#25 A&M Consolidated Tigers |  Preseason Top 25 Home |  #23 RR Westwood Warriors

Coach: Steve Warren
Mascot: Eagles
Region: 1
District: 3-5A
2010: 9-4 D2 Regional Semifinalist (L Southlake Carroll, 24-38)

PROGRAM

The rich history of the Abilene football program dates all of the way back to 1910.  In 2009, the Eagles beat Katy to win their seventh state championship and first since they reeled off three straight titles from 1954-1956.  Prior to the 50s run, Abilene also won titles in 1923, 1928, and 1931.  Abilene is tied for the most state championships won by a program currently in 5A with Southlake Carroll.

OFFENSE

Returning Starters: 3

Unit Rankings
Backfield:
Receivers:
Offensive Line:

Key Players
QB Nate Kittley, Junior (5’11 160)
QB Evan Abbe, Junior (6’0 180)
RB Paxton Grayer, Senior (’10 1st All-District)

Players to Watch
RB Marcel Porter, Junior (5’7 175)
RB Dandre Alexander, Sophomore
WR Tyler McGary, Senior (5’11 160)
WR Grant Alexander, Junior (6’0 175)
WR Keevan Lucas, Junior (5’11 170)
TE Peter Zeller, Senior (6’1 185)
OL Lorenzo Martinez, Senior (5’10 240)
OL Chantz Anderson, Junior (6’0 245)

DEFENSE

Returning Defensive Starters: 3

Unit Rankings
Defensive Line:
Linebackers:
Secondary:

Key Players
DL Jake McMillon, Sophomore (6’2 225)
DL Tyler Cagle, Senior (5’11 215)
LB Shaq Sims, Senior (5’11 185)

Players to Watch
DE Tyler Lineweaver, Senior
LB Austin Winegeart, Senior (6’1 185)
LB Ryan Childress, Senior
LB Gabriel Dixon, Junior (6’0 180)
DB Austin Young, Senior (6’0 165)
DB Conlan Aguirre, Junior (5’7 160)
S Hunter Holcomb, Junior (6’0 175)
S Xavier Johnson, Junior (6’0 180)

SCHEDULE

THE BOTTOM LINE

Offense: The Sims era that brought a state championship home to Abilene is over, so a new crop of players step in looking to achieve similar results.  While a special class leaves, the Eagles have shown the ability to reload offensive talent through the years.  One holdover from last season is speedy RB Paxton Grayer.  Grayer saw significant time filling in for an injured Herschel Sims in which he ran for almost 9 yards per carry and totaled 17 touchdowns. The quarterback position has been up for grabs this spring, but it sounds like the Eagles will go into the Fall with both looking at playing time.

Defense: Abilene’s defenses over the years are known for being somewhat undersized, but really know how to swarm to the football.  If you take a look at the program stats above, you can see just how effective the defense has been.  They haven’t needed a ton of D1 recruits to achieve this either, so there’s a mentality and system in place that allows these guys to be successful as a unit.  Established players such as LB Shaq Sims, DL Tyler Cagle, and sophomore DL Jake McMillon provide a solid foundation while mixing in the talented newcomers up from the undefeated JV team. Junior safeties Hunter Holcomb and Xavier Johnson are two of many moving up that had a good spring.

Overrated if: Inexperience all over the field rears it’s ugly head.  This is a very young Eagle team that’s replacing 35 lettermen and will depend on youth at key positions.

Underrated if: The Eagles pick up some early confidence from their performances against Trinity and Longview.  These are the types of games that will help Abilene learn their faults in personnel and execution quickly and adjust accordingly.