HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW
DISTRICT 16-6A
Five storylines to watch
New rivals: Spring ISD and Klein ISD being split in realignment brings an end to a few top-notch football rivalries on the north side, at least in the regular season. The two districts could meet in the bidistrict round of the playoffs.
New territory: Realignment also brings a different landscape for Aldine ISD, which is in Region II-6A now. It was hit-and-miss with playoff wins while Aldine ISD was in Region III. Does the situation change moving forward?
No down year: Is Westfield still Westfield? The Mustangs’ 2016 class might be one of the best in school history, but now there has to be room for new stars. They’re the favorite in this new-look district, but whether they’re a player in Region II-6A will be determined later.
Replacement on deck: Eisenhower won 18-6A last year and has legitimate playoff expectations again in this new district. But quarterback Jaelon Darden — the team’s leading rusher and passer last year — transferred to Heights. How will the Eagles keep it rolling?
Who will rise?: Aldine, MacArthur and Nimitz each won two games last year. Is there room for any of them to move up the standings?
Players to watch
Daniel Young, RB, Westfield: A switch from linebacker to running back paid dividends. He’s on the Touchdown Club of Houston’s preseason team. Keondre Coburn, DL, Westfield: The next Ed Oliver? It’s a lofty comparison, but Coburn can continue Westfield’s tradition of dominant defensive linemen. Ja’Juan Allen, RB, Eisenhower: He’ll be the focal point for a program that always relies on athleticism in the backfield. Eric Spencer, QB, Spring: This team has to replace quite a bit, but it’s nice to have the starting quarterback return. He was the 15-6A Offensive MVP last year.
Must-see games
Westfield vs. Lamar, Aug. 25, Delmar: One of the best Week 1 games in Houston and a test for two teams that always have high expectations. North Shore vs. Dekaney, Aug. 25, George: Opening against a defending state champion will a great test for Dekaney. Eisenhower vs. Davis, Sept. 22, Thorne: The two best Aldine teams last year and the two best heading into this year. Spring vs. Westfield, Sept. 23, George: The focus will be jousting for the district title. But it’ll also be about the brawl that erupted between these rivals last year that saw players and coaches suspended.
District prediction
1. Westfield (Division II); 2. Spring (Div. I); 3. Eisenhower (Div. II); 4. Davis (Div. I); 5. Dekaney; 6. MacArthur; 7. Aldine; 8. Nimitz.