What the Pundits Predict
August 7, 2002
High School Football is a big deal in Texas. As
is College Football and Professional Football. We build giant, state-of-the-art stadiums,
we follow every move of our college teams, we dress up silly from time to time.
At the high school level we have hundreds of
participants at the games: kids in the marching bands, the cheerleading squad, the drill
squad, the trainers program, the players, the coaches and the kids that come to
watch the game and the 
other performances, not to mention the parents
of the flairs, the cheerleaders, the band kids, the players, and the trainers. I got
behind a line of buses going to a game last year and counted ten chucky-full buses
transporting Clear Lake kids to a game. That could have been 600 kids! And it didn't count
all those kids and parents that drove themselves. So I think its fair to say that
football is a big deal in Texas.
With any sports competition, especially one with
lots of interest focused upon it, there are people who want to predict the outcome and be
the "guys in the know." This is especially true of rankings and predictions for
how the teams in the districts will win and which teams will go on to win the state
tournaments.
Below are some of these predictions. I'd like to
point out that most of these predictions
are based on how the teams did last year,
how many of the players returned, and in some case factors that are beyond understanding.
In the case of any given team what probably matters most in the final standings is how
well the boys play together and how much of team they can hammer together. I'm picking the
Falcons to go far this year. There are some factors I've seen in talking with this crop of
players that don't factor into the numbers that are used by the prognosticators that I
believe will carry our guys into the playoffs.
I talked with Coach Addudell about these polls
and rankings. He said, "based on last years outcome and nothing else I can see how
Lake might get ranked down at fourth or fifth position in the District. But the polls are
based on old numbers and performance. They don't take into account that our first string
quarterback was out for most of the season for the last two years. And the polls can't get
at the quality of the kids, and the way the kids are working together as a team. This
group of Falcons is working hard, and working like a team. I watched them in Spring Ball
and I'd say we have as good a chance as anybody to get into the playoffs this year."
I'd have to agree with the coach on that.
TexasPrepXtra rates the O-line as the strongest in the District, and they have Fritz as
the First Team Quarterback. Look for some major gains on the field here. So if the defense
is adequate the Falcons ought to go far. And on Defense we have Dash Dahlke pretty bulked
up, Mark Nowinski who had a great year last year, and Chris Davison backing up the line
just to mention those in the TexasPrepXtra rankings. And as the Coach says there is the
intangible team spirit, and the team spirit is strong.
At any rate, for what they are worth, below are
the preseason polls and rankings.
Dave Campbell's Texas Football
TexasPrepXtra.com
5A Texas Football
Collier-Sharp
Houston Chronicle
Data Poll
Dave Campbell's Texas Football
Campbell's Magazine has more information than
any other source on Texas Football. Below are excerpts from his district writeups in the
order of pontificated finish; the entire writeup is provided for the Falcons.
Clear Creek Wildcats. Coach:
Aubrey Schulz. 20 lettermen, 7-7 starters return from 8-2 Division II playoff team. 15
letterment lost, including TE Shawn Levesque (Kilgore JC). A strong senior class with two
yhears of playoof experience should help the Wildcats contend for a district championship.
Galveston Ball Golden Toranados. Coach:
Paul Lanier. 3-7 startersreturn from 7-3 team. Lettermen lost include QB Roshawn Pope
(Houston), OL Kevin Berneathy (Southern Arkansas), CB Michael Charles (Tyler JC) and LB
Andre Jackson (Northwest Mississippi JC). The offense is inexperienced and will feature a
lot of juniors, but there is plenty of experience returning on defense.
Alvin Yellowjackets. Coach:
Michael C. Bass. 25 letterment, 6-6 starters return from 7-3 team. 18 letterment lost,
including DE Matthew Bentley (Houston), RB-FS Terrence Peterson (Tulane) and QB Josh
Kohler. With more experienced starters, particulary in the offensive line, the
Yellowjackets should contend for a plyoff berth that eluded them last year despite tying
for third place in 24-5A.
Clear Lake Falcons. Coach: Troy
Aduddell. 26 lettermen, 6-6 starters, return from 2-8 team. 24 lettermen lost including
Azzie Beagnyam (Pittsburgh), . Players to watch: OL David Perkins (6-3, 260, 5.1), QB
Michael Fritz (6-2, 185, 4.9), LB Chris Davison (6-1, 200, 4.6), FS Mark Nowinski (5-10,
170, 4.6), and Dash Dahlke (6-2, 220, 4.7). Other returning starters: OL Matt Niemczak, OL
Matt Taylor, WR Chris Hunter (6-3, 180) RB Devin Williams, WR Scott Oswald, DL Michael
Plumlee, DB Billy Gutheinz, DB Patrick Kinslow.
