Hightower played its first varsity season in 2000, and the Hurricanes have made the playoffs every year of their existence but one (2005).  In eight seasons, Hightower has never had a losing record.  Shane Hallmark earned promotion to head coach this off-season after Gene Johnson left for the new Cypress Ranch opening.  Hallmark served as defensive coordinator the previous three seasons and becomes the third head football coach in school history.  There will be no major tactical changes.  The Hurricanes return 12 starters (5 offense, 7 defense) and 23 lettermen overall from last year’s 10-4 state quarterfinalist squad. 

          Senior quarterback A.J. Highsmith (6’0 175) is back to lead Hightower’s multiple one-back attack following a 2007 season in which he completed 56% of his passes for 2,270 yards with 21 TD's and 12 INT's.  Highsmith will be a favorite for district, area and potentially state honors after earning accolades as a sophomore and junior.  Highsmith has verbally committed to the University of Miami ( Fla. ).  Senior RB London Hamilton flanks Highsmith in the backfield.  Hamilton gained experience in a back-up role last year (500 yds rushing, 7 ypc). 

          Top receiver Darius Johnson (5’11 175) will be counted on to stretch the field with his speed.  Johnson is also Hightower’s primary kick returning option.  Johnson is a Division 1 recruit.  Junior tight end Stephen Gardner (6’2 195) started as a sophomore and adds more experience. 

          The offensive line must replace three starters, but the two with experience were top contributors last season.  Senior OT Kelvin Jackson (6’2 250) has experience at three different positions on the line.  Junior center Stephen Danielson (5’11 225) is the other returning starter.  Junior OT Jordan Becker (6’3 270) is a new starter who could have a breakout season.  Junior kicker Jake Kane (6’5 170) gives Hightower one of the state’s best legs.  Kane hit a 54-yard field goal to beat Cy Ridge in last year’s playoffs.

          The defense is in good shape with seven starters returning from a unit that ranked among the best in the Houston area as well as the state last year (13.5 papg).  In fact, if the front line comes together, Hightower could have an even better defense than they had last year.  Senior DE Jelani Johnson (6’1 200) is only returning starter on the line, but the unit will be talented overall.  Senior DE Joshua Wesley (6’5 220) is a newcomer to watch.  Junior DT Michael O’Guin (6’1 255) transferred in from Fort Bend Marshall.  Talented junior DE Uchenna Nbuike (6'1 200) is also expected to make his presence felt.

          Linebacker will be a strong point for the Hurricanes with three returning starters.  Senior MLB Tomas Luna (5’9 180) anchors the unit again this year after earning 1^st team All-District accolades as a junior.  Junior OLB Shaun Lewis (6’1 190) was named district Sophomore of the Year after recording 11 sacks in 2007.  Senior Phillip Steward (6’1 210) rounds out the starting unit in the 4-3 base front.  The secondary should also be in good hands with three returning starters.  Senior free safety Colton Valencia (5’11 190) is an MVP candidate.  Valencia is being pursued by top Division 1 schools.  Senior corner Alex Francis (5’11 175) is a top cover man on the perimeter.  Senior SS Dele Junaid (6’2 200) further solidifies the Hurricanes at the back. 

          Hightower claims a spot in the rankings due to their returning experience, and the fact not much will change from a continuity perspective despite having a new head coach.  Despite an 0-3 start in '07, the 'Canes rallied to win 10 straight and defeated Humble and Cy Ridge along the way.  The Hurricanes have bona-fide MVP candidates in each phase with players like QB A.J. Highsmith, DB Colton Valencia and K Jake Kane.  The Canes open against a talented Eisenhower team on August 29^th before diving into a nine game Fort Bend district schedule.  Last year’s 10 win season is the second best in school history after an 11-3 effort in 2001.  If Hightower makes the necessary progression, a new program benchmark could be set in 2008.

 

2008  Team  Outlook

Pre-Season State Top 25:  12th Pre-Season Rank (Region):  2 (3) Pre-Season Rank (District):  1 (23) Returning Offensive Starters:  5 QB A.J. Highsmith (Sr.) WR Darius Johnson (Sr.) TE Stephen Gardner (Jr.) OT Kelvin Jackson (Sr.) C Stephen Danielson (Jr.) Returning Defensive Starters:  7 DE Jelani Johnson (Sr.) OLB Shaun Lewis (Jr.) * '07 Soph. Def. MVP OLB Phillip Steward (Sr.) MLB Thomas Luna (Sr.) CB Alex Francis (Sr.) FS Colton Valencia (Sr.) SS Dele Junaid (Sr.) All-State Players (Team): FS Colton Valencia (2nd) Returning All-District Players:  4 QB A.J. Highsmith (1st) MLB Thomas Luna (1st) FS Colton Valencia (1st) OLB Shaun Lewis (Defensive SOY) Other Players to Watch: RB London Hamilton (Sr.) RB John Parham (So.) WR Bryce Edwards (Sr.) OT Jordan Becker (Jr.) DE Joshua Wesley (Sr.) DE Uchenna Nbuike (Jr.) DT Taylor Hicks (Jr.) NT Michael O'Guin (Jr.)  *transfer from FB Marshall CB Ned Givs (Jr.) CB Keavon Madison (Jr.) SS Harvey Jackson (Jr.) K Jake Kane (Jr.)   2008 Schedule (Stadium): 8/29     Aldine Eisenhower (Hall)             7:30 9/5       OPEN 9/12     FB WIllowridge (Hall) 9/20     @ FB Marshall (Hall) 9/27     FB Kempner (Hall) 10/3     @ FB Bush (Mercer) 10/10   FB Clements (Hall) 10/17   @ FB Travis (Hall) 10/24   @ FB Austin (Mercer) 10/31   FB Dulles (Hall) 11/7     @ FB Elkins (Hall) Opponents Combined Record:  46-52 Projected 2008 Record: 10-0 Key Games (Rank): vs. Aldine Eisenhower vs. Marshall vs. Elkins Strength of Schedule (Rank): 171.50 (200) Unit Rankings: #6 Linebackers #3 Secondary #10 Total Defense The Bottom Line: Strengths: Potential State Top 10 Defense Balance of Experience Across the Board Experienced, Successful QB Overall Talent Level Weaknesses: Must Replace Quality Offensive Weapons