By Scott Hansen
MaxPreps.com
With all the quarterback talent in the Lone Star State this season, Austin Lake Travis gunslinger Garrett Gilbert may be in a class of his own.
Last season as a junior, Gilbert was out of this world. The University of Texas verbal threw for 4,827 yards and 52 touchdowns in 2007 while leading the Cavaliers to the 4A-Division II state title.
His yardage output in 16 games was two yards better than Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell in 2003, setting the Texas high school record for yards in a season (Harrell threw for 4,825 yards in 15 games for Ennis).
Gilbert also set the state record for completions (359) and pass attempts (555) in a season.
Gilbert’s mere presence is enough to cause excitement for Lake Travis (15-1, 7-0, 25-4A), but there is more to the Cavaliers than just Gilbert. Running back Chris Aydam (1,491 total yards, 20 TDs), wide receiver Cohl Walla (1,072 receiving yards, 13 TDs), and offensive lineman Paden Kelley (6-5, 265) are all back for Lake Travis. Kelley is committed to join his quarterback in the Class of 2009 for the Longhorns.
In 4A-Division I, Lamar Consolidated (13-2, 5-0, 23-4A) rolled to the state title with a 20-14 victory over Copperas Cove.
Quarterback D.J. Smallwood (1,900 passing yards, 22 TDs; 601 rushing yards, 4 TDs) returns for the Mustangs. Replacing running back Jaquizz Rodgers will not be an easy task for Lamar Consolidated, and junior Marcel Threat will give it a go. Presley Godson (6-3, 295) leads the offensive line for the Mustangs.
On defense, free safety Stephen Fleming (97 tackles, 10 INTs) was the catalyst. Defensive end D’Vonn Brown will anchor the defensive line for the Mustangs.
Wichita Falls Rider (12-2, 6-0, 5-4A) is absolutely loaded with weapons on offense. Quarterback Shavodrick Beaver (2,602 passing yards, 31 TDs) is the perfect fit for his verbal to Michigan. Running back Jurrell Thompson (939 rushing yards, 15 TDs) and wide receiver Eric Ward (1,082 receiving yards, 15 TDs) are committed to TCU and Oklahoma, respectively. On the offensive line, Corey Howard (6-1, 295) and junior Carlon Moisant (6-2, 300) will be in charge of protecting the elusive Beaver.
Defensively, linebackers are a plenty for the Raiders. James Chambers (176 tackles, 4.5 sacks), Boris Matthews (66 tackles, 9 sacks), and Mason Deerinwater (38 tackles) are as formidable as it gets anywhere in Texas. Defensive lineman Zach Shaver was an All-District performer up front for Rider.
Abilene Cooper (5-6, 1-4, 4-4A) has enough speed on both sides of the football to make waves as it drops from 5A. Running back A’mon Pimpton (1,107 rushing yards, 9 TDs) and wide receiver Tommy Bowman (298 receiving yards, 3 TDs) led the skilled positions on offense. Safety Will Ford (65 tackles, 2 INTs, committed to Oklahoma) and defensive end Brandon Henderson (52 tackles, 15 sacks, committed to SMU) are the leading returnees on defense.
Dayton (11-4, 6-1, 19-4A) was forced to play without quarterback Cody Green in 2007 due to injury. The Broncos still responded, mostly thanks in part to a stellar season by athlete A.J. Dugat (1,028 receiving yards, 14 TDs; 536 rushing yards, 7 TDs; 463 passing yards, 5 TDs). Green (1,429 passing yards, 19 TDs; 689 rushing yards, 4 TDs in 2006; committed to Nebraska) is back in the fold this season. Linebacker Fred Hynson (102 tackles) leads the defense.
Everman (14-1, 7-0, 8-4A) was just a few games from a perfect season and a 4A-II title last season. Running back Ryan Smith (1,162 yards, 18 TDs) and wide receiver Chris Franklin (935 receiving yards, 10 TDs) return for the Bulldogs. Defensive end Keith Rushton (95 tackles, 9 sacks), safety Barry Browning (80 tackles, 1 sack), and linebacker Lee Langston (73 tackles) lead a defense that returns six starters.
