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District 19-6A Season Preview

insoles to jump higher

 

 

 

 

 

This district was already tough, and then it added Jordan and Paetow last season. Neither made the playoffs in their 6A debut, but you can expect them to be knocking on that door again this season.

Katy has been a playoff mainstay with 32-straight playoff berths. But besides the Tigers, an argument can be made for a wide variety of combinations to make up the other three playoff spots with how deep the talent runs in the district.

Here’s what to watch for in District 19-6A.

Cinco Ranch Cougars

Head Coach: Chris Dudley (5th Season)

Last Season: 9-4; 6-2 in district (Lost to North Shore in regional semifinals)

Cinco Ranch Key Players and Storylines

After a stretch from 2019-2020 where Cinco Ranch won just one of its 17 games, the Cougars responded with a vengeance. Cinco Ranch has now made the regional semifinals in back-to-back seasons.

However, a tall task is ahead of head coach Chris Dudley and his Cougars this season. Cinco Ranch returns just four total starters from last year’s team (one on offense and three on defense). Among the graduates are Cinco Ranch’s top three receivers in school history and its starting quarterback from last season.

There is some promising young talent coming through the pipeline as both of Cinco Ranch’s JV squads went 8-2 last season. Dudley said he’s confident in the program’s culture and believes those players are ready to step into bigger roles this season.

The offensive line will be a strength, according to Dudley, with third team all-district selection Alan Ramirez leading the way up front. Among the skill players Dudley is looking to step up are running back Kevin Bello and tight end Kellen LeCronier.

Defensively, Dudley said the Cougars should be bigger in the trenches than in years past. That should bode well for the unit as a whole as ballhawk Taytum Johnson (53 tackles, five INTs) and Superior Hill (52 tackles) are back to lead what should be a strong secondary while junior Luke Mathiasmeier prepares to step into a playmaking role at linebacker.

With so many new faces in new places, Dudley believes discipline will be the key for a squad that he hopes will be able to execute at a high level as it fights for a third-straight playoff berth.

Jordan Warriors

Head Coach: Mike Rabe (3rd Season)

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

Jordan Key Players and Storylines

Katy Jordan acquitted itself well in its first season of 6A football. A 36-33 defeat to Morton Ranch in the final game of the season is all that separated the Warriors from a playoff berth.

This year, they’ll aim to get over the hump with nine starters back on offense and five returning on defense.

Jordan averaged over 33 points per game a year ago and it shows no signs of slowing down this year.  Junior running back Chad Gasper (675 rushing yards and ten touchdowns) returns as do Jordan’s top two receivers from a year ago in four-star prospect junior Andrew Marsh (845 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns) and Arizona State commit Zechariah Sample (595 receiving yards and six touchdowns).

The defense will have some new faces stepping into starting roles, but the secondary should be strong under the leadership of safety Zion Jones (32 tackles and four INTs) and Sample (21 tackles and three INTs), who will go both ways for the Warriors. In the front seven, junior Jason Lee (22 tackles) is expected to take on a bigger role from his defensive end position this season.

This past year, Jordan graduated its first ever class of seniors. However, don’t fall into the trap of underestimating the Warriors just because they’re a new football program.

Jordan is primed to have one of the best offenses in the district this season. With so much talent on its roster, expect Jordan to make a strong push towards its first-ever playoff berth this fall.

Katy Tigers

Head Coach: Gary Joseph (20th Season)

Last Season: 14-1; 8-0 in district (Lost to Vandegrift in state semifinal)

*Note: Katy’s individual stats do not include the state semifinal against Vandegrift

Katy Key Players and Storylines

Katy is one of the premier programs in all of the state. The Tigers have won nine state titles in 15 title game appearances. They nearly added a sixteenth appearance last year but were left heartbroken by a Vandegrift game-winning field goal as time expired in the state semifinal.

There’s never a shortage of talent at Katy, but the Tigers have had some rebuilding to do, especially at the offensive skill positions. Five starters return on offense and only four are back on defense. Among the graduates are Katy’s starting quarterback, as well as its two leading rushers and two leading receivers from last season.

For a Katy program that loves to run the football, they’ll have a good support system up front with Texas A&M commit offensive lineman Coen Echols and North Texas commit tight end Luke Carter. Athletic fullback Chase Johnsey (223 rushing yards and three TDs; 173 receiving yards and two TDs) will be one of the players Katy relies on this year to help move the football.

On the other side of the ball, defensive lineman Tyler Willis and linebacker Connor Johnsey will lead the front seven after both earned all-district honors last season. The Tigers also should have Kansas commit linebacker Dakyus Brinkley (47 tackles, eight TFLs) at their disposal after he transferred in from Seven Lakes this past offseason.

Behind them, Jed Olotu-Judah is a Division I prospect who Katy will rely on as its top defensive back.

The Tigers have some question marks offensively, but head coach Gary Joseph is confident the tradition and culture of the program will help settle in those new starters quickly. Per that tradition, expect Katy to be playing deep into November, and possibly December, again this season.

