supercentex
06-11-2005, 11:02 PM
This is from Dave Campbell website.
Tyler Lee vs. Cincinnati Colerain, 8 PM (Central), September 9, Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH. We can't recall the last time a state champion from Texas jetted halfway across the nation to defend its title. Colerain is the defending Div. I (big school) Ohio state champion and finished 15-0 last season, averaging better than 40 points per game and outscoring its opponents by nearly that much. Call either Tyler Lee coach Mike Owens or Colerain coach Kerry Coombs and -- two weeks after their joint press conference in Tyler to announce the inaugural Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge -- you'll realize there is plenty of respect for the opponent. Less than 24 hours after kickoff of the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge, Texas and Ohio State will meet down the road at Ohio Stadium in the first-ever meeting between two college football powerhouses and under the lights on national TV (ABC). Expect national TV for Tyler Lee-Colerain, too, from one of ESPN's channels -- likely new-kid-on-the-block ESPNU. ESPN's Herbstreit, who played quarterback at Ohio State and is already at work on bringing in a top out-of-state opponent to meet a premier Ohio school in September of 2006, will officially announce the game on Ohio soil on June 18, at halftime of Ohio's state all-star football game at Crew Stadium. It will be Owens' chance to see Ohio football close up, after Coombs watched Tyler Lee's spring game during his trip to Texas in mid-May. Playing Longview and Lufkin annually (not to mention Euless Trinity) gives Owens the feeling that it can't get much tougher - no matter how good Colerain is in '06. Look at the season-opening games for both schools and it's possible that both could easily be 1-1 heading into this collision. For more on this game, please click to http://texasfootball.com/05front_0519.html.
Southlake Carroll vs. Midland Lee, 2 PM, August 27, Abilene. Pack the sunscreen. The Dragons and Rebels hook-up for the second straight season, with Midland Lee determined to erase the nasty memories of last season's humbling 49-10 loss to Southlake Carroll in the Texas Football Classic at the Alamodome. Greg McElroy (who may be headed to Ole Miss in the coming weeks) takes the reins at quarterback from Missouri-bound Chase Daniel for the Dragons, while Lee running back Trent Hines, who has committed to Texas A&M, is being compared to former Rebel running back Cedric Benson. Lee coach Randy Quisenberry is erasing any ties to former coach John Parchman by installing a spread offense, and not pounding the ball that became all-too familiar in the successful Parchman Era in the 1990s. Southlake Carroll has a massive senior class of 52 players this season, but also a sophomore phenom in running back Trey Newton. You might have heard of his father, Nate. You'll quickly know Trey. Residents in Dallas (UPN 21) as well as in Abilene will be able to watch the game on local television, via Arlington-based Jeff Watts Productions. Until someone knocks off the Dragons, Southlake Carroll should remain No. 1. For more on coach Todd Dodge's success during the 2004 season in leading Southlake Carroll to the USA Today national title and 5A, Div. II state championship, please click to http://texasfootball.com/05front_0114.html.
Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade Prep at Tyler Lee, 8 PM, August 27. How does Tyler Lee prepare to defend the school's first-ever state championship? By bringing to town one of the nation's best football programs. Florida high school football is pretty darn good now, and Florida coaches and fans will tell that you Chaminade Prep is among the top 3-5 programs at any level across the state. Chaminade Prep, which competes at the 2A level but plays 6A opponents during its non-district season, was a 2003 state champion and last fall started 11-0 before being upended in the state playoffs. The Red Raiders, who pulled the rare double-double in 2004 by winning a 7-on-7 State Championship last July before their State Championship last December, will feature blue chip running back Jason Williams who coach Mike Owens corrected and called "great" during spring practice instead of just "good." Chaminade Prep coach Mark Guandolo left Lee's spring game in mid-May concerned about the size of the Red Raiders, but knew his speed would match up. Guandolo also has his son (Mark Jr.) at quarterback, and any quarterback being recruited by Harvard and Dartmouth won't make too many mistakes. Guandolo, who has 5-7 Div. I prospects for the upcoming fall season, is familiar with Texas high school football as he formerly served as head coach at Miami Southridge and was 2-0 in a home-and-home series with Dallas Carter in the 1990s. For more on the Tyler Lee-Chaminade Prep matchup in the finale of the four-game East Texas Football Classic, please click to http://texasfootball.com/05front_0518.html.
Katy vs. The Woodlands, 8 PM, August 27, Reliant Stadium, Houston. Two of the top programs in the Lone Star State kickoff the season in the Home of the Houston Texans in the second game of a local doubleheader. Katy has played in three state championship games (two victories) in the past six years but had its 2004 run cut short by Clear Lake, 35-34, in the 5A, Div. II state quarterfinals. The Highlanders under coach Mark Schmid are due to bounce back in '05 after a rare season without hitting the 10-win mark and a stunning second-round playoff exit thanks to Round Rock McNeil. In addition to a steady arsenal of running backs, Schmid has two capable QBs to get the ball to WR Kyle Drabek, who will likely shelve his football career after the fall season to concentrate on baseball and to follow in the steps of his father, former MLB pitcher Doug Drabek. Katy, which lost its two games by a total of three points, will be well stocked on offense with Andy Dalton at QB and speedy Brandon King in the backfield. Defense with never be a concern with Gary Joseph on the sideline directing the Tigers. If you miss this game to start the season, both schools will still be alive during the month of December. To recall Katy's heroics to end the 2003 season, please click to http://texasfootball.com/03high_1220.html.
