Phantom Stang
08-28-2006, 08:03 PM
As a proud supporter of the Waco Connally Cadets(for this week anyway;)), I'd like to share this article covering our fine district.:)
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District 17-3A preview capsules
Monday, August 28, 2006
Fans may need an abacus by the end of the season to figure out the playoff scenarios of this always tightly-bunched district. Last year, five of the league’s six teams entered Week 10 with a shot at the postseason, setting up a complicated puzzle of various win-loss scenarios and point differentials.
“Just use our same quotes from last year,” said Gatesville coach Mike Morgan. “I think all the coaches would agree that it looks as competitive as ever.”
Robinson and Connally have combined for 35 wins over the past two seasons, and should again battle for the district title. Gatesville’s veteran experience gives the Hornets a slight lead over perennial playoff qualifier China Spring in the race for third, and Lorena and La Vega aren’t exactly pushovers.
Robinson Rockets
Head coach: Brian Lewis (2nd season: 8-4)
All-time: 264-183-9 since 1963
Playoff trips: 13 (17-13)
Last playoff game: Lost to Cameron, 21-0, in 2005 area
Returning: 15 lettermen; 5 offensive, 5 defensive starters
Key loss: WR Greg Gideon
Outlook: To say that the Rockets are well-skilled would be an understatement, since the skill positions are where Robinson is unquestionably blessed.
Defensively, the Rockets should be better than last year thanks to their speed. Lewis said all 11 starters will have 40 times of 4.85 or better. LB Brett McGee is the unquestioned leader of the unit, coming off a 120-tackle, two-interception season. DE Micah Spicer is a force as a pass rusher, and DE/FB Brandon Jenkins has big-time potential.
On the flip side, QB Randy Kitchens (2,225 passing yards, 20 TDs) is back for his third year as a starter and is one of the top playmakers in the area. He’ll look often to B.J. Lewis (6-2, 185), along with JV call-ups WR/DB Austin Cleare and WR/DB Robert LaFrance.
Connally Cadets
Head coach: Kevin Johnson (3rd season: 18-6)
All-time: 279-277-15 since 1951
Playoff trips: 12 (13-11-1)
Last playoff game: Lost to Giddings, 57-36, in 2005 regionals
Returning: 28 lettermen, 6 offensive, 7 defensive starters
Key losses: QB Jordan Williams, OL/DL Keith and Kevin Dahman
Outlook: Replacing Williams at quarterback will be Connally’s biggest challenge, but Bradley Cummings and Phillip Martinez should be up to the job.
They’ll have plenty of talent surrounding them including RB/LB Dexter Fulbright, WR/LB Terence Whitaker and WR/FS Jeremiah Jonse. Fulbright will be one of the most versatile players in the district. T.J. Johnson and John Jacobs are also talented running backs. The line will be anchored by Brian Pouge, Bubba Adcock and Aston Love. Twins Justin and Jeff Thomas could also make an impact up front.
Gatesville Hornets
Head coach: Michael Morgan (6th season: 34-19)
All-time: 424-371-32 since 1913
Playoff trips: 13 (14-12)
Last playoff game: Lost to Cameron, 28-21, in overtime, in 2002 bi-district
Returning: 24 lettermen; 9 offensive, 6 defensive starters
Key losses: RB Marcus Gilbert, OL Mike Richter
Outlook: A formidable 23-member senior class should provide direction for a tough-luck program trying to return to the poseason for the first time in four years.
“We’ve got to play better against the good teams,” Morgan said. “We realize that one bad game can cost you a playoff spot.”
Defensively, LB Pete Campos (120 tackles) and DE Andrew Miller are go-getters, while DBs Matt Chartier, John Williams and Barry Pickens offer good coverage speed in the secondary.
Some of those same faces show up on offense, as Chartier (734 yards) heads up the ground game and Williams and Pickens are primary targets in the spread offense. QB Luke Howard started all 10 games last year, throwing for 2,023 yards and 19 TDs.
China Spring Cougars
Head coach: Mark Bell (10th season: 68-36; 17th overall: 108-61-1)
All-time: 271-255-7 since 1954
Playoff trips: 19 (17-18)
Last playoff game: Lost to Marlin, 40-25, in 2005 bi-district
Returning: 13 lettermen; 5 offensive, 4 defensive starters
Key losses: RB Luke Carroll, OL Zack Stroman, DE Trey Smith
Outlook: The Cougars’ bid at a ninth straight playoff berth may hinge on staying healthy. Several players fought off ailments and injuries in camp, but Bell said that the team should be near full strength for its opener.
One of those early casualties was new QB Dustin Eskew (6-3, 195), who had his appendix removed at the start of two-a-days. Eskew will have ample targets to lean on, including WRs Ryan MacGibbon, Eric Kersey and Mike Hicks (1,133 yards), the Super Centex Offensive Newcomer of the Year in ’05.
