtime hoops rival 53-14 last season.

The rest of the Lions’ district has changed quite a bit from last season.

Breckenridge moved to another district, while Pilot Point and Whitesboro came on board.

Ballard said the district will be competitive top to bottom, but there is little doubt the Brock game will hold special meaning.

Player Terrance Clark Carlos Zepeda PJ Orr Christian Scott Justin Davis Oscar Martinez Darren Kelly Mason Durrett Chase Taylor Dimitri Stowers Hunter Green Peyton Meroney Dale Camp Caden Doolittle Nate Antczak Cameron Carroll Devon Rawding Aaryn Anderson Tristan Paige

LIONS Roster

Ht. 5-9 5-8 5-7 5-9 5-9 6-1 6-3 6-1 5-7 6-3 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-8 5-9 5-8 6-0 6-1 6-3

Wt. Yr. 180 So. 190 Sr. 160 Sr. 165 Jr. 175 Sr. 170 Jr. 215 Sr. 175 Sr. 160 So. 210 So. 175 Jr. 160 Sr. 165 Jr. 170 Sr. 175 Jr. 175 So. 205 Sr. 190 Fr. 295 So.

From Page 75

Ponder he said. “More guys are coming to offseason workouts. I think we’re going to do pretty well. Maybe win district or take second.”

PONDER Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Howe Sept. 7 Wichita Falls City View Sept. 14 Nocona Sept. 21 at S&S Consolidated Sept. 28 Boyd* Oct. 5 at Paradise* Oct. 12 Pilot Point* Oct. 19 at Bowie* Oct. 26 Brock* Nov. 2 at Whitesboro* *District 3-4A (D1)

70 75 78 89

Tyler Yeck Josh Cortez Caleb Howell Ben Chacano

5-11 5-10 5-10 6-2

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 pm.

335 225 220 185

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

Zepeda added that team’s mental preparation needed improvement.

“When the score got run up on us, we just kind of put our heads down,” he said.

“We’re going to change that. [We need] to put little things aside and do what we’ve got to do.”

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Position of Strength

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 16 21 24 31 52 55 58 62 65 67

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August 30, 2018

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August 30, 2018

LIBERTY

Football2018

Greek turns to son at QB in debut season

By Randy Cummings For the Denton Record-Chronicle

When Steven Greek accepted his first head coaching position at Liberty Christian last spring, he hit the ground running with overflowing confidence, energy and enthusiasm as he faced the many challenges new coaches confront: putting together a coaching staff, familiarizing himself with his new players and installing his preferred offensive and defensive schemes.

He also laid the foundation for his overall coaching philosophy.

“What we talk to the kids about a lot is committing to the process of working hard [and] loving each other so much that you’ll always give your best,” Greek said. “We feel like when you do that and learn how to execute the schemes effectively, you’re going to perform at a high level.”

Greek also had another daunting challenge on his to-do list after arriving at Liberty Christian. With last year’s quarterback Nate Hayden transferring to Dallas Christian, the job was up for grabs. Senior Grant Galyean, who split time with Hayden in 2017, and sophomore newcomer Daniel Greek — Steven Greek’s son — were the top candidates.

After the spring, the elder Greek stepped back and let his offensive coaches make the decision on who would enter the fall as the Warriors’ starter. The staff, including new offensive coordinator Shay Nanny decided that Daniel Greek, who is 6-5 and 230 pounds, was best suited to handle his father’s no-huddle spread offensive attack.

“We feel as a staff that he’s progressing in a way that’s going to help us,” Steven Greek said before acknowledging the challenges of coaching a son. “I coached him a little bit at Prestonwood in the middle school. We take a hands-on approach and I can tell you it’s tough.”

Greek believes the Warriors have enough talented players to successfully execute his quick-paced, get-to-the-line-andsnap-it offense and reduce the pressure his quarterbacks might feel in running the show.

“We don’t want our quarterback to feel

Jake King/DRC

LIBERTY ON THE RISE

Liberty Christian is aiming for a breakout season under new coach Steven Greek, who takes over a program that finished 6-5 last fall. The Warriors’ hopes will rest largely with Steven Greek’s son, Daniel Greek, center, who will start at quarterback. Greek will have plenty of talent around him, including running back Andre Washington, left, and linebacker Connor Payton.

like the whole weight of the offense is on his shoulders,” Greek said. “This is an offense where we want to really play eight to 12 high-skilled athletes and spread them out and put them in space.

“We want to snap the ball within 12 to 14 seconds in a game. Throwing the ball, handing it off, shuffle passes — whatever we’ve got to do to get the ball to those fast guys who are gifted, that’s what we want to do.”