Longview (12-2, 5-0, 13-4A) is another program making the drop to 4A just like Abilene Cooper. Experience is a concern on offense and junior Aaron Johnson expects to lead the Lobos into 2008. Defensive lineman Jazz Reeves (35 tackles, 3 sacks) is the top returnee on a defense that returns no starters. If there is one thing Longview is capable of, it is reloading.
Port Lavaca Calhoun (9-3, 4-1, 30-4A) is ready to make a serious run with loads of returnees on both sides of the football. Quarterback James Ezzell (1,260 total yards), fullback Sterling Jones (1,358 rushing yards, 13 TDs), and running back Xavier Archangel (two-time All-District) are make a stout backfield for the Sandcrabs. Linebacker Jeremy Boyd (123 tackles) and nose guard Bryan King (68 tackles, 18 for loss) lead a solid group on defense.
Stephenville (10-2, 6-1, 8-4A) has running back Brad Mills (913 rushing yards, 14 TDs) ready to carry the bulk in 2008. The Yellowjackets must replace quarterback Kody Spano (Nebraska). Wide receivers Chris Malone (708 receiving yards, 8 TDs) and Josh Graves should help ease the transition. Defensive end Josh Emmons (90 tackles) and Malone (2 INTs) lead the defense.
Texarkana Texas High (6-3, 4-1, 13-4A) joins Longview, Marshall, and Sulphur Springs in a brutal District 13-4A. Junior quarterback Nathan Sorenson (1,826 passing yards, 15 TDs) is a name to remember for the future. Running back Leroy Jones (1,109 rushing yards, 10 TDs) and wide receiver Cobi Hamilton (726 receiving yards, 7 TDs, 25 yards per catch) is a major Division I talent. Linebacker Raymondrick Brown (86 tackles, 15 for loss, 10 sacks) returns to lead the Tigers defense after a beast-like 2007.
Corpus Christi Calallen (12-1, 5-0, 31-5A) has quarterback Dustin Vaughn (1,211 passing yards, 7 TDs), running back Brayden McClure (524 rushing yards, 15 TDs), and wide receiver Mathew Garza (631 receiving yards, 3 TDs) back in 2008 to make for a nice group at the skilled positions. Defensive tackle Justin Ceballos (112 tackles) is back to lead six returning starters on defense.
Highland Park (15-1, 7-0, 10-4A) was oh-so close in 2007, losing out in the 4A-II state final to Gilbert and Lake Travis. Highland Park will attempt to make history when it opens the season against Red Oak, aiming for its 700th victory. Highland Park has a lot of pride and tradition, so don’t count the Scots out in 2008 despite returning only two starters this season.
Mansfield Timberview (9-4, 6-1, 8-4A) and Dallas Carter (7-6, 4-1, 11-4A) enter 2008 season as teams to watch in 4A as both drop from the rigors of 5A.
Timberview was handed a vicious district slate in 8-4A with Everman and Stephenville. With running back Eric Stephens (1,906 rushing yards, 23 TDs), the Wolves should be in good shape. The defense will be led by defensive end Patrick Houston-Cathey (80 tackles, 4 sacks). Timberview opened its doors in 2004 and has steadily improved every year since its inception.
Carter sometimes is known as “the other team in Friday Night Lights." The Cowboys have a ton of pride and tradition on their résumé. After a rough start to 2007, Carter improved as the season wore on and made a nice playoff run in 5A. Running back Anthony Miller (739 rushing yards, 7 TDs) is destined to have a huge 2008. Seven offensive starters return for the Cowboys.
