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District 7-6A Season Preview

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Both Highland Park and Dallas Jesuit have had sustained success under their longtime coaches. That didn’t change last year as they finished as the top two teams in the district standings.

But with both programs replacing the majority of their production from a year ago, there could be room for the Richardson and Irving schools to climb up the District 7-6A standings this year. Especially with Irving, MacArthur, Richardson, Berkner, and Pearce all returning over half of their 2022 starters.

Here are the key players and storylines to watch for all nine teams in the district this season.

Dallas Jesuit Rangers

Head Coach: Brandon Hickman (13th Season)

Last Season: 9-3; 7-1 in district (Lost to McKinney in area round)

Dallas Jesuit Key Players and Storylines

The Rangers have been a model of consistency under head coach Brandon Hickman having missed the playoffs just once in his 12 years at the school.

A year ago, Dallas Jesuit came up just short of its second district title in three years. Its 35-28 defeat to eventual undefeated district champion Highland Park was its lone blemish in district play.

If the Rangers are to reach similar heights this season, it will require some reloading on offense. They return just two starters and must replace five senior offensive linemen.

And despite some inexperience at the skill positions where their three leading rushers and two leading receivers graduated, Hickman believes there’s no shortage of quality. Wide receiver Cooper Cutler (304 receiving yards and two touchdowns) and wide receiver/quarterback Jaeger Krauss are two players he expects to contribute in a big way in 2023.

On the other side of the ball, the Rangers bring back five of their starters on a unit that held opponents to under 24 points per game a year ago.

Linebacker Grayson Wombacher led Dallas Jesuit in tackles in 2022, while defensive end Cade Gill and nose tackle Chris Simington will help fortify the Rangers in the trenches. Gill was the district’s Sophomore of the Year last season.

On the field, Hickman said the offense’s potential rests upon whether the offensive line can gel together and mature.

While both on and off the field, the Rangers will continue to be rooted in their faith. Hickman mentioned how his football team meets for a player-led mass in their on-campus chapel before every home football game.

With that faith as its backbone, Dallas Jesuit will aim for another strong season from its defense and development from its offense. It hopes that will be the key to reaching the high expectations that come with the success had during Hickman’s tenure.

Highland Park Scots

Head Coach: Randy Allen (25th Season)

Last Season: 11-1; 8-0 in district (Lost to Denton Guyer in area round)

Highland Park Key Players and Storylines

Highland Park didn’t miss a beat in its return to 6A action a year ago as the Scots brought home their eighth-straight district title.

Heading into this year, the Scots will be relying on that tradition as they break in several new starters on each side of the ball. Just two starters return on offense and only three are back on defense.

A year ago, the offense put up points at a blistering pace, averaging nearly 44 per game. Quarterback Warren Peck appears to be first in line to lead that offense this year although he could face a challenge from fellow senior Parker Thompson, who is more of a dual threat option.

Wilson Axley is poised to take over the starting running back role after finishing as the team’s third-leading rusher last season, while the Scots are expecting Steel Tobin to be among the players that step up at receiver. Up front, head coach Randy Allen named Case Pickelman as the offensive lineman to watch.

Defensively, linebacker Jack Morse (94 tackles, 9 TFLs) is arguably Highland Park’s most notable returner on either side of the ball. He was the district’s 2022 Defensive Newcomer of the Year.

Allen also expects senior defensive lineman Henry Richter and senior defensive back Wes Giese to be leaders of the unit. Both were elected team captains for the Scots back in May.

Allen said that senior leadership will be crucial for a team that lacks experience heading into 2023. If his players continue to exhibit the work ethic they’ve shown in offseason workouts, he believes they have what it takes to add more trophies to Highland Park’s storied legacy in 2023.

Irving Tigers

Head Coach: Brent Nickerson (1st Season)

Last Season: 1-9; 0-8 in district

Irving Key Players and Storylines

Brent Nickerson is the new head coach at Irving after David Munoz left to pursue a job on staff at another DFW-area school. Nickerson had most recently served as the assistant head coach at Flower Mound.

It has been a tough decade for the Tigers, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2013. Over the ensuing nine seasons, Irving has racked up just 12 wins.

However, the Tiger coaching staff believes a significant step forward this season isn’t out of the question. They believe earning anywhere from three to six wins this season is a realistic target.

Seven starters returning on each side of the ball will help them reach that goal.

The offense will look to take a step forward after scoring just 92 points last season under the leadership of dual threat junior quarterback Connor Martin (424 passing yards and three TDs; 450 rushing yards and two TDs).

Martin will have good protection either side of him as well with senior tackles Ruben Smith, who will be tough for any opponent to get around at 6’6 and 315 pounds, and D’Anthis Upshaw.

On the other side of the ball, the linebacking corps will lead the Irving defense. Chris Alvarez, Omar Castro, and Victor Cantanero all return after being among the Tigers’ leading tacklers a year ago. Cantanero can also play off the edge, so expect him to be a nuisance in opponents’ backfields this season.