The Warriors will regularly line up with four receivers and the rotation will include seniors Adam Johnson, Preston White, Zach Auerbach and Blake Galyean as well as junior Collin Gamble. Sophomore Jalen

McCoslin and freshman Daniel Driver may also see some time as receivers, while Gamble and Auerbach will also be used in the defensive secondary.

Senior Andre Washington, a Warrior track standout, returns to hold down the primary running back responsibilities after rushing for 719 yards and seven touchdowns. Along the line, a good combination of size and experience — including senior guard Miguel Campo, 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, and junior tackle Andy Buttrell, 6-foor-6, 290 pounds — should make the adjustment to Greek’s new style a little easier.

See LIBERTY on 80

WARRIORS Quick facts District: TAPPS, Division I, District I 2017 Record: 6-5 (4-3 in district) Coach: Steven Greek (first season) Returning starters: Five on offense, five on defense Key Players: RB Andre Washington, QB/WR Grant Galyean, WR/S Zach Auerbach Offense: Spread, no-huddle Defense: 4-3 School Enrollment: 1,100 Stadium: Warrior Stadium

Football2018

79

August 30, 2018

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Liberty Christian Warriors 2018 Football Schedule Date

Opponent

Time

Aug. 31 .......... at Melissa ....................................7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 ........... Celina ..........................................7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 ......... Brock ...........................................7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 ......... at Prestonwood Christian ............7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 ......... at China Spring............................7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4............. Austin Hyde Park.........................7:30 p.m.

Oct. 12........... Fort Worth Nolan*........................7:30 p.m.

Oct. 19........... at Midland Christian* ...................7:30 p.m.

Oct. 26........... All Saints Episcopal* ...................7:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 ............ at Trinity Christian* ......................7:30 p.m.

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* Denotes TAPPS Division 1 District 1

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80

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH The return of two veteran starters at linebacker, last year’s leading tackler Logan Graham along with Connor Payton, will provide the foundation for the Warriors’ defense.

Payton (6-1, 190) is a team co-captain who finished with 58 stops a year ago to go along with four interceptions. Graham, also a team captain, led the team Graham with 78 tackles in 2017 and will anchor the middle of the Warriors defense in addition to being utilized on the offensive line.

“Those two young men are the heartbeat of our defense and our team,” said head coach Steven Greek.

Junior Micah Grizzle is expected to handle the other outside linebacker position.

POINT OF CONCERN While Greek likes what he sees at most positions, the lack of depth behind his frontrunners on both the offensive and defensive lines is a concern.

The Liberty Christian coaching staff spent much of the spring and offseason moving players around to shore up the depth issue on both lines. The Warriors have plenty of first-team talent on both sides of the ball, including senior tackles Harlon Haire and Miguel Campo on defense as well as Jayquin Smith and Jake Richardson on offense.

It’s finding capable backups who will be

From Page 78

Liberty “It starts with the offensive line,” Green said. “Whatever we do offensively, it’s going to start up front with those guys.”

Liberty Christian’s strength on defense will be at linebacker, where returning seniors and 2018 co-captains Logan Graham (middle) and Connor Payton (outside) possess the skills and leadership to run the Warriors on that side of the ball. Graham (5-10, 230) led the team a year ago with his 78 tackles while Payton finished with 50 tackles and four interceptions. Junior Micah Grizzle is penciled in as the other outside linebacker starter.

“Connor’s been around the game his whole life, so he sees things a lot of times before they even happen,” Greek said.

“He not only understands stuff, but him

Football2018

LIBERTY

August 30, 2018

called upon throughout the season that is a concern.

KEY NEWCOMERS The early reviews on a pair of freshmen — receivers Cristian Driver and Chase Wohnoutka — have the Warriors coaching staff excited about their potential. Both players could see playing time at both wide receiver on offense and in the defensive secondary.

“They’re both freshmen, but they’re both making great plays in fall camp,” Greek said.

Another new player joining Liberty Christian’s roster who has caught the attention of the coaching staff is 6-2 wide receiver Jalen McCoslin, a sophomore transfer.

GAME OF THE YEAR Liberty Christian has never beaten private school powerhouse Plano Prestonwood Christian and this year’s meeting on Sept. 21 figures to be big beyond the onfield challenge awaiting the Warriors.

Greek coached at Prestonwood for nearly a decade and served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator before accepting his new head coaching position at Liberty Christian last spring. He admits the game will be an emotional one for him, facing former players and fellow coaches.

“A lot of those kids I’ve coached since they were in the second grade,” Greek said.

