Vitals:

    The Garland Owls are coming off one of their best seasons in school history, having posted a 12-3 record and advancing to the State Semifinals.  If not for a virtuoso performance by Cedar Hill’s William Cole and an unbelievable last second goal line stand, Garland would have been playing for a state title for the first time since 1999.

    This year, the Owls will be without great players such as Malcolm Williams, Marquis Frazier, David Little, Brian Johnson, and Dwight Hamilton, but they cupboard is anything but bare.  Garland returns 8 starters (1 offensive, 7 defensive), 34 lettermen, and 3 All-District players.  Since Garland rotates so many players, it’s not as if the new starters won’t have any experience.  Having advanced so deep in the playoffs, the younger guys should be more than ready to step up.

    Garland’s top returning offensive weapon is speed demon RB/FS Jacques Caldwell.  Caldwell racked up over 800 yards and 6 TD’s of total offense in a limited role last fall, but he’ll be counted on as ‘the man’ this fall.  With electronically-timed 21.05s 200 meter speed, Caldwell is a threat to score from anywhere.

    Garland’s real strength will be on the defensive side of the ball.  Seven full-time starters return including 3 out of 4 on the defensive line.  DE Chancey Aghayere (6’3 245) is one of the nation’s most coveted recruits and he’ll be flanked by DT Joel Wilson (6’2 255) and DT Casey Walker (6’1 290).  Junior Steven Baker is the Owls’ top returning linebacker.  DB/WR Jarrett Ben and FS/RB Jacques Caldwell will lead one of the fastest secondaries in the state.

    While Garland does have some considerable holes to fill, they have plenty of talented young players ready to step in.  As good as last year’s team was, this year’s group is capable of being plenty successful themselves.  A brutal non-district schedule could either make or break this team's confidence.

The Bottom Line:

2007 Schedule

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Forecast:

Speed, Skill Positions, Defensive Talent/Experience

New QB, New OL

Should win District, Could go deep in playoffs if QB & OL step up

Top Players: