Eisenhower started last season with three losses against Humble, North Shore and Lufkin.  Big Ike got things turned around quickly and ran off eight straight wins, including a 40-21 bi-district victory over Westside, before eventually falling 35-28 in the second round to Cy Ridge.  Ike fielded a team laden with junior talent last year and were much improved by the end of the season.  The Eagles earned their first winning season and first trip back to the post-season since 2004.  Leading talent returns in 2008 creating expectations that Ike hasn’t enjoyed since the earlier part of this decade.  Defensive coordinator Ray Evans takes over as head coach this season.

          One reason for optimism is the return of senior QB Kenny Guiton.  Guiton could go down as one of Ike’s all-time best at the position after this season.  Last season, Guiton accounted for 2,779 yards (254 rushing) and 27 TD's with just 9 INT's.  Senior RB Curtis McGregor (5’11 205) returns as well following a 902 yard, 7 TD performance on the ground.  What makes McGregor special is his value as a receiver out of the backfield; in 2007 he racked up 31 receptions for 542 yards and 3 TD's.  McGregor was one of two unanimous 1st team All-District selections in 19-5A last year; the other was Stratford QB Andrew Luck.

          Eisenhower also returns their top two WR's in Greg Timmons (6’3 195) and Jazz Reynolds (6’4 180).  Timmons has committed to the University of Texas.  This is arguably the state’s best receiving duo.  Both are big time, athletic players who are natural mismatches due to their size.  TImmons and Reynolds combined for 53 receptions for 1,094 yards and 11 TD's last season.  Ike has the ability to improve on last year’s 30.2 scoring average with so many key parts back at the skill positions.

          Not to be outdone, the Eagle defense also returns its share of talent.  Junior DT Jay Guy (6’3 310) plugs the middle as one of the top young defensive prospects in the country.  Senior DE Marcus Thompson (5’11 220) earned 1st all-district accolades as a junior.  Senior DT Drew Moore also returns to provide valuable experience along the line.

          Eisenhower must fill in new starters at the linebacker position, but the secondary looks good thanks to the return of all four starters from a season ago. Leading this unit is Clemson commit and fourth year letterman senior Craig Loston (6’3 185). Starting alongside Loston for the third consecutive year is senior Brandon Boyd (6’0 195). Seniors Terrance Fletcher and Verlis Martin also return after starting in '07 to form an immensely talented and experienced secondary . The Eagles will be dangerous in the return game thanks to skill position experience, and senior kicker Oscar Ortiz (5’6 155) steadies the kicking game.

          If Ike can build on the improvement they showed last year, this team has a chance to contend for the Region 3 title.  The hiring of Evans ensures continuity despite Phipps’ exit.  The offense will be a tough match-up for anyone because of the experience, size and athletic ability.  Ike has the talent to match-up with anyone, but is this team ready to take it up a notch?  How hungry are they to redeem the famous Swoop?  These are questions the Eagles must answer if they are to take another step forward in 2008.

 

2008  Team  Outlook

Pre-Season State Top 25:  13th Pre-Season Rank (Region):  3 (3) Pre-Season Rank (District):  1 (19) Returning Offensive Starters:  6 QB Kenny Guiton (Sr.) RB Curtis McGregor (Sr.) WR Greg Timmons (Sr.) WR Jazman Reynolds (Sr.) OL Joseph DeLeon (Sr.) OL Arthur Jones (Sr.) Returning Defensive Starters:  7 DT Jay Guy (Jr.) DE Drew Moore (Sr.) DE Marcus Thompson (Sr.) DB/LB Brandon Boyd (Sr.) DB Craig Loston (Sr.) * '07 Dist. Def. MVP SS Terrance Fletcher (Sr.) CB Verlis Martin (Sr.) All-State Players (Team): WR Greg Timmons (1st) DB Craig Loston (1st) Returning All-District Players:  7 RB Curtis McGregor (1st) WR Greg Timmons (1st) DE Marcus Thompson (1st) QB Kenny Guiton (2nd) WR Jazman Reynolds (2nd) DE Drew Moore (2nd) DT Jay Guy (2nd) Other Players to Watch: K Oscar Ortiz (Sr.) DL Cqulin Hubert (Jr.) DB Allen Veazie (Jr.)   2008 Schedule (Stadium): 8/29     @ FB Hightower (Hall)                    7:30 9/5       North Shore (Thorne)                    7:30 9/11     @ Alief Elsik (Crump)                    7:30 9/19     Beau. West Brook (Thorne)          7:30 9/26     Hum. Kingwood (Thorne)             7:30 10/4     @ Aldine MacArthur (Thorne)     7:30      10/10   Humble (Thorne)                            7:30 10/18   @ Aldine Nimitz (Thorne)              6:00 10/25   Aldine (Thorne)                               6:00 10/31   @ Hum. Atascocita (Turner)         7:30 11/7     OPEN Opponents Combined Record:  63-50 Projected 2008 Record: 8-2 Key Games (Rank): @   FB Hightower vs. North Shore vs. Beau. West Brook vs. Humble Strength of Schedule (Rank): 91.50 (72nd) Unit Rankings: #6 Backfield #2 Receivers #6 Total Offense #2 Secondary The Bottom Line: Strengths: Exceptional Skill Talent Balanced Offense Size and Strength along DL Returning 4 Secondary Starters Weaknesses: Inexperienced LB's