South Grand Prairie was engulfed in a pool of talented athletes last season and in that aspect of the game could be considered one of the top tier programs based on theoir skill and athleticism. As talented as they were this past season, they unfortunately have to share a district with DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville and Grand Prairie.
In a district that could quite possibly and appropriately be labeled a “Group of Death”, South Grand Prairie managed to take the fourth spot in the district standings before losing in the first round to Belton to put their season at 6-5.
A fourth place finish in District 7-6A could very well indeed be a first place finish in other districts but as they showed throughout the season, the Warriors do not shy away from competition. South Grand Prairie was represented well when the All-District teams were revealed with 10 of the players donning the red and gold.
However, SGP will be taking a hit with eight players graduating and a good amount garnering the interest of different programs. With some talent leaving, the questions around the team revolve who will be left to fill the voids and how will they fare against their district rivals that account for three of the state titles won since 2013.
Key Departures
DB Jeffrey Okudah, DL Jakharious Smith, DL Diego Ruvalcaba, WR Lawrence Dixon, WR J’Vian Jackson
Jeffrey Okudah is a household name in the world of Texas high school football and what more can be said about the void the Ohio State commit will be leaving?
As phenomenal of an athlete as he is, his defensive teammates Jakhorius Smith and Diego Ruvalcaba will have to be another void to fill. The duo was pivotal in plugging up the gaps and creating pressure from the line.
Wide receivers Lawrence Dixon and J’Vian Jackson accounted for 721 yards and nine touchdowns together and were reliable targets for the young quarterback Nakia Brown and this run heavy offense this past season.
Key Returners
QB Nakia Brown, DB Atanza Vonger
Quarterback Nakia Brown will be going into next season as a junior which should be quite the luxury for South Grand Prairie. Last year he accounted for 1,532 yards passing and fifteen touchdowns. Let’s not forget his ability to tuck the ball and run as he posted 629 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. Nakia Brown will only become a bigger threat as he continues to grow into his role.
Defensively for the Warriors, they will be retruning another phenomenal defensive back in Atanza Vonger. The safety is currently listed in the top 20 of Texas recruits per 247Sports and even saw time at the running back and wide receiver positions when he wasn’t patrolling the skies in the secondary.
Verdict
Even with a noticeable amount of talent leaving, South Grand Prairie is able to produce more athletes as the years go by. Even though they are losing talent, so too are DeSoto and Cedar Hill, which may even the playing field a bit more come next season.
While South Grand Prairie has to battle out some of the best programs in the state, it provides a good test for the team as they advance into the season. No doubt South Grand Prairie can get the wins needed to get back into the playoffs but perhaps they might find themselves flirting with a district title next season.
South Grand Prairie is a team on the fringe of winning district but Duncanville will be too after the season they had last year and who they have returning. It will be interesting to see where those two teams will fall in the district next season but one thing can be certain: It would be foolish to disregard South Grand Prairie and the Warriors will come and be ready to go toe-to-toe with the best.
