Vitals:

   After graduating a talented and record breaking senior class in the summer of 2006, it was doubted whether or not Westfield would remain a consistent force.  Some suggested Westfield was the beneficiary of a talented class, and weren’t likely to achieve the same level of success again.  In our 2006 season preview we said “we’ll find out whether or not Westfield has a true program going.”  All the Mustangs did in response was post a 13-1 record, two wins better than the previous season.  Head Coach Corby Meekins, his staff and the Mustang players served notice to the Greater Houston area and Texas that they’ve got a bona fide program on the north side.  The key for Westfield now is to continue being a consistent force, and constantly knock on the door to the state semis and beyond.

   A priority for Westfield this season will be settling on a starting quarterback once the season kicks into gear.  Three players battled for the position in the spring.  Senior tailback Bo Walker (5’9 195) will be a steadying influence in the backfield.  Walker is an exceptional talent who showcased his abilities last year in a tandem role.  Senior FB Ryan Mitchell (5’9 220) is a very good athlete.  Three of Westfield’s offensive linemen are Division 1 prospects.  Seniors Brenel Myers (6’2 265), Erik McNeil (6’0 295) and Nate Golden (6’1 290) help pave the way up front.  Senior OL John Crear earned all-district honors.  Junior center Jonathan Jones started as a sophomore, and earned all-district recognition.  Senior TE Jonathan Gimm (6’2 238) is a freakish athlete.  Junior Adam Watson (5’10 165) is a top returning receiver and kick returner for the Mustangs.  Watson made big plays as a sophomore. 

     The Westfield defense will be among the state’s fastest and most talented units.  Senior DTs Jonathan Mathis (6’2 270) and Nick Nwoko (6’0 335) anchor the defense up front with size.  They are disruptive and eat blocks allowing the linebackers to swarm.  Senior DE Christian Ridge (5’11 225) is a very good athlete who started last season, and was an all-district pick.  The Mustang linebackers are one of the highlights of the team.  They are very fast and will make an impact on the ball and whoever’s carrying it.  Senior Herman Mitchell (6’0 200) is the leader.  Mitchell has all-state ability.  Seniors Tolu Akindele (5’10 205) and Shiloh Hickman (6’0 190) flank Mitchell in the 4-3 base alignment.  The secondary looks very strong again.  Senior FS Nick Sampson (6’0 190) and senior corner Brodrick Brown (5’8 165) are the top returning players along with senior Marquis Hines (6’0 185).  All three are Division 1 prospects.

    Overall, the Mustangs are well stocked with talent and have fewer unknowns than they did at this point a year ago.  If the offense finds a QB who can get the ball downfield with some accuracy, they will be very tough to stop because the ground game is in very good hands with Bo Walker.  The defense is fast, nasty and will likely be at or near the top of the statewide total defense leaderboard again this season.   There’s no reason to think Westfield can’t have a significant influence in the Region 2 picture again this season with the talent they’ve got combined with the confidence gained from the season they had last year despite starting the season inexperienced.  Make no mistake, Westfield is emerging as one of the state’s elite programs and this class looks set to continue the upward trend that the program’s set in motion this decade.

The Bottom Line:

2007 Schedule

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Forecast:

Defense Talent,
Strong OL and RB,
Proven skill talent

Inexperienced QB

District Champs, Potential State Contenders in D1

Top Players: