by Fanstand Staff/J. Daniel,posted Jan 2 2013 7:37AM
LBJ head coach Keith Willis proclaimed, 'high school football is alive and well in the city of Austin', after his Jaguars fell to McCallum in Week Nine. The sprit of 26-4A has certainly trended upward lately. The evolution of Travis/Crockett's passing attack, and the rise of the McCallum defense are a few signs of major progress. The following all-district recognized players will return for more in 2013.
MCCALLUM KNIGHTS
WR - Willie Mays ('14)
ATH - Sabian Cannon ('15)
ATH - Kris Reyes ('14)
OL - Robert Brown ('14)
OL - Xavier Castillo ('15)
DL - Rashard Jarmon ('14)
DL - Marquis King-Smith ('14)
DL - Courtney Organ ('14)
DL - Dewayne Bryant ('14)
LB - Wes Bellomy ('14)
LB - Jordan Gray ('14)
DB - Khalil Gant ('14)
KNIGHTS QUICKY: Head coach Jason Cecil has implemented his defense-first mindset on McCallum - garnering immediate results. The Knights' district-repeat hopes starts with seven returning all-district performers. We think Sabian could be the most impressive in a long/talented family line of Cannon's. Bellomy will be an district-MVP caliber player on both sides, while Mays is arguably the district's top wideout. A repeat is possible, but won't come easy.
LBJ JAGUARS
RB - Juwan Smith ('14)
OL - Bernard Tucker ('14)
OL - Walter Stroup ('14)
OL - Derrin Wytaske ('14)
DL - Kendall Cairo ('14)
DL - Lance Hyder ('14)
LB - Gary Lovings ('14)
LB - Jaylen Rose ('14)
DB - Lee Dawson ('14)
JAGUARS QUICKY: The offensive line looks like the obvious strength for Coach Keith Willis. Juwan Smith could finally get the number of touches he's always desired. We expect Dawson to play more on offense to help out Smith, as they'll need to replace a talented Knotts/Bryant combo. Rose and Lovings play with a chip on their shoulders - and they'll benefit from Cairo/Hyder's experience up front. LBJ should once again challenge for 26-4A's top spot.
TRAVIS REBELS
QB - Jonathan Caldwell ('14)
WR - Johnny Williams ('14)
WR - Keimean Reynolds ('14)
OL - Dominique Thomas ('14)
LB - Juan Garza ('14)
REBEL QUICKY: We feel this is the best chance for Travis to unseat either McCallum or LBJ as district champ. The evolution of Caldwell last year will continue in '13. He may be the single best 'locker room' leader in the district. Garza is a man amongst boys. He could surprise the area with over 1K in offensive production while approaching 100 tackles. Williams was the nicest surprise of the district last Fall, and should contribute around the same amount - despite defenses being more aware of his talents.
CROCKETT COUGARS
RB - Justin Miller ('15)
RB - Joel Rodriguez ('14)
TE - Nikko Tamez ('14)
WR - Vincent Lopez ('15)
OL - Adrian Davilla ('15)
DL - DJ Wilhite ('14)
DL - Zach Rodriguez ('14)
DL - Luis Sanchez ('14)
LB - Seth Riojas ('15)
LB - Trevon Harris ('14)
DB - Jonathan Garcia ('14)
COUGARS QUICKIE: Similar to Travis High, we think Crockett's best chance to steal the district title is 2013. Several sophomores return with a full seaon of Varsity under their belts - most notably Justin Miller. While Miller will challenge for offensive MVP, both Seth Riojas and Jonathan Garcia will challenge for defensive MVP. Donald Wilhite could have approached 80 tackles, but Henderson gobbled up most of the stops. He'll have his run in '13. Add in the ever-emerging Trevon Louis, and the athleticism of Nikko Tamez - we suggest teams take Coach Waugh's squad very seriously next year.
LANIER VIKINGS
QB - Keith Newton ('14)
QB - Saul Orton ('14)
RB - Melvin Kincheon ('14)
TE - Lamar McGinnis ('14)
OL - Alex Gonzales ('14)
OL - Dante Plaster ('15)
LB - Johnte Evans ('14)
LB - Nathan Fedrick ('14)
DB - Ahmand Lewis ('14)
VIKINGS QUICKY: After missing the postseason last year, the Vikings fully plan on a run in 2013. The combo of Newton/Orton is the best dual-tandem in the district. With Evans back healthy next season, Lanier's scoring woes should become a thing of the past. McKincheon should ease the loss of Samuel Charlez, while Plaster/Gonzales make Coach Odem's team tougher up front.
REAGAN RAIDERS
RB - Jamal Robinson
RB - Deondre Lott ('15)
TE - Josh Smith ('15)
OL - Brendon Butler ('14)
OL - Aaron Martinez ('14)
OL - Trayvion Gray ('14)
DL - Ocie Kerr ('14)
LB - Tristen Mendez ('14)
DB - Demetrius Johnson ('14)
RAIDERS QUICKY: 2012 was a marquee year for this team. With Coach Carey's guidance, Raider pride is alive again. We feel the success will start up front with a trio of returning all-district offensive linemen. The athletic ability of QB Johnson and RBs Robinson/Lott will shine if Gray/Martinez/Butler can build on what they learned last season. Johnson's conditioning this Summer will be key, as he'll need to go 40 plus minutes to help on defensive side of the ball. Kerr/Mendez have potential, but will need others to step up on defense.
MCCALLUM KNIGHTS
LBJ JAGUARS
TRAVIS REBELS
CROCKETT COUGARS
LANIER VIKINGS
REAGAN RAIDERS