The Irving coaching staff was full of praise for how the Tigers have approached their offseason training. Not only have they been working hard on the field, but they have been taking time to help their families back at home as well.

There’s no doubt, according to the Tiger coaching staff, that their players will be successful long after they hang up their cleats. But before then, they hope that work ethic and dedication produce wins on the field in 2023 as the Tigers look to take advantage of their returning talent.

Irving MacArthur Cardinals

Head Coach: Beck Nitcholas (3rd Season)

Last Season: 4-6; 3-5 in district

MacArthur Key Players and Storylines

It has been almost eight years since MacArthur reached the playoffs. However, the Cardinals weren’t too far off a year ago. An overtime loss to Richardson Pearce and a four-point defeat to Dallas Jesuit is all that separated them from the postseason.

MacArthur’s defense gave up 34 points per game a year ago, but the unit should show some growth this season with the return of 10 starters from last season.

The front seven will be the strength of the unit with defensive linemen Azriel Ngatcha and Joseph Reyes and linebackers Rehoboth Odunyemi (68 tackles) and Joanny Bondo (65 tackles) expected to lead the unit.

Head Coach Beck Nitcholas said the play of seniors Odunyemi, Bondo and wide receiver/defensive back Tyler Littleton will set the tone for what MacArthur can achieve this season. Littleton will be a vital player on both sides of the ball. He’s MacArthur’s only receiver this season that will have previous varsity experience (367 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2022).

And while there’s no shortage of experience on defense, the same can’t be said for the offense where just three starters return.

Tight end Nathan Alvarado and offensive linemen Fernando Ceron will be two key players up front for the Cardinals. Ceron’s senior leadership will be a huge plus on an offensive line that must settle in some new starters.

At the skill positions, in addition to Littleton leading the receiving corps, Nitcholas is expecting junior Corde Ray (315 rushing yards and two touchdowns) to step up and take over at the running back position this season.

The development of the offense will likely hold the key to how far MacArthur will go this season. Nitcholas admits that replacing some of the key offensive players from last season won’t be easy, but he’s hopeful the Cardinals can find some players to step into those roles.

After last season’s shortcomings, Nitcholas believes his team has plenty of motivation heading into this fall. If its veteran defense can lead the way, look for MacArthur to be in the thick of the District 7-6A playoff race in 2023.

Irving Nimitz Vikings

Head Coach: Mark Small (2nd Season)

Last Season: 1-9; 1-7 in district

Nimitz Key Players and Storylines

Mark Small’s first season as the Nimitz head coach certainly didn’t go as he would’ve hoped as the Vikings struggled to hang with their district opponents.

However, the Vikings have an opportunity for progress in 2023 with several key players returning.

Dual threat quarterback Pedro Maldonado will be the driving force of the Nimitz offense again this season (1,165 passing yards and eight TDs; 905 rushing yards and two TDs).

He’ll also have Christopher Hernandez (556 receiving yards and two touchdowns), his leading receiver from a year ago, and tight end Kayden Holder (137 receiving yards) at his disposal in the passing game.

Defensively, Nimitz will need to display some growth from last season after allowing nearly 50 points per game.

Luckily, the Vikings have their two leaders back at linebacker in Zaylin Washington (79 tackles) and Luis Pena (69 tackles). But that’s not all the star power in the front seven. Junior defensive end Devon Simmons (34 tackles, 11 TFLs) led the Vikings in tackles for loss in 2022.

Behind them, safety Malik Jackson (36 tackles) is poised for an even bigger year after impressing as a freshman last season.

The Vikings made the playoffs in 2021, so they aren’t too far removed from success. They’ll hope that the combination of Maldonado at quarterback and key players returning in the front seven proves to be the recipe for them finding the win column more this fall.

Richardson Eagles

Head Coach: Kendrick Holloway (1st Season)

Last Season: 3-7; 2-6 in district

Richardson has made the playoffs just once in the past 10 seasons. However, Kendrick Holloway, who served as Berkner’s offensive coordinator previously, inherits a promising situation as he takes over the Eagle program.

The Eagles return all but one starter on offense and have seven back on defense.

Offensively, the main change will be under center where junior Cole Cage is prepared to take over the starting quarterback job following the graduation of Howard Armstrong. Luckily for Cage, he’ll have quite a supporting cast.

Dynamic running back/slot receiver Donovan Ford (208 rushing yards, 120 receiving yards, three total TDs) will join him in the backfield and Jacob Breazale should anchor the offensive line.

Linebacker Areion Coln (104 tackles) should lead the defense along with safety Leon Kroener (43 tackles). Coln was the Eagles’ leading tackler a year ago and also earned a second team all-district selection.

ATH Nazheer Freeman, meanwhile, is poised for a big 2023 season wherever Richardson decides to slot him in its defense. A dynamic player, he picked up an offer from Texas Tech in May.

While Richardson has more starting experience than most other 6A programs heading into this season, Holloway said he is a little concerned about the depth behind those starters.

Yet since taking over the program, Hollway said he’s been nothing but impressed by the work ethic and commitment his players have shown. He hopes that translates into a disciplined, committed, and physical team when his Eagles take the field this fall.

Those traits will be needed as Holloway and his players stride to change the culture surrounding a program that has struggled to find success on the field over the past decade.

Richardson Berkner Rams

Head Coach: Trey Bryant (3rd Season)

Last Season: 5-6; 5-3 in district (Lost to Arlington Martin in bi-district)

Berkner Key Players and Storylines

Head Coach Trey Bryant has taken over his alma mater with great success. After 10 years without a playoff berth, the Rams have made the postseason in both years Bryant has been at the helm.

Berkner is in a good position to continue riding that wave of momentum as they return nine starters offensively and eight on defense.

The Ram offense has plenty of weapons at the skill positions. Sophomore wide receiver Dameon Crowe can burn opponents with his speed (719 receiving yards and six TDs; two special teams return TDs), while Jamary Williams is poised to serve as Berkner’s bell cow again this season (1,069 rushing yards and seven touchdowns).

That’s not all for either position as Kobi Foreman (172 receiving yards and 138 rushing yards) proved last year that he can contribute both as a receiver and a rusher. A track star as well, he already has double digit Division I offers.

On the other side of the ball, Yamil Talib (12.5 sacks, 16.5 TFLs) is getting looks from Division I programs and should form a strong one-two punch with nose guard Jaquavious Kennedy (15 tackles, five sacks). Behind them, Richmond Ugochukwu (47.5 tackles, 8.5 TFLs) will lead the linebacking corps in what should be a strong front seven for the Rams.

The talent is there for another playoff berth this year. However, Berkner doesn’t want to settle for another first round exit. Bryant said it’s time for his Rams to find a way to battle the big dogs in the district (Lake Highlands, Dallas Jesuit, and Highland Park) as they look to compete for a district title and their first playoff victory since 2006.

Richardson Lake Highlands Wildcats

Head Coach: Cory Campbell (1st Season)

Last Season: 8-3; 6-2 in district (Lost to South Grand Prairie in bi-district)

Lake Highlands Key Players and Storylines

Lake Highlands didn’t have to look far when Lonnie Jordan decided to take the athletic director position at Highland Park.

The Wildcats promoted offensive coordinator Cory Campbell to take over the program in mid-May.

Campbell has some work to do as the Wildcats must replace 13 starters from last season (five starters are back on offense and just three on defense). However, he is encouraged by the way many of the varsity newcomers performed during spring football.

But even with all the change, Lake Highlands’ backfield will remain the same with quarterback Tripp Holley and running back Deonte Dean (1,337 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns). They’ll be expected to lead the charge offensively with an offensive line led by James Ward paving the way up front.

Campbell is high on the potential of the offensive line as it continues to gel throughout the season.

On the other side of the ball, the Wildcats have leaders at all three levels in defensive lineman Christian Tate, linebacker Shep Jenkins, and cornerback Miron Magee. Those three players will be crucial considering how much roster turnover the defense is having to combat from a year ago.

Heading into this fall, Lake Highlands has made the playoffs the past 15 seasons. Campbell has no intentions of that streak being snapped this year as he aims for his Wildcats to compete for their first district title since 2020.

Richardson Pearce Mustangs

Head Coach: Jarrett Lambert (2nd Season)

Last Season: 4-6; 4-4 in district

Pearce Key Players and Storylines

The Mustangs came close to making it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 in Jarrett Lambert’s first season in charge. However, four blowout losses to the district’s top four teams left them just a game outside the playoff places.

Lambert hopes his Mustangs can build off the lessons learned from last season as they look to return to the postseason. The return of 39 lettermen, including seven starters on each side of the ball, will certainly help give the Mustangs valuable depth and experience.

Offensively, the Mustangs averaged just under 27 points per game a year ago. Many of the key pieces from that unit are back including junior quarterback Presley Harper (1,079 passing yards and seven touchdowns), last year’s leading receiver Jack McGarry (378 receiving yards and a touchdown), and three-star tight end Jewlyen Thomas Roberts, whose run blocking is as valuable as his receiving skills (178 receiving yards and a touchdown).

Keep an eye on McGarry on special teams as well as he took two kickoffs back for touchdowns a year ago.

Up front, Lambert expects Angel Flores (10 pancakes) to lead the offensive line after earning a district honorable mention in 2022.

On the other side of the ball, Lambert said there is work to be done in the trenches as the Mustangs return just one starter on the defensive line.

The secondary is in good hands with safety Ryan Williams (23 tackles) and cornerback Quinn Fleming (26 tackles) leading the way. In front of them, linebacker Clark Wilson (16 tackles, 2 INTs) is also back after earning second team all-district honors last season.

Heading into 2023, the 39 returning lettermen won’t have forgotten what it felt like to sit at home while other teams squared off in the postseason a year ago. Lambert hopes that motivation will help get the Mustangs over the line in their search for their first playoff berth in three years.

 

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