Navasota and Gilmer won the Class 4A crowns in 2014, and each is in position to make another run at the title. With football season officially set to kickoff this Thursday, we rank the top-five schools in each division of Class 3A football.
Division I
1. Navasota
The Rattlers broke offensive records in 2014 and the unit may be even better in 2015 with the return of quarterback Shelton Eppler and wide receiver Tren’Davian Dickson. Eppler set the Texas high school record for most touchdown passes in a season, while Dickson broke the national record for touchdown receptions and is currently committed to Texas. If Lee Fedora’s defense can provide a few stops a game, Navasota’s offense will be too much for 99 percent of the teams in Class 3A.
2. Argyle
Head coach Todd Rodgers’ team was one win away from a state title in 2014, but the Eagles fell short against Navasota in a back-and-forth state championship game in Arlington. Argyle returns five starters on offense and seven starters on defense from last year’s team. The Eagles have production to replace at running back, but the defense should once again be one of the best in the classification. Linebacker Tylor Sweatt was the Defensive MVP of last year’s state title game.
3. Stephenville
Greg Winder takes over a Stephenville program known for success. It won’t be an easy transition for the former assistant, however, as he must replace a star quarterback and the entire defensive line. Running back Kaegun Williams had over 1,500 yards rushing as a sophomore. He’ll be the focal point of the offense earl y in the season. The defense returns six starters.
4. Graham
Graham is led by one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Class 3A memory. Landry Tanner has already thrown for over 6,700 yards in his career and he’s back to lead the Steelers towards a state title. He’s joined by four other starters from last year’s team and four total returning defensive starters. Linebackers Bohner Cottongame and Taylor Reddell lead the defense.
5. Carthage
The Bulldogs won a state championship in 2013 and head coach Scott Surratt fields a 2015 team that could make another run towards a crown. Quarterback Jarod Blissett has weapons to distribute to, including talented wide receiver Jakeldric Jackson. A duo of strong running backs, an experienced offensive line and a defense led by UTSA commit Jarrod McLin makes Carthage the favorite to win District 9-4A Div. I.
Division II
1. La Grange
The best player in Class 3A may make his home in La Grange. Junior running back J.K. Dobbins rushed for 2,243 yards and 37 touchdowns as a sophomore. He helped lead the Leopards to a 13-1 season in 2014, falling for the only time in the season in the regional finals. La Grange has holes to fill on both sides of the ball, but Dobbins’ dominance could lead La Grange to the mountain top this season.
2. Gilmer
The defending state champions will need to find new playmakers on offense, but new head coach Matt Turner knows a few things about the Buckeyes’ offense. The assistant takes over the program when it is one top and he’ll have a strong defense to keep Gilmer competitive while the new era of offensive playmakers takes root. DeMarco Boyd was the Defensive MVP of last season’s title game and is committed to Texas.
3. West Orange-Stark
West Orange-Stark was one game away from claiming a state championship and the Mustangs will be talented enough to make another run in 2015 despite only returning one starter on offense and four on defense. It helps that the lone returning starter on offense is quarterback Jack Dallas, who threw for 31 touchdowns last season. Linebacker Steven Tims recorded 140 tackles as a junior.
4. Gladewater
Gladewater will have to battle it out with Tatum for the District 6-4A Div. II championship, but the Bears should hold the advantage because of a strong running game and a physical defense. Defensive tackle Daylon Mack is now at Texas A&M, but Quanterious Turner will anchor the middle of the defense at 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds. Linebacker Austin Blanco is a three-year starter and will line up next to the talented Marcello Jackson.
5. Celina
Running back Jarren Alexander leads the Bobcats in 2015. Head coach Bill Elliott’s team is ready to compete for a state title after falling in the state semifinals last season. His group returns six starters on offense, but just four on defense. Linebacker Shane Gerths recorded 100 tackles and five sacks last season. Safety Trent Lindblad is a stabilizing force in the secondary.
