District 1-3A Preview

[Matthew328]

Last year this district was all Canyon as they rolled to a 10-0 regular season and finished out the year at 11-1 falling to Abilene Wylie in the second round of the Division 1 state playoffs. The districts other 2 playoff teams Borger and Perryton didn't fare so well as their playoff trips were brief. Again this district appears to be Canyon's to lose, however don't count Borger out as they bring back some talent but can they get past the bi-district round? Since joining Class 3A years ago Borger has only made it past the bi-district round once in 2002.

Matt's Picks: (Division 1 team in capital letters)

1. CANYON
2. Borger
3. Perryton
4. Amarillo River Road
5. Dalhart

1. Canyon Eagles
2004: 11-1 lost to Abilene Wylie in Div 1 Area Playoffs
Outlook: With 5 starters back on offense and 6 back on the defensive side of the ball and 24 total letterman back CHS is the odds on favoite to take 1-3A. Canyon returns some good recievers in Jared Preddy and Brady Bressler. However a question for the Canyon offense is QB and RB. If Canyon finds some balance on offense watch out. The Eagles defense will be stout with DT Cade Hales who may be the best player in the district.

2. Borger Bulldogs
2004: 4-6 lost to Lubbock Cooper in Div 2 Bi-District Playoffs
Outlook: With 20 letterman and 7 starters back on both sides of the ball hopes are high for the "Dawgs. LB/TE Jason Kerr is the top player, Borger's QB Tyler Kirklin had a decent sophomore season...look for a marked improvement with a number of returners on offense. Borger lacks the big play speed they were known for in 4A as numbers in the school have dwindled and the talent pool in the town has dwindled. Borger fell to Lubbock Cooper 31-14 in last year's first round.

3. Perryton Rangers
2004: 7-3 lost to Muleshoe in Div 2 Bi-District Playoffs
Outlook: Perryton has become a playoff regular the past few seasons and even advanced all the way to the state semi-finals in 2001 however last year proved to be disappointing as Perryton failed to live up to much of the pre-season hype falling to Muleshoe 30-13 in the bi-district playoffs. Defense will be a question mark as the Rangers only returns 2 starters. TB Tim Olivarez will lead the PHS offense despite only weighing 140 pounds he gained 876 yards and earned first team all-district honors.

4. Amarillo River Road Wildcats
2004: 4-5 missed the playoffs
Outlook: With only 10 letterman back and with depth being a concern it could be a tough year for RR. The Wildcats have no all-district performers, and only have 3 starters back on each side of the ball. TB/DB Sterran Schwartz is the top returner.

5. Dalhart Wolves
2004: 0-9 missed the playoffs
Outlook: Dalhart struggled to an 0-9 finish in 2005 technically the Wolves did earn one win on the field beating the Edmond, OK JV team 55-6 but JV wins don't count at least in my book they don't! The Wolves should have a strong offensive line led by Brandt Mendosa and Travis Cox.

5 Players to Watch:
DT Cade Hales, Canyon
WR Jared Preddy, Canyon
LB/TE Jason Kerr, Borger
TB Tim Olivarez, Perryton
DL Jordan McKinney, Borger

[Old Tiger]

Looks great...

[bullfrog_alumni_02]

cant wait to see what 7-3A looks like.

[VWG]

This district is pretty weak. With Canyon's numbers they shouldn't have any problems winning district. I know Perryton has some good history in making the playoffs year in and year out, but I don't see them giving Canyon too much trouble. Borger.... well they've had high hopes ever since dropping down from 4A, but nothing to show for it. I will be a believer in Borger once I see them win more games not only in the playoffs but in the regular season. Making the playoffs at 4-6 in the Amarillo area is not that great of an accomplishment.

[eagleman]

Good assesment of the district teams. Just some notes to support Canyon; they finished up the 7 on 7 season 8-1 with most notable wins over 4a Randall (twice) and 4a powerhouse Palo Duro. Offensively Peddy and Bressler both offer returning explosiveness and we also return RB Romero who rushed for 800+ yards a year ago as a sophmore. You're correct that QB is a ? It appears last years JV QB will get the go ahead as he led the JV team to a 9-1 record last year. He's small but much faster than Lovorn of last year. We also have another receiver playing this year after sitting out last year that adds more speed to the receiving core. All told we are 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, 4.5 at receiver so should be able to get it and go.

Looking forward to a great season.