“It’s going to be very emotional, because I love that school. I coached there for 10 years. But I’m not going to make that game any more or any less special than week one.”

and Logan are the heartbeat of this defense. “[Logan] loves the violence and physicality of the game of football. He’s a fun kid to coach because he plays with his emotion on his sleeves and plays the game the way I think it’s meant to be played: with passion, excitement and fire.”

Another challenge awaiting the firstyear Warriors’ coach and his team is the 2018 schedule. The non-district portion includes a trio of state-ranked Class 4A schools in Melissa (No. 10), Celina (No. 12) and China Spring (No. 14), as well as Brock, the No. 1-ranked team in Class 3A. The Warriors will also face Greek’s old school, Plano Prestonwood Christian Academy, which Texas Football ranks No. 1 among private schools.

Liberty Christian will begin district play – and their push for a return to the playoffs – on Oct. 12 against Nolan Catholic.

No. Player 1 Jalen McCoslin 2 Adam Johnson 3 Zach Auerbach 4 Michael Hulke 5 Tye Strickland 6 Grant Galyean 7 Collin Gamble 8 Chase Wohnoutka 9 Preston White 10 Elijah Williams 12 Daniel Greek 13 Cristian Driver 14 Braden Baller 15 Blake Galan 16 Jaoquim Van Trease 17 Harrison Bacci 18 Connor Payton 19 Micah Grizzle 20 Logan Moonier 21 Truett Walker 22 Reid Rorick 24 Dillon Dagget 25 Bryson Wrentz 26 Michael Manning 27 Andre Washington 28 Jake Ezzo 30 Maverick Grahman 31 James Lee 32 David Kvisted 34 Ben Fetters 35 Justus Tuls 37 Joshua Zambili 43 Aaron Fundurberk

WARRIORS Roster Ht. 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-3 5-9 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-9 6-4 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-8 5-11 5-9 5-7 6-0 6-0 5-7 5-2 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-6

Wt. 168 170 175 185 158 190 185 160 165 160 224 160 162 180 161 184 195 180 180 165 158 170 142 180 190 140 133 158 153 168 157 170 125

Yr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. So. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Fr.

LIBERTY Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Melissa Sept. 7 Celina Sept. 14 Brock Sept. 21 at P’wood Christian Sept. 28 at China Spring Oct. 4 Austin Hyde Park Oct. 12 Fort Worth Nolan* Oct. 19 at Midland Christian* Oct. 26 All Saints Episcopal* Nov. 2 at Trinity Christian* * TAPPS Division 1 District 1 44 Brayden Kelly 47 Daniel Kvisted 50 Jake Richardson 51 Logan Grahman 52 Cole Hardy 54 Triston DeLaRosa 55 Harlon Haire 56 Travis Stockton 58 Miguel Campo 60 Nathan McCary 61 Nick Clarke 62 Jayquin Smith 63 David Zeng 64 Caden Niewolny 72 Andy Buttrell 75 Carter Vanderstoep 78 Michael Hogg 84 Kelen Moran 88 Jared Bravenec 99 Cameron Baller

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

5-10 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-8 6-0 6-0 5-7 5-11 6-6 5-11 6-2 6-1 6-5 6-4

180 173 234 225 205 176 225 215 225 178 210 265 204 266 288 265 180 160 185 190

Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. So. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr.

DRC file photo

Liberty Christian linebacker Connor Payton (18) breaks away from Nolan Catholic offensive lineman Michael Gonzalez last season while returning a fumble.

Football2018

CALVARY

August 30, 2018

81

Bowden brings ground game to Calvary

By Randy Cummings For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Calvary coach Denver Bowden didn’t have to look very hard to find players who fit his offensive coaching philosophy after taking over the program in March.

Bowden, who brings with him six years of coaching experience at the six-man level, says he leans toward a run-first, ball control style of offense that tends to slow the explosive speed of the game down while also keeping his defense off the field.

Fortunately for Calvary, Bowden believes the Lions have a group of ball carriers who will fit his coaching style perfectly.

“I’m kind of old school and I like to run the ball,” Bowden said. “We’re going to run the ball and after that we’re going to run some more. If they stop it, then we’ll throw a bootleg pass. I’ve coached in a lot of different systems, but me personally, I want to run the ball downfield and keep the defense off the field.”

The Lions’ stable of running backs begins with returning veteran and junior team captain Jacob Helzer. He led Calvary a year ago in rushing with 1,182 yards and 19 touchdowns. Bowden believes junior slot back Levi Elder and sophomore quarterback Beck Hillman are also capable ball carriers who can be relied upon to ease Helzer’s workload.

