Preston Hollow People 2019 High School Football Preview

2019 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW PrestonHollowPeople

September 2019 | prestonhollowpeople.com   @phollowpeople |  @peoplenewspapers

STONE COLD

HOW PARISH’S ELITE PASS-HAPPY QB HOW PARISH’S ELITE PASS-HAPPY QB REMAINS GROUNDED REMAINS GROUNDED, 6B Also inside: Jesuit looks to bounce back, 3B Eagles aim for SPC title, 3B New coach leads St. Mark’s, 10B

CHRIS MCGATHEY

prestonhollowpeople.com

September 2019 | 3B

DIFFICULT DISTRICT WILL TEST JESUIT AGAIN

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

C

ombine a rugged nondistrict schedule with the weekly gauntlet in District 9-6A, and it felt like an uphill climb all season for Jesuit.

Playing in one of the most challenging leagues in the state against perennial powerhouses f rom Allen and Plano, the Rangers struggled statistically to their worst season in 15 years since joining the UIL. They missed postseason play for the first time in almost a decade and endured their first losing record since 2009.

However, Jesuit has reasons for optimism before the next realignment cycle. The Rangers return 12 starters. Although the team finished last year on a six-game losing streak — just one of those defeats was lopsided.

The offense saw its production

cut in half compared to a seven-win campaign in 2018. But dynamic running back E.J. Smith, son of Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, returns after tallying almost 1,400 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago.

New offensive coordinator Royce Slechta, who comes to Jesuit f rom Wylie, also will benefit from the return of quarterback Rance Holman.

The senior threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns in the season finale against Plano East, which was his only start.

The offensive line also features size and experience. SMU commit Branson Hickman is the son of head coach Brandon Hickman, and David Morales also is a three-year starter.

The Jesuit defense showed promise despite inconsistency last season, and the top two tacklers from that unit return in linebacker Tommy Roy and safety Jack Barton.

Q U I C K FA C T S

2018 RECORD: 2-8 (1-6 in district) NOTABLE: Jesuit’s next victory will be its 100th since joining the UIL in 2004. The Rangers are 99-70 overall during that span, with 11 playoff appearances.

J E S U I T VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E

August 30

at Arlington

7 p.m.

September 6 13 20 26

DeSoto at Wylie Plano West* at McKinney Boyd*

October 11 18 25

Prosper* at Allen* Plano*

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

November 1 8

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

ROB GRAHAM

at McKinney* Plano East*

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

* — District 9-6A game

Heading into his senior season, Jesuit running back E.J. Smith is being recruited by several major college programs.

MORWAY, EAGLES AIM TO KEEP OFFENSE SOARING

By Todd Jorgenson

Q U I C K FA C T S

People Newspapers

2018 RECORD: 5-3 (3-2 in SPC) NOTABLE: Although ESD has been known for its offensive proficiency, the Eagles allowed only 10.1 points per game in their five wins last year.

E S D VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E

August 30

Trinity Christian

7 p.m.

September 13 20 27

FW Country Day 7 p.m. at Bellaire Episcopal* 7 p.m.

Houston Kinkaid* 7 p.m.

October 4 11 18 25 ROB GRAHAM

Returning quarterback Preston Morway threw multiple touchdown passes in six of ESD’s eight games last year.

at Greenhill* at Austin Saints Houston Christian* at Houston St. John’s

November 1

St. Mark’s*

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

* — SPC Class 4A game

E

SD went through a bit of a role reversal last year with its typically high-powered offense hampered by injuries and inconsistency while its resurgent defense shouldered the load.

The Eagles finished in the middle of the pack in the highly competitive SPC 4A division, with two of their three losses by a combined five points. So with the offense poised to rebound, ESD could move back into title contention.

Senior quarterback Preston Morway will lead the way. The three-year starter passed for 2,264 yards and 24 touchdowns in just eight games last year. He also led the Eagles in rushing. During the offseason, Morway enhanced his dual-threat abilities by focusing on ball security and mechanics.

“He’s going to be something special to watch this year,” said ESD head coach Richard Williams. “We’ll be very pass-heavy and very dynamic.”

Morway’s top two receiving targets from last year are back in Jack Loftus and Brodie Burke, who combined for 77 catches, more than 1,000 yards, and 12 scores. They will be joined by Austin Russell, Val Mooty, Jake Connelly, River Woods, and Cameron Clendening. After emerging late last season, Smith Cochran should be the primary ball carrier behind an experienced offensive line.

