Preston Hollow People 2020 Football Preview

2020 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW PrestonHollowPeople October 2020 | prestonhollowpeople.com   @phollowpeople |  @peoplenewspapers

RELOADED RANGERS HOW JESUIT AIMS TO BUILD ON LAST YEAR’S HISTORIC PLAYOFF RUN – PAGE 5B

Ryan Lengyel, Peter Melle, Robert Fitzgerald, and Matthew Craycraft.

(PHOTO BY BRYAN MONTGOMERY)

Also inside: Can Parish win back-to-back TAPPS titles? – 2B Longhorns primed to end postseason drought – 2B RB’s return gives Hillcrest an offensive boost – 4B

2B | October 2020

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STONE, PARISH LOOK FOR REPEAT ATOP TAPPS

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

P

Sometime this season, Parish quarterback Preston Stone could surpass 10,000 passing yards for his high school career. (PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY)

arish Episcopal School reached the summit of Texas private school football last season by winning its first state championship in the highest Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) classification. That accomplishment, however, has only made the Panthers more determined.

“It’s harder to stay on top of the mountain than it is to climb there,” said Parish head coach Daniel Novakov. “It takes a really special group to do it twice. That’s the new challenge.”

An encore performance seems within reach thanks to returning dual-threat quarterback Preston Stone, who passed for more than 3,200 yards last season with 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Stone, who has verbally committed to SMU, also ran for 11 scores.

“You’ll see a more relaxed version of him,” Novakov said. “Hopefully, he can relax and enjoy his senior year and take it to a higher level.”

Stone will have plenty of talent around him at the skill positions, such as the return of all-purpose back Christian Benson, who was electrifying in the title-game win over Plano John Paul II. The receivers include sophomore Daniel Demery, a blue-chip recruit who will start on both sides of scrimmage and return kicks.

Also providing a boost are transfers Blake Youngblood (Austin Vandegrift) and Andrew Paul (Keller Central).

On defense, Parish allowed fewer than 28 points in every game last season. Allstate linebacker Kenneth Borders leads the returnees, along with Henry Partridge, Keegon Addison, Foster Malloy, and Omari Hayes. The line will be bolstered by transfers Jeremiah Bodwin (Bishop Dunne) and Jayden Jones (Pantego Christian).

It’s harder to stay on top of the mountain than it is to climb there.

Daniel Novakov

Q U I C K FA C T S

2019 RECORD: 12-1 (4-0 in district) NOTABLE: Parish’s modified schedule includes two matchups with rival Bishop Lynch, but only the second game will count in the district standings.

PA RISH VA RSIT Y SCH E D ULE September 25

at Bishop Lynch

7 p.m.

October 2

at Argyle Liberty*

7 p.m.

9

at Midland Christian*

7 p.m.

16

Plano Prestonwood*

7 p.m.

23

Bishop Lynch*

7 p.m.

30

at Plano John Paul II*

7 p.m.

November 6

at Fort Worth Nolan*

7 p.m.

13

Fort Worth All Saints*

7 p.m.

* — TAPPS district game

Longhorns See a Clear Opportunity in 2020

By Todd Jorgenson

Q U I C K FA C T S

People Newspapers

2019 RECORD: 4-6 (2-5 in district) NOTABLE: Senior receiver Dejon Baker transferred from Hillcrest, where his 715 yards and 12 touchdowns led the Panthers last season.

W. T. WHITE VARSITY SCHEDULE October 2 Richardson Berkner 9 Molina* 15 at Carr. R.L. Turner* 23 Woodrow Wilson* 29 at Sunset* November

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

13 Samuell* 19 at Newman Smith* 27 Bryan Adams* December

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

4

7:30 p.m.

at Lancaster*

* — District 6-5A, Division I game

W.T. White hasn’t made the playoffs since 2007 and hasn’t finished with a winning season in two decades. But this is the year that the Longhorns could — and probably should — put that futility behind them.

The reasons include an influx of talent, both new and returning, and a favorable result from UIL realignment.

WTW drops from Class 6A to 5A Division I, into a district that includes state powerhouse Lancaster. But nobody else made the playoffs, and four of the nine teams were a combined 2-38.

Plus, 13 starters return from a squad that made significant strides a year ago despite a late-season stumble.

“We have high expectations for this team,” said third-year WTW head coach Tony Johnson. “We were playing in 6A

with 5A numbers. Now it’s a more level playing field.”

