Only Katy and North Shore have been as successful as the Pearland Oilers in the Houston area this decade.  Pearland’s achieved double digit win seasons every year but two since 2000.  And in the only two they missed the 10-win mark, they won eight (2000) and nine (2004) games respectively.  It is a sharp contrast to the 1990s when the Oilers had eight seasons of two wins or fewer, including three 0-10 finishes.  Needless to say, Pearland has firmly turned its back on that era and has enjoyed consistent success for nearly ten years now.  Last year, Pearland finished 10-2 and a familiar foe waited in the second round.  Pearland lost a hard fought game 24-20 game against North Shore.   The Oilers won 24-5A with a 6-0 record.  Realignment moved Pearland to 22-5A with Deer Park, La Porte and the Pasadena schools.  Pearland actually took North Shore’s place in the district.

          Six all-district starters form the spine of the 2008 Oilers.  Senior tailback Kasey Carrier returns for his third varsity letter winning season after rushing for nearly 1,700 yards (7 ypc) and 19 TD's as a junior.  Carrier is one of the most gifted players in the state with his ability to move explosively in all directions.  Starting quarterback Sam Allen solidifies the backfield balance with his experience.  Allen had an efficient '07 season, completing 60% of his passes for 1,058 yards, 9 TD's and just 5 interceptions.  Senior receiver Kevin Miller, like Carrier, has been contributing on varsity since his sophomore year.  Miller will help keep the chains moving and make sure defenses can’t only focus on Carrier.  Senior all-purpose player Josh Gonzales adds more playmaking experience.  Gonzales can line up in the backfield or at receiver. 

          One of the keys to Pearland’s sustained success this decade has been the play of their offensive lines.  The Oilers always seem to have a great line and great running talent to compliment.  Junior Ian Gray (6’7 300) will anchor the line this season along with senior Jack Andrews (5’11 270) and fellow junior Alex Freas. 

          The Oilers had one of the best defenses in the state last year and must replace key talent to approach a similar level in 2008.  This unit will be helped tremendously if the Oilers improve on offense as expected.  The anchor is senior DT Dantrayal Smith (6’2 300).  Smith earned all-district recognition a year ago and his presence will make it very tough to go through the middle of this defense.  Senior DLs Mario Turner (6’2), Taylor Staudt, and Chioke Burnett (6’2) round out Pearland’s returning experience up front.  Also, look for junior Alex Deason to make an impact here this season.

          Senior inside linebacker Jourdan Brogdon leads the charge at the second level.  Brogdon was one of the Oilers’ most productive players last year.  Senior Jarrad Stewart will flank Brogdon at linebacker after changing positions this spring.  Stewart played DB the last two seasons and is another third-year letterman. The Pearland secondary must overcome the loss of Nick Saenz (All-State 2007).  Senior Trey Laitkep is the most experienced returning player.  Senior Dennis Walls is another returning letterman the Oilers will count on this season. 

          Pearland returns most of its experience on offense, and the defense, while having some large holes to fill, returns enough experience to ensure that there won't be much of a drop-off, if any at all.  Smith, Brogdon and Stewart should force opponents to the edge where the Oilers can then use their speed in inside-out pursuit.  Look for improvement on offense with Allen, Carrier, Gonzales and Miller all a year more experienced. Pearland’s top challenge in district is mostly likely to come from Deer Park.  This is a team that is capable of a 10-0 regular season and if the right things come together for them, there's no telling how far the Oilers might go in 2008.

 

2008  Team  Outlook

Pre-Season State Top 25:  16th Pre-Season Rank (Region):  5 (3) Pre-Season Rank (District):  1 (22) Returning Offensive Starters:  5 QB Sam Allen (Sr.) RB Kasey Carrier (Sr.) * '07 Dist. Off MVP RB Josh Gonzalez (Sr.) WR Kevin Miller (Sr.) OG Alex Freas (Jr.) Returning Defensive Starters:  5 DT Dantrayal Smith (Sr.) DE Mario Turner (Sr.) OLB Dennis Walls (Sr.) ILB Jordan Brogdon (Sr.) LB/DB Jarrad Stewart (Sr.) All-State Players (Team): RB Kasey Carrier (2nd) DT Dantrayal Smith (2nd) Returning All-District Players:  6 RB Kasey Carrier (1st) WR Kevin Miller (1st) OLB Dennis Walls (1st) ILB Jordan Brogdon (1st) RB Josh Gonzalez (2nd) DB Jarrad Stewart (2nd) Other Players to Watch: OL Jack Andrews (Sr.) OL Ian Gray (Jr.) DL Taylor Staudt (Sr.) DL Chioke Burnett (Sr.) DB Trey Laitkep (Sr.)   2008 Schedule (Stadium): 8/29     @ Houston Madison (Reliant)         7:30 9/4       FB Kempner (The Rig)                      7:00 9/12     @ Hou. Memorial (Tully)                  7:00 9/19     OPEN 9/26     Pasadena (The Rig)                           7:00 10/4     @ Pas. Sam Rayburn (Pas. Mem.)  1:00 10/10   LaPorte (The Rig)                               7:00 10/17   Pasadena Memorial (The Rig)         7:00 10/24   @ Sou. Houston (Pas. Memorial)    7:00 10/31   Deer Park (The Rig)                           7:00 11/7     @ Dobie (Pas. Memorial)                  7:00 Opponents Combined Record:  45-41 Projected 2008 Record: 10-0 Key Games (Rank): @   Houston Memorial vs. Pasadena Memorial vs. Deer Park Strength of Schedule (Rank): 132 (163rd) Unit Rankings: N/A   The Bottom Line: Strengths: Top Offensive Skill Players Return Excellent Defensive Front 7 Program Consistency Weaknesses: Inexperienced Secondary Offense Must Improve to Reach Later Rounds