3afan
10-04-2006, 12:32 PM
from Texasfootball.com:
3A at Midseason
10/04/2006
Just because this has the smallest number of teams of all the classifications doesn't mean there aren't as many good stories.
As you'll see below, there have been just as many surprises in Class 3A, just as many program turnarounds and big-timer performances.
PUT ON YOUR RADAR
Teams not on your playoff-watch list that should be
Dalhart (0-10 in 2005; 5-0 in 2006) – New coach Stephen Young has transformed an 0-10 team last year into a 5-0 team this season.
WF Hirschi (0-10 in 2005; 4-1 in 2006) – Running back Byron Ingram has led the Huskies to a surprising start, rushing for 408 yards and seven touchdowns through its first four games. Hirschi was winless last season and picked to finish this year last in District 6-3A.
Palestine Westwood (4-6 in 2005; 4-0 in 2006) – The Panthers made major improvements both offensively and defensively this season. Tailback George Carter and quarterback Gralyn Crawford led the scoring production, while defense has created many turnovers, including seven against Brownsboro in a 33-20 win.
La Feria (4-5 in 2005; 3-1 in 2006) – Wins against two Class 4A teams opened the Lions season. DB Randy Rodriguez has created turnovers for the defense, including three in the first half against Santa Rosa.
La Grange (4-6 in 2005; 4-0 in 2006) – Four straight wins this season, averaging over 25 points per game, have transformed the Leopards into a key contender in District 23-3A.
TAKE OFF YOUR RADAR
Teams on your playoff-watch list worth reconsidering
Kaufman: (9-2 in 2005; 1-4 in 2006) – The Lions failed to score more than three points in three games this season. Under the direction of a new coach, Todd York, the Lions were picked to finish second in District 13-3A.
Cleveland: (7-4 in 2005; 0-5 in 2006) – The Indians have not had any consistency on offense, averaging less than 10 points per game. Picked to finish second in district, Cleveland’s miserable start is surprising with six starters who returned on offense.
Gonzales: (6-4 in 2005; 0-5 in 2006) – Injuries on the offensive line has played a big role in the Apaches’ struggles this season. Area finalists last year, Gonzales has allowed a surprising 30.8 points per game this season.
Snyder: (9-2 in 2005; 2-3 in 2006) – A preseason top pick in District 3-3A and nine-win team last season, the Tigers lost its first three games this season. Defense, which eluded Snyder early this season, is the team’s strong point and has play strong recently with two straight shutouts.
Crockett: (8-2 in 2005; 2-3 in 2006) – A 1-3 start to the season was surprising for Crockett, who won eight games last year. But the Bulldogs may have gotten back on track with a 38-18 win over Madisonville.
BMOCs
MVP candidates
Ricky Beatty, Wimberley QB: Beatty (60-107-4-1018, 12 TDs) has emerged as an offensive force for Wimberley, which has clearly rebounded from a season-opening loss to Giddings.
Marcus Bowman, Carthage QB: A threat with his arm or his legs, Bowman has helped Carthage back up its preseason ranking, moving the Eagles up to 6th in the state.
Brandon Cobb, Decatur QB: Continuing in Decatur's recent QB tradition, Cobb has passed for 855 yards and 9 TDs in helping Decatur to an undefeated start and place in the Top 20.
Brock Fitzhenry, Giddings QB: The title "QB" is a little misleading, as Fitzhenry is most apt to endanger opponents with his legs. The junior is on pace to again lead Austin-area 3A teams in rushing.
G.J. Kinne, Gilmer QB: Before the season, we thought breaking the career passing mark was inevitable. But if Gilmer keeps blowing teams out, Kinne won't get a chance. His last outing: just 19 attempts, but 206 yards and 7 TDs.
Jeremy Kerley, Hutto QB/DB:He puts up numbers on offense, but Kerley is also a shutdown CB on defense, kicks the team's extra points, and returns punts.
Kyle Noack, Cuero QB: Noack is fifth among all San Antonio-are passers -- that includes 4A and 5A players. He's thrown for 1,064 yards and has been clutch in close wins over La Vernia and Liberty Hill.
Cody Wilson, Groesbeck QB: His team isn't ranked, but his numbers are too good to not consider him. Wilson has thrown for 1,285 yards and rushed for 415, giving him exactly 1,700 total yards of offense.
COACHES OF THE YEAR
Best coaching performances so far
TOP COACHING JOB: Kyle Story, Decatur
Despite losing 13 starters, Decatur has made vast improvements this season. Unranked to start the season, Decatur is a perfect 5-0, including wins over fellow ranked teams Sweetwater and Burkburnett, each whose only loss was to Decatur.. Best of ... Region I: Stephen Young, Dalhart -- Young has made a stellar impression in his first year with the program, guiding Dalhart -- a paltry 0-10 last year -- to a 5-0 mark at the midpoint. Region II: Kent Scott, Prosper -- Region III: Shane Jones, Palestine Westwood -- Westwood is off to its best start in well over a decade. At 4-0, Westwood, picked last in 19-3A, has a tough test against Rusk this week before entering district play. Region IV: Weldon Nelms, Wimberley -- Nelms and Wimberley have proved defending last year's state championship is within reach by beating ranked teams the last two weeks, improving the Texans to 4-1.
