Second Baptist starting season near the top
Second Baptist reached the TAPPS Division II state semifinals last season and is looking for continued success with 14 starters returning to the fold.
Head coach Terry Pirtle has loads of talent at the skill positions, which should ease the transition for new starting quarterback Turner Murdock.
Everett Skillern is one of the premier two-way players in the city and is already committed to play in the Ivy League at Brown. Running back Eli Smith is another name to watch for after clearing the 1,000-yard mark in nine games last year. He is committed to Villanova.
The Eagles enter the season at No. 3 in the 11-man private school rankings, following behind Austin Regents and Dallas Parish Episcopal.
Cypress Christian had an outstanding showing under new head coach Kris Hogan last year, reaching the TAPPS Division III state championship game. The Warriors ultimately came up short in that contest, however, losing 40-30 against Colleyville Christian.
The good news for the program is that 17 starters are back in the fold for the 2021 season. Cypress
Christian has an experienced backfield with quarterback Max Landrum and running back Cody Andrus. Jackson Owen is a dynamic two-way player at receiver and defensive back, and Jake Swan earned all-state honors in the trenches last season.
The Warriors enter the year at No. 9 in the 11-man private school rankings.
Kinkaid is poised for another strong campaign after going 7-0 last season. The Falcons missed out on an opportunity to win the Southwest Preparatory Conference title after the league decided to forgo its fall championships due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Kinkaid enters the season at No. 10 in the 11-man private school rankings. Senior receiver Dillon Bell is a big reason for that. He is a three-star recruit who will continue his career in the SEC at Georgia. Bell scored 20 total touchdowns last season.
Emery-Weiner comes in at No. 8 in the six-man private school rankings after reaching the TAPPS Division I state semifinals a year ago.
The Jaguars return only seven starters from a team that went 7-1, but the roster does include standout linebacker Vincent Banks. The senior collected 15.5 tackles for loss last season and will also contribute in the passing game as a tight end.
Keep an eye on: Episcopal, John Cooper, Rosehill Christian, Legacy Prep, Lutheran North, Fort Bend Christian, The Woodlands Christian, St. Pius X, St. Thomas.