From The Citizen

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: DISTRICT 24-5A

09/07/2004

By: CHUCK HLAVA , Citizen Staff  

It's going to be Lake vs. Pearland for title

There is good news and there is bad news for the football teams in District 24-5A.
The good news is that the district is stronger than last year.
The bad news is that the district is stronger than last year.
By that we mean that not only are several of the teams better than last season, but that Pearland has returned to 24-5A.
The Oilers, under coach Tony Heath and his staff, have been one of the city's best teams the past several years as witnessed by their post-season appearances.
The bad news for the six other teams that have been part of 24-5A the past three years is that one of them won't make the playoffs in 2004.
Everyone in 24-5A remembers Pearland's previous final season in the then 8-team district before the UIL plucked them out (along with La Porte). That was in 2001 and the Oilers went a perfect 7-0 in taking the 24-5A title. No league team came within two touchdowns of them. So nobody was particularly unhappy when Pearland went to 23-5A. Thus, District 24-5A was reduced to six teams and that meant that it was a 50-50 shot to get into the playoffs.
Now, with the 7-team realigned district, four teams will basically chase the three post-season berths, not to mention the 24-5A crown.
The predicted order or finish:
1. Clear Lake has to be the favorite, at least on paper. Once on the playing field, though, it's still up to the players.
The Falcons have lots of veteran lettermen, including starters, returning from last season's 5-0 district championship team (9-2 overall). Clear Lake's offense should be the deciding factor in 24-5A. The Falcons should be able to score, more than a few times, against anyone. Lake's defense also looks solid, with the possible exception of the secondary, which saw three players graduate last season. (Editor's note: see story on Clear Lake football in this Preview Section).
2. Pearland would love to make its return to 24-5A the way the Oilers left, with a district title. What's interesting is that the Oilers and Falcons open the 24-5A campaign by going head-to-head in District Stadium on Friday, Sept. 24. That opener may decide early who is No. 1 and No. 2. It may be thisclose to call.
The Oilers were runners-up to North Shore in 23-5A last season, going 10-2 and 6-1. They have 11 starters returning, which includes 18 lettermen. Quarterback Brandon Bucker may give Clear Lake's revamped secondary, and everyone else in 24-5A, fits throwing to several receivers including his favorite target, Brandon Boone.
However, Pearland will miss the services of Brandon Roberson, who rushed for 1676 yards and scored 25 touchdowns last year. The Oilers were fourth among Houston-area 5A teams last season in total offense with 4541 yards. Of that, 3049 came on the ground. Offensively, Pearland averaged a whopping 378 yards per game.
On defense the Oilers were no slouches either last year and they figure to be close to that this season. Pearland's team defense was No. 9 in the area, allowing 212 yards per contest. Defensive back Quinton Moore, a district co-MVP on defense last year, will lead that squad.
3. Galveston Ball is the perennial representative from district in the playoffs. The Tornadoes have been in post-season the last two years and have the talent to do it again.
Coach Ron Holmes has six starters coming back (14 lettermen) from last year's 7-5, 4-1 team. Last year Ball had the best defense in 24-5A and that includes best rush defense and best pass defense. The Tors lost six first team all-district defenders to graduation and that could haunt them down the stretch.
Quarterback Dwayne Brown and Donte Austin were the Tors' 1-2 rushing punch last year and they're back once again. Galveston also lost the district's No. 1 receiver Jamaal Simpson but Darnell Jones, who was fifth in district with 427 yards on 20 catches is back.
4. Brazoswood can make things very interesting. Last season the Bucs were the third team from 24-5A that made the playoffs and you can't discount them again should one of the top three slip.
With eight starters back (19 lettermen), mostly on defense from last year's 8-3, 3-2 team, coach Dean DeAtley has had to rebuild his powerful offense, which was one of the top 15 in the area. Biggest loss was Josh Williams, who had 1641 yards in rushing for the season and Matt MacDougal, who had over 600. Ferlet, J. D. Ritchey's backup last year, is set to start at quarterback.
5. Clear Brook. Coach Edward Arledge has been making steady progress and the Wolverines could be a real spoiler this season. (Editor's note: see story on Clear Brook football in this Preview Section).
6. Alvin has been on the bubble on making the playoffs for years but has not been able to burst forth. This season will be equally tough.
Coach Mike Bass has 17 lettermen (9 starters) returning from a 5-5, 1-4 campaign of a year ago.
Tough to replace will be Jeremiah Garcia, who was third in 24-5A rushing last season with 1025 yards and 10 touchdowns. Also gone is quarterback Noah Carrasco, the top passer from district with 1,279 yards.
While the offense undergoes some shifting, the Jackets will have to rely on defense until things jell.
7. Clear Creek does not want to repeat last year's 3-7, 0-5 slate. It's been only two years since coach Aubrey Schulz' squad went 9-1, 5-0. But like last season, Creek has a lot of holes to fill and there isn't that much talent to go around. (Editor's note: see story on Clear Creek football in this Preview Section).