Mayde Creek Rams

Head Coach: J. Jensen (3rd Season)

Last Season: 2-8; 0-8 in district

Mayde Creek Key Players and Storylines

Mayde Creek struggled to hang with its District 19-6A bunkmates a year ago with all of its district losses coming by double digits. However, head coach J. Jensen is confident his Rams will take a step forward on the field this season.

Not only do 12 starters return this season (six on both sides of the ball), but Mayde Creek also had 15 sophomores that gained meaningful varsity experience a year ago. The Rams hope that experience will pay off in the win column this season.

Three of those fifteen sophomores Jensen mentioned will help lead the offense this year. Junior quarterback Cole Jensen (552 passing yards and three touchdowns) is in the pole position to take over the starting job behind center, and fellow juniors Eric Nelson (153 receiving yards and one touchdown) and Trey Williams (176 receiving yards) are expected to be his top two targets in the passing game. Nelson could be a versatile player for the Ram offense having rushed for 201 yards on 31 carries last year.

The defense will be searching for improvement this year after allowing nearly 40 points per game in 2022.

And just like the offense, the Rams will be relying on a group of juniors who all earned vital experience a year ago. Defensive end Torian Collier (26 tackles), linebacker Johnaton Haywood (34 tacklse), and safety Ansel Carter (35 tackles) are three players who Jensen expects to be leaders on that side of the ball.

Mayde Creek may struggle a bit with depth and size this year, but Jensen said the team’s speed overall should be a strength. He’s hoping if the Rams can play disciplined football this year, the experience they gained last year will help them climb into the playoff picture this year.

Morton Ranch Mavericks

Head Coach: Ron Counter (7th Season)

Last Season: 7-4; 5-3 in district (Lost to Fort Bend Hightower in bi-district)

Morton Ranch Key Players and Storylines

Morton Ranch broke through with its first playoff berth since 2017 a year ago. In the final regular season game, the Mavericks held off Katy Jordan for a 36-33 victory that earned them the final playoff spot in the district.

This season, it will take quite the effort for Morton Ranch to reach similar heights. The Mavericks have to replace several three-year starters, including some players who have gone on to play at the collegiate level.

Morton Ranch returns just three starters on each side of the ball. And while the Mavericks will be young, head coach Ron Counter believes they should be confident after the successes of last season.

Offensively, the Mavericks will be powered by an athletic backfield. Minnesota commit Mike Gerald, their leading receiver from last season (522 receiving yards and nine touchdowns), is switching over to quarterback and will be joined by Prairie View A&M commit running back Ryan Hall (824 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns). Counter expects senior Anthony Vazquez to step up and lead the offensive line.

Despite their successes last season, Morton Ranch will still be looking for improvement on the defensive side of the ball after allowing 33 points per game. Luckily for their Mavericks, their defensive leader from last season, linebacker Dean Ford, a Sam Houston State commit, returns.

The secondary should also be a strength with defensive backs Jerome Ryans and Jermaine Martin, who both saw meaningful reps as sophomores last season.

Morton Ranch will have to fight inexperience this season, but the talent still at the top of the program is undeniable. Counter believes if his team can stay healthy, they can fight for the fourth playoff spot again this year.

Katy Paetow Panthers

Head Coach: David Hicks (1st Season)

Last Season: 5-5; 4-4 in district

Paetow Key Players and Storylines

Paetow learned firsthand how deep district 19-6A is last season. The Panthers went from 5A Division I state champions in 2021 to not even making the playoffs a year ago.

The Panthers will have more stability this year as David Hicks takes over the program full-time. He had his interim tag removed following the conclusion of the 2022 season.

Paetow graduated much of its offensive production from a year ago. However, Arkansas State commit wide receiver Jabari Bush is poised for a much bigger senior season. Junior Brock Nichols appears to be in line to take over at quarterback after seeing playing time as a sophomore a year ago.

But whoever takes over at quarterback will be well protected from the edge thanks to UTSA commit tackle Joseph Ugwu.

The Panther defense also has some key graduates to replace, but the cupboard isn’t empty. The secondary should be strong with safeties JT Anderson and Clarence Mitchell and four-star cornerback Deyjhon Pettaway. The defense also boasts promising junior Carmello Brooks in the trenches.

Hicks certainly has some work to do heading into the season as he fills the holes left by last year’s graduating class. However, Paetow will hope the stability he’ll provide on and off the field will help the Panthers grow together and push for their first-ever 6A playoff berth this season.

Seven Lakes Spartans

Head Coach: Jimmy Hamon (6th Season)

Last Season: 1-9; 1-7 in district

Seven Lakes Key Players and Storylines

After back-to-back playoff appearances, Seven Lakes failed to replicate that success a year ago as the Spartans couldn’t keep up with the majority of their District 19-6A opponents.

However, head coach Jimmy Hamon believes 2023 should turn out differently for his Spartans.