In fact, Bowden has early plans to sometimes utilize Helzer at quarterback while featuring Hillman at running back.

“Last year [Helzer] probably carried the ball a little more than he needed to,” Bowden said. “This year we’ll probably try to limit his carries a little bit and get some other guys in there.”

Although Hillman is young and in just his second season, he got some starting experience the last half of the season a year ago. He now knows the job is now his and Bowden has liked what he’s seen in terms of his sophomore quarterback’s leadership skills.

“Since our first practice he’s been our main guy,” Bowden said. “When we’re running routes, he’s telling the guys to do this or do that. For him to be as vocal as he is

Jake King/DRC

CALVARY ON THE RISE

Calvary will employ a run-first offense under new coach Denver Bowden, who took over the program in March. Bowden believes he has players who will be a good fit for his system, including Jacob Helzer, right, and Beck Hillman. Helzer rushed for 1,182 yards last season. Hillman will start at quarterback after showing flashes pf potential last season as a freshman.

from the start, that’s been a little surprising.

“And he’s really smart. He has a lot of patience, even when he’s running the ball.

And when he’s back to pass, I don’t see him as a kid who’s going to force the issue. He’s always going to make the smart play.”

Perhaps the key to Calvary being successful running the ball will be how well the offensive line performs. Two of the standouts up front figure to be senior two-way players Wilson White and junior Bryce Coffey. They both have the size to be effective.

White will start at center. He is 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds while Coffey is 6-foot-3, 210 pounds. Returning junior Joseph Schmidt

is expected to start at guard on offense.

Helzer and Hillman will also log minutes on defense, as will Coffey and Elder.

Helzer will hold down the lone safety position in Bowden’s 2-3-1 defensive alignment with Helzer and Elder at linebacker. The Lions will also rely on returning sophomore Derek King, whose 47 tackles led the team in 2017, at middle linebacker.

“Derek is one of our better defensive players,” said Bowden. “He’s a real aggressive kind. He’s a guy we hope can step up and be a player for us.”

Calvary will be playing for a new head See CALVARY on 83

LIONS Quick facts District: TAPPS Division I, District 1 6-man 2017 Record: 3-7 (0-3 district) Coach: Denver Bowden (first year) Returning Starters: Three on offense, three on defense Key Players: RB/S Jacob Helzer, RB Levi Elder, QB/RB Beck Hillman, OL Wilson White Offense: J-Bird Defense: 2-3-1 School Enrollment: 310 Stadium: Ryan High School

82

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Denton Calvary Lions 2018 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 ...... at Savoy...........................................7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 ....... Lewisville Lakeland..........................7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 ..... at Watagua Heritage Christian.........7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 ..... Forrestburg ......................................7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 ..... Dallas Lutheran* ..............................7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4......... at Dallas Lakehill* ............................7:30 p.m.

Oct. 12....... at Gainesville State School* ............7:30 p.m.

Oct. 26....... at Rockwall Heritage* ......................7:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 ........ Lucas Christian*...............................7:30 p.m.

Nov. 9 ........ Amarillo San Jacinto*.......................7:30 p.m.

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*Denotes TAPPS Six-Man Division 1, District 1 games Calvary home games at Ryan High School

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Football2018

CALVARY

EXTRA POINTS Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

KEY NEWCOMER

In the few months since becoming the Lions’ head coach, Denver Bowden has realized his roster is deepest at running back, which aligns perfectly with his run-first coaching philosophy.

Junior Jacob Helzer, who led the team a year ago with more than 1,000 yards on the ground, will get the bulk of the oppor- Helzer tunities again this season.

Junior Levi Elder can also expect plenty of carries and sophomore quarterback Beck Hillman, when not looking to pass, will also figure into the mix in Calvary’s ground attack.

It’s been awhile since Gage Pirkle has put on football pads, but the sophomore has joined the Lions and will be playing for the first time since the eighth grade. But Bowden likes what he’s seen early on from the 5-8, 160-pounder.

“He’s real athletic and real aggressive,” Bowden said. “He’s been looking really, really good.”

Calvary will utilize his abilities as a receiver first and is expected to also feature him as a running back as well.

POINT OF CONCERN With just two seniors, linemen Zackary Bielss and Wilson White, on this year’s roster, the Lions will have to rely on them to provide leadership. However, it won’t be like Calvary is extremely young and lacking in players who have seen game action.

“Even though some of our key guys have been playing two and three years, we don’t have a lot of senior leaders and seniors, period,” Bowden said.

