The TexasPrepInsider.com Staff takes a look at the top half of the field of 64 in the 5A-4A 7 on 7 State Tournament. Matt Stepp, Matt Diggs, Jeff Howe, Jay Darneal, Kerry Coopper and Alan Zepeda all contributed to this report.
1. Arlington Lamar Vikings: The Vikings have been a machine in 7 on 7 SQT play this year winning the first SQT they played in at Colleyville Heritage, then going undefeated in their next 4 SQTs. In addition the Vikings won two other non-qualifying tournaments at Keller and SMU. Lamar has done everything possible in 7 on 7 except win the State Tournament, last year Lamar lost in the final seconds to Houston Stratford in a thrilling semi-final game. There aren’t a lot of big names for Lamar this year but they’ve got a very solid all around team that has no weaknesses. WR David Acker is the headliner but if teams pay him too much attention QB Michael Poynter will make you pay. On defense the Vikings are athletic and fast.
2. Lake Travis Cavaliers: The best news for Lake Travis fans, 7 on 7 fans, and Texas Longhorn fans is that Garrett Gilbert recently started throwing again and is showing now ill effects after winter surgery to repair a labrum tear. Cade McCrary was one of Gilbert’s favorite targets last season and has been outstanding this summer. They have plenty of talent and depth and should be at the very least one of the final 16 teams left standing in the winner’s bracket on Saturday and with Gilbert at the helm the Cavaliers can win the whole thing.
3. Arlington Bowie Volunteers: Much like cross town rival Lamar, Bowie got close last year but fell in the final seconds of the semi-finals to Georgetown. The Volunteers have a big time QB in Kansas commit Christian Mathews who is playing in his third State Tournament. Mathews lost most of his big weapons but his young crop of speedy receivers has gotten better and better each week this summer. On the defensive side of the ball there aren’t many as athletic as the Vols as they are led by ball hawking DB Dexter Linton who is another future Jayhawk.
4. Klein Bearkats: Klein is usually known for having big lineman and running the ball down your throat all game long. This year they have some tremendous athletes and have looked very good at 7on7 thus far and might be considered the top team in Houston. The offense is led by all-everything WR/DB Tyler Boss. He will play both sides and make amazing plays all over the field at both positions. Transfer QB Peebles has looked very good throwing the ball this summer and will try to find his main targets in Boss and speedsters RB Dakota Barnes, RB Patrick Johnson and RB Keshawn Hill. Having a big target like 6-6 TE Brandon Laubach will not hurt at all either. The defense will be shored up by Boss and big LB Kevin Kisseberth.
5. Lewisville Hebron Hawks: Hebron is just flat out good. They have turned into a machine - not only in the 11-man game, but the 7 on 7 game. Hebron is always a safe bet to go 2-3 rounds deep. The biggest decisions the 7 on 7 coaches will have is which 20 players to bring - as the rotation is just that deep for the Hawks. The Hawks are a threat to win it all - especially if the QB play is on. Darius Staten is practically a lock for the all-tournament team - without even playing a down. Justin Iwuhi could bust out of the shadows and really make a statewide name for himself with his performance. WR’s Phillip Mitchell and Alex Norman are both solid can catch everything thrown their way.
6. Rockwall Heath Hawks: This is a team that could potentially win it all. The Division 1 skill players the Hawks have will probably be among the most talented that any team will have at the tournament. With two coaches' sons on each side of the ball, Rockwall Heath will have the experience and leadership to possibly win the whole thing. Kendial Lawrence excels at 7 on 7 out of the backfield as he runs good routes and has above average hands. Drew Hollingshead has a great long ball and makes smart decisions. Austin Moss has linebacker size and defensive back quickness. Everett Gilbert can go deep at any time. The skill players Heath has are ridiculous - but if there is one problem, it might be a lack of depth on Saturday. The big boys will get no break.
7. Sulphur Springs Wildcats: There might not be a more exciting team in the State Tournament than Sulphur Springs. The Wildcats were a virtual unknown regarding seven on seven until they simply blew the field away at the Tyler Lee SQT winning the tournament and scoring over 50 points in every game. The next week the Wildcats proved it was no fluke heading to DFW and rolling through three strong teams at the Rockwall SQT scoring no less than 42 points in each game. It all starts with QB Tyrik Rollison who throws maybe the best deep ball in the tournament and when teams play the deep pass he can dink and dunk with the best of them to guys like RB Ryan Young, WR Jace Jackson and WR Bryant Jackson. On defense Johnny McSheffrey and Jackson lead the way.
