Season Preview - District 11-5A

Winning records in 2007: 3

Playoff teams in 2007: 4

District playoff record: 2-4

And the winner is: Mesquite

Few teams in the state endured the tumultuous offseason that Mesquite has this summer. Its former coach resigned to confront an alleged gambling problem and inquiries into the program and its finances were reportedly made by the school district.

Yet the Skeeters thrived under the adverse conditions and proved their strong team unity with an impressive run to the championship game at the state 7-on-7 tournament. The competition showed Mesquite has plenty of talent and even more speed.

Quarterback Luke Halpin and receiver Lynrick Pleasant lead an offensive that returns seven starters and cornerback Marcus Trice, an Oklahoma commit, is one of the most entertaining and explosive players in the state.

 Add it all up and the Skeeters looked primed for long playoff run and a district crown.

Don't bet against: John Tyler

Forget last season's 1-9 record and terrible play on both sides of the ball. John Tyler is considering it an aberration and opponents should too.

The young Lions are back and eager to prove it was fluke. With 13 starters back on both sides of the ball, head coach Dereck Rush believes it will be.

All-district safety Cory Wilson isn't the biggest, but he?s one of the best in East Texas and the defense should be too. Led by quarterback Billy Thomkins the offense should be much improved, much like Cujo's season outlook.

Show me something: DeSoto

After failing to turn DeSoto's deep talent pool into at least one state title, Dave Meadows decided to let someone else have a crack at it. In comes former Austin LBJ coach Claude Mathis, who consistently produced competitive squads in Central Texas.

But DeSoto's abundance of talent leads many to expect more than the Eagles routinely deliver come playoff time and Mathis might be in the hot seat quickly. A defense that features young but promising standouts like defensive back Adrian White and defensive tackle Damion Lewis should help.

Much like longtime rival Duncanville, DeSoto needed some new coaching blood to help re-establish the program and Mathis should deliver. The Eagles are always solid in the regular season, but whether the change leads to more postseason success in 2008 remains to be seen.

At the finish line:

Mesquite

DeSoto

Tyler Lee

John Tyler

North Mesquite

Horn

Date of Article: Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:20 am

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