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 4A Top 25
| Rank | Team | 2007 Overall | 2007 District | Top Player |
| 1 | Austin Lake Travis | 15-1 | 7-0 | Garrett Gilbert, QB |
| 2 | Wichita Falls Rider | 12-2 | 6-0 | Shavodrick Beaver, QB |
| 3 | Abilene Cooper | 5-6 | 1-4 | Will Ford, DB |
| 4 | Dayton | 11-4 | 6-1 | A.J. Dugat, WR |
| 5 | Everman | 14-1 | 7-0 | Ryan Smith, RB |
| 6 | Longview | 12-2 | 5-0 | Jazz Reeves, DL |
| 7 | Port Lavaca Calhoun | 9-3 | 4-1 | Jeremy Boyd, LB |
| 8 | Stephenville | 10-2 | 6-1 | Josh Emmons, DE |
| 9 | Texarkana Texas High | 6-4-1 | 4-1 | Nathan Sorenson, QB (Jr.) |
| 10 | Calallen | 12-1 | 5-0 | Cade Shaw, OL |
| 11 | Lamar Consolidated | 13-2 | 5-0 | Steven Fleming, FS |
| 12 | Alamo Heights | 10-2 | 5-0 | Drew Allen, QB |
| 13 | Highland Park | 15-1 | 7-0 | Jeffrey Howeth, SS |
| 14 | Texas City | 10-2 | 6-0 | Juan Cortez, DE |
| 15 | Cibolo Steele | 11-2 | 6-1 | Kendrick Geyen, FS |
| 16 | Dallas Carter | 7-6 | 4-1 | Anthony Miller, RB |
| 17 | Beeville Jones | 11-3 | 4-1 | Eric Soza, QB |
| 18 | La Marque | 9-3 | 4-2 | Jonathan Wev, OLB |
| 19 | Kerrville Tivy | 10-2 | 4-1 | Logan Vick, WR |
| 20 | Mansfield Timberview | 9-4 | 6-1 | Eric Stephens, RB |
| 21 | Aledo | 11-3 | 5-2 | Daniel Meyer, OT |
| 22 | Crosby | 8-3 | 6-1 | Chance Casey, RB |
| 23 | Gregory-Portland | 8-5 | 4-1 | LaChristian Thomas, TE/LB |
| 24 | Wolfforth Frenship | 10-3 | 4-0 | Mason Walters, OL |
| 25 | Waco | 9-2 | 5-0 | Bronshae Dugas, FB |
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Preseason All-State
Offense
QB – Garrett Gilbert, Austin Lake Travis
Set Texas state record with 359 completions, 555 pass attempts, and 4,827 yards. Texas verbal threw for 52 TDs leading Cavaliers to 4A-II state crown. Gilbert was Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) First-Team All State honoree.
RB – Andrew Alvarado, Weslaco East
Alvarado, at 5-7, 160 pounds, rushed for 1,724 yards and 15 TDs in 2007 for Weslaco East. Alvarado was named to the All-District team in 32-4A last season.
RB – John Hubert, Waco Midway
The 4.4 speedster rushed for 1,747 yards and 22 TDs last season for the Panthers and was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player in 16-4A.
WR – Eric Ward, Wichita Falls Rider
The Oklahoma verbal caught 55 passes for 1,082 yards and 15 TDs in 2007 for the Raiders. Ward was a unanimous choice for All-District honors in 5-4A.
WR – Logan Vick, Kerrville Tivy
Vick grabbed 69 passes for 1,097 yards and 13 TDs for the Antlers last season, earning All-District honors in 27-4A as a junior.
TE – Aaron Tanguma, Edcouch-Elsa
Tanguma is a beast at 6-5, 260 pounds. As a junior, Tanguma was an All-District pick in 32-4A after his 350 receiving yards in 2007.
OL – Kyle Clark, Denton Guyer
(6-5, 280) The Texas Tech commit is one of two Big XII verbals on the line at Guyer.
OL – Presley Godson, Lamar Consolidated
(6-3, 295) Godson was an All-District pick in 24-4A as a junior for the Mustangs. Godson was a First-Team All-State selection by TSWA last season.
OL – Paden Kelley, Austin Lake Travis
(6-5, 265) Kelley is verbally committed to attend Texas. Kelley was an All-District honoree in 25-4A last season for the 4A-II state champions. Kelley was also a First-Team All-State pick by TSWA.
OL – Rhontae Scales, Killeen
(6-5, 300) The Texas A&M verbal was an All-District honoree in 16-4A as a junior.
OL – Mason Walters, Wolfforth Frenship
(6-7, 285) Another beastly verbal for the Longhorns. Walters was an All-District choice in 4-4A in 2007.
K – Michael Murray, Lake Dallas
Murray is not your average kicker. He excels in baseball and soccer, too. Murray is a four-year starter for Lake Dallas. Murray was All-District in 9-4A as both a kicker and punter last season.
Defense
DL – Meyer Criss, Fort Worth Wyatt
Criss recorded 115 tackles and eight sacks in 2007 for the Chaparrals, earning 7-4A East All-District honors in the process.