8. Abilene Eagles: Abilene doesn’t have quite the big name talent they had last year on offense but make no mistake the Warbirds are still brutally efficient and they are seeking their first ever 7 on 7 State Tournament Championship. QB Stephen Warren leads the way and with his progression over the summer he can put AHS on his back at times. Warren who saw lots of action as a backup last year is now a seasoned vet with two years of experience under his belt. The top target on offense is WR Tevin Wiley and RB Zach Bass is a reliable weapon. The real question for Abilene is on defense as LB Chris Williams has been out all summer, early word is he will play in the State Tournament but until AHS plays their first pool game we won’t know for sure.
9. Edcouch-Elsa Yellow Jackets:”La Maquina Amarilla” has lived up to the nickname this summer. (For those of you needing Spanish translation it means The Yellow Machine). Edcouch-Elsa has simply been dominant in the Valley blowing through just about everyone they’ve run into, but this year is different as the Yellow Jackets have expanded outside the Valley and they’ve been dominant there winning the Houston Texans SQT against some of the better competition in Greater Houston. TE Aaron Tanguma is the top threat for the ‘Jackets but QB Eric Nino has come into his own and at 6’3 with a strong arm he can make plays. The only concern for Edcouch-Elsa is the RGV Super Bowl which was to be held on Saturday has been pushed back to Wednesday and they’ll spend Thursday traveling the 400 plus miles to Texas A&M and then have to play Friday. Do they have the depth to handle that kind of schedule?
10. Katy Cinco Ranch Cougars: Shane Ros is back and wanting to show his stuff at quarterback. He will be one of the best ones in the tournament. This team has always been a tough out in 7 on 7 play, how far they go will depend on how far back Shane Ros has made it back from his injury last year.
11. Katy Tigers: Oh no Katy lost everyone to graduation, what will they ever do. Win that is all. It is a new group, a new group of faces but the old attitude, they will win and win at will during the season. As for the 7 on 7 season, that remains to be seen but they should be scrappy and will be a tough out. Parker Ray takes over at QB and WR Sevi Carbajal will be looked to as one of the top targets.
12. College Station A&M Consolidated Tigers: With the shortest road trip to get to state the Tigers have looked very impressive this summer and are a dark horse pick to win the whole thing. This team could be this year’s Georgetown because like the Eagles last season, the Tigers do not have a superstar player but they do get everyone involved and have a team full of solid players. Look for quarterback Patrick O’Quinn to hook up often with tight end Taylor Dudley while cornerback Kip Daily leads the defense.
13. Cypress Falls Golden Eagles: Kolby Gray vs Andrew Luck in the playoffs was one the best showdowns in recent seasons. Kolby returns for his senior year and now is ready to kickoff that senior season in the big show. He will be throwing to a new group of receivers so the question is how long before they get their timing down?? With Gray at the controls, the Golden Eagles have the kind of QB who can take them a long way.
14. Denton Guyer Wildcats: One of the most pleasant surprises in the DFW area has been the play of the Guyer Wildcats. Before this season GHS spent their time being whipping boys for the powers of the area, however at the end of 7 on 7 play last year the Wildcats showed signs of life and its carried over. On offense guys like RB Deandre Wilson, WR Daniel Harkin and WR Matt Mose have all been major playmakers while on the defensive side of things LB Cody Marley has been a major leader and playmaker. The key will be the progression of sophomore QB J.W. Walsh, if he plays error free consistent football expect Guyer to make it deep into Saturday but as with young QB’s he’s got to avoid costly errors.
15. Arlington Colts: Most observers thought Arlington had a good chance to advance to the State Tournament this year, but not many expected the Colts to be a legitimate contender for the State Championship but that’s just what they are. A group that has experienced major success at the subvarsity level in 7 on 7 is looking to carry the success over at the Varsity level. QB Matt Joeckel leads a deadly accurate offense and with guys like WR Cory Broadnax and RB Jamal Nero, AHS has a legit shot to win it all much like they did in the JV Division last year.