San Antonio Churchill at Smithson Valley, 7:30 PM, September 23. The Rangers are eager to get started in '05 after losing on the final play to Southlake Carroll, 27-24, for the 5A, Div. II Texas Bowl - which earned the Dragons the title of National Champions by USA Today. Smithson Valley won last year's game, 22-0, and is coached by one of the finest minds in all of high school football: Larry Hill. Hill's son, Bryan, should take over at QB and has experienced skill players (namely Texas A&M-bound WR Cody Beyer) to make another deep run in the postseason. Churchill coach Carl Gustafson has a talented team capable of a memorable season in the Alamo City, but also one of the state's toughest schedules. Trivia: Gustafson is the only coach who participated in the inaugural Texas Football Classic at the Alamodome in August of 1999 yet to retire. The other five schools/coaches: San Antonio Clark (Mike Robbins retired), Humble (Neil Quillin retired), Austin Westlake (Ron Schroeder retired), Converse Judson (D.W. Rutledge is now directing the THSCA), and Katy (Mike Johnston retired, but returned to coach Houston Christian last season). Churchill's season starts a bit early, with a tough matchup against cross-town Marshall in the first of the four-game Texas Football Classic at the Alamodome, on August 25. For more on the 2005 Texas Football Classic, please click to http://texasfootball.com/05front_0225.html.
The Woodlands at Lufkin, 7:30 PM, October 28. With Tyler Lee not meeting Lufkin during the 2005 season to participate in the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge, the Panthers should only have one game as a roadblock to a 10-0 regular season: The Woodlands. Prior to Southlake Carroll's 37-30 victory over Lufkin in the 5A, Div. II state semifinals, only The Woodlands played the Panthers to less than a 10-point difference, losing 35-28 to the Purple and White. RB Jorvorskie Lane is gone from Lufkin and headed to Texas A&M, but plenty of talent returns for coach Johnny Outlaw. Always does. Lufkin has great depth at WR and one of the most impressive defenses we'll see anywhere on a Friday night. The Woodlands, which opens with Katy (see above) has another deserving game on its ledger to this list: at home against Galena Park North Shore on September 9.
La Marque vs. Bay City, 3:45 PM, August 27, San Antonio. The third game of the prestigious four-game Texas Football Classic at the Alamodome is a college recruiter's dream on both sides of the ball. Amazingly, this will be the third matchup between the two schools in a 12-week span: Bay City won 20-9 in the season opener for both schools last fall, but La Marque responded in the postseason with a wild 21-20 victory over the Black Cats. The Cougars won two playoff games by one point each before a semifinal loss to Kilgore, 26-21.
Marshall at Kilgore, 7:30 PM, September 30. Both schools played for a 4A state championship last season, with Kilgore winning the Div. I crown and Marshall losing the Div. II Texas Bowl. Kilgore won last season's wild matchup, 28-27 in overtime at Marshall, which scored a TD and tried for a two pointer and the victory. We love that call, win or lose. The Mavs opened their season with a rough 40-15 loss to 5A foe Longview and weeks later fell at 4A Jacksonville, 20-16. Marshall ran off nine straight wins after losing to Kilgore, before falling short against perennial power Ennis in the title game, 23-21. Expect both programs to play well past Thanksgiving yet again this fall. To recall Kilgore's state championship from last December, please click to http://texasfootball.com/04high_1219.html.
La Marque at Texas City, 7:30 PM, October 28. Toss out the records in this game. Texas City won yet another exciting battle in the rivalry last October, 19-14, but the Cougars had the last laugh advancing to the 4A, Div. II state quarterfinals. The Stings went undefeated through 23-4A but were stunned in the opening round of the postseason, 31-13 to El Campo.
Longview at Tyler Lee, 7:30 PM, October 7. Three weeks before tangling with the Red Raiders in the battle for supremacy in East Texas (now that Lufkin has been paired with Houston-area schools), the Lobos will meet Shreveport Evangel Christian in a doubleheader at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. Longview won last year's matchup with the Eagles, 24-21, in overtime - and both schools are loaded again in '05. The Tyler Lee-Longview game also went into an extra period, with Longview winning, 34-31. Tyler Lee may have won a state championship last season, but Longview claimed the district title over the Red Raiders. If you're looking to watch great East Texas football, find a way to Tyler. And arrive early.
