Class 5A is no stranger to contenders. As many as 15 teams could easily win one of two state championships up for grabs. Aledo and Ennis are the defending champions. Each has a strong claim to be the favorites again in 2015, but those programs will not find a shortage of schools ready to reach the top.
1. Aledo
The Bearcats are the three-time defending state champions. That alone gives Aledo right to the top spot in any preseason ranking. Head coach Steve Wood returns six defensive starters and four starters on offense. The offense must replace a lot of production and figure out the quarterback position, but the defense returns leadership and experience.
2. Ennis
The defending Division II state champion will rely heavily on running back Tre Elliott in 2015. The Lions must replace over half the starters on offense and defense, but head coach Jack Alvarez has successfully returned Ennis to a powerhouse program that will contend each season. Elliott has the luxury of running back offensive linemen Trendon Rolen and Deven Collins.
3. Vandegrift
In just its fifth year of varsity football, Vandegrift was one game away from the Division I state championship game in 2014. The Vipers – from Leander ISD – are the favorite to advance out of Region IV again this year with the help of eight starters from a prolific 2014 offense. Running back Travis Brannan had over 3,000 yards of total offense in 2014.
4. Cedar Park
The Timberwolves were a little over a minute away from being the 2014 Class 5A Division II champion. Cedar Park must replace the production and leadership of the Hutchings brothers, but plenty of talent remains on a squad. Cedar Park faces a tough district, which includes Vandegrift, and a new head coach, but Region IV in Division II is winnable and that puts Cedar Park in the state championship discussion every season.
5. Temple
There are numerous teams that could have made the list at spots three through five, but the preseason nod goes to Temple. The Wildcats return six starters on each side of the ball, including wide receiver Davion Curtis on offense and linebacker Quinton Smith on defense. Temple must replace quarterback Chad President, who now plays for Tulsa, but head coach Mike Spradlin has Temple moving in the right direction.
