2A Division I, District 8 Preview

DAINGERFIELD TIGERS
Enrollment: 407 (2)
2009 Record: 15-1 2A Div. 2 State Champions
The Coach: Barry Bowman
The Players: Steve Edmond (Sr., LB), Tyler Boyd (Sr., QB), Shayvion Hatten (Sr., OL), Donald Bryant (Sr., OL), Keyarris Garrett (Sr., WR), David Mims (Sr., DB/WR), Aaron Lewis (Sr., DB), D’Vonte Turner (Sr., LB), Odeyssius Chism (Sr., NG), Lamarse Lafayette (Sr., RB), Jesse Hansen (Jr., OL), Adunte Lewis (Jr., OL), Jeremy Godbolt (Jr., WR/DB), Darrin Terry (Jr., WR/DB), John Smith (Jr., OL/DL), Devin Smith (Jr., LB)
The Word: The Daingerfield Tigers finished the 2009 season with an emphatic 62-14 win over Bushland for their fifth state title in school history. The win completed the Tigers’ second straight 15-1 campaign and capped off back to back state titles. The Tigers have had an amazing run and look to continue their winning ways in 2010. If the Tigers are going to get back to the state championship game for a third straight year, they will have to find a way to replace super talented athletes like wide receiver Chris Jones (Texas) and runningback KoKo Smith (Sam Houston State) along with a slew of defensive starters. While replacing such talent is impossible for most 2A schools, the Tigers seem to churn out extraordinary talent on a yearly basis. After winning state titles as a sophomore and as a junior, quarterback Tyler Boyd is back for his senior campaign. Boyd has thrown for better than 4300 yards and 57 touchdowns over the last two years. His main receiving target figures to be Keyarris Garrett. The 6’5” Garrett hauled in 10 touchdown receptions in 2009. The offensive line should be a strength for the Tigers in 2010. TCU commit, Shayvion Hatten, returns to anchor the line along with teammates Donald Bryant and Jesse Hansen. Lamarse Lafayette will get the first shot as the feature runningback. Lafayette is not tall (5’7”), but is strong and possesses breakaway speed. On defense, the Tigers return only two starters, but they are as good as they come. Middle linebacker, Steve Edmond, a University of Texas commit, may be the best defensive player in the state. At 6’3” and 235 pounds, Edmond possesses long arms that allow him to gobble up opposing runners. Edmond is an intimidating presence in the middle of Daingerfield’s pressure 3-3 stack defense. The other returning starter, David Mims, is a shut down corner with the speed and ability to play at the next level. Other contributors on defense figure to be defensive back, Aaron Lewis, linebacker, D’vonte Turner and nose tackle, Odeyssius Chism. Daingerfield will once again have one of the more talented teams in 2A. The offense will need to carry the defense early in the season until some of the new starters on defense have a chance to settle into their new roles. If the defense can come together in time for the playoffs, the Tigers will once again be primed for another playoff run.
NEW BOSTON LIONS
Enrollment: 410 (1)
2009 Record: 5-4
The Coach: Rick Barker
The Players: Darrion Wade (Sr., QB/DB), Terence Lomax (Sr., WR/DB), Tevin Warren (Sr., TE/DE), Joe Kasitati (Sr., OL), Shakeem Jefferson (Jr., RB)
The Word: After spending the past two seasons in 3A, the Lions return to the 2A ranks in 2010. The Lions finished the 2009 season at 5-4 and just out of the playoff hunt in the very tough district 16-3A. The return to 2A should bode well for the Lions who were a combined 14-7 during their last two years in 2A. If the Lions’ return to 2A is going to be a successful one, they are going to have to correct a defense that gave up nearly 23 points a game in 2009, including almost 34 points a game over their last five games. Improvement on defense may be on the way with the return of talented defensive backs Darrion Wade and Terence Lomax. On offense, the Lions will feature the running game behind junior runningback Shakeem Jefferson, who was the 16-3A newcomer of the year in 2009. All-district offensive lineman Joe Kasitati will try to pave the way for Jefferson and give quarterback Wade time to throw to Lomax. Another player to keep an eye on is Tevin Warren (6'1" 210, 4.7) who figures to contribute on both sides of the ball for the Lions. New Boston should find their new district significantly easier than the one the Lions competed in last year. While the playoffs are a strong possibility, the Lions probably don’t have enough to dethrone Daingerfield as district champs.
PRAIRILAND PATRIOTS
Enrollment: 360 (3)
2009 Record: 9-2 2A Div. 2 Bi-District Finalist
The Coach: Glen Schuelke
The Players: Brandon Graham (Sr., FB/LB), Todd Fendley (Sr., OL), Tanner Beard (Sr., OL), Brian Jones (Jr., DL), Taren Sartor (Jr., OL)
The Word: For the second year in a row, the Patriots won their first 9 games in largely convincing fashion. And, for the second year in a row, the Patriots dropped their final two games of the season and failed to get out of the first round of the playoffs. The 2009 version of the Prairiland Patriots featured a stingy defense that surrendered less than 12 points a game. In fact, only one team scored more than 15 points on the Patriots all year. The Patriots will have to reload in 2010 if they are going to make the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Standout runningback and defensive end Randal Sessums will be hard to replace. Brandon Graham figures to get the first shot at taking over the running duties. He should have some space to maneuver with senior offensive linemen Todd Fendley and Tanner Beard along with junior Taren Sartor blocking upfront. On defense, linebacker Graham and defensive tackle Brian Jones will lead the Patriots defense. Prairiland has made the playoffs the last three years, but with only three playoff spots available in each district in 2A and with the defending state champions and New Boston in their district, making the playoffs just got a whole lot harder for the Patriots.