GAME OF THE YEAR Although it comes as the sixth game of the season, on Oct. 4, the Lions’ road game at Lakehill Prep School in Dallas looms as a key matchup for a couple of reasons. First, Bowden served as Lakehill’s defensive coordinator the last two years before Calvary hired him in the spring. The matchup could also have playoff implications.

“This will be different because I still have friends who coach there, and I know a lot of the kids,” he said. “But it will be fun. I think it’ll be a really big game because whoever wins that game will have a really good chance to get out of the district and get into the playoffs.”

No. Player 3 Hamilton Presto Levi Elder 4 5 Kade Pirkle Jacob Helzer 6 7 Gage Pirkle 8 Nathan King Beck Hillman 9 10 Jackson White Derek King 11 18 Brice Coffey 19 Brandon Overton Joseph Schmidt 20 22 Zackary Bielss Drew Brown 27 44 David Lewis 48 Wilson White

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August 30, 2018

LIONS Roster Yr. So. Jr. Fr Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr.

From Page 81

Calvary coach for the second straight season, but Bowden believes he’s got the type of players, both offensively and defensively, who will make a smooth transition to his style of play.

“This year we have some big guys we can put up front who can block,” Bowden said.

“And we’ve got three or four guys who can really run the ball. So, it’s good that this year

CALVARY Schedule Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Savoy Sept. 7 Lewisville Lakeland Sept. 14 at Watagua Heritage Sept. 21 Forrestburg Sept. 28 Dallas Lutheran Oct. 4 at Dallas Lakehill Oct. 12 at Gainesville State Oct. 26 at Rockwall Heritage Nov. 2 Lucas Christian Nov. 9 Amarillo San Jacinto

my philosophy fits the personnel.”

Defensively Bowden wants his players to be aggressive and not hesitant to take chances. He’s already challenged his defense with the goal of forcing 30 turnovers this season.

“There’s two ways you can look at defense in six-man football,” Bowden said.

“You can play bend-but-don’t-break, because you know teams are going to score a lot of points. Or, you can be a little more aggressive and try to force teams to make mistakes. That’s more my philosophy.”

MARK YOUR CALENDARS The five best games in the Denton area this season Thursday, November 15, 8:30 pm: Florida Atlantic at North Texas

Friday, August 31, 7:30 pm: Aledo at Guyer

North Texas will face Florida Atlantic for the third time since the beginning of last season in a nationally televised game at Apogee Stadium. FAU blew UNT out 6931 in the regular season and 41-17 in the Conference USA title game. Both of those games were played in Florida. The Mean Green will look for revenge in what could be the game of the year in C-USA on their home field. UNT was picked to win the C-USA’s West Division and FAU the East Division in the league’s preseason poll.

This matchup is just as big as the Stephenville-Argyle showdown. Aledo is coming off an appearance in the Class 5A Division II state final while Guyer is looking to rebound from a first-round playoff exit.

There will be Division I players all over the field and the Wildcats will have a chance to show off their new-look offense against one of the state’s traditional powerhouse teams.

Friday, August 31, 7 pm: Stephenville at Argyle You’d be hard pressed to find a more high-profile season opener anywhere in the state than Argyle, the No. 1 team in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s preseason Class 4A Division I rankings, hosting Stephenville, which is ranked No. 3. The game’s intensity is magnified by the fact that Stephenville knocked the Eagles out of the playoffs last season in a heartbreaking 31-28 finish.

DRC file photos

North Texas running back Nic Smith, left, and Argyle running back Noah Lang will play in two of the highest profile games of the season this weekend. Argyle will play Stephenville on Friday, while UNT will host SMU on Saturday.

Saturday, September 1, 6:30 pm: SMU at North Texas North Texas will open its season against longtime rival SMU at Apogee Stadium.

The Mustangs lead the all-time series 31-51 and have won three straight. This season could mark UNT’s best chance at breaking through in years. The Mean Green return

last season’s Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Mason Fine and 17 starters overall. Sonny Dykes will make his debut as SMU’s head coach in the Mustangs game against the Mean Green. A win over SMU would be a huge boost to UNT’s program, not to mention coach Seth Littrell’s resume.

Friday, September 28, 7 p.m.: Denton vs. Ryan Ryan has dominated the rivalry between the Broncos and Raiders since the turn of the century as Denton has fallen to 3-14 overall in the series with its last win coming in 1999. But the Broncos, under first-year head coach Billy Miller, made things much more entertaining last year and will look to turn things around this season in the district opener for both teams. It’s the only crosstown matchup between Denton ISD teams this season, making it must-see action for area football fans.

