By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor
With the creation of the 10-team super district in West Texas, the Midland Bulldogs face a decent challenge with its traditional rivals and newcomers from the panhandle. The big challenge for the Bulldogs will be securing one of the four available playoff spots in what should be a very competitive district race. And with only one non-district game to the schedule, there will be little time to prepare for the games that truly matter.
The offensive side of the ball has plenty key returnees and starters
to give the Bulldogs a good chance to strive and dramatic improvements over its 2007 production.. Among the returnees in the skill position areas include Blake Stewart, Darius Miller and Antwan Goodley. Stewart, who was the primary back up at quarterback last season, comes into the 2008 season as the assumed starter, but may face some fierce competition from junior Jack Bolgar for the starting position. As the Bulldog back up in 2007, Stewart accounted for 35 of 66 completions with five interceptions and two touchdowns. Miller is the most experienced rusher returning out of the backfield with 646 rushing yards and four touchdowns to his credit.
Although they are still very young at the wide receiver position, the triple threat in Antwan Goodley, Trevor Scurlock and Kendahl Johnson all return for the 2008 season as juniors. Goodley is the leading returning wideout with a total of 19 receptions on 378 yards plus five landings into football's promised land. Scurlock, who leads the returnees with 20 receptions in 2007 gobbled up 222 yards of offense.
Of Midland's six returning starters on offense, half will be coming from the trenches. Robert Montoya, Josh Fitts and Ben Bartelson are the three returning starters for Yenzer's line. Montoya should prove to be the key leader of the trenches as he is not only Midland's best overall player, but should be one of the top two or three linemen in the district. Experience on the line for Midland's line doesn't end with the three returning starters. Also gaining valuable experience with plenty of playing time last season were Michael Garcia, Chaney Coffman and Patrick Leonard.
Defensively, look for the Bulldogs to build around its line and the leadership of returning LB Josh Roberson. Of the tralent on the front lines, Trey Hill and Caleb Whitefield are Midland's most talented and experienced players. With his size and speed at the end position, the Whitefield should be one of the key sleepers on the recruiting scene this fall. Whitefield's numbers should see a significant boost this season and his prescence should even make the players around him better including that of Hill, Ricky Pena and the two linebackers Roberson and Stephen Walls.
Roberson, who stands at six feet weighing 221 pounds, just may be the most improved player on the team if he is able to take charge of the Bulldog defense and deliiver with solid prescence. Roberson will be joined by fellow returning starter Stephen Walls. Walls, like Roberson, does not have the numbers of a star linebacker, but should also figure into the Bulldogs big picture of making a big impact. In the defensive backfield, depth for Craig Yenzer's squad is not an issue to be concerned about. With plenty of lettermen coming back including that of Grant Sykes and Nick Johnson, the backfield may hold the keys to whether the Bulldogs can claim host to one of the four playoff spots.
The big "X Factor" in Midland's success in 2008 should come from one source if games are close and down to the wire. Kicker Michael Phillips, who has emerged as one of the state's top sleepers at the kicker position, returns for his senior season. If games are close and Midland has control of the ball, Phillips should be the one that may put the Bulldogs on top.
Four Downs, Four Keys
1st Down >> Early start to district play a big key in developing younger stars
2nd Down >> Depth in trenches may be benefit of playoff hopes
3rd Down >> Triple threat in the air to be focus of Midland offense
4th Down >> Production increase in skill areas a concern or benefit? |
Team Information |
2007 Records |
| Varsity |
4-6 |
| Junior Varsity |
5-5 |
| Sophomore |
6-4 |
| Freshman A |
9-1 |
| Freshman B |
8-2 |
Offensive Information |
Jim Congar |
I Formation | Shotgun |
Defensive Information |
Lee Walker | Chris Moralez |
5-2 |
By The Numbers |
| Returning Starters |
| Offense |
6 |
| Defense |
5 |
| Lettermen |
| Returning |
27 |
| Lost |
42 |
|