Williams also remains optimistic about the ESD defense, with returnees including Woods at cornerback, linemen Reece Huggard and Henry Watson, and safety Ty Johnson.

“I think we’ll be solid on defense,” said Williams, who is beginning his sixth season at ESD. “We’ve got some key returning starters at the right positions.”

4B | September 2019

prestonhollowpeople.com

LONGHORNS CONFIDENT ABOUT PROGRESS IN 2019

By Tim Glaze

People Newspapers

W

.T. White is coming off a 1-9 season in which it was outscored 258-68 over its final five games, including back-to-back games in which it surrendered 63 points.

This year, the Longhorns will start a sophomore at quarterback and face a schedule that might be even more difficult. Yet second-year head c o a c h To n y Johnson is optimistic.

Jason Salinas will CHRIS MCGATHEY replace graduating senior Marcus McSammy Hines should be one of the Clanahan as the top receiving targets for a potent signal-caller. But W.T. White offense this season.

the youngster should benefit from a well-seasoned supporting cast, such as senior receivers Brennan Hatton and Sammy Hines.

“I believe we have great skill players,” Johnson said. “We don’t have a lot of depth, but our ones are as good as anyone.”

The offensive line includes two talented upperclassmen in Darren Nero and Tim Wyatt.

WTW will need to improve on defense against a daunting District 8-6A schedule that includes state runner-up Duncanville.

“Our defensive line will be much improved,” Johnson said.

“Jakobe Darden is garnering Division I interest, and Kailen Taylor, a transfer, is looking good at nose tackle.”

Success in the trenches on both sides — an experienced offensive line and an up-and-coming

defensive line — will be imperative for the Longhorns this season. So will some intangibles.

We don’t have a lot of depth, but our ones are as good as anyone.

Coach Tony Johnson “The culture here is better than last year. I have been here for just one year, and it takes at least two years to instill the culture and get buy-in,” Johnson said. “I believe this coaching staff is ahead of that curve in some areas. Now it just comes down to the little things, like confidence and belief.”

Q U I C K FA C T S

2018 RECORD: 1-9 (1-6 in district) NOTABLE: WTW snapped a schoolrecord 14-game losing streak last year with a win over Molina. The Longhorns haven’t finished with a winning record since 2000.

W.T. WHITE VARSITY SCHEDULE

August 30

at Greenville

7:30 p.m.

September 5 13 27

at South Garland Carter at Richardson*

October

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

4 Molina* 11 Skyline* 18 at Lake Highlands* 24 Duncanville*

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

November 1 8

at Richardson Pearce* 7:30 p.m.

Richardson Berkner* 7:30 p.m. * — District 8-6A game

prestonhollowpeople.com

September 2019 | 5B

REYNOLDS, PANTHERS LOOK TO KEEP BUILDING

By Tim Glaze

People Newspapers

L

ast season’s young roster has turned into an experienced one this year, and Hillcrest’s outlook is brighter as a result.

The Panthers return most of their starters from a squad that finished 2-8 in head coach Jacob Ramon’s first season. Fortunately for Hillcrest, one of those returnees is Nasir Reynolds.

The Virginia native emerged as one of the top running backs in the Dallas area in 2018, rushing for 1,956 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore.

“Our players are really working hard and are very excited about the season,” Ramon said. “I’m very pleased with our numbers and how our players are practicing.”

Aside from Reynolds, the Panthers will look to a deep senior class to set the tone, including quarterback Gabe Granados, defensive backs Trevon Norton and Khalil Ward, and linebacker Jayden Delgado.

Granados tossed four touchdown passes and ran for three scores a year ago, while Delgado was a bright spot on an otherwise beleaguered defense with 93 tackles.

Our kids are like sponges and are retaining the concepts our coaches are implementing.

Coach Jacob Ramon As part of the rebuilding effort, Ramon said Hillcrest has “overhauled” its defense and special teams units to better suit its personnel.

“Our kids are like sponges and are retaining the concepts our coaches are implementing,” Ramon said. “I want our identity to be one of a physical football team that plays every play as hard as they can, and then we let the chips fall.”

Q U I C K FA C T S

2018 RECORD: 2-8 (1-5 in district) NOTABLE: The Hillcrest defense struggled last season, allowing 56.7 points per game in district play. The Panthers surrendered more than 60 points five times.

