Candidates abound for coaching award

In

a few weeks, the American-Statesman’s high school sports staff will release its All-Central Texas football team and announce our choices for the player, newcomer and coach of the year.

I think we have a frontrunner for the player of the year award in Georgetown QB Jake Hubenak and a favorite for the top newcomer in Rouse running back Billy Ray McCrary). As for the coach of the year, though, well, whom would you pick?

Do you go with Joshua Mann, who has led Rouse to the Class 4A, Division I state semifinals after the team was 2-17-1 in its first two seasons of varsity football? How about Manor’s Sadd Jackson, who has guided his alma mater on an unexpected run through the Region III bracket in Class 4A, Division II? Maybe we should choose Westlake’s Darren Allman, whose team was left for dead after a regular-season loss to Lake Travis but now has reached the Class 5A, Division II semifinals.

And we haven’t even talked about Cedar Park’s Joe Willis or Georgetown’s Jason Dean yet. And those two coaches may be getting fitted for state championship rings in a couple of weeks.

Terrific turnarounds

Since Georgetown and Rouse will play each other on Saturday, one team that did not reach the playoffs last season is guaranteed a spot in the Class 4A, Division I championship.

Last season, Georgetown was 6-4 but failed to make the playoffs out of District 16-5A while Rouse finished 2-7-1.

The turnarounds that Georgetown and Rouse have experienced this season are impressive but not uncommon. Over the past 10 seasons, 21 teams have played for a state title after not making the playoffs in the previous season.

Under the radar

Each week, we’ll introduce you to a player who is making big plays despite not having a big name. This week, we’re taking a look at Georgetown senior defensive back Brandon Boone.

Over Georgetown’s 14 games this season, Boone has tallied 86 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. Boone also has intercepted six passes, returning two of those interceptions for touchdowns in games against Bastrop and Nederland.

On Saturday, Boone will become the second member of his family to appear in a University Interscholastic League state semifinal. In 1980, his mother, Sarah, scored 20 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in Lanier’s 6855 loss to Lubbock Monterrey in a Class 4A girls basketball state semifinal.

Where are they now?

Every week, we spotlight the collegiate athletic accomplishments of a few of our area alums. On Saturday, two — and possibly three — area football teams will lock up berths in UIL statechampionship games. The lineup of title-game hopefuls: ■ Westlake (10-4) vs. Cedar Hill (10-4), 2 p.m., Waco ISD Stadium ■ Georgetown (14-0) vs. Rouse (10-4), 1 p.m, Gupton Stadium, Cedar Park ■ Cedar Park (12-2) vs. Manor (11-3), 1 p.m., Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex ■ Join high school football reporters Rick Cantu and Danny Davis at 1 p.m. today for their weekly online chat at ■ See more photos and get the latest local playoff scores and stats at If you know of somebody who should be featured, email danieldavis@ statesman.com.

■ Texas A&M junior Casey Strong (McNeil, 2009) and UT-San Antonio senior Phil Steinert (McNeil, 2009) finished first and second in the weight-throw event at the Reveille Invitational track and field meet in College Station this past weekend.

■ Texas A&M walkon Brice Dolezal (Westlake, 2012) has played in six football games for the Aggies this season, rushing for 70 yards on 17 carries. 5-0 1.000 152-59 .720 Cedar Hill Georgetown Cedar Park

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