DL – Troy Lawson, El Campo
Lawson was an All-District selection on the offensive line in 24-4A for El Campo. Lawson is a four-year starter for the Ricebirds.
DL – Chris Henderson, Dallas Carter
The Texas A&M commit was an All-District pick in 11-5A in 2007 and will look to dominate 4A this season.
DL – Matt McBain, El Paso Burges
McBain posted 66 tackles and two sacks in 2007 for the Mustangs. McBain picked up an All-District selection in 1-4A.
LB – Austin Moss, Rockwall-Heath
Moss was the Defensive MVP in 10-5A as a junior for South Garland before transferring. Moss recorded 142 tackles and 14 sacks last season and is committed to Arkansas.
LB – Cade Hollandsworth, Big Spring
Hollandsworth had 65 tackles, six sacks, and two interceptions in 2007 for the Steers. For his efforts, Hollandsworth was named the Defensive MVP in 4-4A last season.
LB – LaChristian Thomas, Gregory-Portland
Thomas recorded 67 tackles, six for loss, and four sacks as a junior for Gregory-Portland. Thomas stands at 6-foot-4 and is a Division I prospect.
DB – Will Ford, Abilene Cooper
The Oklahoma verbal posted 65 tackles and two interceptions last season for Cooper, which drops to 4A this season from 3-5A.
DB – Steven Fleming, Lamar Consolidated
Led 4A with 10 interceptions as a junior. Added 97 tackles and a 24-4A All-District honor in 2007.
DB – James Holloway, Houston Washington
Holloway leads the War Eagles defense into the 2008 season. Holloway was a Second-Team All-District pick in 20-4A last season after intercepting seven passes.
DB – Orlando Pratt, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff
Pratt picked off seven passes in 2007 for the Hornets. The Hornets allowed seven points or less on six occasions last season.
P – Jorge Martinez, Fort Worth Northside
Martinez was an All-District East selection in 7-4A last season after averaging over 40 yards per boot.
Other Returning TSWA All-State Performers
Tyrik Rollison, QB, Sulphur Springs (Second Team Offense)
Rollison, a major Division I prospect, was dazzling as a junior. Rollison threw for 3,691 yards and 37 touchdowns via air and added 554 yards and seven scores on the ground.
Kendial Lawrence, RB, Rockwall-Heath (Second Team Offense)
Lawrence rushed for 1,720 yards and 20 touchdowns last season for the Hawks. Lawrence averaged nearly nine yards per carry last season for Rockwall-Heath.
Note: Copperas Cove’s Anthony Mackey, Tanner Brock, and Josh Boyce along with New Braunfels linebacker Tom Wort also received All-State honors. Copperas Cove and New Braunfels moved to 5A this season.
Returning 4A Stat Leaders
Passing
Garrett Gilbert, Lake Travis, 4,827
Tyrik Rollison, Sulphur Springs, 3,691
Richard Morrison, Royse City, 3,350
Spencer Church, Canyon, 3,265
Brady Attaway, Whitehouse, 3,127
Ryan Mossakowski, Frisco Centennial, 3,029
Rushing
Eric Stephens, Mansfield Timberview, 1,906
John Hubert, Waco Midway, 1,747
Andrew Alvarado, Weslaco East, 1,724
Kendial Lawrence, Rockwall-Heath, 1,720
Peter Smith, Forney, 1,585
Nic Boyd, Red Oak, 1,580
Receiving
Eric Ward, Wichita Falls Rider, 1,082
Cohl Walla, Lake Travis, 1,072
Logan Vick, Kerrville Tivy, 1,057
A.J. Dugat, Dayton, 1,028
Matt Lipka, McKinney, 938
Chris Franklin, Everman, 935
Interceptions
Steven Fleming, Lamar Consolidated, 10
Orlando Pratt, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff; Tim Contreras, San Antonio Edison; James Holloway, Houston Washington, 7
Johnny McSheffery, Sulphur Springs; Joseph Garcia, Edcouch-Elsa; Justin Lopez, El Paso Riverside; Quincy Aldridge, Whitehouse; Jeffrey Howath, Highland Park; Robert Loewe, Waller, 6.