MacGibbon will also play a key role on defense, along with returnees LB Toby Williams and DE Bobby Martin.
Lorena Leopards
Head coach: Ray Biles (15th season: 79-64)
All-time: 303-387-32 since 1921
Playoff trips: 9 (15-7)
Last playoff game: Lost to Giddings, 47-14, in 2001 bi-district
Returning: 8 lettermen; 2 offensive, 2 defensive starters
Key losses: DB Zach Erwin, OL Kyle Kattner
Outlook: A Leopard isn’t supposed to change its spots, but Biles has plenty of changes to his lineup this year, with only four starters back.
After playing slot receiver in 2005, diminutive Aaron Harbour (5-5, 126) steps under center in Lorena’s spread option attack, and should be one of the area’s most dynamic playmakers. OT Tyler Whiteside returns to anchor the line, while C Gusty Simpson is making the move from fullback.
Lorena’s strength last year was its defense, led by LB Barry Marusak (114 tackles), a savvy leader entering his third year as a starter. He’ll get help from LB Lucas Reed (5-10, 190). Heading toward the end of fall camp, several position battles were still up for grabs.
La Vega Pirates
Head coach: Willie Williams (16th season: 89-67-2)
All-time: 389-324-28 since 1931
Playoff trips: 20 (20-19)
Last playoff game: Lost to Marlin, 30-14, in 2003 bi-district
Returning: 19 lettermen, 7 offensive, 9 defensive starters
Key losses: QB Vincent Williams, RB Jeff Jefferson
Outlook: With 16 starters back, the Pirates could sneak up on some teams this year.
WR Larry Carpenter, who caught 10 passes for 162 yards last year, will play a more featured role in the offense, and WR Jordan Glynn, a standout basketball player, makes for a hard-to-miss target at 6-foot-6. The offensive line has beef and talent behind William Harden (6-2, 280) and Phillip Turner (6-1, 245).
Only two teams in the district gave up fewer points than La Vega last year, and playmaking LB Samuel Shepherd (6-2, 230) is one of the reasons why. CB/RB Eric Sykes solidifies the secondary and is the team’s top returning rusher.
Connally Schedule
9/1 Liberty Hill at Connally 7:30 p.m.
9/8 Connally at Marlin 7:30 p.m.
9/15 Connally at Mexia 7:30 p.m.
9/22 Connally at Fairfield 7:30 p.m.
9/29 Connally at University 7:30 p.m.
10/13 Robinson at Connally 7:30 p.m.
10/20 Connally at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Lorena at Connally 7:30 p.m.
11/3 China Spring at Connally 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Connally at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
Gatesville Schedule
9/1 Gatesville at Mexia 7:30 p.m.
9/8 Cameron at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
9/15 Gatesville at Liberty Hill 7:30 p.m.
9/22 Lampasas at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
10/6 Taylor at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
10/13 Gatesville at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
10/20 Connally at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Gatesville at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
11/3 Robinson at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Gatesville at Chi. Spring 7:30 p.m.
China Spring Schedule
9/1 China Spring at Fairfield 7:30 p.m.
9/8 Mexia at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
9/15 China Spring at G. Rose 7:30 p.m.
9/22 Groesbeck at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
9/29 China Spring at Rockdale 7:30 p.m.
10/13 La Vega at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
10/20 China Spring at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Robinson at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
11/3 China Spring at Connally 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Gates. at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
Lorena Schedule
9/1 Groesbeck at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
9/8 Lorena at Whitney 7:30 p.m.
9/15 West at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
9/22 Lorena at Rogers 7:30 p.m.
9/29 Lorena at Cameron 7:30 p.m.
10/13 Gatesville at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
10/20 China Spring at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Lorena at Connally 7:30 p.m.
11/3 La Vega at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Lorena at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
La Vega Schedule
9/1 Marlin at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
9/8 La Vega at Groesbeck 7:30 p.m.
9/15 Fairfield at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
9/22 University at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
9/29 Mexia at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
10/13 La Vega at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
10/20 La Vega at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Gatesville at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
11/3 La Vega at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Connally at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
Robinson Schedule
9/1 Robinson vs. Celina 7:30 p.m.
(Pennington Field, Bedford)
9/8 Fairfield at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
9/15 Robinson at Kennedale 7:30 p.m.
9/22 Caldwell at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
10/6 Rockdale at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
10/13 Robinson at Connally 7:30 p.m.
10/20 La Vega at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Robinson at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
11/3 Robinson at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Lorena at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
Cox Newspapers, L.P. - The Waco Tribune-Herald
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:D WACO CONNALLY IS GOOD!!!