The Longhorns enter the season with three legitimate quarterbacks. Returning starter Jason Salinas threw for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore. Johnathon Ware was arguably Thomas Jefferson’s best player for the last two years. And sophomore Jaydyn Sisk transferred from DeSoto.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Johnson said. “They’re all three very athletic and will play somewhere.”

Elsewhere on offense, running back Elijah Edwards is healthy after suffering a knee injury during basketball season. At receiver, Patience Carey returns with Hillcrest transfer Dejon Baker.

On defense, WTW has depth and experience in the secondary. Standout cornerback Dom Dozal will be joined by K.D. Dennis, and two-way players Marcus Wise and Justin Joof.

We were playing in 6A with 5A numbers. Now it’s a more level playing field.

Tony Johnson

Junior quarterback Jason Salinas gained valuable experience for WTW against some formidable defenses last season. (PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY)

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October 2020 | 3B

4B | October 2020

Reynolds, Panthers Face New 5A Challenge

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

If Hillcrest is going to end its five-year postseason drought this season, Nasir Reynolds almost certainly will be the catalyst.

The electrifying Reynolds played in the first seven games of last season, amassing more than 1,000 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, and leading the Panthers to a 6-1 start.

Then the Virginia native missed the final three games of the year, and Hillcrest dropped all of them, causing the Panthers to miss the playoffs.

Reynolds is back and healthy this fall, although the Panthers’ challenge will be magnified by a jump from Class 4A to a nine-team district in 5A Division II. “There’s nothing you can say negative about Nasir. It’s great to have one of your

best players also be one of your hardest workers,” said Hillcrest head coach Jacob Ramon. “We’re going to rely on him a lot, but he has the parts around him to where it’s going to be difficult to focus on just stopping Nasir.”

Four starters return along the offensive line, which should benefit new quarterback Carter Sido, who led a 7-3 junior varsity squad last season.

“He’s a natural leader,” Ramon said.

“He has a lot of tools.

He’s handling everything we put on his plate. I’m excited for his potential.”

The Panthers will feature a handful of three-year starters on a defensive unit that generated 30 takeaways and scored seven touchdowns a year ago.

Hillcrest should be solid up front with Demarlynn Bell, Trevor Cabell, Corey Untersee, and Matt Gann leading the way.

It’s great to have one of your best players also be one of your hardest workers.

Jacob Ramon

Hillcrest senior Nasir Reynolds has been among the leading rushers in the Dallas area for the past two years. (PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY)

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Q U I C K FA C T S

2019 RECORD: 6-4 (2-4 in district) NOTABLE: The Hillcrest offense averaged 52 points per game in its six victories last season, but just 13.8 points in its four defeats.

HILLCREST VARSITY SCHEDULE October 2 at Bryan Adams 9 at Dallas Christian 15 South Oak Cliff* 23 at Mesquite Poteet* 30 Conrad* November 6 at Seagoville* 12 Adamson* 20 at Kimball 27 Thomas Jefferson* December 4 at Spruce*

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

* — District 6-5A, Division II game

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October 2020 | 5B

Rangers Hungry for More Playoff Success

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

After gaining 10-15 pounds of muscle during the offseason, Jake Taylor should see an increased role in the offensive backfield. (PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY)

A historic season that ended with Jesuit advancing to the Class 6A Division II Region II finals is in the rearview mirror, and many of the key participants have graduated, including running back E.J. Smith.

Just six starters return from that squad whose playoff run included a dramatic upset of Longview. But that doesn’t automatically mean the Rangers will retreat.

UIL realignment moved Jesuit from one of the state’s toughest districts into a much softer grouping in Region I. Plus, the 2019 success has resulted in heightened expectations in the locker room.

“A n y t i m e yo u do well in the playoffs and get over that hump, the bar has been raised. It keeps the kids hungry for sure,” said Jesuit head

coach Brandon Hickman. “They carried the momentum into the offseason. Every kid wants to be a part of winning teams.”

New quarterback Gage Roy will take charge of an offense that was remarkably consistent last year, scoring at least 27 points in all nine of its wins.

“He’s going to be a pretty special quarterback,” Hickman said. “He’s got a big arm and throws the deep ball really well. I’m excited to see him develop this year.”

Meanwhile, a bulked-up Jake Taylor returns after rushing for a team-high 1,207 yards last season. The offensive line should be bigger and stronger, anchored by Matthew Craycraft and Baylor commit Ryan Lengyel.

