Skyline and Carroll are back on top of the Texas high school football scene. Also watch for Lake Travis, Martin and Abilene.
Skyline will be fighting to erase the memory of last season's stunning playoff exit.
Photo by Jim Redman
14-1
Head coach: Reginald Samples
Team previewSkyline was all set to play for the Class 5A-I state title,
until a silver fox and a furious Southlake Carroll rally thwarted the Raiders’ title hopes. This year’s squad is a legitimate state and national title contender - at least on paper, as it is the
No. 3 team in the Preseason Xcellent 25.
Devante Kincade and
Ra'Shaad Samples form one of the nation’s top quarterback-receiver duos. The defense is extremely talented at nearly all positions. Anything short of a state title for this Skyline squad would be disappointing.
2. Carroll (Southlake)2011 finish: 16-0
Head coach: Hal Wasson
Team previewQuarterback
Kenny Hill is one of the most experienced returning signal-callers in the state of Texas and a big reason that Carroll will once again compete for a state title. The dreams are bigger than just Texas, though, as Carroll is
ranked No. 7 in the Preseason Xcellent 25. The offensive line, with
Cam Manning and
Alec Deutsch, should be solid and pave the way for returning running back
A.j. Ezzard. There are definitely holes to be filled, especially at receiver. Still, the Dragons will be tough to beat in 2012. Carroll is ranked No. 1 in our
Texas' Top 10 most consistent football programs story.
3. Lake Travis (Austin)2011 finish: 16-0
Head coach: Hank Carter
Team previewDespite turnover at its helm, Lake Travis has remained the most consistent program in Texas over the last five seasons.
Baker Mayfield,
Varshaun Nixon and
Zach Austin comprise a powerful trio that should flourish in head coach Hank Carter’s spread offense.
Brock Kenyon and
Luke Hutton return on a defense that will have a number of new faces. Lake Travis is ranked No. 2 in our June, 2011 list of the
Top 10 Texas football dynasties.
4. Martin (Arlington)2011 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Bob Wager
Team previewArlington Martin looks to improve upon a 12-2 season that saw it down perennial power Euless Trinity in the playoffs. With Texas commit
Kyle Hicks as well as
Eric Hughes back on offense, expect Martin to have little problem finding the end zone, assuming the offensive line comes together as Wager hopes. Linebacker
Jordan Avery leads the defense. A season-opening contest against DeSoto will be very telling. Martin must replace three players found on the list of
Texas Class of 2012 Division 1 football signees.
5. Abilene2011 finish: 10-4
Head coach: Steve Warren
Team previewFourteen starters back from a young team that finished 10-4 last season is cause for great optimism among Abilene fans. Quarterback
Evin Abbe and running back
Marcel Porter are both back to provide plenty of production on offense. All-State selection
Xavier Johnson is back in the secondary. The offensive line will be inexperienced and an area that Warren is watching this summer. You can find Abilene on our list of
Texas state football champions for the past 10 years.