16. Mesquite Skeeters: The Mesquite Skeeters took one shot to qualify and they did - at their own tournament. They did not give themselves an easy route - barely getting by Garland in pool play in a classic game. Despite some coaching controversies - the athletes at Mesquite have stepped up and have the experience to make a solid run. Luke Halpin may find it refreshing to get out and have some competition. Marcus Trice is one of the nicest guys you'd meet - and the state will know who he is after the tournament when he has breakout performance after another on both sides of the ball. Darnell Taylor, Darius Taylor and Robert Lewis are all excellent player on defense. Last year in their first ever State Tournament, Mesquite advanced to the Quarter-Finals.
17. Austin Maroons: The Maroons have the type of athletes and playmakers on the outside that can take them a long way in the tournament. They will be led by Scout.com three star receiver Emory Blake, but watch out for 6-foot-3-inch receiver Alston Nuckols as the duo gives the Maroons one of the best in the field. Kris Green leads the defense, a unit that will be the key to the Maroons success, look for Nuckols to also contribute on D as well. QB play is key for AHS, if they can get mistake free play from that spot Austin High can play with anyone.
18. The Woodlands Highlanders: These guys are always a 7on7 threat and this year will be no different as they are loaded with talent. However, with All-District WR Alex Tweedy out due to an injury players like WR Ryan Eastman, WR Randy Knust and RB Daniel Lasco will have to chance to shine as well and should surprise a lot of people. The offense should still be able to move the ball just fine as QB Andy McCloud will have a plethora of weapons to throw the ball to. The defense will be led by their stud DB Logan Rowe who will also line up as a slot receiver at times on offense.
19. Houston Langham Creek Lobos: A team that is always in the tournament, it will be their first team in a long time without a quarterback named Jenkins. Evan Martin McKamie is the new QB and he will have a few targets to throw at including Brett Reece and Jesus Munroe. The defense will be lead by Josh Harris, Mack Tudor and Alex Doolittle.
20. Plano Wildcats: Plano has to be considered one of the more dangerous teams in the 7 on 7 tournament. Ranked in the top 5 in the state in just about everyone's polls - this is a team that has been playing 7 on 7 - and playing it well - for years. Carson Meger has struggled at times at quarterback, but if he gets in a rhythm - this team is as tough as anyone. Rex Burkhead can play any position and likely will during the tournament. Kris Lott is a player who can catch anything thrown near him. He also has the speed to take it 45 yards at any point in the game. Plano has to be considered a top choice to win the whole tournament if the defense steps up and makes plays and if Meger gets on one of his rolls where he simply can’t miss.
21. Weslaco Panthers: Another big time team from the Valley is Weslaco, although losing RB Mishak Rivas may have been a big blow on paper WHS may be even stronger this year. QB Dylan DeLeon has emerged as a major leader who has the ability to make all the throws. Although, the Panthers won’t blow you away with pure speed as a unit they execute to perfection and will go all out every play. The depth may come into play as Weslaco is also scheduled to play in the RGV Super Bowl Wednesday and then travel to A&M Thursday.
22. Round Rock Stony Point Tigers: If this team was ended up winning the whole thing, it should not be a shock to anyone because they are that good. Nyk McKissic is at the controls of an offense that features Baylor commit Glasco Martin and explosive 2011 running back Stephen Williams. The Tigers might also have the best defensive backfield in the tournament with seniors Julian Dozier and Kenny Browder and junior Desmond Martin.
23. Tyler Lee Red Raiders: After winning the Championship in 2004, Tyler Lee hasn’t fared quite as well in AggieLand failing to get to the winners bracket the past 3 years. This might be Lee’s best team since 2004 however and it starts on offense with speedsters RB DaDa Brown and WR Joey Turner. QB Luke Wagner continues to progress and with a solid secondary anchored by Josh Aubrey and Jordan Aubrey, the Red Raiders have game changers on both sides of the ball.
24. Klein Forest Golden Eagles: Not many teams will have more athletes on the field than Klein Forest and that is the way it usually is. The offense has a number of targets that new converted wide receiver QB Vernell Caldwell will be able to try and find open. WR/CB Vernon Rogers is a real playmaker on both sides of the ball. WR/DB Damian Payne is another player that will WOW you and has tremendous potential at either position. RB Dominic Wilkins is electric when he has the ball in the open field and can catch very well for a true running back. The defense is no slouch themselves as they have their own stars like LB Cameron Nwosu who is very intense. DB Rogers, DB Payne and LB Tronte Robinson are also big timers on the defensive side of the ball for Forest.
