Despite drop to 5A, no easy run to state for talented Manvel
Although Manvel is dropping down a classification a year after making the Class 6A Division II state quarterfinals, the road to a possible state championship isn’t easier for the Mavericks.
It might have just become more difficult.
“Some people think (since) we are dropping down from 6A and we were ultra-competitive in 6A, that it’s going to be easier (in 5A),” Manvel coach Kirk Martin said. “I don’t buy that even a little bit. I think it will probably be tougher than the district we came from in 6A.”
Manvel’s difficult schedule starts early with a couple of games against 6A powerhouses North Shore (Sept. 1) and Pearland (Sept. 9).
“North Shore won state last year, and we are big rivals with Pearland,” Martin said. “We are 3-1 against Pearland, and I’m sure they are ready to even the score.”
Once Manvel gets over those two hurdles, it will immediately start the District 23-5A race toward the playoffs. The Mavericks are a fairly new team — Martin started the program 10 years ago — and haven’t missed the playoffs since 2010.
Although Manvel won’t have to face the likes of defending state champion Katy, which eliminated the Mavericks at NRG Stadium last year, it will have tough competition inside its own district.
“Fort Bend Elkins, Fort Bend Marshall and Texas City,” Martin said. “I think those will be the teams to beat in the district.”
Elkins went 8-3 last season, and Martin expects his Mavericks to create a rivalry with the Knights.
“They are always great,” Martin said.
Marshall, on the other hand, went 4-6 last season, but with one of the nation’s top junior linemen in Barton Clement, the Buffalos can’t be underestimated by any team in the district.
And then there’s Texas City.
“We used to be in district with them when we first opened eight years ago,” Martin said. “After the first couple years, we were finally able to beat them. I am sure we will renew that rivalry.”
Even with all of that competition stacked against them, Manvel is considered the top team in the district for a reason.
It starts with defensive back Derrick Tucker and running back Sam Smith.
Martin expects Tucker to build on last year’s fourinterception sophomore campaign. A lot more will be expected of Smith after he rushed for 224 yards and four touchdowns last season.