Southlake Carroll is probably the favorite to take home another district title, but its District 4-6A bunkmates showed a year ago that this district isn’t all about the Dragons. Both Byron Nelson and Keller made runs to the third round of the playoffs a year ago.
Throw in the fact that a three-way tiebreaker decided the final playoff spot beneath them and there are plenty of storylines to watch in this district this fall.
Here is each team’s outlook for 2023.
Byron Nelson Bobcats
Head Coach: Travis Pride (8th season)
Last Season: 11-2; 6-1 in district (Lost to Denton Guyer in regional semifinals)
Byron Nelson Key Players and Storylines
The Bobcats are riding a wave of success following the past two seasons. They’ve advanced to the regional semifinals both years and also set a school record in 2022 with their 11-win season.
This year, the Byron Nelson coaching staff expects to have another successful year in district play. And once the postseason rolls around, they hope to be able to overcome the hurdle the regional semifinals have been for them the past two seasons.
In 2022, the Byron Nelson offense blew other teams apart by averaging over 49 points per game. However, with five three-year starters graduating on that side of the ball, look for the Bobcats to lean on their defense this season.
And what a defense it is.
Nine starters return, including six three-year starters. Even the two new starters have seen significant playing time, so inexperience won’t be a problem.
The secondary will be strong with three-star prospects David Kabongo (64 tackles), an Oklahoma State commit, and Jonathan Kabeya, who transfers in from Colleyville Heritage. In the front seven, keep an eye out for linebacker/edge Eze Osondu (39 tackles, seven sacks) and defensive lineman Kaleb Coleman (41 tackles and 10 TFLs). They were Byron Nelson’s two leading sack-getters in 2022.
On the other side of the ball, inexperience will be something the Bobcats have to overcome. Just four starters return from last season’s squad. However, the Byron Nelson coaching staff is excited about the unit’s overall potential.
Tom Von Grote is poised to take over at quarterback after the graduation of the district’s Offensive Player of the Year Jake Wilson, who threw for over 4,000 yards a year ago.
Byron Nelson’s five leading receivers from a year ago have also graduated, opening the door for receiver Landon Farco (276 receiving yards and five touchdowns) to step into a much bigger role this season. Up front, offensive guard Abe Sakiri will bring some crucial experience as a returning first team all-district honoree.
The Byron Nelson athletic program as a whole has been on a high. Every team advanced to at least the second round of playoffs a year ago. With so much momentum surrounding the program, the Bobcats’ stout defense will be one to watch as the offense settles in for what Byron Nelson hopes will be a season that lasts long into November.
Very proud of the Bobcats who competed in the State 7 on 7 tournament this weekend. Went 2-1 in pool play, 5-0 in bracket play to finish 7-1 on the weekend and winners of the consolation bracket. Lots of football played, built some good relationships and got better as a team. WWW pic.twitter.com/pzlF41FyeF
— BNHS FOOTBALL (@BNHSFOOTBALL09) June 25, 2023
Haltom Buffalos
Head Coach: Jason Tucker (10th season)
Last Season: 0-10; 0-7 in district
Haltom Key Players and Storylines
The Buffalos are looking to put last season behind them after a winless campaign. It’s not the first time head coach Jason Tucker has faced this situation. In his first season in 2014, Haltom also went 0-10. But by 2018, the Buffalos were undefeated district champions and regional finalists.
Tucker said that last season’s struggles haven’t affected the work ethic from his squad this offseason. That hard work will be crucial as Haltom must settle in several new starters on each side of the ball. Four starters return on defense and just two are back on offense.
Offensively, Ashton Moore (328 passing yards, 175 rushing yards) saw reps last year at quarterback although he could face competition from junior Grady Tucker for the starting job.
The Buffalos are most excited about the running back position where Devan Ramirez (185 rushing yards) will lead the charge. Tucker is encouraged by the depth behind Ramirez and said several running backs will have the chance to carry the ball. Haltom’s main concern in the run game will be the inexperience of its offensive line as new starters settle in.
Touchdown Run vs Byron Nelson @HHS_Recruiting @scout_trout @ihss_dfw pic.twitter.com/J8En3ENfIC
— Devan Ramirez-Powell (@PowellRamirez) October 9, 2022
On the other side of the ball, the secondary is a position group that will also be facing a learning curve with several new faces. Because of that, senior safety Pedro Acevedo will be needed to lead the back end of the Buffalo defense.
In the front seven, key players for Haltom will include linebacker Steven Cator and defensive end Brandon Barnett.
Heading into this year, Tucker hopes to build off the positive offseason strides he’s seen his team making these past couple months. He believes if they can put together full games in 2023, they’ll be able to take a step forward after last year’s disappointment.
Keller Central Chargers
Head Coach: Mike Sports (4th Season)
Last Season: 1-9; 1-6 in district
Keller Central Key Players and Storylines
The Chargers are in the midst of a four-year playoff drought, but their outlook is looking up heading into this season.
