Westfield has emerged as a legit Houston area powerhouse this decade with five double digit win seasons in the last eight years.  Westfield’s recorded four double digit win seasons in a row dating back to their 2004 run to the state championship game.  The test for any program that breaks through to a state title game for the first time is whether not they can sustain success.  Was the success simply due to an uncommonly talented class, or has a system been established that will allow the program to compete every year regardless of what talent is lost to graduation?  Westfield is 34-5 in three seasons since the 2004 state runner-up season, so it is clear that Coach Meekins and his staff have developed a consistent winning formula.  The Mustangs will build the 2008 effort around 11 returning starters and 26 lettermen overall.

          The offense was an unknown quality for Westfield going into last season, and that was mainly because the Mustangs needed to find a new quarterback.  The questions multiplied once it was learned that a sophomore would take over the reigns.  A year later, consider junior QB Jacoby Walker (6’1 185) the answer.  Walker took over the offense as a sophomore starter last year and emerged as one of the team’s best players.  Walker passed for better than 50% accuracy with a touchdown to INT ratio of 20-5.  One out of every four of Walker's passes went for a TD last fall. Walker’s experience will certainly help the offense improve this season.

          Graduation claims Westfield’s top three rushers from a year ago, but the cupboard is not bare.  Talented junior JaMarcus Morning is primed to step into a larger role after earning a varsity letter as a sophomore.  Finding production at the running back position hasn’t been an issue for Westfield this decade, and that shouldn’t change this year.  Senior center Jonathan Jones (5’8 220) is Westfield’s most experienced returning player up front.  Jones was an all-district selection last year.  Seniors Dayo Fadojutimi (6’4 290) and Thomas Robertson (6'3 260) help fill out what should be a good offensive line.

          When Westfield goes airborne, the Mustangs have a wealth of playmaking experience thanks to the return of seniors Barry Ford (6’1 180), JaMes Logan (6’3 180) and Adam Watson (5’10 170).  The trio combined for 850 yards and 18 TD's last fall.  Watson is Westfield’s top deep threat and is an excellent kick returner.

          Westfield’s defense posted four shutouts last year, but were susceptible to the big play in games in which they struggled.  The Mustangs need to replace a talented senior class to keep up the pace this season.  The secondary is hardest hit by graduation, but skill talent is generally not an issue for Westfield.  Several juniors dot the starting line-up on this side of the ball.

          Senior DE Austin Mayes (6’0 240) leads the effort up front on defense.  Junior DE Aaron Harris (6’3 210, 4.62) also gained experience as a sophomore starter last season and is primed for a breakout year.  Another young player to really keep an eye on is Junior DT Desmond Jackson (6'1 255).    Junior DT Harold Hampton is expected to step in and contribute this season as well.

          Senior LB Terre’ Camille is Westfield’s most experienced returning linebacker.  Juniors Chris Mitchell, Roland Hannah, Anthony Tubbs and Kenneth Dickie (5’10 210) are all expected contribute this season as well. 

          Junior CB Anthony Kegler and senior FS Denerick Demby (6'1 180) are the returning starters in the secondary.  Last year, Demby also contributed at each skill position on offense.  Senior Sherrod Daniels should step into a more prominent role this season along with junior Mark Johnson.  So, while talented seniors must be replaced, Westfield has talented players ready to step in.

          Senior kicker and punter Ernesto Lazo solidifies the kicking game.  The return units will be in great shape thanks to returning talent like Adam Watson.  The experience of Jacoby Walker and the receivers will help the offense tremendously.  On defense, the Mustangs have pieces of experience to build around at each position.  Westfield has reached the point where they are performing at a consistent level each season now, and this particular team has the potential to play into December.

 

2008  Team  Outlook

Pre-Season State Top 25:  6th Pre-Season Rank (Region):  1st (R2) Pre-Season Rank (District):  1st (13) Returning Offensive Starters:  7 QB Jacoby Walker (Jr.) WR Ja'Mes Logan (Sr.) WR/KR Adam Watson (Sr.) WR Barry Ford (Sr.) OL Thomas Robertson (Sr.) OL Dayo Fadojutimi (Sr.) C Jonathan Jones (Sr.) Returning Defensive Starters:  4 DE Aaron Harris (Jr.) DE Austin Mayes (Sr.) LB Terre' Camille (Sr.) S Anthony Kegler (Jr.) All-State Players (Team):  1 QB Jacoby Walker (All-Junior) Returning All-District Players:  3 QB Jacoby Walker (1st) WR Barry Ford (1st) KR/WR Adam Watson (1st/2nd) Other Players to Watch: RB JaMarcus Morning (Jr.) RB Roland Hannah (Jr.) OL Josh Harris (Sr.) DE/TE Justin Wheat (Sr.) DT Desmond Jackson (So.) DT Harold Hampton (Jr.) LB Chris Mitchell (Jr.) CB Sherrod Daniels (Sr.) CB Terrell Guidry (Sr.)   2008 Schedule (Stadium): 9/4       Cy Falls (George) 9/12     @ Beau. West Brook (Durley) 9/19     Houston Memorial (George) 9/26     Spring DeKaney (George) 10/4     @ Klein Forest (Klein Memorial) 10/10   Klein (George) 10/17   @ Tomball (Cougar) 10/23   Klein Collins (George) 10/31   @ Klein Oak (George) 11/7     Spring (George) Opponents Combined Record:  58-52 Projected 2008 Record: 10-0 Key Games (Rank): vs. Cy Falls @ Beau. West Brook @ Klein Forest vs. Klein @ Klein Oak Unit Rankings: Total Offense (8th) Receivers (4th)   The Bottom Line: Strengths: Experienced, Efficient QB Top 3 Receivers Returning Talented Defensive Line Program Consistency Weaknesses: Inexperience on Defense