Jags out to continue six-man dominance

Emery/Weiner head football coach Adrian Adams is often asked when the Jaguars will be ready for 11-man football.

Why mess with a good thing? For the past decade, the Jaguars have established a reputation as a six-man football powerhouse.

“I think six-man football is perfect for our school and the type of kids we have,” Adams said. “We don’t have the numbers (for 11-man football), but we have lots of speed and quickness.”

Adams, in his eighth season at the helm, has coached five championship teams, capturing an Independent Bowl (2009), three straight Ironman titles (2010-12) and the program’s first-ever Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools Division I six-man crown a year ago.

This fall, Emery/Weiner might add another trophy to the school’s rapidly expanding collection. Of the 14 players on the varsity roster, 11 of them are seniors, including several starters off last season’s 12-2 squad.

Emery/Weiner is the favorite to finish first in TAPPS Six-Man Division I-5, a three-team league that also includes Katy Faith West and Giddings State School. Furthermore, the Jaguars are a threat to win back-to-back state titles.

Offensively, it all begins with senior David Kleban at quarterback. The 5-foot10, 170-pounder threw for nearly 2,700 yards and 54 touchdowns as a junior, picking up second-team all-state honors.

“In two years, David has nearly 4,000 yards and 84 touchdowns, which is just incredible,” Adams said. “Beyond his stats, he’s an outstanding leader. He could run the offense on his own without a coach. He has so much experience.”

Kleban has the benefit of an explosive receiving corps featuring senior Michael Ran (6-3, 170). Ran, a returning first-team allstate selection, racked up nearly 800 yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago.

“Michael has the ability to play in college, possible at an Ivy League or a smaller school,” Adams said.

Seniors Garrett Glover (5-9, 120) and Jake Plantowsky (6-2, 160) are other targets for Kleban. Glover has plenty of varsity experience, while Plantowsky, a lacrosse star, is a relative newcomer to football.

Emery/Weiner lost both of its starting running backs. Senior Grant Schneider (5-9, 155), a former second-team allstater, moves from wide receiver. In addition, senior Brandon Gomel (5-10, 170) will see action at running back and h-back.

Emery/Weiner will open the 2016 season at home, facing Calvert Christian at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at Helfman Field at Caress Stadium.