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District 17-3A preview capsules
Monday, August 28, 2006
Fans may need an abacus by the end of the season to figure out the playoff scenarios of this always tightly-bunched district. Last year, five of the league’s six teams entered Week 10 with a shot at the postseason, setting up a complicated puzzle of various win-loss scenarios and point differentials.
“Just use our same quotes from last year,” said Gatesville coach Mike Morgan. “I think all the coaches would agree that it looks as competitive as ever.”
Robinson and Connally have combined for 35 wins over the past two seasons, and should again battle for the district title. Gatesville’s veteran experience gives the Hornets a slight lead over perennial playoff qualifier China Spring in the race for third, and Lorena and La Vega aren’t exactly pushovers.
Robinson Rockets
Head coach: Brian Lewis (2nd season: 8-4)
All-time: 264-183-9 since 1963
Playoff trips: 13 (17-13)
Last playoff game: Lost to Cameron, 21-0, in 2005 area
Returning: 15 lettermen; 5 offensive, 5 defensive starters
Key loss: WR Greg Gideon
Outlook: To say that the Rockets are well-skilled would be an understatement, since the skill positions are where Robinson is unquestionably blessed.
Defensively, the Rockets should be better than last year thanks to their speed. Lewis said all 11 starters will have 40 times of 4.85 or better. LB Brett McGee is the unquestioned leader of the unit, coming off a 120-tackle, two-interception season. DE Micah Spicer is a force as a pass rusher, and DE/FB Brandon Jenkins has big-time potential.
On the flip side, QB Randy Kitchens (2,225 passing yards, 20 TDs) is back for his third year as a starter and is one of the top playmakers in the area. He’ll look often to B.J. Lewis (6-2, 185), along with JV call-ups WR/DB Austin Cleare and WR/DB Robert LaFrance.
Connally Cadets
Head coach: Kevin Johnson (3rd season: 18-6)
All-time: 279-277-15 since 1951
Playoff trips: 12 (13-11-1)
Last playoff game: Lost to Giddings, 57-36, in 2005 regionals
Returning: 28 lettermen, 6 offensive, 7 defensive starters
Key losses: QB Jordan Williams, OL/DL Keith and Kevin Dahman
Outlook: Replacing Williams at quarterback will be Connally’s biggest challenge, but Bradley Cummings and Phillip Martinez should be up to the job.
They’ll have plenty of talent surrounding them including RB/LB Dexter Fulbright, WR/LB Terence Whitaker and WR/FS Jeremiah Jonse. Fulbright will be one of the most versatile players in the district. T.J. Johnson and John Jacobs are also talented running backs. The line will be anchored by Brian Pouge, Bubba Adcock and Aston Love. Twins Justin and Jeff Thomas could also make an impact up front.
Gatesville Hornets
Head coach: Michael Morgan (6th season: 34-19)
All-time: 424-371-32 since 1913
Playoff trips: 13 (14-12)
Last playoff game: Lost to Cameron, 28-21, in overtime, in 2002 bi-district
Returning: 24 lettermen; 9 offensive, 6 defensive starters
Key losses: RB Marcus Gilbert, OL Mike Richter
Outlook: A formidable 23-member senior class should provide direction for a tough-luck program trying to return to the poseason for the first time in four years.
“We’ve got to play better against the good teams,” Morgan said. “We realize that one bad game can cost you a playoff spot.”
Defensively, LB Pete Campos (120 tackles) and DE Andrew Miller are go-getters, while DBs Matt Chartier, John Williams and Barry Pickens offer good coverage speed in the secondary.
Some of those same faces show up on offense, as Chartier (734 yards) heads up the ground game and Williams and Pickens are primary targets in the spread offense. QB Luke Howard started all 10 games last year, throwing for 2,023 yards and 19 TDs.
China Spring Cougars
Head coach: Mark Bell (10th season: 68-36; 17th overall: 108-61-1)
All-time: 271-255-7 since 1954
Playoff trips: 19 (17-18)
Last playoff game: Lost to Marlin, 40-25, in 2005 bi-district
Returning: 13 lettermen; 5 offensive, 4 defensive starters
Key losses: RB Luke Carroll, OL Zack Stroman, DE Trey Smith
Outlook: The Cougars’ bid at a ninth straight playoff berth may hinge on staying healthy. Several players fought off ailments and injuries in camp, but Bell said that the team should be near full strength for its opener.
One of those early casualties was new QB Dustin Eskew (6-3, 195), who had his appendix removed at the start of two-a-days. Eskew will have ample targets to lean on, including WRs Ryan MacGibbon, Eric Kersey and Mike Hicks (1,133 yards), the Super Centex Offensive Newcomer of the Year in ’05.
