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Enrollments:

Highland Park – 2,209

Longview – 2,186.5

West Mesquite – 2,165

McKinney North – 2,135

John Tyler – 2,111

Wylie East – 2,077                                                                

Sherman – 1,951.5

 

Projected 2020 7-5AD1 Rankings:

1.      Longview

2.      Highland Park

3.      Sherman

4.      McKinney North

5.      West Mesquite

6.  John Tyler

7.  Wylie East

 

Projected 7-5AD1 District MVP’s

Overall: SR RB Kaden Meredith, Longview

Offensive: SR QB Brayden Schager, Highland Park

Defensive:  SR LB Laqualon Hale, Longview

 

Team Previews

 

Longview Lobos

Head Coach:  John King   179-37 (90-6)   16 seasons at Longview

2019 result:  11-1 (6-0), 6A DII Area

Returners:  O = 5, D = 5 

Returning All State:  1

Returning All District:  7

Post Haynes King era has officially begun in Longview as the Lobos will have a signal caller in 2020 not named Haynes King for the first time since Week 5 of 2017. And although the greatest three year run in program history came to an unexpected early end in 2019, plenty of optimism remains in Longview for the foreseeable future as John King approaches his 17th season at the helm for the Lobos. Solid pieces return for the Longview on both sides of the ball as the Lobos make the move from 6A to 5AD1. It starts in the backfield with SR RB Kaden Meredith (5’9.5 180) who is eyeing Longview rushing records after an all-state performance in 2019. SR FB Markevion Haynes (5’9.5 205) started in Longview’s backfield but battled injuries in 2019. He’s now 100% and ready to go. Meredith and Haynes are going into their third year in Longview’s backfield. Longview rotated a ton at WR in 2019, and the two best return in Sophomore WR Jalen Hale (6’3 175) and SR WR CJ Hopkins (6’0 170). Hale was the first freshman to play varsity football at Longview in nearly 3 decades and is a future major recruit. TE will be solid as usual with SR Austin Pencheon (6’0 200) elevating from TE2 to TE1. SR LG Tavion Sterling (6’1 290) will anchor Longview’s offensive line. Longview’s defensive front seven should once again be a strong point on the entire team as SR DL Joe Jones (6’3 275) is back to anchor the DL. The level behind the DL will once again have plenty of speed and pop with SR LB Laqualon Hale (5’10 205) and SR down safety/strong safety Kybrien Jackson-Jamerson (6’2.5 210) returning for their third varsity season in Longview’s front seven. SR’s Shannon Jackson II (5’8 165) and Tyree Hale (5’9 160) will return to their safety positions in the secondary and SR Antonio Onofre (6’1 190) returns at K. Reinforcements are also on the way from combined 17-3 subvarsity, such as promising sophomore QB Landyn Grant (6’2 180). Some big names may graduate but as usual, Longview will be Longview.

Longview.jpg

SR Longview RB Kaden Meredith is the lone returning all state player in the district. Meredith is a FBS recruit who is eyeing Longview rushing records in 2020.

 

 

Highland Park Fighting Scots

Head Coach:  Randy Allen   250-35    21 seasons at Highland Park

2019 result:  11-2 (7-0), 5A D1 Regional

Returners:  O = 4, D = 4

Returning All State:  0

Returning All District:  9

A huge senior class graduates for Highland Park, a group that helped bring Highland Park two state titles the past three seasons. However, we have seen this story and how it unfolds numerous times over the years with Highland Park under long time, legendary HC Randy Allen. Those wins aren’t disappearing in 2020. First off, in case you were wondering, Highland Park does have another signal caller that will play D1 college football. SR Brayden Schager (6’2 195) is one of the best kept secrets in DFW. 2022 QB Hayden Ferguson (6’3 220) is also on college recruiter radars. So Highland Park is in good hands at the QB position as usual. Good news as they’ll need the skill at the QB position since the skill positions on offense will be inexperienced. What won’t be inexperienced is the offensive line. Highland Park may have the best OL in all of 5A in 2020. Four of five return up front for the Scots in SR LT Jack Leyrer (6’6 275), SR LG Sam Morse (6’1 250), SR C Will Gibson (6’4 280) and SR RT Henry Hagenbuch (6’2 260). There’s a ton of experience among those four seniors up front. On defense, Highland Park has to replace the entire defensive front, but JR DE Jack Curtis (6’4 220) saw significant playing time as a sophomore and is a future major FBS recruit. Behind him at LB is SR Patrick Turner (6’2 220) who also has high recruiting stock going into spring. The Highland Park secondary, much like the OL, brings back a lot of experience. SR DB Sam Session (5’10 165), SR S Walker Cobb (6’1 185) and SR CB Ford Frazar (5’11 160) all return in the secondary. Cobb and Frazar were 1st team all-district players in 2019.Also, talk about a tough stadium to go into and win, Highlander Stadium makes a strong case for being the toughest place to play in Texas. Since Randy Allen took over the Scots in 1999, Highland Park is a whopping 107-2 at home. Most recently Highland Park had the longest active home winning streak at 33 games before Frisco Lone Star snapped it Week 3 of 2019. Highland Park may be losing a ton, and on the surface it appears that way. But when you dive deeper, Highland Park is clearly on the way to another big season. Don’t be fooled; the Scots will be no pushovers in 2020.

