Central Texas football (AAS stuff)

[LH Panther Mom]

District 8-3A looks tough
8-3A figures to be a 'bloodbath every week,' one coach says.
By Danny Davis

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF


Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Welcome to varsity football, Canyon Lake.

The school's first season as a varsity program isn't going to be easy. The Hawks, led by former Connally coach Matt Monzingo, will play in District 8-3A, expected to be one of the toughest districts in Central Texas.

The district boasts Liberty Hill, the two-time defending state champion, as well as two teams that advanced to at least the Class 3A regional semifinals last year — Wimberley and Llano. Burnet and Fredericksburg reached the playoffs last year too, at the Class 4A level.

"It's going to be a bloodbath every week," said Llano coach David Yeager. "It's going to be very difficult."

Experienced quarterback play will be seen throughout 8-3A; Burnet is the only team that won't return its 2007 starter to its lineup.

But even with a new quarterback, don't expect the Bulldogs and their 10 returning starters to become pushovers. Burnet has gone 2-2 against Liberty Hill the past four years and was one of two teams in 2007 to hold a halftime lead against the Panthers.

The preseason favorite in 8-3A is obviously Liberty Hill, which enters the season with a 24-game winning streak. But the Panthers aren't the only team in the district with a recent history of winning. Wimberley won the Class 3A, Division I championship in 2005 while Burnet advanced to the Class 3A state title game in 2002 and 2003.

danieldavis@statesman.com; 445-3952

AAS link (http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/highschool/08/19/0819prepdistrict.html)

[LH Panther Mom]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Central Texas' Class 3A season outlook
Tuesday, August 19, 2008

BREAKDOWN: 8-3A

Playoff picks, predicted finish:

1. Liberty Hill

2. Wimberley

3. Fredericksburg

4. Burnet


Five keys to the race

Power district — We have the UIL to thank for turning this district into one of the state's best in Class 3A. Two-time state champion Liberty Hill joins 2005 champion Wimberley, plus the addition of former 4As Fredericksburg and Burnet will definitely make the top four finishers ready for the playoffs.

Another run — The key to the Liberty Hill offense is that deceptive running game. So that means the key to this year's Panthers season is who will emerge as running backs. Jimmie Johnson, Dustin Boyd and Brent Witbeck likely are the names you'll hear about this fall.

A fresh start — After starting up and building the Connally program into a Central Texas power, head coach Matt Monzingo unveils his newest project: the Canyon Lake Hawks. The team, though, has plucked its student body from two solid football schools — fellow Comal ISD schools Smithson Valley and New Braunfels Canyon.

The 4A effect — Burnet, back in Class 3A after going 22-20 in four years as a 4A program, is hoping to get back to where it was earlier this decade. The Bulldogs were one of 3A's top teams, making five straight playoff appearances from 1999-2003 with a 53-12 record, including back-to-back 14-1 years and state championship games in 2002 and 2003. Fredericksburg, meanwhile, has gone 16-8 the past two years in Class 4A and has made the playoffs in four of the past six years.

Don't forget Llano — Lost amid the preseason buzz surrounding this district is the addition of the Llano Yellow Jackets, who have made the playoffs three straight years and should field one of 8-3A's most dynamic offenses. Pass-happy Llano, which plays Fredericksburg and Burnet in back-to-back weeks in early October, could have a shot at one of those final two playoff spots.


8-3A SUPERLATIVES

Top offensive player: Barron Scudder, Wimberley

Top defensive player: Cody Lattimore, Liberty Hill

Sleeper team: Llano

Best game: Liberty Hill at Wimberley, Oct. 24


BREAKDOWN: 24-3A

Playoff picks, predicted finish:

1. Navasota

2. Madisonville

3. Cameron Yoe

4. Rockdale

Five keys to the race

Rattling the district — This year's title is Navasota's to lose. The Rattlers, coming off a 9-4 season, have one of the state's top college recruits in RB Dexter Pratt, who has committed to LSU. And with question marks lingering over the rest of 24-3A's top teams, Navasota enters the fall looking like a lock.

Youth is served — Two teams with playoff hopes — Caldwell and Madisonville — lost heavy senior classes to graduation. The Hornets said goodbye to 25 seniors from last year's 9-2 team, including their top QB, RB and WR. Madisonville, meanwhile, lost 31 seniors from a 9-2 squad.

Future Horn — Keep an eye on Madisonville RB Chris Whaley, who's rated No. 9 on this year's Fab 55 list of the state's top recruits. The future Longhorn, coupled with Navasota's Pratt, makes 24-3A one of the state's most dynamic districts when it comes to running backs. That matchup, by the way, happens Nov. 7.