NAME YOU SHOULD KNOW
Surprise performers who've made big impacts
Brent Bode and Greg Allman, Liberty Hill RBs: This pair has combined for 1,303 yards or rushing, bringing to mind Liberty Hill's rushing duo of 2004-05, Matt Escamilla and Casey Kociuba.
Chad Bettge, West RB: Only a one-loss team, West looks better than last year's playoff team, thanks in part to Bettge's numbers: 116-703, 9 TDs.
Johnny Dishon, Bridge City RB: The Cardinals, whose only loss in 4 tries was to a 4A team, have relied on Dishon (96-616, 4 TDs) to get to this point.
Chad Eskew, China Spring QB: Eskew must be reminding folks in China Spring of their last good QB, the one now starting at Baylor. Eskew's 1,551 yards are the most we've seen at this point from a QB this year.
Thadeus Wilkerson, Needville RB: The Blue Jays are halfway to last year's win total with six games remaining. They'll easily top it if Wilkerson stays at his current pace for 1,200 rushing yards.
Andy Werner (RB) and Elliott Hackebeil (QB): This dynamic duo has helped Hondo reach the Top 10. Werner has 654 yards rushing, while Hackebeil has added 606 yards through the air.
JJ Harp (QB) and Brice Bode (WR), Argyle: Argyle, a 2A DI finalist last year, has a full head of steam heading into 3A district play for the first time, thanks in part to these guys. Nearly 500 of Harp's 1,200-plus yards have gone to Bode.
Kendrick Johnson, Mexia RB: Johnson's 902 yards (on pace for 1,804) will at least make 0-5 Mexia's highlight film worth watching.
Chris Valdez, Lytle RB: If Valdez keeps this up, he'll finish with exactly 1,500 rushing yards. And it might get 3-2 Lytle back into the playoffs.
Shaka Harris, Carrollton Ranchview RB: Ranchview won last year's hoops crown, but it's been a tough go in football. One bright spot is Harris (74-436).
3A at Midseason
10/04/2006
Just because this has the smallest number of teams of all the classifications doesn't mean there aren't as many good stories.
As you'll see below, there have been just as many surprises in Class 3A, just as many program turnarounds and big-timer performances.
PUT ON YOUR RADAR
Teams not on your playoff-watch list that should be
Dalhart (0-10 in 2005; 5-0 in 2006) – New coach Stephen Young has transformed an 0-10 team last year into a 5-0 team this season.
WF Hirschi (0-10 in 2005; 4-1 in 2006) – Running back Byron Ingram has led the Huskies to a surprising start, rushing for 408 yards and seven touchdowns through its first four games. Hirschi was winless last season and picked to finish this year last in District 6-3A.
Palestine Westwood (4-6 in 2005; 4-0 in 2006) – The Panthers made major improvements both offensively and defensively this season. Tailback George Carter and quarterback Gralyn Crawford led the scoring production, while defense has created many turnovers, including seven against Brownsboro in a 33-20 win.
La Feria (4-5 in 2005; 3-1 in 2006) – Wins against two Class 4A teams opened the Lions season. DB Randy Rodriguez has created turnovers for the defense, including three in the first half against Santa Rosa.
La Grange (4-6 in 2005; 4-0 in 2006) – Four straight wins this season, averaging over 25 points per game, have transformed the Leopards into a key contender in District 23-3A.
TAKE OFF YOUR RADAR
Teams on your playoff-watch list worth reconsidering
Kaufman: (9-2 in 2005; 1-4 in 2006) – The Lions failed to score more than three points in three games this season. Under the direction of a new coach, Todd York, the Lions were picked to finish second in District 13-3A.
Cleveland: (7-4 in 2005; 0-5 in 2006) – The Indians have not had any consistency on offense, averaging less than 10 points per game. Picked to finish second in district, Cleveland’s miserable start is surprising with six starters who returned on offense.
Gonzales: (6-4 in 2005; 0-5 in 2006) – Injuries on the offensive line has played a big role in the Apaches’ struggles this season. Area finalists last year, Gonzales has allowed a surprising 30.8 points per game this season.
Snyder: (9-2 in 2005; 2-3 in 2006) – A preseason top pick in District 3-3A and nine-win team last season, the Tigers lost its first three games this season. Defense, which eluded Snyder early this season, is the team’s strong point and has play strong recently with two straight shutouts.