Highland Park Jack Curtis.jpg

Prince Dorbah may be graduating from this Highland Park defense, but 2022 Jack Curtis appears to be next man up and already getting FBS attention. Also a stud on the baseball field as well.

 

 

Sherman Bearcats

Head Coach:  J.D. Martinez   19-23 (11-13)    4 seasons at Sherman

2019 result:  6-4 (3-3), No Playoffs

Returners:  O = 5, D = 5 

Returning All State:  0

Returning All District:  5

A key week seven loss in Texarkana to Texas High ultimately resulted in Sherman missing out on playoff action in 2019. But there are some bright spots for Bearcat faithful to look forward to in 2020 that could result in a return to the post season. The brightest spot would have to be the Bearcat passing attack where four of five all district players return. It starts with SR QB Tate Bethel (6’0 175) who put up 1,935 passing yards and 23 total TD’s. That was 2nd most passing yardage in district 7-5A behind McKinney North’s Dillon Markiewicz. All of his top targets who were also all district players return in SR WR Sean Husband (5’9 170), SR WR/CB Benji Omayebu (5’9 175) and SR TE/WR Jacoby Hunt (6’3 203). SR RT Matt Parks (6’0 235) is the lone returner up front for the Bearcats. Five starters also return on defense for Sherman. Omayebu and SR Jeff Banks (5’10 165) return to their starting CB spots. SR SS Mathias Coleman (5’11 185) was all district in 2019 and was one of the best defensive players in 7-5A. SR MLB Brandon Bonilla (5’10 215) returns in the middle of the Bearcats’ 3-3 defense. SR DE Donja Orr-Knight (5’10 195) is the lone returner on the defensive line. Sherman will have to address four holes on the OL as well as holes in the defensive front, but everything around those two areas have solid foundation. The Bearcat JV did have a 0-10 year in 2019 but the 9th grade team went 7-2, winning the district title. There were also several key 2022 guys on varsity like WR Elijah Coleman (6’3 170) who caught 3 TD’s as a sophomore and has a lot of potential. Bearcat Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in all of 5A and Sherman is only a year removed from post season play. A playoff appearance for the Bearcats certainly isn’t out of the question in 2020.

Sherman.jpg

Special teams, WR, DB....SR ATH Benji Omayebu does it all for Sherman. Maybe one of the best utility players in all of 5AD1. 

 

 

 

McKinney North Bulldogs

Head Coach:  Mike Fecci   66-54 (44-31)   11 seasons at McKinney North

2019 result:  10-2 (6-0), 5A D1 Area

Returners:  O = 4, D = 6

Returning All State:  0

Returning All District:  8

It has been an up and down era for McKinney North football under HC Mike Fecci. A true rollercoaster ride over the years. 2019 was one of the ‘up’ years for McKinney North as they ripped off a 10-2 record, winning district 7-5A and advancing to 5A D1 area round ultimately losing to a good Lancaster team. Big names from a program record breaking offense like RB Manny Fincher, TE Brandon Frazier and QB Dillon Markiewicz, who was 7-5A’s most valuable player, all graduate. All three will be playing D1 football on Saturdays now. Tough players to replace but quality remains on this team. For one thing, McKinney North returns one of the best WR’s in all of 5A. SR WR JJ Henry (6’0 180) was 7-5A co-offensive player of the year as a junior after hauling in 76 receptions for over 1400 yards and 18 total TDs. Henry is breaking every McKinney North receiving record in the book. McKinney North appears to be solid up front with three all-district players back in SR LT Brandon Nelson (6’4 300), SR RT Seth Holmes (6’2 285) and JR RG Seteye Akpabio (6’3 315). Akpabio is one of the best class of 2022 guards in the state. Trench play will be a strength on the Bulldog defense as well as all four defensive linemen return. JR DE Dylan Frazier (6’5 250) was 7-5A’s defensive newcomer of the year and is emerging as one of the top defensive linemen in Texas for class of 2022. If the name sounds familiar, his brother was TE Brandon Frazier who was one of the most highly recruited 2020 TE’s in the nation. SR Ethyn Dennis (6’3 200) returns at the other DE position, a first team all-district selection due to his long frame, athleticism and ability to get into backfields. SR’s Yarmon Evans (5’11 260) and Keyon Davis (6’0 270) return to their positions in the interior defensive line. The other two defensive returners are located in the secondary: JR S Luke Paley (6’2 180), who could also be in the mix at WR, and SR CB Michael Norris (5’11 165). There wasn’t a lot of success for McKinney North’s subvarsity teams as they went a combined 7-12 but Mike Fecci, 7-5A coach of the year, and his Bulldogs will be looking to build off 2019’s success.