HILLCREST VARSITY SCHEDULE

August 30

FW Polytechnic

September 6 12 20 26

at Sunset Conrad at Bonham Pinkston*

October 4 11 17 24

at Carr. Ranchview* North Dallas* at Carter* Alvarado*

November 8

at Wilmer-Hutchins*

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

* — District 8-4A, Division I game

CHRIS MCGATHEY

Hillcrest’s Nasir Reynolds was one of the leading rushers in the Dallas area last year with 1,956 yards and 21 touchdowns.

6B | September 2019

prestonhollowpeople.com

PASSING FANCY: NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT DOESN’T FAZE PARISH QUARTERBACK

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

E

ven as the spotlight shines brightly on Preston Stone, he always likes to share credit with his brothers.

There are his two older siblings. They showed no mercy when Stone was a kindergartener running drills with them in their yard and have been role models ever since.

And there are his teammate “brothers” who block for his runs, catch his throws, and help

Stone’s impressive statistics translate into victories.

Even as major college programs from around the country descend on Parish Episcopal’s blue turf for practices and games to watch the junior quarterback’s every move, Stone tries to remain grounded.

“Every time you go out on the field, the most important people are the guys around you,” he said.

“I’ve gotten all the attention I could ever want. They work just as hard as I do.”

Stone showcased his dual-threat abilities as a sophomore last season, passing for more than 3,500 yards and 44 touchdowns with just six interceptions. He also ran for nine scores as the Panthers reached the TAPPS Division I state semifinals.

He earned his first scholarship offer from a Division I school as an eighth-grader at Highland Park Middle School. That offer from the University of Nevada still stands, although several dozen other suitors have joined the fray, including traditional powerhouses such as Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC, and Texas.

“My freshman year it really started to hit me,” said Stone, who won’t be able to sign with any school until November 2020. “Things were kind of hectic. I didn’t know how to deal with it.”

He’s since become more comfortable with being a national recruit in the social-media age, in part through support from his family and his Parish teammates. Older brother Lindell is a quarterback at the University of Virginia. Middle brother Parker was a receiver at Parish last season and will stick around as a volunteer coach.

Although the family lives in University Park, Lindell attended Woodberry Forest, a rural boarding school in Virginia. Preston had the option of going there, too, but preferred to stay closer to home. Parker played at Woodberry Forest for two years before transferring to Parish to

compete alongside Preston.

“I didn’t really fall in love with it like they did,” Preston said. “For some reason, I felt like Dallas was the place for me.”

Parish head coach Daniel Novakov has gained a reputation for developing quarterbacks and said Stone has consistently shown poise and maturity beyond his years. He cited Stone’s leadership during the team’s postseason run a year ago, along with his lack of arrogance.

“He gets better every day. It’s like having another coach on the field at this point,” Novakov said. “He’s just a normal kid who happens to have a unique talent.”

Don’t mistake Stone’s modesty for softness.

He’s a fiery competitor whose idols included local high school legends such as Kyler Murray at Allen and Kenny Hill at Southlake Carroll, along with Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.

“In his college days, he was a rock star. He was a dog every Saturday,” Stone said. “Competition has always been a huge thing for me. That’s always been a part of me.”

Every time you go out on the field, the most important people are the guys around you.

Preston Stone As the limelight intensifies leading up to his college decision, Stone remains focused on the classroom, where he’s an honor-roll student, and on the field.

“He’s handled it better than anybody could have expected,” Novakov said. “There’s not a lot of kids who could receive all that notoriety and take it in stride. He’s got his priorities straight.”

ROLLING STONE Parish quarterback Preston Stone improved dramatically between his freshman and sophomore seasons. Here’s a statistical breakdown.

ROB GRAHAM

Preston Stone, a junior at Parish Episcopal, is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. He holds scholarship offers from dozens of top college programs.

Year Comp.

Pass Pass Rush Rush

Pct. Yards TD Yards TD 2017 59.0 2,937 27 208 6 2018 61.6 3,531 44 444 9

prestonhollowpeople.com

September 2019 | 7B

SEASONED PANTHERS ROAR INTO CONTENTION

ROB GRAHAM

Cauren Lynch, who led Parish with 572 rushing yards last season, returns alongside Christian Benson and Kaleb Culp.

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

R

eturning players and coaches at Parish Episcopal still vividly remember their state semifinal loss to rival Bishop Dunne last season.