Notes: Coach Aduddell hopes more experience will
mean an improved record in 2002. The falcons return 12 starters from a team that was
outscored 245-96 by its opponents. Heading the list are LB Davison and FS Nowinski, both
all-district selections last year. Nowinski led the team with 75 tackles, including 50
solo stops. Fritz started four games at WB, throwing for 466 yeards and 2 TDs. The falcons
will have to find a running game. Chris Sprott, the topo returning back, had only 30
carries for 105 yards last season. Chris Hunter caught 5 passes for 89 yeards. The
Falcon's experience on offense is in the linhe with 260-pound Perkins, Niemczak and Taylor
returning. Geoff Cole booted 3 FGs and 9 PATs and averaged 30.5 yards per punt.
Clute Brazoswood Buccanners. Coach:
Dean Deatley. 23 lettermen, 6-4 starters, return from 5-5 team. 32 lettermen lost. The
Buccaneers hope an experienced team returning will mean the school's first trip to the
playoffs since 1997.
Friendswood Clear Brook Wolverines. Coach:
James Smith. 15 letterment, 5-6 starters return from 0-10 team. 30 lettermen lost. The
Wolverines must improve a defense that gave up nearly 33 points per outing and failed to
win a game.
TexasPrepXtra.com
| DISTRICT 24-5A PREVIEW |
| By: Alan Zepeda |
| Date: August 9, 2002 |
24-5A DISTRICT
PREVIEW
CLEAR CREEK- This team will be a runaway freight train this season because
not only do they return 21 lettermen from an 8-2 team, but their JV went 10-0 last year
and those players will provide quality depth and fill some starting spots. The offense
will feature tailback Brendan Bolden and fullback Kevin Nail to hammer the ball down the
throat of defenses. The defense has five first team all-district selections back in the
fold so they look to be very tough this year.
GALVESTON BALL- The Tors look to be back and their playoff prospects look
very strong. Heading the team's offense will be four returning starters including receiver
Darrell Kitchen and quarterback George Henley who takes over the reigns. The defense gets
an interesting addition as Walter Thomas is moved to the other side of the ball on a
full-time basis. Linebacker Marcus Smither is also back and should form a strong defensive
unit.
ALVIN- The Yellow Jackets are very strong at receiver and running back with
Mike White (RB), Zach Muzzy (WR) and Craig Farthing (WR) all returning. The question will
be who will be the quarterback and can the offensive line come around quick enough. On
defense the biggest strength is at defensive back where they have Lionel Harris back. One
possible problem the team is facing is in depth, the underclassmen teams went a combined
7-32.
CLEAR LAKE- The Falcons are hoping to build on a strong offensive line to
open up some holes for QB Michael Fritz and the running backs. With six starters back on
offense and defense they have the makings of a solid squad that can make a playoff run. On
defense they allowed an average 279 ypg and will need to get tougher on the run to knock
either Ball or ALVIN out of the playoffs.
BRAZOSWOOD- The Buccaneers have a lot of players coming back, 23, with five
starters back on offense and three starters back on defense. Their hopes are centered
around tailback Dedric Evans who will be running behind a very good offensive line with
returnees Wade Whitlow and Paul Taplett leading the way. On defense they have to fill in
the gaps in the secondary, the front seven looks to be fairly solid.
CLEAR BROOK- They went 0-10 last year and things do not look to be getting
much better. Two talented athletes are back on defense in DE Anthony Hill and DT Uche
Osadebe. On the bright side 11 starters are back along with a total of 15 lettermen.
POSITIONAL RANKINGS
TOP OFFENSIVE BACKFIELDS
1. CLEAR CREEK- Brenton Bolden is the # 2 leading returning rusher in the
district and Kevin Nail is # 3. Both ran for over 1000 yards and are a very tough 1-2
combo
2. ALVIN
3. BRAZOSWOOD
TOP OFFENSIVE RECEIVERS
1. ALVIN- Zach Muzzy led the district in receiving with 41 catches for 653
yard. Craig Farthing is the # 2 returning receiver in the district after catching 21
passes for 284 yards.
2. BRAZOSWOOD
3. GALVESTON BALL
TOP OFFENSIVE LINES
1. CLEAR LAKE- four linemen are back including D1 prospects Sam Shope and
Davis Perkins. Throw in a couple of other returning lettermen and the line will be solid.
2. BRAZOSWOOD
3. ALVIN
TOP DEFENSIVE FRONT SEVEN
1. CLEAR CREEK- two linebackers and two defensive lineman are on our
pre-season all-district team. The foursome of Bruce Davis, Chinoso Ochie-Okorie, Chase
Ortiz and Sean Wells are a good reason why they will be tough again this season.
2. GALVESTON BALL
3. ALVIN
TOP DEFENSIVE BACKS
1. GALVESTON BALL- Darrell Kitchen and Roderick Johnson both return to the
secondary for Ball and are all-district candidates. A new starter will be Herbert Lemelle
who is listed as being among the top newcomers for the Tors.