Abilene vs. Abilene Cooper, 7:30 PM, October 28. One of the top rivalries across Texas that is slowly moving to the top, past La Marque-Texas City, Odessa Permian-Midland Lee, Stephenville-Brownwood and Plano-Plano East. Last season's 35-14 victory for Abilene was the first in the series in the past four years that was not determined by seven points or less. Abilene will get tested during its non-district season by Rockhurst Jesuit from Kansas City, as well as Midland Lee to end the regular season, on November 9. Abilene coach Steve Warren is on everyone's list of the state's top 10 coaches - his program was the toughest that Southlake Carroll faced during the entire 2004 season. To recall the hoopla around the Midland Lee-Abilene game last fall, please click to http://texasfootball.com/04high_1104.html.
West-Orange Stark at Jasper, 7:30 PM, August 27. Some of the most exciting games in the past few seasons have involved Jasper, including last season's 3A, Div. II Texas Bowl, a 49-47 loss to Gilmer. Silsbee handed the 'Dogs a 29-28 home overtime loss in district play last October and Southeast Texas fans are still talking about last year's season opener: Jasper 25, West-Orange Stark 23. Days after replacing West Orange-Stark at No. 1 in the statewide 3A poll, Jasper was stung by Port Neches-Groves, 20-14. The same night, West Orange-Stark held off Nederland for the first time in years and in another thriller, 32-30. The excitement never stops and this game is quite a way to start a season.
Corsicana at Ennis, 7:30 PM, November 4. The defending 4A, Div. I state champions Lions are a lock in the preseason top 10 in Class 4A in the 2005 edition of Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine. Ennis has two games on its home slate this fall that have already been circled: 5A Garland on September 9 (a 20-19 loss) and in the regular-season finale against rival Corsicana, which prevailed 30-26 last November.
Brownwood at Stephenville, 7:30 PM, September 16. Stephenville will rank among the 4A favorites in the 2005 edition of Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine, but records mean very little in this heated rivalry, which for years was played during district season. Both sides, however, have collected plenty of state championship hardware and need no motivation on game week - with or without a district title at stake. Stephenville won last year's battle, 52-38, and returns stellar quarterback Jevan Sneed, who committed to Florida in May. Notably, Sneed's college choice is more reason to hate Stephenville for Brownwood fans who root for former quarterback Kirby Freeman - the No. 2 at Miami and in-state foe to Florida in the Sunshine State. Brownwood may be a bit bruised heading into this game after early-season battles with Brenham, Abilene Cooper and Abilene. Think coach Steve Freeman, Kirby's father, could have tried for Tarleton State and ACU to soften things up a bit? For more Stephenville-Brownwood rivalry, please click to http://texasfootball.com/01high_1004.html.
Smithson Valley at Converse Judson, 7:30 PM, September 30. If Larry Hill can get his Rangers past Churchill (see above), a road game at Judson awaits the following week. Tough to get that adrenaline back so quick, but the Rangers well remember last year's 30-15 loss to Judson. The Rockets are just three seasons removed from a 5A, Div. I state championship but also well remember the sickness of missing the playoffs in '03. Judson returned to form last fall by making a trip to the state semifinals, but will be thinned in 2006 after sharing athletes with new Wagner HS in Converse.
Highland Park at Wylie, 7:30 PM, October 21. Always an intense 4A rivalry, which Wylie has never won including last fall's 35-34 emotion zapper. Quarterback Matt Stafford, who has committed to Georgia, will be a tall task for the Pirates, who look to end the 11-year slide to Randy Allen's Scots. With Wylie likely headed to the 5A ranks in 2006, this annual rivalry may face its final chapter this fall.
Texarkana Texas at Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian, 7:30 PM, September 9. Texas HS is loaded again for a trip deep into the postseason, and so are the Eagles, who won yet another Louisiana state championship last December at the Superdome in New Orleans. ECA won last year's battle against Barry Norton's Tigers, 9-2. Texas HS has a huge game in late September, at home against Atlanta, which is expected to rise again in 3A. The Tigers kick things off with rival John Tyler in the second of the four-game East Texas Football Classic on August 26. ECA's season opener is September 3 against Springdale (Ark.) at nearby Independence Stadium and one week after playing Texas HS the Eagles will head to Longview to meet the Lobos. Ouch. To recall Longview-ECA from last fall, please click to http://texasfootball.com/04high_0913.html.
Port Arthur Memorial at Westfield, 7:30 PM, October 7. The Titans may not gain a preseason top 10 ranking in Class 5A, but Westfield will. Memorial was the only school to knock the Mustangs from a perfect 10-0 regular season last fall, 48-41. RB Jamaal Charles is gone from the Titans and is readying to contribute at Texas this fall. Without Charles, Memorial will have a tall task on the road. Westfield played for a state championship last December and is poised to make another run. QB Pierre Beasley is a dual threat, and could witness a 3,000-yard season in his backfield by RB Terrance Sweeney if not for such an impressive family of WRs.
Newton at West-Orange Stark, 7:30 PM, September 23. One of the state's top 2A programs, Newton will meet one of the best in 3A. Both schools have unfinished business as their 2004 collision was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Normangee at Groveton, 7:30 PM, November 4. The battle for 22-A might also be a matchup of the top two programs across the state.
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