McKinneyNorth.jpg

JJ Henry is as dangerous as they come at the WR position. Henry is breaking McKinney North receiving records on top of breaking defenders ankles. 

 

 

 

West Mesquite Wranglers

Head Coach:  Frank Sandoval   0-0 (0-0)   1st season at West Mesquite

2019 result:  2-8 (2-4), No Playoffs

Returners:  O = 5, D = 9

Returning All State:  0

Returning All District:  4

West Mesquite is cracking in a new head football coach in 2020 after Jeff Neill was reassigned after seven seasons at the helm.  MISD ultimately chose Coach Frank Sandoval, and what a great hire that was. Sandoval comes from 4A Mexia where he led them to several playoff appearances the past few years. Before that, he was a defensive assistant under former Cedar Hill HC Joey McGuire. So not only is he bringing a winning attitude to a culture that desperately needs it, he brings championship pedigree. And for Sandoval, he couldn’t have arrived at a better time. West Mesquite returns 14 starters, amongst the highest in the district. 5 of them come on offense, led by JR QB Kevin Jennings (6’0 165) who is a dual threat DFW sleeper and the leader of a talented 2022 class for the Wranglers. The WR depth will be insane, as Jennings completed passes to seven different WR’s in 2019, all of which return. This includes SR WR/S Jakobe Walton (5’11 175) who is one of the best utility players in DFW. The OL will be anchored by SR LT Lenny Medrano (6’2 280), will have to replace four starters up front. Coach Sandoval is a defensive guy, and his Wrangler defense returns a whopping 9 starters. The entire DL returns, led by JR Trevion Mitchell (6’4 235) who could be emerging as a D1 prospect this off-season. All three linebackers return in SR OLB Diego Nino (5’9 200), SR LB Jose Torres (5’9 185) and SR OLB Augustine Pokowa (5’9 180). In the secondary, Jakobe Walton will return to his free safety position. SR SS Brodrick Benton (5’10 180) and SR CB Clivarion Walker (5’10 170) round up the returners in the secondary. Think about this, about 20 players return for West Mesquite who either started or received significant playing time. 7 of them were from the 2022 class. That’s an insane amount of experience returning. The Wranglers always had the horses but a lot for West Mesquite depended on who Mesquite ISD would hire as their next head coach. They hit a homerun with Coach Sandoval.

WestMesquite (Walton).jpg

Jakobe Walton is another strong utility player in this district. He's a focal point on both sides of the ball for West Mesquite and has already reported several D1 offers.

 

 

John Tyler Lions

Head Coach:  Ricklan Holmes   69-31 (40-10)   8 seasons at John Tyler

2019 result:  3-8 (3-3), 5A D1 Bi-District

Returners:  O = 6, D = 5 

Returning All State:  0

Returning All District:  4

The worst season in Coach Ricklan Holmes tenure as John Tyler’s HC came in 2019. The Lions turned in a 3-8 season and although JT squeezed into the postseason, it was arguably the worst season for the program since 2007. CUJO will have to rely on experience and pieces from a talented but young 2023 group to push them in the right direction in 2020. Experience in particular, where JT returns 11 starters. Most of which resides on the offensive side of the ball. JT has a pair of runners returning who received significant playing time in SR Kameron Medlock (5’8 160) and JR Jakyron Lacy (6’0 195). JT may have to lean on the running game so look for those two to share carries for JT in 2020. Up front is where JT may be at peak strength. The Lions return nearly the entire OL with JR LG Cornelius Hartsfield, C LeTavion Erwin, JR RG Kadarius Tave and SR RT Ashton Williams returning. JR WR Robert Draper returns outwide. On defense, JT returns two on the defensive line in SR DL Preston Johnson and SR DL LaTravion Hawkins who turned in a 1st team all-district performance in 2020. The CUJO secondary is looking promising. SR CB Keelan Erwin had an all-district performance in 2020. Both safety positions return in SR S Travion Ates and rising sophomore S/WR Xavier Tatum. The largest area of concern on the entire team would have to be at the LB level where JT will replace all four starters. They will look to a subvarsity that went combined 11-9 for replacements. JT is a program of rich tradition and high expectations and the ceiling of John Tyler’s season in 2020 will depend a lot on the QB situation which appears to be in the air going into the spring.