2. CLEAR BROOK
3. ALVIN
PRE-SEASON ALL-DISTRICT TEAM |
1ST TEAM OFFENSE |
RB |
Micahel White |
Alvin |
SR |
QB |
Michael Fritz |
Clear Lake |
SR |
RB |
Brenton Bolden |
Clear Creek |
SR |
WR |
Craig Farthing |
Alvin |
JR |
WR |
Zach Muzzy |
Alvin |
SR |
TE |
Shaun Hanrahan |
Brazoswood |
SR |
C |
Hunter Bowen |
Clear Creek |
SR |
OL |
Nathan Miller |
Alvin |
JR |
OL |
Wade Whitlow |
Brazoswood |
SR |
OL |
Steven Tennessen |
Clear Creek |
SR |
OL |
Sam Shope |
Clear Lake |
SR |
1ST TEAM DEFENSE |
DE |
Bruce Davis |
Clear Creek |
SR |
DL |
Uche Osadebe |
Clear Brook |
SR |
DL |
Chinoso Ochie-Okorie |
Clear Creek |
SR |
DL |
Frank Diaz |
Galveston Ball |
SR |
LB |
Joey Breuax |
Alvin |
SR |
LB |
Chase Ortiz |
Clear Creek |
SR |
LB |
Sean Wells |
Clear Creek |
SR |
LB |
Marcus Smither |
Galveston Ball |
SR |
CB |
Darrell Kitchen |
Galveston Ball |
SR |
SEC |
Lionel Harris |
Alvin |
SR |
SEC |
Gerrard Price |
Clear Creek |
SR |
SEC |
Mark Nowinski |
Clear Lake |
SR |
2ND TEAM OFFENSE |
QB |
Geroge Henley |
Galveston Ball |
SR |
RB |
Keith Faulkner |
Brazoswood |
SR |
RB |
Kevin Nail |
Clear Creek |
SR |
WR |
Ryan Birdsong |
Brazoswood |
SR |
WR |
Darrell Kitchen |
Galveston Ball |
SR |
TE |
Brandon Geheger |
Clear Creek |
JR |
OL |
Dustin Grant |
Alvin |
SR |
OL |
Paul Taplett |
Brazoswood |
SR |
C |
Chris Price |
Galveston Ball |
SR |
OL |
Davis Perkins |
Clear Lake |
SR |
2ND TEAM DEFENSE |
DE |
Sal Arcidiacono |
Galveston Ball |
SR |
DT |
Alex Ruthstrom |
Brazoswood |
SR |
DT |
Walter Thomas |
Galveston Ball |
JR |
DL |
Dash Dahlke |
Clear Lake |
SR |
LB |
Matt Spoon |
Brazoswood |
SR |
LB |
Clay Turner |
Alvin |
JR |
LB |
Chris Davison |
Clear Lake |
SR |
LB |
Courtney Jones |
Galveston Ball |
SR |
DB |
David Prince |
Brazoswood |
SR |
DB |
Kent Etienne |
Clear Brook |
JR |
DB |
Lamont La Grone |
Clear Brook |
SR |
DB |
Roderick Johnson |
Galveston Ball |
JR |
5A Texas Football
District 24-5A
Concluding our look inside the districts of region 3 is
24-5A. The Clear Creek Wildcats are the favorite to take the district title behind the
outstanding play of Running Back Brenton Bolden. It seems as though every year one team is
the biggest surprise of a particular region. This year, look for Clear Creek to be that
team and have a magnificent season. Galveston Ball looks to get back in the playoff hunt
after last year's disappointing season. Alvin and Brazoswood should fight for the third
and final playoff spot in District 24-5A. This district is one of the more balanced
districts with all of the teams having a realistic shot at the playoffs.
Average District Enrollment-2839
District Dark horse-Clear Creek
Projected Order of Finish-*Division 1 Rep
1. *Clear Creek 2. Galveston Ball 3. Alvin 4. Brazoswood 5. Clear Lake 6. Clear Brook
Collier-Sharp
These are the preseason 2002 rankings for Class AAAAA,
followed by the playoff projections. The first set of numbers are the beginning power
ratings for each team; the second set of numbers is their ranking among the 226 teams in
Class AAAAA. The Collier-Sharp rating changes on a weekly basis during the season, so
check the weblink on this one.
24-AAAAA
| School |
Power Rating |
Ranking/226 5A Teams |
| Clear Creek |
158 |
47 |
| Galveston Ball |
150 |
87 |
| Alvin |
141 |
118 |
| Clear Lake |
133 |
150 |
| Brazoswood |
132 |
152 |
| Clear Brook |
116 |
206 |
Data Poll This
is a site similar to the Collier-Sharp Power Ratings site. Worth checking the weblink out
as the season progresses. The young fellow that runs this site explains how his rating system works. I
would appreciate hearing from anyone that can explain it to me.
Houston
Chronicle
The Chronicle has managed to do
a review of the
District 24-5A teams that doesn't mention Lake or for that matter Brazoswood or Brook.
Here, nonetheless are their standings.
PREDICTED FINISH
1. Clear Creek
2. Ball
3. Alvin
4. Clear Lake
5. Brazoswood
6. Clear Brook