The narrow defeat showed the Panthers how far they’ve come, just three years after jumping to the most competitive TAPPS classification. But the sting also lingers from coming so close.

“They got a chance to experience what it was like to play big-time football into December,” said Parish head coach Daniel Novakov. “The kids started to get accustomed to the style of play and what it takes to compete at that level.”

Parish has not only the motivation but also the talent to contend again. It starts with decorated dual-threat quarterback Preston Stone, who threw for more than 3,500 yards and 44 touchdowns and also ran for nine scores as a sophomore.

The dynamic offense features a backfield triumvirate of Cauren Lynch (also a big-time recruit), Christian Benson (cousin of former NFL standout Cedric Benson), and Kaleb Culp (a two-way all-district player). Each averaged more than 7 yards per carry and scored multiple touchdowns.

The Panthers must replace most of their production at receiver where returnees Jai Moore and Foster Malloy will join transfers

Evan Green from Flower Mound Marcus and Gabriel Walls from Frisco Heritage.

Novakov is especially excited about Parish’s resurgent defense. It has depth and experience including linemen Noah Richards, Josue Munoz, A.J. Overton, and Isaiah Overton; linebacker Keegon Addison; and defensive backs Culp, Noah Richards, and Luke Bridges. Top transfers include Blake Burris (Irving MacArthur) and Kenneth Borders (ESD).

Q U I C K FA C T S

2018 RECORD: 9-4 (2-2 in district) NOTABLE: Including the Panthers, three teams from Parish’s district advanced to the TAPPS Division I state semifinals last season, with Bishop Lynch claiming the title.

PARISH VARSITY SCHEDULE

September 5 13 20 27

TCA-Cedar Hill at Tyler Grace at FW All Saints Trinity Christian

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

October 4 11 18 25

at FW Christian 7:30 p.m.

Bishop Dunne* 7 p.m. at Bishop Lynch* 7 p.m. at Plano Prestonwood* 7 p.m.

November 1 8

Plano John Paul II* 7 p.m.

SA Cornerstone 7 p.m. * — TAPPS district game

8B | September 2019

prestonhollowpeople.com

REBUILDING GREENHILL FOCUSES ON CULTURE

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

T

he latest round of SPC realignment has not been kind to Greenhill, which suffered through a winless season in its first year in the conference’s large-school classification.

It opened our kids’ eyes to the level of competition that we were facing with a tougher schedule.

Coach Casey Selfridge

Angelo Drossos didn’t put up big numbers last season as Greenhill’s quarterback, but he gained valuable experience.

ROB GRAHAM

The timing was unfortunate for the Hornets, who came within one win of an SPC title in the small-school division two seasons ago, then lost a strong senior class to graduation.

“It opened our kids’ eyes to the level of competition that we were facing with a tougher schedule,” said third-year Greenhill head coach

Casey Selfridge. “We spent the vast majority of our offseason talking about culture.”

Greenhill’s rebuilding effort started with what Selfridge terms an offseason “culture shift.” The Hornets have boosted participation in the program by 25 percent but have only seven seniors on the roster.

“It’s been fun to watch this summer,” Selfridge said. “I feel really good about the steps we’re taking as a program.”

Greenhill scored seven or fewer points in seven of its 10 losses. However, Selfridge is confident in the improvement of returning quarterback Angelo Drossos, who was resilient as a junior while facing plenty of pressure.

“He took all the important snaps last year, which is a testament to his toughness,” Selfridge said. “I’m excited to see his growth and maturity.”

Other offensive weapons include receivers Matias Henry and Johnny Thompson, and sophomore running back Emilio Garcia. They will play on both sides of scrimmage, along with standout linemen Will Barron and Malcolm Taylor, a 300-pound behemoth who holds the school record in the bench press.

Q U I C K FA C T S

2018 RECORD: 0-10 (0-6 in SPC) NOTABLE: The Hornets failed to win a game last year for just the third time in program history. The other winless seasons came in 1974 and 2012.

GREENHILL VARSITY SCHEDULE

August 30

Valliant (Okla.)

7 p.m.

September 6 13 20 27

at Austin Saints Cistercian at Houston Christian* Bellaire Episcopal*

October 4 11 18 25

ESD* at Houston Kinkaid* Houston St. John’s* at St. Mark’s*

November 1

OKC Casady

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. * — SPC Class 4A game

10B | September 2019 prestonhollowpeople.com

ST. MARK’S LOOKS TO NEW PLAYMAKERS

By Todd Jorgenson

Q U I C K FA C T S

People Newspapers

2018 RECORD: 4-4 (2-4 in SPC)

S

t. Mark’s will have a very different look this season, and not just because it has a new head coach for the first time in more than a decade.

