The Houston Heights football program pulled a page from the Aaron Rodgers playbook last season. Well, almost.
Heights didn’t run the table to finish the 2016 regular season, but they nearly accomplished that feat. After starting the season with one win in six games, the Bulldogs needed to finish with a flurry to qualify for the playoffs as the fourth seed. They won three of the next four — with their only loss to a very good Lamar team. Heights blanked Westbury (29-0), routed Westside (22-3) and outdueled Chavez (42-26) to win the final playoff spot.
The Bulldogs fell to a salty Langham Creek squad in the bi-district round of the playoffs, but Heights got lots of play from a plethora of underclassmen like Joshua Reed, E’munn Parker, Jacoby Hopkins and Erick Hubert.
Key Losses
DL Cody Roscoe, OLB Earnest Anderson, WR Terrell Alexander
Alexander was a playmaker who caught 35 passes for 380 yards and a touchdown in the 2016 season. He was an all-district selection.
On defense, Roscoe had 59 tackles and was the District 18-6A Defensive MVP with his eye-popping 22 sacks last season. Anderson racked up 65 tackles while registering eight sacks of his own.
Key Returners
WR Jacoby Hopkins, ILB Joshua Reed, DB Jalen Green, DB Erick Hubert
Reed led the Bulldogs with a team-high 69 tackles, one interception and added eight sacks for a total loss of 42 yards. Hubert had a team-high four interceptions and Green added a pick of his own.
Hopkins led Heights with 44 receptions, 755 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches.
E’munn Parker had team highs in rushing attempts (60), yards (367) and rushing touchdowns (5) last season as a sophomore.
The Verdict
Heights has its top receiver and top rusher returning from last season, as well as their top linebacker and top two defensive backs.
The defense will be even better next year, especially if it can find someone who can come close to filling Roscoe’s shoes.
The Bulldogs showed moxie late in the 2016 season, and that experience and confidence goes a long way. Heights looks to make a little more noise in 2017 with so many skilled leaders coming back, and the Bulldogs hope to not only keep the playoff streak alive, but eye a return to the Area Round for the first time since the 2013 season.
Brought to you by:
