Gridiron Guide 07- Region 3 Analysis

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    The Greater Houston area looks stronger on paper in 2007 thanks to the quality of experience that the top teams are returning.  The top two, Katy and Baytown Lee, return a majority of their starting line-ups from last season.  Katy returns eight players that started full-time on offense, and six on defense in addition to several others who rotated in over the course of the Tigers’ 13-1 season in 2006.  Katy projects in the Division 2 field once again because the probability that at least three of Hastings, Elsik, Katy Taylor and Cinco Ranch miss the playoffs is low.  Lee projects in Division 1, but can also go Division 2 if both Humble and Kingwood make the playoffs. 

    Six of the top ten ranked teams project in the Division 1 field.  West Brook has advanced to the Regional Semis two years in a row, and could have their best team since 1997 this season.  The Bruin running tandem of Albert Williams and Christian Michael may be the best in the state, let alone Region 3. 

    Speaking of running, there’s a player by the name of Sam McGuffie at Cy Fair and he’ll be giving defensive coordinators fits after running for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2006.  The Bobcats could emerge as a contender if they pick things up on defense.  District partners Cy Ridge look ready to mount a serious challenge for district, and then cause problems in the playoffs.  Dynamic junior QB Russell Shepard is already drawing heavy college interest, and he’ll be surrounded by one of the most experienced rosters in the region.

    Pearland remains a dangerous team despite the loss of Sam Proctor and Fozzy Whittaker.  The Oilers have what could possibly turn into the top total defense in the area.  Senior DB Nick Saenz and senior DE Bernard Obi are two of Pearland’s best returning players.  If new players on offense step into their roles quickly, the Oilers can contend for the region again. 

    Stratford is a possible region darkhorse with one of the country’s top signal callers at QB in Andrew Luck.  Senior DL Jimmy Burge anchors the Spartan defense.  An early test against Cy Fair could shuffle the rankings right out of the gate.  Westside and Lamar are the class of HISD once again.  Both teams return proven talent on both sides of the ball.  Lamar, Cinco Ranch and possibly Elsik are teams outside the top ten that probably warrant the most attention.  Many of Elsik’s current senior class have started since their sophomore years and the backfield of QB Charles Jones, RB Jeremy Hills and RB Derrell Smith is very good.  Cinco will be young overall, but they have promising talent ready to step into the varsity spotlight.