Predicted Order of Finish (Division I teams all CAPS)
1. Dayton
2. CROSBY
3. C.E. KING
4. Barbers Hill
5. North Forest
6. Goose Creek Memorial
7. Galena Park
8. Kingwood Park
Quick 2008 recap (2008 Finish)
What more can be said about Dayton’s (13-2) season that has not been stated. In the Division II state final game against Sulphur Springs, one may call it a track meet or just simply a shoot out. It was an all out battle with two of the state’s top quarterbacks (Dayton, Cody Green; Sulphur Springs, Tyrik Rollison) airing it out in what ended up being the highest scoring 11-man game in the history of Texas football. In the end, the Broncos fell 69-49.
Crosby (6-5) advanced to the area round before falling to Brenham 31-24. Both C.E. King (7-3) and North Forest (6-4) made early exits. King was edged by Nederland 35-34 and Forest was blanked by Beaumont Central 21-0. Barbers Hill (3-6), Galena Park (3-6), Memorial (1-8), and Park (1-8) all finished below.500 and missed out on the playoffs.
2009 Breakdown
Plenty of firepower will have to be replaced in the Dayton organization, but don’t make the mistake in thinking that the cupboard is bare. Coach Jerry Stewart will welcome back 11 total starters. Offensively, athlete Payton Ploch (6-1, 200) returns after catching 40 passes and scoring 10 times last season. With Ploch, a recent transfer Xavier Franks (6-1, 185) should bring some added flair to the offense. Also look for running back Jakarai Delasbour (5-11, 190) to do some heavy lifting in the backfield.
But it’s the defense that will set the tone for the Broncos. And that will start with linebacker Jordan Baxter (5-9, 205) and Tony Hill (6-2, 255). Baxter led a defense that gave up less than 20 points a game, and pitched two shutouts, with 82 tackles last year.
Crosby, the team that is now without Franks, will still have a good group returning with 10 starters. It all starts with quarterback Dominic Merka (6-5, 210), who had over 2,200 yards of offense and scored 17 touchdowns. Forrest Tyler (5-11, 165) will be the likely favorite target after hauling in 16 receptions for 359 and two touchdowns. Tyler also had 248 yards on the ground.
Over at C.E. King, quarterback Bennie Batiste (6-2, 200) takes over after limited action last year. Wide receiver Patrick Johnson (6-2, 160) caught 10 passes last year and is the leading returnee at the wide out position.
Barbers Hill had good production last season with 309 yards a game offensively, and the Eagles bring back nine starters. Of the nine, Caleb Stork (5-11, 160) is one to keep and eye on after catching 24 passes for 344 yards and four touchdowns. Carter Smith (5-10, 175) also had a productive year at receiver. In the backfield, Kade Bradford (5-11, 195) is the likely workhorse.
Last season, this district started with three new programs with Kingwood Park, Goose Creek Memorial, and
North Forest. Of the three, one (Forest) has already had as many coaches in as many years of existence. Most of the Bulldogs’ weapons have left so we’ll treat this one as a wait-and-see.
For GC Memorial, the full line up (22 starters) returns and there is enough in the pipeline to see major improvements in 2009. Keep and eye on Demartie Allen (5-9, 165) at the running back position. Allen had nearly 800 yards and eight touchdowns last season. At receiver, Patrick Wood (5-9, 155) caught 46 passes for 490 yards and six scores.
There are 10 starters returning for the 3-6 Galena Park team that averaged just over 200 yards in total offense last season. Gilbert Tyler (5-9, 165) and sophomore Terrance Crowder (5-10, 195) both return to the Yellow jacket backfield after gaining about 300 yards rushing last year.
Kingwood Park did not have a lot of production last season on offense, but the Panthers return 18 starters in hopes of brighter days. Running back Adrian Quintero (5-9, 190) returns to the backfield. He was responsible for 468 yards and two touchdowns.