Mansfield ended their season on a sour note when they loss 56-28 in the Class 6A DII Region I semifinal game to Cedar Hill.
That loss ended the prep sports career of two of the most dynamic players in Texas in running back Kennedy Brooks and WR/DB Paulson Saiid Adebo. Those two key players helped revive the Mansfield Tigers, finishing with a 22-6 record the past two seasons and even a run that put Mansfield on the verge of a state title game appearance in 2015.
Heading into next year, Mansfield should once again be considered the favorite in the District 4-6A race but will they be as dynamic as they have been with several key players being lost to graduation?
Key Losses
RB Kennedy Brooks, DB/WR Paulson Saiid Adebo, DL Caleb Thomas
Kennedy Brooks was an absolute machine, garnering award after award and putting together a historic high school career finishing with 7,658 yards and 96 touchdowns during his time at Mansfield. Replicating that production like that would be more than onerous to even the most elite of athletes and Mansfield will be missing that out of the backfield next season.
Saiid Adebo was just as dynamic in his own right, lining up as a wideout opposite of the secondary as well as in the secondary. The two-way athlete garnered first-team all-district honors at both positions.
On defense for Mansfield, Caleb Thomas had to be accounted for as he registered 37 tackles, seven for loss and five sacks to headline the front seven of Mansfield.
Key Returners
DB/WR Miles Williams, LB Jarret Skaggs WR, Jackson Gleeson
Miles Williams garnered Defensive Sophomore of the Year for his respective district and is even projected as a two-way performer just as Saiid Adebo. The sophomore will have time to develop to his full potential alongside defensive teammate Jarret Skaggs.
Skaggs accounted for 56 total tackles and is credited with four forced fumbles and an interception. Heading into this upcoming season as a senior, he is sure to be a knowledgeable leader on the field.
Receiver Jackson Gleeson should be considered a home run threat after averaging 27 yards per catch last year. He was second on the team with his 487 receiving yards and was able to find the end zone for a team-leading six touchdown receptions.
Verdict
The Tigers didn’t miss a beat under Head Coach Daniel Maberry. Maberry has been with the program since 2002, but this was his first year as the head coach and has been a big part in Mansfield’s rise to prominence the past two seasons. After back-to-back district championship seasons, Mansfield is sure to begin eyeing the UIL title and Maberry has the years of coaching experience to help his program get there.
Mansfield may be on the outside looking in in regards to state title favorites but they are not to be overlooked. They could very well shock the balance of power with the usual names thrown around in the state champions conversation and crash the party.
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