— Staff report

84

Football2018

August 30, 2018

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Football2018

2017 ALL-AREA TEAM

August 30, 2018

85

Jeff Woo/DRC

Jeff Woo/DRC

Jake King/DRC

Al Key/for the DRC

Spencer Sanders capped his decorated career at Ryan by being named the DRC’s most valuable player.

Guyer standout Kaedric Cobbs rushed for 1,362 yards and was name the DRC’s offensive player of the year.

Argyle lineman Chase Petter posted 25 tackles for loss and earned DRC’s defensive player of the year honor.

Denton quarterback Landry Kinne threw for 1,308 yards and was named the DRC’s newcomer of the year.

The following is the Denton Record-Chronicle’s 2017 All-Area High School Football Team. The team was chosen by the paper’s staff in consultation with high school coaches from the region.

Most valuable player Spencer Sanders, quarterback, Ryan

Newcomer of the year Landry Kinne, quarterback, Denton Co-coaches of the year Dave Henigan, Ryan; Keith Ivy, Aubrey

First-team defense Defensive linemen — Arian Bhat, Guyer; Rondarius McGarr, Ryan; Israel Isuman-Hundley, Liberty Christian; DL Robertson, Lake Dallas Linebackers — Kosi Eldridge, Ryan; Dylan Bourey, Guyer; Gage Campbell, Argyle; Ahmad Terry, Ryan Defensive backs — Anthony Tony-Itoyah, Denton; De’Ray Darthard, Guyer; Tra Smith, Ryan; Hayden Clearman, Argyle; Grant Sawyer, Liberty Christian

Wofford, Denton; Brandon Engel, Lake Dallas; Cale Nanny, Argyle; Jaeden Johnson, Braswell Offensive linemen — Caleb Gill, Guyer; Justice Langston, Ryan; Hayden Brockenbush, Lake Dallas; Jarom Larman, Aubrey Second-team defense Defensive linemen — Grant Mahon, Guyer; Zalen Long, Lake Dallas; Austin McCallion, Aubrey; Larenzo Tystad, Krum Linebackers — Brock Anderson, Ponder; Tre Turner, Guyer; Kade Johnson, Liberty Christian; Isaac Broades, Denton; Connor Payton, Liberty Christian Defensive backs — Blake Ramsey, Arygle; Elijah Thibodeaux, Denton; Kason Howell, Liberty Christian; Jordan Rucker, Ryan; Carson Kennedy, Ryan

Offensive player of the year Kaedric Cobbs, running back, Guyer Defensive player of the year Chase Petter, defensive end, Argyle Co-quarterbacks of the year Ryan Depperschmidt, Lake Dallas; Jon Copeland, Argyle Wide receiver of the year Gabriel Douglas, Ryan

First-team offense Quarterback — CJ Jackson, Sanger Running backs — Emani Bailey, Ryan; Spencer Neumann, Aubrey; Don Williams, Argyle; Noah Lang, Argyle Wide receivers — Tauskie Dove, Ryan; Jamarion Robertson, Ryan; Wes McCollum, Argyle Offensive linemen — John Lanz, Guyer; Preston Coyle, Argyle; Josh Nicholson, Guyer; Mike Nielsen, Ryan Kicker — Luis Cantu, Ryan

Second-team offense Quarterbacks — Luke Stillwell, Guyer; Greyson Thompson, Braswell Running backs — Xylohn Posey, Denton; Dameon Moser, Sanger; Pablo Vera, Aubrey Wide receivers — Billy Bowman Jr., Ryan; Isaiah

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August 30, 2018

2017 Year in review

Football2018

2017: A season to remember The Denton area enjoyed a year to remember in football last fall. North Texas won the Conference USA West Division title and played in the New Orleans Bowl, Ryan advanced to the state semifinals and Argyle also made a deep playoff run. The Denton Record-Chronicle’s photographers captured the excitement. n North Texas won the Conference USA West Division title, the highlight in one of the best seasons in recent program history. UNT lost to Florida Atlantic in the conference title game before falling to Troy in the New Orleans Bowl.

Those two losses did little to take the luster off a breakout 9-5 season that included wins over key rivals Texas-San Antonio, Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss. n Ryan continued its run of success with its third straight season of at least 13 wins as the Raiders advanced all the way to the state semifinals before falling to Highland Park in a 45-35 shootout.

