Beaumont Westbrook opened up their season this year on several high notes, riding a six game win streak and looking to be a threat in Region II post-season play. That was until an unruly thrashing came about from The Woodlands, a 72-7 rout by the eventual 6A DI state runner up Highlanders. The Bruins recovered and didn’t lose another regular season, avoiding a close call in overtime against Oak Ridge and pulling out a 21-14 win. Westbrook would continue their success into the postseason, advancing all the way to the third round of the playoffs before being dismantled by Spring Westfield in a 44-6 loss.
Former head coach Kevin Flanigan was suspended only days before the Bruins’ last playoff game this season, as a result of an administrative incident. After being reinstated back into the program earlier this month, Flanigan would leave for the head coaching position at Tomball High.
The Bruins look to continue their success from last season into this year, but questions loom as to whether or not the loss of Coach Flanigan will affect their play calling efficiency and productivity.
Key Losses
HC Kevin Flanigan, RB Joel Denley, OL Dan Moore Jr., DB Deonte Henson
Obviously the biggest blow to the Bruins is the loss of former head coach Kevin Flanigan as he is now at Tomball. Flanigan’s replacement is still to be determined as of the time of writing.
Next up, running back Joel Denley will be dearly missed on the offensive ball. The senior rusher nearly rushed for 1200 yards on the season with 155 carries, averaging about 7.7 yards a carry. Denley also threw for 137 yards on three attempts including a touchdown. Senior offensive guard Dan Moore Jr. provided an anchor for an otherwise small and stout offensive line this season. The 3-star guard recently flipped his commitment from Oklahoma State to Texas A&M.
Also, senior defensive back Deonte Henson will be gone after the season. In a talent crowded defensive backfield, Henson still managed to shine by using his leadership and intelligence of the game, as exampled by his commitment to play football at Yale.
Key Returners
QB Marcus Johnson, QB L’Ravien Elia, RB James Jones
Most teams would love to be able to have two great quarterbacks, especially one drawing comparisons to Vince Young and the other being undefeated for most of his life, fight for a starting spot. Both Johnson, a junior, and Elia, a sophomore, had exceptional seasons for the Bruins. The two shared time at quarterback as they combined for a savage 21 touchdowns on the season along with nearly 2000 yards in passing. Elia has the upper hand on Johnson though, as he also rushed for over 1100 yards on the season, proving himself to be a dual-threat. Junior running back James Jones has some big shoes to fill next year as well. The departure of Denley allows a great opportunity for Jones to step in to, yet one cannot forget the speed and aggression that made Denley such a versatile back. Hopefully, Jones can replicate some of that magic and pave the way for a new era at Westbrook.
The Verdict
Losing talented, hardworking seniors isn’t easy. That kills a lot of programs the following year. But losing a head coach who turned around the Westbrook football program and delivered an 11-2 record in his final season? That would drive most athletic directors to lunacy or maybe some type of morphine induced hibernation until the water clears up.
That being said, the Bruins will have a hard time transitioning this year. Losing Flanigan this late in the year is a real set back as no one knows who will be hired or what kind of system/scheme they will bring with them. If Westbrook can promote a coordinator and keep the hire at home, this will provide the best shot for them to keep everything status quo.
On top of that, a defense that very much so resembled the 1972 Dolphins ‘No Name Defense’ will be losing seniors on seniors on seniors and so forth. If you forget to look at the Woodlands and Westfield game, this defense was one of the best in Region II and has the potential to be even better with up and coming talent.
It’s hard to determine the future success of a team in a condition like this. Badly wounded after a beatdown in the third round, the players received extra salt in the wound with losing Flanigan who was beloved with the players. If this group of men can come together and put their adversities behind them, expect greatness once again.
However, the odds are certainly against them and in a district loaded with offensive weaponry this spoils trouble for the Bruins early on. Perhaps not another 9-1 regular season record is on their way but certainly Westbrook will finish above .500 and get a playoff spot.
Brought to you by:
