IrishTex
08-27-2009, 05:32 AM
From the FW Star Telegram (http://www.star-telegram.com/highschools/story/1561375.html)
By Carlos Mendez
Reaching the playoffs year after year means becoming good at a critical skill — replacing a playoff quarterback.
It’s the top issue for some of last season’s best teams. Fort Worth Arlington Heights, Fort Worth Dunbar, Fort Worth Southwest, Euless Trinity, Arlington Bowie, Arlington Lamar, Colleyville Heritage, Aledo and Everman all went into the off-season needing to find a quarterback.
It’s a position you have to get right.
"It is pressure," said Dunbar quarterback Erick Martin, who will take over the job Nicholas Rockwell held last year — throwing to blue-chip receiver Darius White. "Nick was an awesome QB. But I’m not going to let the team down."
Heights opens the season tonight without last year’s starter, Mark Grace. Its opponent, Birdville, is an ’08 playoff team that has no such worries — Josh Dorman returns, along with his top receivers.
In Week Zero, experience at quarterback is likely to show.
"Looking at Birdville in their scrimmage, they scored on every possession," Heights coach Steve Hale said.
Heights will go with sophomore Omar Valadez, who impressed Hale with his toughness. In a scrimmage last week, linebacker Willie Byrd smashed the young quarterback with a blitz. But without even grunting, the 6-foot-1 Valadez got up, went to the huddle and called the next play.
"He had a bloody nose, but we as coaches didn’t know it," Hale said. "He didn’t say a word. He got back in the huddle and went again. He’s shown unbelievable toughness. He’s made it clear."
Valadez brushed off the bloody nose. The pressure? Well, he’ll be feeling that.
"It’s nerve-wracking. It’ll be my first varsity game," he said. "This whole week, I’ve been trying to stay calm. I’m just trying to get the job done."
The new QBs
Here’s a look at how some teams with high expectations found their new quarterback (and who they are):
Aledo. Trey Ozee has a football name. His grandfather is former Arlington Sam Houston coach Ken Ozee. He is not exactly a new quarterback, either. He started one game last season because of an injury to starter Tanner McDonald. This year, he won a tight battle with Matthew Bishop, a sophomore transfer from Denton Ryan.
Arlington Bowie. Deric Davis has been in line to take over since the spring, and he did not disappoint with his practices. But he’s got a high standard, taking over for Christian Matthews, who won five playoff games.
Arlington Lamar. Tyler Wilson, a senior, showed his potential in 7-on-7 with a quick release and accuracy. He’s not big — only about 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds — but coach Eddy Peach said you’ll notice his competitiveness.
Colleyville Heritage. Jeff Calvert is a junior who takes over for a 3,000-yard passer, Steven Hill. It’ll mean a difference. Calvert is less of a pocket passer because he’s quicker and more elusive. "We’ll run the ball a lot more with him," coach Mike Fuller said.
Everman. Barry Browning is in charge of the Bulldogs’ powerhouse running game. He’s already got some big-time experience. He took over in the 4A Division II semifinals against Sulphur Springs last year when starter Marcus McAdoo left in the second quarter with a sprained ankle.
Euless Trinity. Willie Hubbard, a senior, has speed, a strong arm and command of the offense. "He went through 14 games of reps last year as the backup, and with us, the backup gets almost the same amount of reps as the first-string quarterback," coach Steve Lineweaver said. "He’s arguably the fastest guy on the team, he’s got a good arm, and he’s got a competitive nature. That’s enough good things for us to give him a try."
Fort Worth Southwest. The Raiders are going with a freshman — a 5-10, 150-pound freshman. Wesley Harris got his chance in a scrimmage and was mighty tough to tackle, so he won a job on an offense with only one returning starter. "There’s going to be a little learning curve," coach Lanny Trammell said. "We may struggle early with him. But late in the year, I think he’s going to be something special." His running ability means the Raiders don’t have to junk the offense that worked so well for last year’s starter, Jason Dillon.
Poll watch
Southlake Carroll begins the season with a modest national ranking. The Dragons are No. 45 in the ESPN Fab 50.
Katy is Texas’ top national rankee. The Tigers are No. 3 in the USA Today Super 25, No. 4 in the National Prep Poll, No. 4 in ESPN and No. 6 in the RivalsHigh 100.
Around the state
Allen at Longview on Friday night pits a state champ (Allen, 5A Division I) against the preseason 4A No. 1.