Six starters return on offense and seven are back on defense.
Head coach Mike Sports is most encouraged by what the Chargers bring back in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Austin Bandlow and Dakota Lewis both return on the offensive line, while the defensive line will boast Devin Hubbard (32 tackles), Brycen Bardin (32 tackles), and Christian Hansen.
Offensively, there’s more work to be done at the skill positions. Quarterback Kelden Ryan transferred to All Saints Episcopal in the offseason, opening the door for junior Landon Smith (138 passing yards) to take over behind center.
Out at receiver, Keller Central’s top two players from a year ago have graduated. Sports expects Christian Hogan and JaMareon Moore to step up after both saw limited reps in 2022.
Keep an eye on Romire Dupuy at tight end as well. Sports said he has been very impressed by the gains he has made in the weight room this offseason.
Defensively, last year’s leading tackler Hayden Snow (100 tackles) is back at linebacker alongside Weston Underhill (34 tackles) and Kaleb Rothman. Sports said Rothman has led the Chargers in the weight room this offseason and should play a key role in 2023. Behind them, junior safety Collin Nelor (49 tackles) will be Keller Central’s player to watch in the secondary.
Sports said special teams will also be a strength with punter/kicker Max Miranda and long snapper JoJo Scherer both returning.
The Chargers have displayed a lot of great chemistry throughout this offseason so far. Sports’ biggest concern is about his team’s depth. If Keller Central can get young players to step up, especially in the skill positions, the Chargers will be in position to have a more successful 2023 season.
Keller Fossil Ridge Panthers
Head Coach: Derek Ramsey (4th Season)
Last Season: 5-5; 3-4 in district
Fossil Ridge Key Players and Storylines
Fossil Ridge came up just short of its first playoff berth since 2018 a year ago. However, a three-way tiebreaker for the final playoff spot denied the Panthers in the end.
Offensively, Fossil Ridge has to replace its bell cow from last year Central Arkansas signee Landen Chambers. However, quarterback Logan Cundiff (1,387 passing yards and 16 touchdowns) is back as is his leading receiver Cooper Leonard (597 receiving yards and seven touchdowns). Cundiff recently received his first Division I offer from Austin Peay.
Top Highlights! 2024 Dual Threat QB/ Area Track Qualifying Sprinter/4.58 40. Full link ~ https://t.co/nlc879iD3A pic.twitter.com/KucAlQ9Pfx
— Logan Cundiff (@loganbcundiff) May 26, 2023
Defensively, the Panthers return their leading tackler from last year in linebacker Aaron Jordan (66 tackles). Safety Reece Watkins (32 tackles, three INTs) is another playmaker to watch after he led the Panthers in interceptions last year and also earned second team all-district honors.
On the defensive line, Ekow Taylor (27 tackles six TFLs) will be looking to build off a good 2022 season.
After such a close call a year ago, Fossil Ridge will be hungry for its first playoff berth in five years. With Cundiff back under center and some key players back on defense, Fossil Ridge hopes that will be the leadership necessary for it to get over that hump this season.
Keller Indians
Head Coach: Carl Stralow (12th season)
Last Season: 10-3; 5-2 in district (Lost to Lewisville in regional semifinals)
Keller Key Players and Storylines
Keller had a 2022 season for the history books as it advanced to the third round of playoffs for the first time since 1966.
Heading into this season, head coach Carl Stralow made it a point to emphasize his Indians aren’t complacent heading into this season.
“Last year was a lot of fun, but it was last year,” Stralow said. “We want to build on that success and maintain that as the standard.”
Keller averaged just over 30 points per game in 2022 and will return seven starters this season. Stralow said the strongest area of the unit will be the offensive line.
Even though the Indians have to settle in a new starting quarterback, they return several key pieces at the skill positions. Three-star receiver Tre Griffiths (836 receiving yards and seven touchdowns), an Oklahoma State commit, is also a track star for Keller and will be a headache for opposing secondaries to deal with this fall.
Tight end Parker Ireson (183 receiving yards) will also be a reliable target for the new quarterback. He was a second team all-district selection a year ago.
In the backfield, Keller’s leading rusher from a year ago has graduated but Cameron Rayford (766 rushing yards and six touchdowns) is ready to handle the lead back role this year after an impressive 2022 season.
Defensively, there are a lot more question marks. Just three starters return from last season on that side of the ball.
Safety Ryan Ventura (132 tackles) and linebacker Parker Knowles (107 tackles) were two of Keller’s four leading tacklers from a year ago. Their experience will be much needed on what will be an inexperienced unit. Up front, Stralow said to keep an eye on defensive end Michael Reagan. He was a second team all-district selection as an offensive tackle a year ago.
Keller had a historic season in 2022. How quickly it reloads its difference could be the key to whether the Indians see similar success in 2023.