There are QBs, too — This district isn't just about top RBs. Two quarterbacks will have a lot to say about their team's chances. Navasota's Jacolby Stokes and Cameron Yoe's Steven Townsend combined for 3,684 yards and 41 TDs in 2007.

Hello Rudder, goodbye Giddings — Realignment separated Giddings (now in 25-3A) and Navasota, while Bryan Rudder makes its varsity debut with nothing but sophomores and freshmen.


24-3A SUPERLATIVES

Top offensive player:Chris Whaley, Madisonville

Top defensive player: Eugene Castillo, Navasota

Sleeper team: Cameron Yoe

Best game: Madisonville at Navasota, Nov. 7


BREAKDOWN: 25-3A

Playoff picks, predicted finish:

1. Sealy

2. Giddings

3. Columbus

4. Bellville

Five keys to the race

Signed, Sealy, Delivered — Led by a strong group of returning starters from last year's 7-4 team, Sealy heads into the fall as 25-3A's team to beat. Strong on offense and tough on defense, the Tigers have RB Dexter Downey — last year's newcomer of the year in 24-3A — back as well as the district's top kicker.

Giddings' new era — Brock Fitzhenry is now a Texas Longhorn, which means the Buffaloes not only will have a new QB, but also a new focal point on offense. Giddings qualified for this summer's 7-on-7 state championship, so we'll have to wait to see if that translates into a higher emphasis on the pass than the Buffs have shown in recent years.

Experience counts — Many are picking Bellville for a postseason spot because of seven returning starters on offense and defense, including standout RB Garrette Nunn, a 1,500-yard rusher who has a solid offensive line to open holes for him.

Getting defensive — Giddings lost two standout seniors from 2007: Fitzhenry, who's now at Texas, and LB Alan Dock, who signed with Tulsa. Both departures will impact this year's team, but the Buffaloes' defense — with LB Quinn Taylor (112 tackles) and DB Corey Brite (4 INTs) and a solid line up front — should rise to near the top of the district.

QB or not QB? — La Grange, which has missed the playoffs in three of the past four years, entered fall practices with two quarterbacks vying for the starting spot. Senior Luke Henderson and junior Josh Schneider, whoever ends up starting, will have a young team to lead. The Leopards return only two starters on offense and two on defense.


25-3A SUPERLATIVES

Top offensive player:Garrette Nunn, Bellville

Top defensive player: Quinn Taylor, Giddings

Sleeper team: Bellville

Best game: Sealy at Giddings, Oct. 10


BREAKDOWN: 27-3A

Playoff picks, predicted finish:

1. La Vernia

2. Luling

3. Poteet

4. San Antonio Houston

ABOUT THIS DISTRICT

Luling and Poteet were playoff teams with sub-.500 records last year, while the La Vernia Bears went 8-3 and have seven starters back on offense, including RB Doug Helmke, who rushed for more than 1,500 yards. ... Keep an eye on Luling's Craig Mager, a good-sized DB with speed. He may end up playing offense as well. ... Luling has made the playoffs two straight years.


27-3A SUPERLATIVES

Top offensive player:Doug Helmke, La Vernia

Top defensive player:Brett Adams, Poteet

Sleeper team: Poteet

Best game: La Vernia at Luling, Nov. 7


2007 STATE CHAMPIONS

5A Division I: Euless Trinity 13, Converse Judson 10

5A Division II: Katy 28, Pflugerville 7

4A Division I: Lamar Consolidated 20, Copperas Cove 14

4A Division II: Lake Travis 36, Dallas Highland Park 34

3A Division I: Liberty Hill 38, Gilmer 13

3A Division II: Celina 21, China Spring 14

2A Division I: Farmersville 27, Tatum 24 (OT)

2A Division II: Canadian 40, Elysian Fields 25

Class A Division I: Alto 22, Seymour 0

Class A Division II: Munday 26, Bremond 6

Six-man Division I: Richland Springs 98, Rule 54

Six-man Division II: Motley County 44, Woodson 38


AAS link (http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/highschool/08/19/0819preppreview.html)

[LH Panther Mom]

Pass-happy Llano


http://www.smilieland.com/graphics/xxrotflmao.gif

[LHexPlayer]

Originally posted by LH Panther Mom
Pass-happy Llano


http://www.smilieland.com/graphics/xxrotflmao.gif

Leave it to the AAS to not get their facts staight. You would think they could do a little research on their own site.
Here are Llano passing stats last season.