Coach Dave Henigan improved to 46-8 in four years at Ryan since taking over for current Denton ISD Athletic Director Joey Florence. n Argyle appeared to be one of the favorites to make a run at the Class 4A Division I state title last season thanks to an offense powered by quarterback Jon Copeland. Copeland went down with a torn ACL late in the season, but Hayden Clearman took over to lead the Eagles to the third round of the playoffs before a heartbreaking loss to Stephenville in the regional semifinals. n Braswell took a vital step toward building a successful program as the newest Denton ISD school by recording its first ever wins. The Bengals snapped a 16-game losing streak with a thrilling 54-41 win over Wichita Falls and closed out the year with a 30-12 win over Denton.

Jake King/DRC

North Texas wide receiver Rico Bussey turns the corner on his way to scoring the game-winning touchdown for the Mean Green in a 29-26 win over Texas-San Antonio. UNT drove 98 yards in the final 67 seconds for the win.

Jeff Woo/DRC

Jeff Woo/DRC

Ryan linebacker Ahmad Terry, left, and defensive end Rondarius McGarr, center, celebrate with defensive lineman Del’shun Neal during a game last season.

Braswell running back Jhari Grose (24) runs past Sherman defensive back Cody Hunter (3) at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex.

Football2018

2017 Year in review

August 30, 2018

87

Jeff Woo/DRC Jeff Woo/DRC

Denton running back Xylohn Posey (33) pulls away from Braswell linebacker David Akhagbeme at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex.

Guyer defensive back Seth Meador (19) breaks up a pass intended for Boyd wide receiver Patrick Estelle at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex.

Jake King/DRC

Jake King/DRC

Argyle wide receiver Wes McCollum (12) attempts to outrun Hirschi defensive back Nathan Downing in Argyle.

Lake Dallas quarterback Ryan Depperschmidt (7) carries the ball during the Falcons playoff game against Frisco Reedy at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco.

88

August 30, 2018

Friday, August 31 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Braswell at Red Oak, 7 p.m.

Lake Dallas at Denton, 7 p.m.

Ryan at Mesquite Poteet, 7 p.m.

Stephenville at Argyle, 7 p.m.

Aledo at Guyer, 7:30 p.m.

Aubrey at Van Alstyne, 7:30 p.m.

Krum at Plano John Paul II, 7:30 p.m.

Liberty Christian at Melissa, 7:30 p.m.

Pilot Point at Bridgeport, 7:30 p.m.

Ponder at Howe, 7:30 p.m.

Sanger at Plainview (Ardmore OK.), 7:30 p.m.

Calvary at Savoy, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 1 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SMU at North Texas, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 6 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Burleson at Braswell, 7 p.m.

Denton at Frisco Lone Star (Toyota Stadium), 7 p.m.

Friday, September 7 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Keller Fossil Ridge at Ryan, 7 p.m.

La Vega at Argyle, 7 p.m.

Lake Dallas at Frisco Centennial (The Star), 7 p.m.

Whitesboro at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.

Pilot Point at Krum, 7:30 p.m.

Celina at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Springtown at Sanger, 7:30 p.m.

Wichita Falls City View at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.

Lewisville Lakeland at Calvary, 7:30 p.m.

Guyer vs. Cedar Hill, Cotton Bowl, 8 p.m.

Saturday, September 8 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Incarnate Word at North Texas, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, September 14 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Braswell at Frisco (Toyota Stadium), 7 p.m.

Frisco Independence at Denton, 7 p.m.

Argyle at Tyler Chapel Hill, 7 p.m.

Frisco Reedy at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.

Guyer at North Crowley, 7:30 p.m.

Aubrey at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.

Krum at Benbrook, 7:30 p.m.

Brock at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Bridgeport at Sanger, 7:30 p.m.

Nocona at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.

Calvary at Watagua Heritage Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 15 COLLEGE FOOTBALL North Texas at Arkansas, 3 p.m.

Thursday, September 20 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Ryan at West Mesquite, 7 p.m.

Friday, September 21 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Frisco Memorial at Braswell, 7 p.m.

Lake Dallas at Princeton, 7 p.m.

Pottsboro at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.

Krum at Carrollton Ranchview, 7:30 p.m.

Liberty Christian at Prestonwood Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Football2018

Composite schedule

Ponder at Bowie, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 20 COLLEGE FOOTBALL North Texas at UAB, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 25 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Haslet Eaton at Guyer, 7 p.m.

Ryan at R.L. Turner, 7 p.m.

Friday, October 26 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Princeton at Braswell, 7 p.m.

Carrollton Creekview at Denton, 7 p.m.

Argyle at Melissa, 7 p.m.

Iowa Park at Aubrey, 7 p.m.

Krum at Graham, 7 p.m.

Lake Dallas at Lovejoy, 7 p.m.

Sanger at Paris, 7 p.m.

All Saints Episcopal at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Pilot Point at Paradise, 7:30 p.m.