REDWATER DRAGONS
Enrollment: 339 (5)
2009 Record: 6-4
The Coach: Jeff Stine
The Players: Will Burris (Sr., HB/DB), Austin Barnett (Sr., WR/DB), Matt Hendricks (Sr., HB/DB), Chance Edwards (Sr., OL/DL), Kolbie Lee (Sr., OL/DL), Jesse Roberson (Sr., OL/DL), Lee Cecil (Sr., OL/DL), Travis Hanna (Sr., OL/DL), Cole Yeldell (Jr., WR/DB), Robbie Eitel (Jr., HB/LB), Dorian Hankins (Jr., HB/DB), Dewey Fleming (Jr., FB/LB), Dakota Threlkeld (Jr., OL/DL)
The Word: The Dragons continued to make progress in Coach Jeff Stine’s second year at the helm. Redwater’s flexbone offense produced 23 points a game. The offense should be just as productive in 2010 with fullback Dewey Fleming and runningbacks Will Burris and Matt Hendricks churning out yardage along with standout Dorian Hankins. Seniors Chance Edwards, Kobie Lee, Jesse Roberson, Lee Cecil, and Travis Hanna should man the offensive line. Meanwhile, Austin Barnett will be a target when the Dragons choose to go to the air. Even more impressive than the Dragons’ offense was their defense, which held opponents to under 11 points a game in 2009. But replacing standout linebacker Colton Southworth will not be easy. Fleming will pull double duty and occupy one of the linebacker positions, while Hendricks, Burris and Hankins will headline a talented defensive secondary. Edwards, Roberson and Hanna will flex their muscles up front on the defensive line. If Redwater continues to improve under Stine, they could find themselves in the midst of a fight for a playoff spot.
HOOKS HORNETS
Enrollment: 347 (4)
2009 Record: 5-6
The Coach: Jim Rice
The Players: Deon Wright (Sr., QB/RB), Josh Hughes (Sr., OL/DL), Kevin Sipes (Sr., OL/DL), Tyler Rutledge (Sr., FS), Caleb Fields (Jr., RB/DL), Jerod Nellums (Jr., OL/DL), Justin Howe (Jr., LB), Blake Young (Jr., DE), Kendrick Henderson (Jr., DB), Demetrius Burchette (So., RB), Aaron Doddy (So., QB)
The Word: The Hornets improved their record by three wins in 2009 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2006. After losing their first three games, the Hornets won five of their next seven games before being bounced in the first round of the playoffs by Gunter. The offense should be in good shape with the return of talented quarterback Deon Wright. Josh Hughes, Kevin Sipes and Jerod Nellums will form a solid offensive line. Demetrius Burchette and Caleb Fields could share the running duties for the Hornets. On defense, Nellums and Blake Young will anchor the defensive line and junior Justin Howe will head up the linebacking corps. In the secondary, Tyler Rutledge and Kendrick Henderson will form an impressive tandem. If the Hornets want to make a push for the playoffs, they will have to find a way to improve on the 21 points a game they gave up in 2009.
QUEEN CITY BULLDOGS
Enrollment: 314 (6)
2009 Record: 2-8
The Coach: Buddy Ray
The Players: Cody Willis (Sr., TE/LB), Braven Griffin (Sr., OL/DL), Trenton Garrett (Sr., RB/LB), Trevion Hunter (Sr., WR/DB), Zack Barrett (Sr., WR/LB), Jammie Andrews (Sr., RB/DB), Charles Scales (Sr., OL/DL), D.J. King (Sr., OL/DL), Dylan Godwin (Sr., OL/DL), Jared Elliott (Sr., OL/DL), Chris Martin (Jr., WR/LB), Sadat Banks (Jr., LB), Chevy Smith (Jr., OL), Colton Savage (Jr., OL)
The Word: The Bulldogs suffered through a difficult 2-8 season in 2009 and haven’t had a winning season since 2001. However, what may have been lost on some people is the fact that Queen City played one of the toughest schedules in 2A last year. The schedule featured six playoff teams, including two defending state champs (Prosper and Daingerfield). Although the Bulldogs took their lumps in 2009, they may be ready to take a significant step forward in 2010. The Bulldogs were very young in 2009, but will return 23 lettermen in 2010. On offense, Cody Willis, Trenton Garrett and Jammie Andrews will share the running duties for the Bulldogs. Braven Griffin, D.J. King, Chevy Smith, and Colton Savage all return to form what should be a much more experienced offensive line. And, Chris Martin will try to provide production from the wide receiver position. The defensive unit should be improved as well. Willis will occupy a position at inside linebacker, while Sadat Banks will line up at outside linebacker. Griffin and Charles Scales will help solidify the defensive line. Trevion Hunter will lead the secondary. Queen City faces a tough challenge in a competitive district, but the Bulldogs appear to be headed in a positive direction.