Predicted Order of Finish (Division I teams all CAPS)
1. Yates
2. Sharpstown
3. WESTBURY
4. WALTRIP
5. Davis
6. Austin
7. Reagan
Quick 2008 recap (season finish)
Here lies a good, competitive district in the heart of the city. One of two Houston ISD Class 4A districts, there was not many off weeks as these teams went at it. Last season, it was the high-flying team from Westbury (8-2) going through district play untouched taking the crown. The Rebels got knocked off in the area round at the hands of Friendswood. While Westbury was the big team on the block, a team that was not expected by some to do much at all was Davis (9-2). Here is a team that had staggering roster numbers (between 30-35, on the high end), but managed to make plenty of statements and advancing to Round 2 of the playoffs.
Both Sharpstown (6-5) and Yates (4-6) made it to the area round before getting knocked off. Of course for the Lions, a season filled with adversity had a favorable ending after a few losses that had the Yates alum scratching their heads. Austin (2-6), Waltrip (3-5), and Reagan (2-7) all rounded out the bottom third of the district with sub .500 seasons
2009 Breakdown
Call us crazy, but we (I) feel this is Yates’ year to get back to dominance. One question to ask would be, who will be the starter for 2009. Darveon Trahan (6-3, 175) and Tevon Robbins (6-0, 190) both saw action, last year but experience edge has to go to Trahan. Neither had solid numbers last year, but look for that to change.
One aspect of the game that is for certain is the Lions’ ability to run the football and Reginald Perry (5-8, 155) is one who can handle the load. Perry had over 900 yards and 20 touchdowns. Also look for Corey Posey (5-10, 175) to make a few things happen as well. Posey had over 300 yards last season.
Yates had an OK season defensively finishing third giving up 254 yards a game in 2008.
On the south side of town, Sharpstown obviously had to make some adjustments with the departure of Sam Carter, but there is no doubt to what some of the other skilled guys are capable of. For one, wide receiver William Peck (6-2, 195) should continue to dominate once again. Peck caught 34 passes last year 474 yards and five touchdowns. Offensively, he will be the one to keep an eye on.
For the defense, linebacker Stephen Maeweather (6-5, 215) is the leader after a junior season with 95 tackles and four sacks. In the secondary, look for Lekendrick Williams (5-9, 170) to lead for the Apollos. Williams is also nice on the return game on special teams.
Plenty left the Westbury program, including the coach who led the Rebels to 8-2 record. Only five starters remain. One who will have a lot riding on him for 2009 is athlete Chris Bernard (6-0, 215) In the regular season, Bernard had 360 yards and five touchdowns.
Defensively, the Rebel return defensive back Kenneth Noel. He accounted for two interceptions last season.
Out at Waltrip, the lack of offense must be a concern after averaging only 133 yards a game last year. But it does not appear that the Rams have much to address that. But defensively, they were No. 2 giving up 233 yards a game. Leading the way are linebackers Mark Barboza (5-11, 200) and Jorge Rodriguez (5-10, 195). They will be able to operate with Eric Rodriguez (6-3, 200), Chris Williams (6-3, 200), and Rodney Clovis (6-3, 275) holding down the front line.
Coming off a superb season, Davis brings back six starters and the playoff picture is not quite as clear as last year. But either way, athlete Allen Roy (5-10, 190) will be one to keep an eye. Though he does line up on offense, he is a natural linebacker and he finished with 104 tackles last year. He also had over 200 yards offensively.
No district wins for Reagan this past year, but there are 18 starters back to make sure that doesn’t become a trend. Lots of confidence lies in quarterback Howard Anthony (6-1, 195). Last season, Anthony was No. 3 in the district for passing 958 yards and 11 touchdowns. Running back Deandre Ford (6-1, 195) is poised for a big year also.
Austin will need to average more than 275 yards per game to stay on the upper half in this district. The Mustangs return 11 starters, one of which is the quarterback Michael Teel (5-10, 185), who threw for seven touchdowns and over 500 yards of offense. Teel will be joined in the backfield with Byron Smith (5-10, 175) who had nearly 600 yards and five touchdowns.