Predicted Order of Finish (Division I teams all CAPS)
1. LAMAR CONSOLIDATED
2. FOSTER
3. TERRY
4. El Campo
5. Bay City
Quick 2008 recap (season finish)
It’s no secret that Region III in Class 4A is no joke. If you don’t believe that, just ask the squads fro Lamar Consolidated (6-3) and Richmond Foster (3-7) both faced battles that one would want to see at least in Round 3 or 4. The Mustangs fell to Friendswood while Angleton knocked off the Falcons.
But these two made the early exits, Rosenberg Terry (6-4) and El Campo (8-3) both made it three rounds, ultimately losing to the Division II state runner-up (Dayton) and regional finalists (Brenham). Bay City (3-5) was the lone team left one with a single district win in 2008.
2009 Breakdown
Running back Marcel Threat (5-9, 180) may be the one moving the chains, but it’s guys like Antoine Everett (6-4, 295), Cameron Garcia (5-10, 250), Chris Maikranz (6-5, 230) who make it all happen up front offensively for
Lamar Consolidated. Threat had 459 yards and five touchdowns during the regular season. The Mustangs led 23-4A in offense last year gaining over 342 yards a game.
But aside from Threat, coach Lydell Wilson shows plenty of excitement when talking about his wide receiver corp led by Jamal Williams (5-7, 155) and D.D. Goodson (5-7, 160). Also look for a newcomer in Frank Iriele (6-2, 170).
Defensively, tackle D’Vonn Brown (6-3, 240) is one who Wilson said is poised for a big year. Also look for Trey Rodriguez (6-2, 300) to be a major contributor up front as well.
In the No.2 slot, the Foster team has no shortage of talent either. While there is confidence in how good the defense could be, the offense has six guys returning. Miles Carlton (5-10, 190) was the team’s leading rusher with over 700 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Luke Tomas threw for 619 yards during the regular season with five touchdowns.
On defense, nine starters return in hopes of having a better showing than last season (last in 23-4A, 341 yards a game). The leader of this squad is end Galvanis Mbu (6-1, 195). Last season Mbu was on point recording over 70 tackles and 10.5 sacks. Look for the younger Mbu, Joey (6-3, 270) to also bring it up front. The Falcon defense will want to more take always for 2009 after forcing 11 fumbles and intercepting only five passes all of last (regular) season.
Coach Tim Tekyl’s Terry squad will return 11 starters and like usual, the Rangers are going be solid defensively. It all starts up front and Terry has two of the best in C.J. Guerra (5-10, 265) and Keith Booker (5-11, 260), a duo that Tekyl said is one of the best in the region. Donald Sanford (5-9, 170) returns at linebacker. In 2008, the Rangers gave up only 201 yards a game and led the district in turnovers (18).
Offense has experience in the leadership position with quarterback Ray Cervenak (5-11, 185), who generated over 550 yards of offense and scored twice. Taking care of the groundwork will be Matt Reid (5-9, 180) who was good for 614 yards and five touchdowns as a junior.
After winning eight games in 2008, the El Campo team has back 10 starters in hopes of repeat success. Confidence is usually at a high for the Ricebird organization. Of course, when it comes to production, all eyes will be set on running back Landon Appling (5-10, 175). In split duties, Appling gained 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns, to go along with 16 receptions. Word is that coach Bob Gillis will have plenty of team speed in 2009.
Defensively, a solid corp of linebackers has left, but D’Vonte Wells (5-9, 165) could be the next big man in Ricebird country.
Bay City was the lone team at home after the regular season and seven players return to try and bring about change for 2009. One thing is for certain, there will be proven guys in the backfield starting with LeTevin Wilcox (5-10, 190). In eight games, Wilcox had 884 yards and nine touchdowns. Goodwin Wyche (5-10, 170) and Courtney Finney (5-10, 185) will also get time as well in the backfield.