As football kickoff inches closer around the country, MaxPreps forecasts the top five teams in the state of Texas for the 2009 season.
1. Katy
The 2008 season was a very unique one in some respects for the Katy Tigers. They entered the preseason given little chance to be a real player on the 5A scene, and their first two games, both losses, supported that theory. But after rallying to capture the 5A-II state title, the Tigers are back in a familiar positon—as a heavy favorite for another state title. The defense, which has been head coach Gary Joseph’s calling card, will be led by defensive back Sam Holl. The offense will receive a boost from running back Donovonn Young, a transfer from Humble.
The Katy Tigers are poised for a run at another state title.
Greg Pierson
2. Allen
It’s hard not to like what the Allen Eagles have coming back in 2009. No team in the state—and perhaps the country—has more proven depth at quarterback than Allen. Matt Brown passed for 1,966 yards and rushed for 1,134 yards before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in the playoffs. Second-string signal caller Tucker Carter filled in and played well enough to lead the Eagles to a state title. There are some holes to fill on defense, but Allen is still the favorite in a loaded 8-5A region, and will be a major threat to win its second state title.
{VIDEO_b4b602d8-d93b-4feb-b4f3-aa588cf1f427,floatRightWithBar}3. Cedar Hill
Cedar Hill is coming off a 12-2 season in 2008 and returns a stockpile of impressive performers that should make the Longhorns a title contender. Running back Ben Malena is back after rushing for 35 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards last year. Junior quarterback Driphus Jackson already has varsity experience and will continue to get better. The defense will be led by outstanding linebacker Aaron Benson. Deion Sanders Jr., a blossoming athlete, may prove himself as a sophomore.
{VIDEO_5a4cbeea-a81f-496c-959b-29027ebc25d3,floatRightWithBar}4. Stony Point
The Tigers are quickly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Lone Star State. Stony Point has won 22 games in the past two seasons, culminating with a 5A-I semifinal appearance where it was edged by Allen 23-21. The Tigers will have to find replacements for Nykolas McKissic and running back Glasco Martin. However, the team captured the 7-on-7 state title, so the offense, featuring running backs Stephen Williams and Malcolm Marks, should be fine. The defense, which held opponents to just over 12 points a game in 2008, will also be solid.
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5. Skyline
Calling Skyline a dark horse is probably a misnomer, as the Raiders won 12 games last season and return one of the most talented teams in the country. Wide receiver Mike Davis had almost 1,200 receiving yards. Corey Nelson, a returning all-state selection committed to Texas A&M, had 156 tackles as a junior. Fellow linebacker Dominique Patterson amassed 121 tackles. There is major Division I talent all over the field. Skyline lost to Stony Point in the 5A-I quarterfinals. But if the Raiders play to their potential in 2009, they can beat any team in the state.
