2009 Player of the Year Predictions – 2A
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Updated: February 12, 2009
Class 2A crowned two Champions in 2008 that not too many people saw coming, unless you’re from Daingerfield or Muleshoe. The Mules won the Division I title led by Senior Wes Wood’s 4500 yard season, and those will be some big shoes to fill. The Tigers won with a dominating defense lead by Defensive Player of the Year Carl Moore, punctuated by a virtual shutout in the Championship Game 26-8 (Cisco’s 8 came after Coach Bowman’s Gatorade shower).
Those Tigers look to make 2009 a great year Offensively, returning several key playmakers. Daingerfield’s Quarterback Tyler Boyd, All State Honorable Mention, is returning for his Junior year with a State Championship already under his belt. Boyd will have a couple of familiar deep threat targets to go to as well. Chris Jones will return to campus for his Senior season and the speedster Keyarris Garrett will be back for a Junior campaign.
But wait, there’s more! Daingerfield also returns a District 17-2A Co-MVP in KoKo Smith. This 1000 yard rusher made some big plays during the Tigers dominating playoff run, and in my opinion he has the best shot to take home offensive Player of the Year in 2009 from this Daingerfield team. The only problem is the Tigers now have so many players to spread the ball around to that they might not get an individual effort that would warrant POY honors.
For that, we should look towards an offensive attack that’s weighted heavily on one aspect of the game. Vanderbilt Industrial built a solid Quarterfinal contender with an outstanding running game and dominance on the offensive line. The bad news is the Cobras are losing their District MVP Running Back Ryan Richter and Second Team All State Offensive Lineman Robbie Riehs. The Good news is that Industrial’s explosive Running Back Matt Anderson will return for his Senior season (if you doubt Anderson’s skill, go to the 3:31 point of the Industrial Hitchcock Video Extra). If these Cobras can rebuild their offensive line, look for Coach Kuhlmann’s team to make another long playoff run.
Other players that should have great seasons in 2009 include; New Waverly’s Tyren Watts, Omaha Paul Pewitt’s D.J. Burleson, Refugio’s Jourdan Ortiz, and maybe even Thor Long from Callisburg returning for a Junior season.
2009 looks to be a great year for some big offense in the 2A ranks, so stick with Lone Star Gridiron for all the highlights and analysis.
Eric Wiede
Lone Star Gridiron
