MaxPreps 2013 Preseason Xcellent 25 Football preview: No. 12 Katy

With seven state championships to its name, Katy (Texas) is a bona fide Texas high school football powerhouse.

And in Texas, powerhouses normally don't rebuild — they reload.

That's probably the best way to describe the 2013 Katy squad, which returns just four starters on each side of the ball but still has the look of a state title favorite.

Quarterback Kiley Huddleston returns after guiding Katy to the Class 5A-II title a year ago. He was behind center for 16 victories last year, a claim that no other high school quarterback this fall can make.



He'll be joined in the backfield by junior Rodney Anderson. Already billed as one of the nation's top running backs in the class of 2015 by 247Sports, Anderson is ready to be the team's workhorse with the graduation of do-everything senior Adam Taylor.

John Kellogg, who is recovering from a knee injury, should be back in time to line up again at center. The rest of the line will be comprised of players who saw limited time last year, including Grant Sims, Brandon Dalton, and Jared Gonzalez.

On the other side of the ball, Katy should be as fierce as last season.

Gone is Matt Dimon, now at Oklahoma, but returning on the defensive line are Cody Gessler and Tim Wilkerson.

Linebacker Jake Blomstrom will be in his third year as a varsity letter-winner. If head coach Gary Joseph can find some replacements at linebacker, Katy's front seven will be very difficult to run against.

The secondary loses three starters but returns Tanner Ebrecht. Only a sophomore, Collin Wilder saw varsity action as a freshman last year. He brings some more experience to the unit.



The trend of younger players making a splash on varsity could continue this year, as the Tigers have several other sophomores that could figure prominently on the depth chart.

Local look: "The priorities going in were solidifying the offensive line, finding a fullback and a go-to receiver, and, defensively, shoring up the perimeter defense, including the secondary and outside linebackers."
- Jason McDaniel, Houston Chronicle (Story){PAGEBREAK} School size: 5A

Enrollment: 2,641 (approx.)

2012 finish: 16-0, Class 5A-II state champion

Head coach: Gary Joseph

Career record: 123-11



Years at school: 30 (nine as head coach)

Notable players coached:
Donovonn Young (Signed with Illinois)

Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals' second-round pick)

Ryan Mouton (Third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2009)

Bo Levi Mitchell (Current Eastern Washington QB, former SMU QB){PAGEBREAK} No. of returning starters: 4 (offense), 4 (defense)

Key losses:



DE Matt Dimon

RB Adam Taylor

DB Kyle Fulks


Key returners:

QB Kiley Huddleston

RB Rodney Anderson



DL Cody Gessler

DL Tim Wilkerson

LB Jake Blomstrom


Key newcomers:

RB Kyle Porter

WR Tony Mullins



OL Jared Gonzalez{PAGEBREAK} Toughest game: Cinco Ranch. Katy's regular season schedule is not littered with dangerous opponents, but a game against Cinco Ranch could be a threat. Last year, Cinco Ranch hung tough with Katy before losing, 35-21.

Question mark: Will the offensive line gel? With so much inexperience, it may take time for the unit to come together. The talent is there, however.

Local outlook: Class 5A-I finalist Lamar is a team that many people thought would be ranked among the state's best entering 2013. It returns its quarterback and several offensive playmakers, but it still seems as if a repeat of last year's near-perfect season is unlikely. Led by top linebacker recruit Hoza Scott, La Porte, which beat Katy in 2011, could also be strong in 2013.

Overall outlook: Sure, Katy has to replace some key players, but it's a process that Joseph and staff have executed successfully many times in the past. Having a trustworthy and proven quarterback is invaluable. So is a defense that returns key players up front. Katy should be considered state title favorites in 2013.

Coach quote: "It was great to win it, and enjoy it, but heck, we got back to it as soon as we got back to school,"
- Gary Joseph (via the Houston Chronicle){PAGEBREAK}