Saturday night, Katy, the reigning two-time 5A Division II champ, opens at home against Galena Park North Shore, winner of 78 consecutive regular-season games.
By Carlos Mendez
Reaching the playoffs year after year means becoming good at a critical skill — replacing a playoff quarterback.
It’s the top issue for some of last season’s best teams. Fort Worth Arlington Heights, Fort Worth Dunbar, Fort Worth Southwest, Euless Trinity, Arlington Bowie, Arlington Lamar, Colleyville Heritage, Aledo and Everman all went into the off-season needing to find a quarterback.
It’s a position you have to get right.
"It is pressure," said Dunbar quarterback Erick Martin, who will take over the job Nicholas Rockwell held last year — throwing to blue-chip receiver Darius White. "Nick was an awesome QB. But I’m not going to let the team down."
Heights opens the season tonight without last year’s starter, Mark Grace. Its opponent, Birdville, is an ’08 playoff team that has no such worries — Josh Dorman returns, along with his top receivers.
In Week Zero, experience at quarterback is likely to show.
"Looking at Birdville in their scrimmage, they scored on every possession," Heights coach Steve Hale said.
Heights will go with sophomore Omar Valadez, who impressed Hale with his toughness. In a scrimmage last week, linebacker Willie Byrd smashed the young quarterback with a blitz. But without even grunting, the 6-foot-1 Valadez got up, went to the huddle and called the next play.
"He had a bloody nose, but we as coaches didn’t know it," Hale said. "He didn’t say a word. He got back in the huddle and went again. He’s shown unbelievable toughness. He’s made it clear."
Valadez brushed off the bloody nose. The pressure? Well, he’ll be feeling that.
"It’s nerve-wracking. It’ll be my first varsity game," he said. "This whole week, I’ve been trying to stay calm. I’m just trying to get the job done."
The new QBs
Here’s a look at how some teams with high expectations found their new quarterback (and who they are):
Aledo. Trey Ozee has a football name. His grandfather is former Arlington Sam Houston coach Ken Ozee. He is not exactly a new quarterback, either. He started one game last season because of an injury to starter Tanner McDonald. This year, he won a tight battle with Matthew Bishop, a sophomore transfer from Denton Ryan.
Arlington Bowie. Deric Davis has been in line to take over since the spring, and he did not disappoint with his practices. But he’s got a high standard, taking over for Christian Matthews, who won five playoff games.
Arlington Lamar. Tyler Wilson, a senior, showed his potential in 7-on-7 with a quick release and accuracy. He’s not big — only about 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds — but coach Eddy Peach said you’ll notice his competitiveness.
Colleyville Heritage. Jeff Calvert is a junior who takes over for a 3,000-yard passer, Steven Hill. It’ll mean a difference. Calvert is less of a pocket passer because he’s quicker and more elusive. "We’ll run the ball a lot more with him," coach Mike Fuller said.
Everman. Barry Browning is in charge of the Bulldogs’ powerhouse running game. He’s already got some big-time experience. He took over in the 4A Division II semifinals against Sulphur Springs last year when starter Marcus McAdoo left in the second quarter with a sprained ankle.
Euless Trinity. Willie Hubbard, a senior, has speed, a strong arm and command of the offense. "He went through 14 games of reps last year as the backup, and with us, the backup gets almost the same amount of reps as the first-string quarterback," coach Steve Lineweaver said. "He’s arguably the fastest guy on the team, he’s got a good arm, and he’s got a competitive nature. That’s enough good things for us to give him a try."
Fort Worth Southwest. The Raiders are going with a freshman — a 5-10, 150-pound freshman. Wesley Harris got his chance in a scrimmage and was mighty tough to tackle, so he won a job on an offense with only one returning starter. "There’s going to be a little learning curve," coach Lanny Trammell said. "We may struggle early with him. But late in the year, I think he’s going to be something special." His running ability means the Raiders don’t have to junk the offense that worked so well for last year’s starter, Jason Dillon.
Poll watch
Southlake Carroll begins the season with a modest national ranking. The Dragons are No. 45 in the ESPN Fab 50.
Katy is Texas’ top national rankee. The Tigers are No. 3 in the USA Today Super 25, No. 4 in the National Prep Poll, No. 4 in ESPN and No. 6 in the RivalsHigh 100.
Around the state
Allen at Longview on Friday night pits a state champ (Allen, 5A Division I) against the preseason 4A No. 1.
Saturday night, Katy, the reigning two-time 5A Division II champ, opens at home against Galena Park North Shore, winner of 78 consecutive regular-season games.