Projected Playoff Teams:
Clements, Marshall, Hightower, Elkins

Vitals:

    
    Last year, this district finished as one of the most competitive in the state with four teams tied with 6-2 district records going into the playoffs (Dulles, Clements, Marshall, Hightower).  Hightower was the most successful 23-5A team in the playoffs, and finished as a regional semi-finalist (lost to Cy Fair).  Marshall advanced to round two, but fell to West Brook.  Clements was probably the most surprising team in the district last season given many of their best players were underclassmen. 

    The Clements Rangers begin the 2007 season as one of the favorites.  Senior RB Chris Lenoir (5’9 185) is one of the select group of returning 1,500-yard rushers in the state.  It will be tough for Lenoir to top that in 07, but he’ll have help.  Junior QB Derek Carr is also back.  Carr started as a sophomore last season, and displayed efficiency despite his young age.  The Clements offense is further bolstered by the return of three all-district starters on the offensive line (Reid Curry, Jack Fernandez, Charlie Cicak).  Senior LB Kyle Hoke is the leader on defense.  Two juniors to look for are all-purpose talents Omar Amin (RB-CB) and Brandon Wood (6’3 170, WR-FS).  Clements fielded a very young roster last season, and that experience makes them a definite favorite in this district and one to keep an eye on when the playoffs begin.

    The Marshall Buffaloes also look like district contenders once again.  Since beginning varsity play this decade, the Buffs have firmly established themselves as one of the top teams in this district.  Junior QB Dean Brantley is a year more experienced after taking the starting role from a senior as a sophomore in 2006.  Junior RB Kniles Davis could be poised for a breakout season in the backfield after spot duty as a sophomore.  Senior Johnathan Woodson and junior Jared Pickett are two talented all-purpose players who will be key players for the offense.  Junior WR Sherman Batiste is another who should see an increased role in the offense this season.  Senior DL Jeremy Coleman (6’2 245) and senior DB Kris Rhymes (6’0 207) are the top returning players on defense.  Senior DL Steve Ogbeide adds more experience.  Senior Justin Fletcher (6’2 220) leads the LB crew.  Senior DB Antwon Blake is a returning starter.  Overall, the Buffs have good experience to build around on both sides of the ball and should definitely contend for district.

     Hightower should also figure into the equation at the top of the district.  Junior QB AJ Highsmith earned 1^st team all-district honors as a sophomore.  Senior WR Anthony Laday is Hightower’s only other returning all-district player.  Most of the Hurricanes’ returning experience is on offense.  The line should be one of the best in the area.  Seniors James Hamilton (6’3 295), Devon Miles (6’3 290) and Xavier Swain (6’3 265) lead the push up front.  Senior RB Cleon Davis is a returning starter.  Senior DL Thao Goins (6’4 275) and senior OLB Kachi Ezirike are two of the best on defense.

    The battle for the fourth and last playoff spot should be very crowded as is usually the case in this district.  Elkins finished two games out in 06, and could crash the party this season.  Junior QB Broderick Thomas (6’3 180) leads the Knights’ offense.   Senior LBs Blake Slaughter and Alonzo Highsmith are the top players on defense.  Kempner had a disappointing 2006 season, but could be in a position to rebound and get back in the playoffs.  Kempner’s case is boosted by four all-district players (SR OL Ryan Liscum, SR DL Audie Baca, SR DB Chris Banjo).

    Dulles finished near the top of the district in 2006, but must replace district MVP QB Cotton Turner.  Senior Tucker Morrow (6’4 215) backed up Turner last season, and will be looked to for leadership this season.  The Vikings are helped by the return of leading receiver Darryl Stonum (6’2 180).  Stonum is one of the best in the state, and should help Morrow’s adjustment.  Junior all-purpose talent Charles Mouton (5’9 175) is another option in the attack along with senior WR Chad Froechtenicht.  Dulles is definitely a playoff contender, but need quick maturation at QB and at inexperienced positions on defense.  The middle of this district should be very crowded, and it wouldn’t be out of the question to see three or more teams tied with the same record or only separated by a game.  That’s how close this race can be.

    Austin is yet another team who could throw its hat into the playoff race.  Austin finished 3-5 last season, and were very young in spots with eight sophomores on the varsity roster last year.  Willowridge and Bush will be hard pressed to jump the teams in front of them, but again, this race can get so crowded that sometimes all it takes is one game.  Clements, Marshall and Hightower look like a strong top three ,but all bets are off after that, and the race for the fourth playoff spot should be hotly contested.