PASSING STATISTICS
NUMBER | NAME COMP ATT YDS INT TD
8 Trey Brooks 36 66 674 4 11
37 Ty Thurman 3 2 40 0 0
10 Cody Fietz 0 1 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 39 69 714 4 11


Compared to LH they are a little pass happy.
:D

[LH Panther Mom]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Central Texas' top Class 3A teams
Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Top 10 Class 3A teams

Central Texas' top 10 preseason Class 3A teams, as voted upon by the American-Statesman's high school football staff. First-place votes are in parenthesis:

School Pts. 2007 Note

1. Liberty Hill (4) 40 14-0 Even with new RBs, you've gotta love those two state titles

2. Wimberley 36 6-7 A move into Liberty Hill's district gives 8-3A three ex-state champs

3. Burnet 25 5-6 Bulldogs are back in 3A, where they dominated in 2002 and 2003

4. Giddings 23 11-1 Buffs have won 34 games the past three years, but there's a new QB

5. Fredericksburg 22 7-5 Like Burnet, Billies are making the move down from 4A

6. Cameron Yoe 21 5-6 The season banks on star QB Steven Townsend, RB James Wells

7. Llano 20 9-4 The addition of Yellow Jackets' offense will throw a wrench in 8-3A

8. Caldwell 13 9-2 In a rebuilding mode from last year's playoffs, especially on defense

9. Taylor 8 2-8 RB Tristan Meyer will shine, but the Ducks are in a tough district

10. Luling 6 4-7 Eagles have made the playoffs two years in a row

Also receiving votes:Rockdale 5


AAS link (http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/highschool/08/19/0819preprank.html)

[LH Panther Mom]

Originally posted by LHexPlayer

Compared to LH they are a little pass happy.
:D :evillol: :evillol: :evillol:

[LH Panther Mom]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Central Texas' Class 3A players to watch
By Richard Tijerina

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF


Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Brooks Blakemoore, Wimberley:Small but quick, Blakemoore is key to the Texans this year. He caught 33 passes last year for 533 yards and 4 TDs, and will be QB Barron Scudder's top downfield target.

Dustin Boyd, Liberty Hill:The RB position for Liberty Hill is one of the sweetest spots to fill in all of Central Texas, and Boyd — who is expected to follow the likes of past Panthers stars Casey Kociuba and Dustin Gonzales — should be considered a candidate for a 2,000-yard season, as should fellow Liberty Hill runners Jimmie Johnson and Brent Witbeck.

Cody Lattimore, Liberty Hill:It only seems like Lattimore — who earned honorable mention All-Central Texas honors as a freshman way back in 2005 — has been playing forever. The all-state candidate has logged 316 tackles his first three years.

Andrew Ratliff, Llano:The 6-5, 305-pound offensive lineman shores up the 'Jackets' front line, paving the way for an outstanding pass offense. He earned all-district honors last year in 25-3A.

Barron Scudder, Wimberley:He's the second-leading returning passer in Central Texas, behind only Lake Travis' Garrett Gilbert, after throwing for 2,257 yards and 17 TDs last season. The Texans could have a big year, and if they do, they'll need Scudder to repeat a lot of his 2007 success.

Quinn Taylor, Giddings: Rightly overshadowed by the play of former Giddings LB Alan Dock, Taylor is a quick defender who's tough against the run. He had 112 tackles last season and will serve as the defensive anchor for the Buffaloes.

Steven Townsend, Cameron Yoe:He turned in a fine season in 2007, passing for 1,762 yards and 23 TDs, and will be one of 24-3A's top offensive players not named Chris Whaley or Dexter Pratt. Plus, Townsend has a fine weapon to throw to in WR Brandon Freeman (44 catches in 2007).

Alex Wallace, Burnet:Quick off the line, the senior defensive end registered 8 sacks last year. The Bulldogs will need to apply defensive pressure, particularly against good passing teams like Wimberley and Llano, to succeed in 2008.

Walker Woolman, Llano:He could emerge as one of Central Texas' top tight ends, coming off a 19-catch season for 371 yards and 8 TDs. He's a valuable safety valve for Llano QB Trey Brooks.


AAS link (http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/highschool/08/19/0819prepplayers.html)

[wimbo_pro]

Originally posted by LHexPlayer


Compared to LH they are a little pass happy.
:D

Compared to LH, a corpse is a little pass happy.

