By Stephen Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Dallas area may have a new version of the “Triplets”. In the mold of former Dallas Cowboys trio Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin, the Plano Wildcats have a triumvirate of talent that, on the high school level, is similarly potent.
Quarterback Carson Meger, running back Rex Burkhead, and receiver Kris Lott all played at a high level for the Wildcats over the weekend. Burkhead, the reigning district MVP, looked especially impressive, and showed why he’s one of the state’s most dynamic playmakers. It’s hard to imagine Plano not going deep in December after reaching the 5A Division I semifinals last fall.
As a team, Plano had a strong showing, going undefeated in pool play and advancing all the way to the quarterfinals. They had a noteworthy win against a very impressive Wichita Falls squad; Plano held on for the victory by the score of 60-54. The Wildcats also defeated Sulphur Springs and its dual-threat quarterback Tyrik Rollison.
Gilbert Does It All
The strongest individual performance of the weekend probably belonged to Lake Travis quarterback Garrett Gilbert.
Gilbert, one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, led the 4A school to the semifinals, where they lost a close game to Mesquite. He showed his versatility throwing deep balls from the pocket as well as short passes off the roll out.
A strong summer on the heels of a record-breaking junior season should have Gilbert high on the charts for MaxPreps National Player of the Year watch.
New Power in Katy?
Katy High School has been a big story year after year just west of Houston. The Tigers have dominated locally and won four state titles since 1997. Challenges could be on the horizon for the defending 5A Division II state champs, however.
Cinco Ranch, who has never beaten Katy, returns 14 starters from last year’s squad and could challenge the Tigers, who lose an astonishing 60 lettermen.
Neither Katy nor Cinco Ranch advanced out of their respective pools. However, Seven Lakes, another school located in the Katy district, did advance.
It could be a very interesting season in 17-5A.
The Rebels Roll
Few people gave Richland a chance to make any noise in the Texas 7on7 tournament. That didn’t stop the Fort Worth-area school from knocking off a talented Mesquite squad in the state finals, and displaying some outstanding skill players of its own.
Speedy receiver Anton Arthurs wreaked havoc on the Mesquite secondary in the second half, helping the Rebels overcome a 26-14 halftime deficit. He scored the Rebels’ final two touchdowns.
Senior wide receiver Phillip Gonzales, who sat out the finals with an injury, was named the tournament MVP.
Richland overcame a strong effort from Mesquite’s Marcus Trice. Trice, who played defensive back last season, will play wide receiver in the fall and displayed great hands and tremendous leaping ability. He’s being courted by schools across the country.
Both Richland and Mesquite will advance to the adidas 7on7 national championship event in Atlanta July 30-31.
Top Texas Backs in Attendance
Two of the best young rushers in the state made an appearance at the 7on7.
Rising sophomore Daniel Lasco helped The Woodlands advance to the semifinals of the consolation bracket. Lasco struggled to get involved early, but on Saturday, he was able to use his speed to break free on some fly routes.
The top rising junior running back, Lache Seastrunk, was also in attendance. His Temple Wildcats advanced out of pool play into the championship bracket. Seastrunk struggled to get involved in the passing-only action.
Word around College Station is that Seastrunk, who is being heavily recruited by a number of Big 12 schools, enjoyed his time on the College Station campus. The electric back may have his eyes set on an offer from Pete Carroll and USC, however.