Jesuit returns some critical pieces on defense, too, including lineman Peter Melle and safety Robert Fitzgerald. Also back is standout kicker Parker Brown.

Every kid wants to be a part of winning teams.

Brandon Hickman

Q U I C K FA C T S

2019 RECORD: 9-5 (5-2 in district) NOTABLE: Jesuit’s remarkable turnaround followed an eight-game losing streak. The Rangers avenged four 2018 losses in a six-week span.

J E S U I T VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E September 25 at Flower Mound Marcus October 2 Rockwall 9 at Plano East 23 Richardson Pearce* 30 at Lake Highlands* November 5 at Irving MacArthur* 13 Irving Nimitz* 20 at Richardson Berkner* 27 Irving* December 4 Richardson*

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

* — District 7-6A game

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6B | October 2020

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Spangler, Knights Ready for Next Step

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

The progress has been deliberate but steady for the Covenant School in its six seasons at the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) 11man varsity level. Last year, for example, the Knights recorded seven victories for the first time.

After finishing second in a tough district, they also advanced to the state quarterfinal round of the Division III playoffs for the second consecutive season, where they narrowly fell to eventual champion Shiner St. Paul.

“Last year was a huge building block,” said second-year head coach Jacob Zinn.

“Being able to compete with them was big for our program. It was good to see where we were and where we want to be.”

The pieces are in place for further

improvement this year. After losing just five players, the Knights will have 12 seniors on their roster, making it perhaps the deepest and most experienced they’ve ever had. Participation numbers continue to rise across the board.

Dual-threat quarterback Ben Spangler broke almost every Covenant passing record last season, finishing with nearly 1,800 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also ran for five scores.

“He’s starting to become more of that vocal leader that you like to see from a quarterback,” Zinn said. “His evolution over the past four years has been great to see. We’re looking for him to take another step forward.”

Many of the seniors will start on both sides of scrimmage. Garrett Graham is a standout at both running back and linebacker, while Hayden Anderson provides size as a tight end and defensive lineman.

Last year was a huge building block.

Jacob Zinn

Covenant quarterback Ben Spangler is a fouryear starter who had a breakout campaign last season as a junior. (PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY)

Q U I C K FA C T S

2019 RECORD: 7-5 (3-2 in district) NOTABLE: Prior to transitioning to 11-man football six years ago, Covenant was a powerhouse in the six-man ranks, winning TAPPS state titles in 2012 and 2013.

COVENANT VARSITY SCHEDULE September 25 Cedar Hill Newman October

7 p.m.

2 Tyler All Saints* 9 at Waco Reicher* 16 Pantego Christian* 23 at Tyler Gorman* 30 Shelton* November

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

6 13

at First Baptist* 7 p.m. at Arlington Grace Prep* 7 p.m. * — TAPPS district game

SPC Faces Fall Without Sports

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

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The worst-case scenario has become reality for most football players and coaches in fall sports at SPC schools — they won’t play this season.

The 16-team Southwest Preparatory Conference announced it wouldn’t sanction any competitions this fall because of concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, schools can pursue a partial schedule as an independent.

League officials cited travel as a primary factor since the SPC membership extends from Oklahoma City to Houston. Most football programs make multiple road trips of more than 200 miles each season.

“We recognize we are members of a conference with a wide variance in local conditions, approaches, and opinions regarding how to handle these challenging circumstances as they relate to athletic competition,” the SPC said in its brief statement. “Our member schools are located in multiple metro areas, spread

over a wide geographic area, with varying health conditions, regulations, public opinions, and governmental recommendations.”

The cancellation could prematurely end the high school careers for seniors at St. Mark’s, ESD, Greenhill, and elsewhere.

Previously, the SPC said its member schools would begin practices on Sept. 8 and begin an abbreviated season schedule in late September before changing course in late August.

“I certainly share in your disappointment regarding this news and know that this feeling is magnified for our seniors.

I have been inspired by the resilient attitudes of our student-athletes during these challenging times,” said St. Mark’s athletic director Sean Lissemore in an open letter to students and parents. “In the event that health conditions improve sufficiently to make some limited athletic competition possible later in the fall, we will make every effort to provide our students with opportunities to engage with athletes from local peer schools.”

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October 2020 | 7B

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8B | October 2020

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