Football season is upon us. The Texas high school football regular season kicks off this week. As the week progresses, we’ll take a look at the top five teams in each classification. Canadian and Bremond won the Class 2A Division I and II titles in 2014, respectively. Both teams lead the way in their division entering the season.
Division I
1. Canadian
The defending champions return a stacked 2015 squad. There is little doubt that the Wildcats are the team to beat in the larger division of Class 2A. The offense is loaded, thanks in large part to the return of quarterback Tanner Schafer, running back Chance Cook and wide receiver Cameron Copley. Linebacker Holton Hufstedler and defensive end Cory Chidester lead the defensive front-seven.
2. Refugio
The Indians are known for putting up big numbers on offense and 2015 won’t be the season that trend ends. Quarterback Jaylon Mascorro will play FBS football when all is said and done, and the return of Isaiah Perez helps the offense and the defense. Christian Mascorro is a returning all-state selection along the offense line and the defense should be solid enough for Refugio’s offense to win every regular season game.
3. Mason
Seth Hudson is moving positions to quarterback the Punchers this season, but expect Mason to keep the momentum built up under head coach Kade Burns rolling in 2015 despite a few key losses on both sides of the football. Mason returns five starters on offense and six on defense. Linebacker Riley Pape leads the defense.
4. Shiner
The Comanches have the disadvantage of playing in the same district as Refugio, but Shiner always finds a way to make a deep run in the state playoffs. Head coach Steven Cerny returns eight starters on defense and seven on offense in 2015. Running back Chad Neubauer leads the offense and also anchors the defense at linebacker.
5. Centerville
Head coach Kyle Hardee’s multiple-wing offense is in good hands in 2015 with running backs Trevor Goolsby and C.J. Denman leading the way. The defense is anchored by defensive tackle Kenny Stearcy, who may be one of the best interior linemen in Class 2A.
Division II
1. Bremond
The Tigers went 15-0 to capture the Division II state championship in 2015, and Bremond is poised to make another run with nine offensive starters returning. Rayandre Browning does a bit of everything with the ball in his hands and quarterback Roshauud Paul is a threat running and passing. The defense returns six starters.
2. Albany
Albany lost its only game of the season at AT&T Stadium in Arlington to Bremond in the state championship game. This season could set up a rematch between the two best 11-man small schools in the state. Wide receiver Alex Faith and linebacker Hunter Owen lead a talented group.
3. Seagraves
The Eagles reached the state semifinals last year before losing their first game of the season. The 2015 version of Seagraves should be even better. Running back Cory Kyle will be the offensive star, but head coach Steve Heryford has plenty of weapons to score. Jesus Galaviz and Quashus Williams anchor the defense.
4. Iraan
The Braves return five starters on offense and seven on defense from a team that only lost one game in 2014. Tanner Myers is a two-way player who is great at wide receiver and cornerback. Linebacker Owen Davis is the team’s best defender and the offensive line is a strength of the team.
5. Tenaha
There is a new head coach in town, but Tenaha is always a threat coming out of District 11-2A DII. Wide receiver Colton Goeke caught five touchdowns in 2014, but he could be used as a running back or even a quarterback if neded. Blane Cummings and Tyler Muckelroy lead the defense, which could be the strong suit of the team this season.