Keller Timber Creek Falcons
Head Coach: Marshall Williams (4th Season)
Last Season: 4-7; 3-4 in district (Lost to North Crowley in bi-district)
Timber Creek Key Players and storylines
After just two playoff berths in its first ten seasons, Timber Creek has now made the playoffs two out of the past three years under the leadership of head coach Marshall Williams.
The Falcons will have to rely on their offensive backfield after Oklahoma commit Dozie Ezukanma transferred to All Saints Episcopal and their four other leading receivers graduated.
Quarterback Lior Mendji is back although he could face competition from fellow senior Anderson Lewis. However, there’s no doubt who will star alongside them with the return of Timber Creek’s bell cow at running back AJ Parks (556 rushing yards and seven touchdowns).
My first starting varsity game,I would like to thank @coachmwilliams1 for giving me the opportunity to start and thanking every one of my line men pic.twitter.com/yH9B23YyYu
— Anthony joe parks (@anthonyjoeparks) September 10, 2022
Defensively, linebacker Devin Green is the lone returning all-district player from last season. Despite that fact, the cupboard isn’t bare as the Falcons do boast several promising juniors that saw playing time a year ago in fellow linebacker Tristen Armstrong and safeties Antwan Bridges and Logan Summers.
In all four of its wins last season, the Timber Creek offense scored at least 41 points. With an experienced backfield back this fall, the Falcons will likely need that offense to be explosive again as they look to earn back-to-back playoff berths for the first time in school history.
Southlake Carroll Dragons
Head Coach: Riley Dodge (6th Season)
Last Season: 13-1; 7-0 in district (Lost to Denton Guyer in Regional Final)
Southlake Carroll Key Players and Storylines
Playing into December has become a tradition for a Southlake Carroll program that has gone to at least the state quarterfinals every year since Riley Dodge took over.
It’s exactly what you’d expect from one of the most successful programs in the state. The Dragons have won eight state titles in their storied history.
For a program that continually churns out talent, this year will be no different.
Georgia Tech commit quarterback Graham Knowles (1,864 passing yards and 18 touchdowns) is back to lead the offense. And while Air Force signee Owen Allen has graduated after rushing for over 2,000 yards last season, three-star running back Riley Wormley, a Colleyville Heritage transfer, is waiting in the wings ready to fill his role.
And the loaded backfield isn’t all. The Dragon offense also boasts last year’s leading receiver Jacob Jordan (1,225 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns), four-star tight end Jack VanDorselaer, and offensive linemen Vanderbilt commit Harrison Moore and Charlotte commit Andrew Cunningham.
What a throw.
Graham Knowles to Jacob Jordan.
Southlake is in scoring territory. pic.twitter.com/APRL8g7mob
— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) October 29, 2022
On the other side of the ball, the Dragons also return their top two tacklers from last season in safety Aaron Scherp (100 tackles, nine TFLs) and defensive end Dustan Mark (85 tackles, 11 TFLs). Elsewhere, fellow defensive end Zac Scarborough (60 tackles, five TFLs), cornerback Carter High (56 tackles and two INTs), and safety Eric Garza (35 tackles) were all first team all-district selections in 2022.
There’s no doubt Southlake Carroll has another talented team on its hands in 2023. Expect the Dragons to be in the mix for another Region I championship as they aim for their first state title game appearance since 2020.
V.R. Eaton Eagles
Head Coach: Ellis Miller (7th Season)
Last Season: 4-6; 3-4 in district
V.R. Eaton Key Players and Storylines
A three-way tiebreaker denied V.R. Eaton its third-straight postseason appearance a year ago. However, head coach Ellis Miller said his squad fully expects to be a playoff team this season.
With nine starters back on offense and seven returning on defense, the Eagles will have no shortage of talent at their disposal.
Quarterback Noah Lugo (1,269 passing yards and 14 TDs; 800 rushing yards and 13 TDs) should be a sparkplug for the offense after leading them in rushing as well last season. He committed to UTSA in mid-June.
1000% COMMITTED!!! BIRDS UP 🤙🏽🤙🏽 pic.twitter.com/T9LQ1V42Ki
— NoahLugo14 (@NoahLugo14) June 18, 2023
Junior receiver Talon Homes (449 receiving yards and nine touchdowns) should continue to grow his rapport with Lugo this year. Holmes was the district’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year last season. Look for junior Tristan Gable to anchor the offensive line.
On the other side of the ball, Miller said his main concern is the lack of experience returning on the defensive line. But while the Eagles develop in the trenches, they’ll be in good hands in the back end of the defense with safety Aidyn Blair and cornerback Darius Nash. Junior linebacker Joseph Frazier is also poised for a big season after earning second team all-district last season.
Miller said it will be crucial for his Eagles to continue to progress throughout the season. He believes if they can do that and lean on the physicality that he is confident they will possess, then they could push their way into the district title conversation.
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