MacGibbon will also play a key role on defense, along with returnees LB Toby Williams and DE Bobby Martin.
Lorena Leopards
Head coach: Ray Biles (15th season: 79-64)
All-time: 303-387-32 since 1921
Playoff trips: 9 (15-7)
Last playoff game: Lost to Giddings, 47-14, in 2001 bi-district
Returning: 8 lettermen; 2 offensive, 2 defensive starters
Key losses: DB Zach Erwin, OL Kyle Kattner
Outlook: A Leopard isn’t supposed to change its spots, but Biles has plenty of changes to his lineup this year, with only four starters back.
After playing slot receiver in 2005, diminutive Aaron Harbour (5-5, 126) steps under center in Lorena’s spread option attack, and should be one of the area’s most dynamic playmakers. OT Tyler Whiteside returns to anchor the line, while C Gusty Simpson is making the move from fullback.
Lorena’s strength last year was its defense, led by LB Barry Marusak (114 tackles), a savvy leader entering his third year as a starter. He’ll get help from LB Lucas Reed (5-10, 190). Heading toward the end of fall camp, several position battles were still up for grabs.
La Vega Pirates
Head coach: Willie Williams (16th season: 89-67-2)
All-time: 389-324-28 since 1931
Playoff trips: 20 (20-19)
Last playoff game: Lost to Marlin, 30-14, in 2003 bi-district
Returning: 19 lettermen, 7 offensive, 9 defensive starters
Key losses: QB Vincent Williams, RB Jeff Jefferson
Outlook: With 16 starters back, the Pirates could sneak up on some teams this year.
WR Larry Carpenter, who caught 10 passes for 162 yards last year, will play a more featured role in the offense, and WR Jordan Glynn, a standout basketball player, makes for a hard-to-miss target at 6-foot-6. The offensive line has beef and talent behind William Harden (6-2, 280) and Phillip Turner (6-1, 245).
Only two teams in the district gave up fewer points than La Vega last year, and playmaking LB Samuel Shepherd (6-2, 230) is one of the reasons why. CB/RB Eric Sykes solidifies the secondary and is the team’s top returning rusher.
Connally Schedule
9/1 Liberty Hill at Connally 7:30 p.m.
9/8 Connally at Marlin 7:30 p.m.
9/15 Connally at Mexia 7:30 p.m.
9/22 Connally at Fairfield 7:30 p.m.
9/29 Connally at University 7:30 p.m.
10/13 Robinson at Connally 7:30 p.m.
10/20 Connally at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Lorena at Connally 7:30 p.m.
11/3 China Spring at Connally 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Connally at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
Gatesville Schedule
9/1 Gatesville at Mexia 7:30 p.m.
9/8 Cameron at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
9/15 Gatesville at Liberty Hill 7:30 p.m.
9/22 Lampasas at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
10/6 Taylor at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
10/13 Gatesville at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
10/20 Connally at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Gatesville at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
11/3 Robinson at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Gatesville at Chi. Spring 7:30 p.m.
China Spring Schedule
9/1 China Spring at Fairfield 7:30 p.m.
9/8 Mexia at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
9/15 China Spring at G. Rose 7:30 p.m.
9/22 Groesbeck at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
9/29 China Spring at Rockdale 7:30 p.m.
10/13 La Vega at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
10/20 China Spring at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Robinson at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
11/3 China Spring at Connally 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Gates. at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
Lorena Schedule
9/1 Groesbeck at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
9/8 Lorena at Whitney 7:30 p.m.
9/15 West at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
9/22 Lorena at Rogers 7:30 p.m.
9/29 Lorena at Cameron 7:30 p.m.
10/13 Gatesville at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
10/20 China Spring at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Lorena at Connally 7:30 p.m.
11/3 La Vega at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Lorena at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
La Vega Schedule
9/1 Marlin at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
9/8 La Vega at Groesbeck 7:30 p.m.
9/15 Fairfield at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
9/22 University at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
9/29 Mexia at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
10/13 La Vega at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
10/20 La Vega at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Gatesville at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
11/3 La Vega at Lorena 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Connally at La Vega 7:30 p.m.
Robinson Schedule
9/1 Robinson vs. Celina 7:30 p.m.
(Pennington Field, Bedford)
9/8 Fairfield at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
9/15 Robinson at Kennedale 7:30 p.m.
9/22 Caldwell at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
10/6 Rockdale at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
10/13 Robinson at Connally 7:30 p.m.
10/20 La Vega at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
10/27 Robinson at China Spring 7:30 p.m.
11/3 Robinson at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.
11/10 Lorena at Robinson 7:30 p.m.
Cox Newspapers, L.P. - The Waco Tribune-Herald
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:D WACO CONNALLY IS GOOD!!!