25. Garland Owls: Garland is a team that has come on strong in its only two qualifiers. Garland was a team that was so impressive in losing to Mesquite - it was quickly brought to our attention they would definitely qualify in Rockwall. They did not disappoint. The offense is switching to the spread - four wide as opposed to the spread - Wing T based offense. Stephen Baker and Keith Blanton should provide the speed - the QB situation will be an interesting one to watch for Garland - as a young junior may emerge as the undisputed starter. Another solid WR for the Owls is Alex Updyke.
26. Wylie Pirates: Wylie held on to a huge lead that they blew at their own 7 on 7 tournament to qualify after missing the State Tournament in 2006. This is a team that can beat anyone - but can they can keep the intensity up for 5 games through a Saturday against top notch talent. Wylie has impressed at the Mesquite ISD Tournament as well as their own tournament. QB Jerod Monk is one of the top quarterbacks at the tournament, and his great size will be a factor in helping the offense see the field against any type of defense. Wylie can score with the best of them. The best receiver of the bunch will likely be Colby Harper. The kid scores touchdowns. Wylie's best defensive player, Nikita Whitlock, generally does not play 7 on 7, but he will likely be there to support the team in traditional AHMO spirit.
27. Beaumont West Brook Bruins: QB Christian Louis will lead the Bruins this season along with some of the best receivers in SE Texas. Speed will be a big factor in the 7 on 7 Tournament and the Bruins have plenty of it. Last year West Brook lost to Plano 24-19 in the first round of winners bracket play last year at the State Tournament. RB Christine Michael, WR Donte Lopez, WR Will Wilson and WR Jordon Garrett are all big time skill players who can make plays all over the field. The Bruins will be another under the radar type team to keep an eye on.
28. Plano West Wolves: Plano West fared very well - becoming the only Plano school at the Plano ISD SQT to qualify. It was the first time they had ever qualified for the state tournament - and that is with some teams that have had some solid players. Although potential national #1 recruit Jackson Jeffcoat does not play on the team - players like JT Thomas and Travis Wilson may have a chance to shine. Plano West probably will not have the depth to get out of most pools or make a serious run in the championship bracket.
29. Lufkin Panthers: The Panthers can best some teams before they even step on the field because of their rich history of winning and the fact that they just have tremendous athletes all over the field every single year. Add that with the fact you have returning QB Jeffery Claybon and this offense can be dangerous. There are a lot of weapons like RB Trevon Lewis and a group of about 4 wide outs but they need a few of those to step up and became main targets for Claybon. Unfortunately DT Jamarcus McFarland will not be able to stuff up the middle but the Panther defense will do just fine with DB Carrington Byndom and DB Demarquez Freeman leading the way in the defensive backfield.
30. Tomball Cougars: The Cougars will go as far as their special quarterback and wide receiver combo will take them. QB Chad Tarhini went from being a punter then to quarterback and putting up some big time numbers as he was able to hook up over and over again with WR Jordan Leslie. Leslie is just a freak athlete and could probably play any position on the field but may have found his perfect spot. The rest of the offense will need to step it up and score as Leslie will see a double team almost every play. The defense for the Cougars will probably be overlooked but they can play good ball at times when they play as a team. DB Kyle McKenzie, DB Brad Lambert and LB Jonathan Erment will be the keys to getting the Cougar defense to play up to their potential.
31. Stephenville Yellow Jackets: Stephenville at times has looked very ordinary this summer, including struggling at their last SQT in Brownwood going 1-2. However, SHS is still dangerous as they do own a thrilling win over Arlington High at the Waco Midway SQT which enabled the ‘Jackets to qualify. WR Josh Graves and RB Brad Mills are the headliners for the ‘Jackets but the lack of athletes on defense and consistent play at QB will prevent Stephenville from being a title threat this year.
32. Georgetown Eagles: The defending state champions are back again but reclaiming their crown could be difficult as nearly everyone from their title team last summer is gone, with the exception of defensive back Jason Stone. Reciver Adrianne Rocha will have to come up with big plays for the offense if the Eagles hope on making a big run in the tournament.