Plenty of fresh faces will take the field for the Lions as Hayward Lee takes over on the sidelines. Lee, who also coaches the lacrosse team at St. Mark’s, was the school’s head football coach from 2003 to 2007 and has assisted in various capacities since then.

Familiarity with the program won’t be an issue for Lee, but finding the right mix of players could be challenging with a young and inexperienced roster.

“We graduated a pretty dynamic senior class,” Lee said. “We lost a lot of players who made significant contributions to our team and our program.”

With no quarterbacks remaining who took a varsity snap last season, Lee will turn to senior Anthony Andrews, who was the team’s top defensive back a year ago but will

NOTABLE: Lee has been a varsity lacrosse coach for most of the past two decades, amassing more than 200 wins during stints at St. Mark’s and ESD.

ST. MARK’S VARSITY SCHEDULE

August 30

at OKC Casady

7 p.m.

September

ROB GRAHAM

Paxton Scott was one of the top offensive weapons for the Lions a year ago and is one of only a few returnees.

6 20 27

shift primarily to offense in 2019.

“We’re going to try and use him in every way that we can,” Lee said.

Since a handful of underclassmen likely will see significant action, St. Mark’s will count on its seniors for leadership, including receiver Paxton Scott, who led the Lions

October

with seven touchdown catches. Defensive linemen Carr Urschel and Taylor Hopkin also return.

“There are a number of young players that we see promise and potential in, and we’ll do our best to cultivate that,” Lee said. “We’ve got so much building and growth to do.”

4 11 25

Cistercian 7 p.m.

Houston Kinkaid* 7 p.m. at Houston St. John’s* 7 p.m. at Houston Christian* 7 p.m.

Bellaire Episcopal* 7 p.m.

Greenhill* 7 p.m.

November 1 at ESD*

7 p.m. * — SPC Class 4A game

prestonhollowpeople.com

September 2019 | 11B

AFTER PLAYOFF BERTH, KNIGHTS HAVE MOMENTUM

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

In its fifth season of 11-man football, Covenant adamantly proved it belongs with the big boys.

The Knights posted their first winning record, earned their first playoff berth, and scored their first postseason victory.

They hope to continue that momentum this season with a mix of new and familiar faces.

Standout two-way players Alec Scully and Cole Sellers are gone — part of the school’s first senior class to play all four years at the 11-man level. So is former coach Jesse Olvera, who stepped down to concentrate on his roles as Covenant’s athletic director and baseball coach.

Jacob Zinn takes on his first head coaching job after spending the past two years as an assistant under Olvera. He knows the foundation is in place for longterm success.

“Last year was a big step forward for

our program. We’re just trying to keep that momentum going,” Zinn said. “It allows us to take steps not just to be competitive, but to grow to the point where we can win district championships.”

Success just brings more guys.

Coach Jacob Zinn After two years mostly in a reserve role, junior Ben Spangler takes over as the starting quarterback. Fellow juniors Hayden Anderson, Garrett Graham, and Jacob Scott likewise will transition to more prominent roles both on offense and defense.

Participation at all levels has reached an all-time high for the Knights. Despite the increased depth and experience, Covenant won’t field any sub-varsity squads just yet.

“Success just brings more guys,” Zinn said. “We’ve got a great group this year.”

Q U I C K FA C T S

2018 RECORD: 6-5 (1-1 in district) NOTABLE: Before transitioning to 11-man football five years ago, Covenant was a powerhouse in the six-man ranks, winning TAPPS state titles in 2012 and 2013.

COVENANT VARSITY SCHEDULE

August 29 at Tyler Gorman

7:30 p.m.

September

7 14 20 28

Pantego Christian Kennedale Fellowship at Coram Deo First Baptist*

11 a.m.

1 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

October

4 at Muenster Sacred Heart* 7 p.m.

11 at Central Texas Christian 7:30 p.m.

26 Fort Worth Lake Country* 11 a.m.

November

CHRIS MCGATHEY

2 Fort Worth Calvary* 9 Tyler All Saints

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

* — TAPPS district game

As one of the more experienced players on the roster, Ben Spangler will take over as the starting quarterback for Covenant.