A district loss followed by an overtime win helped get the Fort Bend Bush Broncos into the Class 6A state playoffs last year. And by virtue of going into Division II, the Broncos went in as a top seed despite finishing third in District 20-6A.
Bush lost to Hightower, 26-25, on the second district game, and Bush defeated Kempner in overtime the following week. Those three teams wound up in a three-way tie for third place, all with 4-3 records in district.
Point differentials put Bush at the top of that heap, and since the Broncos’ enrollment is smaller than district leaders Ridge Point and Travis, they went to the smaller division.
Bush defeated Austin, Dulles and Clements for other district wins to earn a bi-district berth against Cinco Ranch, who won, 31-17.
The Broncos lose some beef on defense, but they will reload in 2017, and they have quarterback Wade Freeman returning. Freeman ran and passed the Broncos for nearly 30 points a game last year.
Key Losses
WR Donte Donahue, DE Rashaad Powell, S Cassanova Bradley
Donahue had team highs in receptions (43) and touchdowns (7) while racking up 748 receiving yards.
Powell and Bradley were vital parts of the Broncos defense and all-district selections.
Key Returners
DT Mike Ezuiloh, CB Eric Young, OG Tonyitaku Tanyi, QB Wade Freeman III
Tanyi was a first-team all-district selection who blocked for Freeman and the Broncos offense that averaged 360 yards and nearly 30 points a game. Freeman passed for 2,326 yards and 15 touchdowns and rushed for 389 yards and five more scores as a junior.
Brian Smith ran the ball for a team-high 403 yards and five touchdowns.
Ezuiloh was a first-team all-district pick and Young was dominant as a sophomore last season.
Verdict
The Broncos have size on the both lines returning, and they’ve got skill players coming back in key positions.
The season starts on the road at Alief Taylor, which defeated Bush last year on the first game and began the season 9-0 before losing the season finale against George Ranch and then dropping its Bi-District game.
The Broncos will hinge on Freeman and a defense that reloads in 2017. It should once again come down to pivotal district games that mattered last season.
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