Season Preview - District 15-5A

Winning records in 2007: 4

Playoff teams in 2007: 3

District playoff record: 5-3

And the winner is: Cy Falls

Two years removed from a humiliating defeat in the state championship game, Cy Falls has its eyes set on a return trip to the title game and a better showing once there. And the Golden Eagles have the pieces in place to get the job done.

Massive offensive linemen Matt Eureste and Michael Mathis give Cy Falls five yeras of starting experience and will anchor a line that should avergae close to 270 pounds per starter. Yet the star of the offensive show should be starting quarterback Kolby Gray.

Gray is an underrated Division I prospect with good mobility and a live arm. Gray amassed 3,700 yards of total offense and 40 touchdowns as a junior. A big season could lead to more college suitors and should make life easier on running back Christian Norris, who replaces the speedy Shane Turner in the backfield.

The defense returns four starters, namely linebackers Derron Clebourne and Chase Parker, and should give the offense plenty of scoring opportunities. And while no team in the district lost more experience than the Golden Eagles (51 lettermen), the hunger to make amends for that state disappointment makes Cy Falls dangerous.

Don't bet against: Cy Ridge

According to most college scouts, the best player in the state stands under center for Cy Ridge. LSU commit Russell Shepard has the perfect combination of speed, arm strength and leadership ability. But the question remains: Can one star athlete be good enough to take the Rams to the promised land?

Considering the amount of talent Shepard will have aroud him, the answer to that question may be yes. Minnesota commit Hasan Lipscomb rushed for almost 1,200 yards last season and scored 20 touchdowns, while receiver Kevin Johnson displayed big-play ability throughout the spring and could be the go-to guy on the outside this fall, giving the Rams a third option behind their already solid 1-2 offensive punch.

The Rams aren't lacking on defense either with all-district caliber defensive end John Gandy up front and rover Princeton Jackson in the backfield. Jackson, who likes to hit and has great coverage skills, could blossom into another top-tier Division I prospect this season.

Yet Cy Ridge's undoing may be its depth. The Rams had less than 50 players going through spring drills and an injury to any of their big guns could spell doom.

Show me something: Langham Creek

A standout spring and solid summer in 7-on-7 competition has expectations high at Langham Creek. The Lobos fizzled down the stretch last season but look capable of a strong rebound after reaching the consolation final of the state 7-on-7 tournament.

Langham Creek's ability to reach the postseason may hinge on the improvement of a defense that returns eight starters. Linebacker Mark Tuder and safety Josh Herron always seem to thrive under the Friday night lights and should be the leaders on a unit that should impress from Day One.

The offense has plenty of questions, but Brett Reese was a match-up nightmare for opposing secondaries with his height and leaping ability and should be an offensive force by the time district play gets underway.

Confidence is at an all-time high at Langham Creek, now the Lobos just have to back it up with a solid season and a trip to the playoffs.

At the finish line it's:

Cy Falls
Cy Ridge
Langham Creek
Jersey Village
Cy Fair
Cy Woods
Cy Creek
Cy Springs

Date of Article: Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:12 pm

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