“I expect to have a ‘rebound’ season and compete for a playoff spot in a very competitive district,” Hamon said. “Our team has been using last season as a motivational tool and hope to leave that season in the past.”

Four starters return on each side of the ball for the Spartans this year. Offensively, the path to success looks to be through Seven Lakes’ rushing attack. Its top two rushers from last year, Barrett Hudson (388 rushing yards and five touchdowns) and Jake Farris (564 rushing yards and seven touchdowns), both return as does fullback Gary Dang.

With Seven Lakes aiming to rely on its ground game, offensive lineman Jaydon Young will be a key player up front. Hamon is hopeful that if the run game can have success, Seven Lakes can catch opponents off guard with play action.

Defensively, the Spartans will need to rely on their front seven early in the year. The secondary will start four players that lack varsity experience. Hamon said they’ll be in for a baptism by fire in a district with teams that love to air out the football.

Up front, defensive lineman Satin Haynes (13 tackles, four TFLs) and linebackers Austin Easterling (22.5 tackles, one TFL) and Amani Hooks (23.5 tackles, 1.5 TFLs) are the players expected to lead the Spartan defense this year.

Hamon said he’s been impressed with his team’s work ethic throughout the offseason. He’s hopeful that hard work his team has put it all spring and into the summer will allow it to be a part of the playoff conversation in 2023.

Taylor Mustangs

Head Coach: Chad Simmons (6th Season)

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

Taylor Key Players and Storylines

Katy Taylor will be looking to return to the heights it hit in 2019 when it made a run all the way to the state semifinals. The Mustangs advanced to the third round in 2020 but haven’t been back to the postseason since.

They’ll need to close the gap on the top teams in the district this season after all six of their district defeats from last year came by 14 or more points.

The defense allowed 33 points per game a year ago, but it’s primed to take a step forward on the field this season with nine returning starters.

Among the leaders on that side of the ball will be Memphis commit safety Cyrus Reyes (91 tackles), who was also last year’s leading tackler for the Mustangs, and Louisiana Tech commit defensive lineman Ashton Coker (46 tackles).

The Mustangs will also be strong at linebacker with the return of Landon Saurage (74 tackles) and Victory Kalu-Uka (40 tackles). Pretty much wherever you look, Taylor has good varsity experience on defense.

On the other side of the ball, the Mustangs will have to battle some inexperience with just four starters back. Taylor’s backfield is where the Mustangs will be deepest offensively.

Last year’s leading rusher Dante Archie (760 rushing yards and seven touchdowns) is getting looks at the Division I level and head coach Chad Simmons believes Joe Praise Adeyemi and Ethan Jacobson can step up and contribute in the rushing attack. Senior Josh Higginbothom is poised to take over the starting quarterback role.

Up front, Taylor will lean on Nebraska commit tight end Ian Flynt (129 receiving yards and two touchdowns) as well as fellow returning starters center Brady Downs and offensive lineman Hank Tulenko.

With Taylor combatting some roster turnover on that offensive side of the ball, Simmons said he is a little concerned about his team’s overall depth. However, he said it’s time for Taylor to get back to winning gold balls as it did in 2019 and 2020. After a great offseason, the Mustangs are full of confidence and ready to battle on the field in 2023.

Tompkins Falcons

Head Coach: Todd McVey (7th Season)

Last Season: 8-3; 6-2 in district (Lost to Ridge Point in bi-district)

Tompkins Key Players and Storylines

Once Tompkins hit its stride as a varsity football program, the Falcons have not looked back. They have now made five-straight playoff appearances.

Last year’s postseason trip was a short one though as the Falcons were left heartbroken by a double overtime loss to Fort Bend Ridge Point in the first round.

Tompkins will have six starters back on offense this year and five on defense. Head coach Todd McVey said Tompkins’ success this year will depend on the leadership of its senior class.

And it’s quite the senior class to lead the offense. Quarterback Wyatt Young (685 passing yards and seven touchdowns) is committed to Rice as a wide receiver, left tackle Ashton Funk is a four-star commit to Texas A&M, and running back Caleb Blocker (1,150 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns) was Tompkins’ leading rusher last season.

The Falcon defense has just as many weapons. It has a premier pass rusher in Arizona commit edge rusher Eduwa Okundaye (41 tackles, nine TFLs), a reliable tackler in junior Josh Davis (70 tackles, nine TFLs), and a dynamic threat in the secondary in Jhase McMillan (58 tackles, five TFLs). McMillan should also be a key contributor in the return game.

But while Tompkins is littered with talent on both sides of the ball, McVey said the Falcons do lack depth in some positions.

Yet with five-straight playoff appearances in its back pocket, Tompkins has built a culture that McVey said his players have fully bought into heading into the season. He said his players will need to hold each other accountable on the field as they aim for a deeper playoff run in 2023.

 

CLICK HERE to listen to the Texas HS Football Podcast, with Taylor Arenz

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