JohnTyler.jpg

Kitan Crawford may be graduating but 2023 Montrell Wade has been accumulating offers since he first stepped on JT's campus. Whether WR or CB look for Wade to be utilized on both sides of the ball for CUJO.

 

 

Wylie East Raiders

Head Coach:  Mike Dormady   3-17 (0-12)   2 seasons at Wylie East

2019 result:  2-8 (0-6), No Playoffs

Returners:  O = 8, D = 5

Returning All State:  0 

Returning All District:  1

The past two seasons have been fairly rough for the Wylie East football program. And not just on the varsity level. The Raider 9th grade went 2-6 while the JV went 3-6-1 in 2019. That’s a tough pill to swallow. On a positive note, the program returns the highest number of offensive starters in the district. SR QB Cade Adamson (5’11 170) returns to lead the Raider offense. Almost all of his targets return in JR Josh Hollingsworth (5’10 170) and a pair of 2023 wideouts in CJ Jackson and TJ Washington (5’10 170). Washington is the lone returner on the team that landed on the all-district list. At RB, SR Bam Johnson (5’8 180) also returns and could have a breakout year behind an offensive front that returns SR LG Orlando Melchor, SR RG Frank Moslener and SR RT Javan Lopez (5’11 255). There are more holes to fill on defense but experience returns in the interior defensive line in SR’s Reggie Brooks (6’3 295) and William Schulmeistrat (6’3 260). GilbertVilla returns at LB after seeing a ton of time as a sophomore. SS Caden Roeschen (5’8 165) also saw a ton of time as a sophomore while SR Cade Dorethy returns at his CB spot. Wylie East has yet to win a district game under HC Mike Dormady. It’ll be very tough to end the drought in 2020, but Wylie East is a program that isn’t too far off from 9 and 10 win seasons. A new year awaits and anything is possible.

Wylie East tj.jpg

It's not often that you see freshmen land on the all district team, but that's what 2023 WR/QB TJ Washington accomplished in 2019. He'll be a very important player for East in 2020 and projects to be a FBS recruit for the 2023 cycle.

 

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8 minutes ago, Eagleborn said:

Anyone else tickled that HP has to come to the woods?

See, if they werent trying to play down in class so hard, would have had less travel in 6A.

Now look at em.

No sympathy. And they better not try to fight it either. Just strap up and play.

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1 minute ago, AKA said:

Whoa...  is this your own work, or a copy/paste from somewhere?

If the former: great job! 

My own.

Did it every year on the 6A board, thought I'd bring it here and 5A board now that we dropped.

I think its 'okay' lol

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4 minutes ago, NODAYSOFFTX said:

We might not be top 2 but we dang sure ain’t gonna be number 6 lol 

Depends on the QB situation, which doesnt look too promising at the moment.

JT with good QB play can be a playoff team.

If not, 5-6 range isnt out of the question. Take a look at Sherman, WM and North and tell me you like JT more than those teams at the moment.

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3 minutes ago, ANTI said:

Take a look at Sherman, WM and North and tell me you like JT more than those teams at the moment.

They're not gonna see that.

I think it's obvious to everyone that JT will be on the bubble this season, especially without their QB situation figured out. But the blue boys won't admit that.

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18 minutes ago, ANTI said:

Depends on the QB situation, which doesnt look too promising at the moment.

JT with good QB play can be a playoff team.

If not, 5-6 range isnt out of the question. Take a look at Sherman, WM and North and tell me you like JT more than those teams at the moment.

North lost lost there whole team Dang near and Sherman had a subpar season before and lost a bulk also and somehow they will make the playoffs over a team that’s returning 11 starters.  Look I know you guys are not fond of JT but y’all don’t have troll this hard on us lol. What did we do. 

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4 hours ago, NODAYSOFFTX said:

I felt we could’ve picked some better games but o well. 

No. They need to build some confidence. I glad Coach Holmes came to his senses. He know's right now he doesn't have the talent next season to play a tough non district schedule.

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Just now, cujoforlife said:

West last their do it all running back

But return almost everything else. 14 starters and a ton of others who saw significant PT.

JT has struggled with WM lately, and WM just made an amazing HC hire.

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13 minutes ago, VonG said:

No. They need to build some confidence. I glad Coach Holmes came to his senses. He know's right now he doesn't have the talent next season to play a tough non district schedule 

Yes but you can do better than NAC. Smh. Could’ve gotten decent dfw team. 

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