[K-MAC Chuck]

Just for grins and giggles (and a little self-serving):

The Revved-Up Sports Top 10 countdown for Austin-area:
10) Hutto
9) Austin LBJ
8) Westwood
7) Austin High
6) Liberty Hill
5) Westlake
4) Pflugerville

Numbers 1-thru-3 to be announced on this Saturday's show.
(9:20 a.m., KVET-AM 1300, www.am1300thezone.com)

[ILS1]

Originally posted by K-MAC Chuck
Just for grins and giggles (and a little self-serving):

The Revved-Up Sports Top 10 countdown for Austin-area:
10) Hutto
9) Austin LBJ
8) Westwood
7) Austin High
6) Liberty Hill
5) Westlake
4) Pflugerville

Numbers 1-thru-3 to be announced on this Saturday's show.
(9:20 a.m., KVET-AM 1300, www.am1300thezone.com)

Let me guess:

3. Austin Bowie or Round Rock High
2. Round Rock Stony Point
1. Austin Lake Travis


:D :D :D :D

[87 TIGER]

AAS never has the facts when it comes to highschool sports

[K-MAC Chuck]

Originally posted by ILS1
Let me guess:

3. Austin Bowie or Round Rock High
2. Round Rock Stony Point
1. Austin Lake Travis


:D :D :D :D


Close...you have
*2 of the top 3 right :clap:
*neither of them in the right order
:D

[Daddy D 11]

Originally posted by K-MAC Chuck
Just for grins and giggles (and a little self-serving):

The Revved-Up Sports Top 10 countdown for Austin-area:
10) Hutto
9) Austin LBJ
8) Westwood
7) Austin High
6) Liberty Hill
5) Westlake
4) Pflugerville


Hutto is nothing.
Westwood returns no one.
and Pville returns only 1 player on offense and lost almost all their talent.
Not to mention Austin High lost ALOT in Buchanan and Emory Blake.
Westlake still has Ryan Swope and they're in a weak district so they will be okay.
RR lost their RB Jackson and only return Elander, but he might not even play because he is a All American in Baseball.
Bowie, LT and Stony will be good though.

[cameron91]

that 3A just kracks me up..no Rockdale

They put Rockdale to finish 4th in the distric but doesn't have them ranked in front of Taylor or Caldwell

4a - Hutto in front of Killeen

[LH Panther Mom]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

2008 Preseason All-Central Texas Football Team
Wednesday, August 20, 2008

OFFENSE

Pos Player Yr. School Note

QB Garrett Gilbert Sr. Lake Travis Record-setting passer leads 4A's likely No. 1 team

RB Lache Seastrunk Jr. Temple Already one of state's best, had 1,660 yards in '07

RB Ryan Swope (left) Sr. Westlake Aggies-bound Chap had nearly 1,900 total yards, 22 TDs

WR Emory Blake Sr. Austin High Talented wideout is one of state's top recruits

WR Cade McCrary Sr. Lake Travis Should emerge as Gilbert's high-yardage, go-to receiver

TE Nehemiah Hicks Jr. Hutto Had 5 TDs in '07 and has the size (6-5, 220) to have a big year

OL Michael Brown Sr. Lexington Former Aggies pledge is a dominating run blocker

OL Paden Kelley Sr. Lake Travis UT-bound tackle anchors the Cavs' pass protection front

OL Anthony Mackey Sr, Copperas Cove First-team all-state player last year

OL Rhontae Scales Sr. Killeen Dominant blocker has committed to Texas A&M

OL Marcus Stager Sr. New Braunfels Run-blocking tackle had 102 knockdowns last season

K Jordan Williamson Jr. Westwood Converted 14 of 17 FG chances last year as a sophomore


DEFENSE

DE Alex Okafor Sr. Pflugerville UT-bound end is big (6-6, 230), quick (4.7) and pass-rush scary

DL Jaime Lopez Sr. Bowie Nose guard will help shore up the Bulldogs' defensive front

DE Tevin Mims Sr. Stony Point All-district end last year will be one of Tigers' top players in '08

LB Tanner Brock (right) Sr. Copperas Cove TCU-bound 'backer had 224 tackles and is a 2-time all-stater

LB Chase Griesbach Sr. Westwood Third-team All-Centex pick last year had 114 tackles

LB Cody Lattimore Sr. Liberty Hill All-stater has 316 tackles in standout career

LB Tom Wort Sr. New Braunfels OU-bound all-stater is coming off a 210-tackle season

CB Daniel Cobb Sr. Ellison Bound for Texas Tech, he has good size for a corner (6-0, 180)

CB D.J. Johnson Sr. St. Stephen's Another Tech commitment, he's a multipurpose threat at QB too

S Ryan Grametbaur Sr. New Braunfels All-state linebacker last year (171 tackles) is moving to safety

S Michael Perkins Sr. Westlake Chaps' defensive playmaker had 52 tackles, 4 INTs last year

P Darrell Cantu-Harkless Sr. Crockett Multipurpose player was second-team All-Centex as a punter


AAS link (http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/highschool/08/20//0820prepcentex.html)