The turnaround Sterling Doty has done at Magnolia High School since taking over before the 2014 season has been nothing short of remarkable.
It seems the Bulldogs mired in mediocrity with one losing season after another for a few decades. Prior to Doty’s arrival, Magnolia compiled a 31-69 record the previous 10 years (2004-13) with one lone playoff appearance in 2008. Doty had Magnolia at 3-7 in 2014, but he’s taken the Bulldogs to back-to- back 10-2 seasons with second round playoff appearances both seasons, including last year’s team that fell to a very good College Station team.
Now that the culture has changed at Magnolia, things are looking up again. The Bulldogs lose district MVP quarterback Jacob Frazier, but whoever fills his shoes has tons of weapons to work with.
Magnolia currently has a 13-game winning streak in district, with its last loss to Stratford to open district in 2015.
Key Losses
QB Jacob Frazier, OL Tatum Brokaw, DL Cory Stang
Jacob Frazier posted unbelievable stats his senior campaign en route to leading his team to a district championship and district MVP award. Frazier completed 65 percent of his passes for 3,568 yards and 43 touchdowns with just six picks. His passer rating for the season was an eye-popping 132.7.
Offensive linemen Tatum Brokaw (6-2, 270) and Marcos Herrera (6-3, 280) helped pave the way for the dangerously explosive offense. Cory Stang was a first-team all- district selection along with fellow senior Mike Garrett, a defensive back.
Key Returners
RB Anthony Johnson, WR Michael Woods, WR Reese Mason, MLB Bo Willis
The Bulldogs have flat out playmakers returning on both sides of the ball, so pick your poison in trying to tame these dogs.
Anthony Johnson averaged more than 100 yards rushing a game and scored 10 touchdowns. Michael Woods had 1,456 receiving yards with 21 touchdowns while Reese Mason hauled in 59 passes for 1,046 yards and 15 touchdowns. In fact, of the 3,500-plus passing yards last year by Magnolia, the Bulldogs return seven receivers who combined for 3,000 yards and 42 receiving touchdowns.
Then there’s the defense, led by now-junior Bo Willis. Bo knows tackling, as he led the team last year as a sophomore with 167. Caleb Wall had 111 tackles himself.
The Verdict
Magnolia opens the season with two of its three non-district games on the road (Kingwood park and Katy Taylor) and two of its first three district games (Waller and Huntsville) on the road. But this is a grizzled group of Bulldogs that won’t be fazed by the road.
Magnolia will continue to have a strong running game and stout defense to complement a passing game that should be caught up to speed before the ink dries on the game day programs.
The Bulldogs should be the early favorites to win District 20-5A — unless Brenham or Willis have anything to say about it. Regardless, one of those teams from the Brazos Valley will await in the second round, whether it’s College Station, Bryan or A&M Consolidated’s revamped program.
Needless to say, Doty has bite back in these Bulldogs and they’re moving things in the right direction.
Brought to you by:
