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2007 District 20-5A Preview
The Westside Wolves shocked the district last year by springing an upset against favorites Lamar. Although previous coach Lance Carter left for Mayde Creek in the off-season, the Wolves look great going into this season with a large crop of returning talent. Westside’s team is led by nine players who earned all district honors as juniors last season. This is a very senior laden, experienced group. Senior QB Michael Goodnight and senior RB Semaj Washington lead the talented Wolves. Michael Goodnight will become a three-year starter. Senior OLB Michael Burch is tipped post-season recognition again this year after being one of Westside’s all-district first teamers in 2006. Expect Westside to finish no lower than second in this district, and don’t be surprised if they emerge as a real darkhorse in Region 3 come playoff time.
As experienced as Westside is, Lamar is right on their heels with quality talent of their own. Lamar returns eight all-district players overall, four of which are first team. The backfield will be in very good hands courtesy of senior FB Jeremy Craft and junior RB Kelvin Guyton. Guyton was a pleasant surprise for the Redskins last season as a sophomore, and could be poised for a big junior season. Guyton gained yards in big chunks last season averaging right at nine yards per carry. Junior transfer Josh Gordon (6’4 215 4.5) looks primed to take over at QB, but senior all-purpose threat Alvin Johnson proved he could lead the team last season when Demetrious Woods went down to injury. If Gordon is ready, it’ll make Lamar that much stronger. The Redskins will have one of the best defenses in Region 3. Senior DE Tracy Robertson, senior LB Steve Erzinger and senior DB Dion Johnson lead what should be a stout defensive unit. Westside is definitely Lamar’s biggest regular season test, and no one usually wants to see the Redskins in the playoffs given their immense post-season experience under coach Tom Nolen.
Chavez and Madison look primed to take the third and fourth playoff spots. However, the race could break wide open as neither Chavez or Madison return as much quality experience as they did last season. Chavez’s best returning players are senior WR Jamaal Johnson (6’3 175) and senior DB Greg Dixon (5’11 175). Madison will build its team around a handful of all-district returners. Senior OLs Dexter Prince (6’3 290) and Lee Almanza (6’3 295) provide a strong foundation up front. Defensively, the secondary is the strong suit. Seniors Darius Baker and Lindsey Turner lead the Marlins at the back.
Westbury rejoined this district last season after realignment moved them back up after a brief stint in Class 4A. The Rebels didn’t have a great season, but they were competitive in every game. They played both Lamar and Westside closer than just about everyone else in the district. Senior WR David Bucker and senior DB Josh Green aim to guide Westbury to the playoffs in 2007.
Milby, Bellaire and Sam Houston will look to battle their way up from the bottom of the district, but that’ll be difficult considering the experience that the top teams in this district return. However, the last two playoff spots are not a given, so, if the middle of the pack gets crowded then all bets are off.
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