Crockett: (8-2 in 2005; 2-3 in 2006) – A 1-3 start to the season was surprising for Crockett, who won eight games last year. But the Bulldogs may have gotten back on track with a 38-18 win over Madisonville.
BMOCs
MVP candidates
Ricky Beatty, Wimberley QB: Beatty (60-107-4-1018, 12 TDs) has emerged as an offensive force for Wimberley, which has clearly rebounded from a season-opening loss to Giddings.
Marcus Bowman, Carthage QB: A threat with his arm or his legs, Bowman has helped Carthage back up its preseason ranking, moving the Eagles up to 6th in the state.
Brandon Cobb, Decatur QB: Continuing in Decatur's recent QB tradition, Cobb has passed for 855 yards and 9 TDs in helping Decatur to an undefeated start and place in the Top 20.
Brock Fitzhenry, Giddings QB: The title "QB" is a little misleading, as Fitzhenry is most apt to endanger opponents with his legs. The junior is on pace to again lead Austin-area 3A teams in rushing.
G.J. Kinne, Gilmer QB: Before the season, we thought breaking the career passing mark was inevitable. But if Gilmer keeps blowing teams out, Kinne won't get a chance. His last outing: just 19 attempts, but 206 yards and 7 TDs.
Jeremy Kerley, Hutto QB/DB:He puts up numbers on offense, but Kerley is also a shutdown CB on defense, kicks the team's extra points, and returns punts.
Kyle Noack, Cuero QB: Noack is fifth among all San Antonio-are passers -- that includes 4A and 5A players. He's thrown for 1,064 yards and has been clutch in close wins over La Vernia and Liberty Hill.
Cody Wilson, Groesbeck QB: His team isn't ranked, but his numbers are too good to not consider him. Wilson has thrown for 1,285 yards and rushed for 415, giving him exactly 1,700 total yards of offense.
COACHES OF THE YEAR
Best coaching performances so far
TOP COACHING JOB: Kyle Story, Decatur
Despite losing 13 starters, Decatur has made vast improvements this season. Unranked to start the season, Decatur is a perfect 5-0, including wins over fellow ranked teams Sweetwater and Burkburnett, each whose only loss was to Decatur.. Best of ... Region I: Stephen Young, Dalhart -- Young has made a stellar impression in his first year with the program, guiding Dalhart -- a paltry 0-10 last year -- to a 5-0 mark at the midpoint. Region II: Kent Scott, Prosper -- Region III: Shane Jones, Palestine Westwood -- Westwood is off to its best start in well over a decade. At 4-0, Westwood, picked last in 19-3A, has a tough test against Rusk this week before entering district play. Region IV: Weldon Nelms, Wimberley -- Nelms and Wimberley have proved defending last year's state championship is within reach by beating ranked teams the last two weeks, improving the Texans to 4-1.
NAME YOU SHOULD KNOW
Surprise performers who've made big impacts
Brent Bode and Greg Allman, Liberty Hill RBs: This pair has combined for 1,303 yards or rushing, bringing to mind Liberty Hill's rushing duo of 2004-05, Matt Escamilla and Casey Kociuba.
Chad Bettge, West RB: Only a one-loss team, West looks better than last year's playoff team, thanks in part to Bettge's numbers: 116-703, 9 TDs.
Johnny Dishon, Bridge City RB: The Cardinals, whose only loss in 4 tries was to a 4A team, have relied on Dishon (96-616, 4 TDs) to get to this point.
Chad Eskew, China Spring QB: Eskew must be reminding folks in China Spring of their last good QB, the one now starting at Baylor. Eskew's 1,551 yards are the most we've seen at this point from a QB this year.
Thadeus Wilkerson, Needville RB: The Blue Jays are halfway to last year's win total with six games remaining. They'll easily top it if Wilkerson stays at his current pace for 1,200 rushing yards.
Andy Werner (RB) and Elliott Hackebeil (QB): This dynamic duo has helped Hondo reach the Top 10. Werner has 654 yards rushing, while Hackebeil has added 606 yards through the air.
JJ Harp (QB) and Brice Bode (WR), Argyle: Argyle, a 2A DI finalist last year, has a full head of steam heading into 3A district play for the first time, thanks in part to these guys. Nearly 500 of Harp's 1,200-plus yards have gone to Bode.
Kendrick Johnson, Mexia RB: Johnson's 902 yards (on pace for 1,804) will at least make 0-5 Mexia's highlight film worth watching.
Chris Valdez, Lytle RB: If Valdez keeps this up, he'll finish with exactly 1,500 rushing yards. And it might get 3-2 Lytle back into the playoffs.
Shaka Harris, Carrollton Ranchview RB: Ranchview won last year's hoops crown, but it's been a tough go in football. One bright spot is Harris (74-436).