Five Big Things in Texas High School Football

09/18/12

What are the Five Big Things this week?  As usual, it is some pretty interesting stuff.

1. De Soto Dismantles Euless Trinity  – Okay, a lot of people thought De Soto could win against Euless Trinity.  I don't think anyone suspected the game would be so one-sided 42-21.  Dontre Wilson scored four times and Desmon White accounted for three touchdowns as they roll the Trojans.  It appears that the controversy surrounding Claude Mathis leaving and returning during the offseason haven't had any negative effect on the team.

2. The Year of the Receiver – It seems that this is "the year of the receiver" in Texas high school football.  We have so many great quarterbacks around the state and they are zeroing in on their favorite targets.

You cannot talk about receivers in Texas without mentioning Dallas Jesuit's Jake Oliver.  As of right now, he is in 4th place all-time for career receptions,  10th place all-time for career receiving yards and tied for 16th place all-time for career receiving touchdowns.  Oliver is the "real deal."  Look for records to continue to fall all season.

Also this past week, Amarillo Caprock's  Bustos Addison caught 13 passes for 392 yards during their win over Lubbock Estacado. The 392 yards ranks him at #2 on the all-time list for receiving yards in a game.

As the pigskin continues to fly around the state, rest assured there will be more and more performances like this.  As a former WR in high school, I am loving all the aerial fireworks!

3. The Rise of Leander – Caleb Woodward, committed to Texas Tech, rushed for 307 yards scoring three touchdowns on the ground and one through the air in their victory over Manor.  The team has knocked off Pflugerville Connally and Hendrickson as well giving up a total of only two touchdowns this season.  The pollsters have responded by placing them at #2 in the state.

Are they for real?  It appears they are.

4. La Marque will have to earn it – Folks around the state have all but handed a state title to the La Marque Cougars when they dropped down to Class 3A.  Apparently, someone forgot to tell Coldspring-Oakhurst.   While they did lose to Navasota, C-O didn't roll over for La Marque.  They scored to tie the game and then scored in overtime for the victory.  La Marque may have been looking past Coldspring after seeing them lose to Navasota, but giving up 21 points in each of their last two games exposes a weakness on the defensive side of the ball.

I have no doubt that the Cougars will be in the thick of things come playoff time, and they will tighten up their defense... that said, they are going to have to earn it.  Class 3A is not going to roll over and hand them the crown!

5. Galena Park North Shore is BAAAAACK! – The Mustangs of Galena Park North Shore have lined up against some really good teams already this season and they are averaging 55 points per game!  The walked all over Katy Cinco Ranch (62-21) last week which wasn't even as impressive as their win the week before against Manvel  (56-28.)   It appears they have the offensive firepower to hang with anyone.  I can hardly wait for their matchups against La Porte and Port Arthur Memorial - to say nothing of the playoff pairings.   It appears that Coach David Aymond once again has some horses in his stable.

Chris Doelle