Certain
programs just get it, and Hebron is one such program. Hebron
began varsity play in 2001 and is fast-tracking the path to
prominence. Under the direction of head coach Brian
Brazil and staff, the
Hawks have generated four double
digit win seasons in a row after starting 0-10, 4-6, 8-4 and
8-4. Hebron earned 5A promotion in the 2006 alignment following
their undefeated 4A state championship season in 2005. The
Hawks are 21-5 in two seasons as
a 5A program, and have qualified for the playoffs every season
but their first two. In just eight seasons, Hebron ’s
accomplished more than some programs have in 40+ years.
Last
year, Hebron won 11 games and earned the outright district
championship despite losing a game to FM Marcus (21-10). Their
playoff defeat came against eventual state semi-finalists
Abilene (20-10). The highlight
of the season was a 50-44 multiple overtime triumph over a
talented Desoto team. Not much was expected from last
year's team due to the heavy losses they took due to graduation,
but under Coach Brazil, Hebron has proven that they are a
contender no matter how few returnees they might have.
With that in mind, the fact that the Hawks return nine all-district starters from
an 11 win team ought to be cause for concern throughout Region
1.
Prolific quarterback Tanner Marsh graduated, so Hebron will
have to find a new QB. If Marsh returned, the Hawks
might merit Top 10 consideration. Senior Justin Iwuji (5’11 180) and junior Steve
Tocci (6’1 180) are next in line. Iwuji gained experience last
year in a back-up role. Senior RB Darius Staten (5’5 181) will
make life easier for whoever’s taking snaps. Staten led the
Hawks in rushing last year with
918 yards (6.1 ypc) and 13 touchdowns. Staten added 500
more receiving yards. Seniors Phillip Mitchell (5’9 175)
and Alex Norman (6’2 200) are the top returning pass receivers,
accounting for over 1,400 yards and 7 TD's last fall. Norman
doubles as a linebacker on the defensive end.
Hebron returns one of the country’s top offense line prospects
in senior Joel Gray (6’6 285). Gray earned all-district and
all-state recognition as a junior. Senior Stephen Goughan (6’2
250) is another returning all-district selection on the line.
The Hawks must find a
replacement for graduated senior Mark Essary in the kicking
game.
The
Hawk defense found itself chasing in some scoring duels last
year, and experience in each unit should help Hebron build a
tighter resistance in 2008. Junior Michael Odiari and senior
Stanley Maponga anchor the line. Both were all-district picks a
year ago. Michael Putman (5’11 180) and Alex Norman (6’2 200)
are two more key players returning in the front seven at
linebacker. Norman earned all-district recognition on offense
and defense in 2007. Senior Erin McCarver (5’10 180) is the
most experienced returning player in the secondary.
It hasn't taken Hebron long to build a strong program, and the really impressive thing
is that they’ve already established consistency. The 2005 state title
win was no fluke or flash in the pan. This is a legit program.
Realignment moved the Carrollton schools out of district, but
added Southlake Carroll in what is now a six-team district.
Hebron has a nice base of talented experience back on each side
of the ball. The offense will be potent if the new quarterback
steps up. The defense, provided it can avoid the four-overtime scorefests,
is also in position to progress. In a newly formed six
team district (6-5A), Hebron is certainly a favorite to clinch a
playoff spot, and once they get into the postseason they'll be
one of the toughest outs in the entire field.
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2008 Team Outlook |
Pre-Season State Top
25: 24th
Pre-Season Rank (Region):
10 (1)
Pre-Season Rank (District):
3 (6)
Returning Offensive Starters:
5
RB Darius Staten (Sr.)
TE Alex Norman (Sr.)
WR Phillip Mitchell (Sr.)
OT Joel Gray (Sr.)
OG Stephen Goughan (Sr.)
Returning Defensive Starters:
5
DE Michael Odiari (Jr.)
DE Stansly Maponga (Sr.)
LB Alex Norman (Sr.)
DB Phillip Mitchell (Sr.)
DB Erin McCarver (Sr.)
Pre-Season All-State Players (Team):
OT Joel Gray (1st)
WR Phillip Mitchell (2nd)
TE Alex Norman (2nd)
Returning All-District Players
(Team):
8
RB Darius
Staten (1st)
WR Phillip Mitchell (1st)
TE/LB Alex Norman (1st/2nd)
OT Joel Gray (1st)
DE Michael Odiari (1st)
DT Stansly Maponga (1st)
LB Michael Putnam (2nd)
DB Erin McCarver (2nd)
Other Players to Watch:
QB Justin
Iwuji (Sr.)
WR Zach Fleming (Jr.)
DB Jo Jo Bradburn (Jr.) |
2008 Schedule
(Stadium):
8/29 Wylie (Hawk)
9/5
@ Mesquite (Hanby)
9/12 Plano (Hawk)
9/19 @ Dallas
Jesuit
(Haggar)
9/27 @ Abilene
Cooper (Shotwell)
10/3 OPEN
10/10 Flower Mound (Hawk)
10/17 Coppell (Hawk)
10/24 @ Lewisville (Goldsmith)
10/31 Southlake
Carroll
(Hawk)
11/7 @ FM Marcus (Goldsmith)
Opponents Combined '07 Record:
77 - 41
Projected Reg. Season Record:
7-3
Key Games (Rank):
@ Mesquite
vs. Plano
@ Dallas Jesuit
vs. Southlake Carroll
@ FM Marcus
Strength of Schedule (Rank):
40.20 (1st)
Unit Rankings:
#5
Receivers
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The Bottom Line:
|
Strengths:
Skill
Position Talent
Senior Leadership
8 Returning All-District Players
|
Weaknesses:
Inexperience at QB
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