Marshall and Manvel lead area contenders
Fort Bend Marshall is always a team to watch, but coach James Williams is excited about the group he brings back for the 2021 season.
The Buffalos enter the year as the No. 2 team in Class 5A Division II, following only defending state champion Aledo. Marshall is favored to win District 11-5A after going 8-0 a year ago, but the program has higher aspirations.
Marshall finished 2020 with a 12-1 record and reached the regional finals.
“With our expectations, I normally don’t talk longterm because we need to handle every day and every week one at a time to get there,” Williams said. “The main thing we talk to our guys about is focusing on every day and getting better every practice.”
The Buffalos have 12 returning starters, including highly touted senior receiver Chris Marshall. He will team up with fellow senior and Louisiana commit Jaydon Johnson to give the team perhaps the area’s top pass-catching tandem.
Senior defensive back Adari Haulcy will lead the way on the other side of the ball, and junior lineman Zachary Chatman is a threestar recruit with loads of potential.
“I like the competitiveness, and I like the consistency,” Williams said of his team. “They’re working hard. We get after them as a coaching staff, and they understand that having a bad practice is not acceptable. I love the fact that they come
to work every day.”
Manvel will have a tougher road to a district title in Division I, going up against Paetow, Foster and Hightower, among others, in 10-5A. Still, the Mavericks are No. 2 in the state behind defending champion Denton Ryan heading into the season, and for good reason.
Manvel also returns 12 starters, including seven on defense. That unit will be led by senior linebacker Justin Medlock, who is committed to Miami. Senior defensive back Collin Wright and senior defensive end JP Deeter are returning All-State players.
The Mavericks’ offense boasts a two-pronged attack at running back as seniors De’Monte Seymore and Ty Harris collected more than 1,000 yards apiece last season. Senior offensive lineman and Houston commit Tevin Shaw will lead the way
in the trenches.
Huntsville enters the season as the No. 5 team in 5A Division II after going 11-1 and reaching the regional semifinals last year. The Hornets return just two starters on defense. They have eight back on offense, however, led by senior running back Jaylon McClain.
Paetow is coming off a strong season that saw the team finish 9-2 and reach the 5A Division I area playoffs. The Panthers’ defense returns eight starters, so that should be a strength with senior defensive backs Kentrell Webb and Michael Jordan leading the way.
Crosby is coming off a historic run to the 5A Division II state championship game. The Cougars only bring back three starters on both sides of the ball, however. Senior lineman McCoy Casey returns to lead the defense after collecting 24 tackles for loss last year.
Magnolia has established itself as a perennial district title contender under coach Craig Martin. The Bulldogs will be looking to defend their 8-5A Division I crown with 12 starters returning. Senior William Alexander is a tackling machine at linebacker.
Keep an eye on: Hightower, Foster, Barbers Hill, Montgomery, Magnolia West, Friendswood, Lake Creek, Galena Park, New Caney, Porter.
El Campo leads small schools
El Campo begins the season as the No. 4 team in Class 4A Division I. The Ricebirds will be looking to improve on last year’s 9-2 record and area playoff appearance. With 14 starters returning and highly touted running back Rueben Owens leading the way, El Campo is the clear favorite to capture another District 12-4A title.
Bellville is No. 8 in the 4A Division II rankings after finishing 9-2 and reaching the area playoffs last season. The Brahmas return 12 starters, including senior Baylor commit Richard Reese, who rushed for almost 1,900 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.
East Bernard comes in at No. 9 in the 3A Division II rankings after going 8-2 last season. The Brahmas only return eight starters, but one of them is linebacker Blake Jadlicka, who collected 126 tackles and three interceptions a year ago.
Keep an eye on: Huffman-Hargrave, New Waverly, Sealy, Navasota, Sweeny, La Marque, Stafford, Needville, Brazosport, Wheatly, Furr, Yates, Livingston.