Brock at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.

Calvary at Rockwall Heritage, 7:30 p.m.

DRC file photos

North Texas coach Seth Littrell, left, and Guyer coach John Walsh will both lead their teams in high profile games during the opening weekend of the season.

Guyer will host Aledo on Friday, while UNT will host SMU on Saturday.

Gunter at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.

Ponder at S&S Consolidated, 7:30 p.m.

Sanger at Mineral Wells, 7:30 p.m.

Forrestburg at Calvary, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 22 COLLEGE FOOTBALL North Texas at Liberty, 5 p.m.

Thursday, September 27 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Guyer at Keller Central, 7 p.m.

Friday, September 28 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Denton at Ryan, 7 p.m.

Braswell at Lovejoy, 7 p.m.

Argyle vs. Liberty Eylau, Sulphur Springs, 7 p.m.

Wills Point at Krum, 7:30 p.m.

Liberty Christian at China Spring, 7:30 p.m.

Pilot Point at Brock, 7:30 p.m.

Boyd at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.

Celina at Sanger, 7 p.m.

Dallas Lutheran at Calvary, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 29 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Louisiana Tech at North Texas, 6:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Aubrey at Wichita Falls Hirschi, 2 p.m.

Thursday, October 4 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Austin Hyde Park at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Calvary at Dallas Lakehill, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, October 5 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Denton at R.L. Turner, 7 p.m.

Guyer at Southlake Carroll, 7 p.m.

Newman Smith at Ryan, 7 p.m.

Sanger at Argyle, 7 p.m.

Denison at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.

Whitesboro at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.

Ponder at Paradise, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 6 COLLEGE FOOTBALL North Texas at UTEP, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 11 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Frisco Lebanon Trail at Braswell, 7 p.m.

Lake Dallas at Frisco (Memorial Stadium), 7 p.m.

Friday, October 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Grapevine at Denton, 7 p.m.

Keller Timber Creek at Guyer, 7 p.m.

Ryan at Colleyville Heritage, 7 p.m.

Vernon at Aubrey, 7 p.m.

Argyle at Paris North Lamar, 7 p.m.

Bridgeport at Krum, 7 p.m.

Fort Worth Nolan at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Pilot Point at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.

Calvary at Gainesville State School, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 13 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Southern Mississippi at North Texas, 1 p.m.

Thursday, October 18 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Denton at Birdville, 7 p.m.

Ryan at Carrollton Creekview, 7 p.m.

Friday, October 19 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Braswell at Frisco Reedy (Memorial Stadium), 7 p.m.

Guyer at Keller, 7 p.m.

Paris at Argyle, 7 p.m.

Aubrey at Krum, 7 p.m.

Frisco Memorial at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.

Liberty Christian at Midland Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Paris North Lamar at Sanger, 7 p.m.

Boyd at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 27 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Rice at North Texas, 3 p.m.

Friday, November 2 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Braswell at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.

Newman Smith at Denton, 7 p.m.

Trophy Club Nelson at Guyer, 7 p.m.

Ryan at Grapevine, 7 p.m.

Anna at Argyle, 7 p.m.

Aubrey at Graham, 7 p.m.

Vernon at Krum, 7 p.m.

Liberty Christian at Trinity Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Melissa at Sanger, 7 p.m.

Ponder at Whitesboro, 7:30 p.m.

Lucas Christian at Calvary, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 8 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Guyer at Keller Fossil Ridge, 7 p.m.

Birdville at Ryan, 7 p.m.

Lake Dallas at Frisco Lebanon Trail (Toyota Stadium), 7 p.m.

Friday, November 9 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Denison at Braswell, 7 p.m.

Denton at Colleyville Heritage, 7 p.m.

Argyle at Celina, 7 p.m.

Bridgeport at Aubrey, 7 p.m.

Krum at Iowa Park, 7 p.m.

Sanger at Anna, 7 p.m.

Bowie at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.

Amarillo San Jacinto at Calvary, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 10 COLLEGE FOOTBALL North Texas at Old Dominion, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 15 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Florida Atlantic at North Texas, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 24 COLLEGE FOOTBALL North Texas at UTSA, 6 p.m.

CCaring ompassionate, Services with Dignity

Turn to us for comfort and understanding. We strive to make your arrangements for your loved one as effortless as possible.

We at DeBerry Funeral Directors have been caring for Denton families for over 40 years and we’re always here to help in your time of need.

DeBerry Funeral Directors 2025 W. University • Denton, Texas • 940-383-4200 www.deberryfuneraldirectors.com DE-1628437-01

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