District 21-5A Preview

Preseason is over and it's time for district play.  21-5A is really turning into a gauntlet with 5 out of 6 teams with only one loss or fewer.  Only four teams can make the playoffs, so every game will be very important and affect playoff positioning.  I will preview the teams in the order of La Porte's schedule.

District Standings:
5-0 Port Arthur Memorial Titans
4-1 North Shore Mustangs
4-1 La Porte Bulldogs
4-1 Beaumont West Brook Bruins
4-1 Channelview Falcons
0-5 Baytown Sterling Rangers

La Porte Bulldogs
-The Bulldogs were taken down by a very tough Klein Forest team for their only loss so far.
-La Porte's defense has been very stout and disruptive with 10 turnovers caused through five games.
-On offense La Porte is very young and will need to find their rhythm in district play to get into the playoffs and make some noise.
-The kicking game with Junior Kicker Eric Medina and Senior QB/Punter Josh Vidales has been a big key to field position and has helped La Porte's defense create short fields for the Bulldog Offense.

Channelview Falcons  (at La Porte 10/7 7pm)
-Senior Quarterback Averion Hurts has put up shocking numbers with 1800 yards and 20 touchdowns through five games.  Last week against Dobie he threw for 496 yards and 5 touchdowns.
-It's been a long time since the Falcons were last in the playoffs (1993).  This is their best chance and with all of their seniors it's playoffs or bust this season.
-The defense will need to improve for the Falcons to survive 21-5A and battle for a playoff spot.

Baytown Sterling Rangers (at La Porte 10/14 7pm)
-After an 0-5 start, it's a dire situation for Baytown's only 5A school.  They would need to pull off a titanic upset to win a game this season.
-The Rangers may have settled on a Quarterback with Jaime Acosta taking over and getting some good yards on the ground.  He is not listed on their roster, so I assume he is a freshman or sophomore.
-The Rangers utilize the old Clear Lake triple option attack and are still learning the system.
-Explosive playmaker and Texas A&M recruit Jamar Gibson has had a tough season fitting into the offense.

North Shore Mustangs (at North Shore 10/21 7pm)
-After a disastrous season opener against Katy, the Mustangs have reeled off 4 straight victories against some decent competition.
-North Shore began the season with a two quarterback system, but Tyrone Newsome was injured week 1 and the keys to the Mustang offense have been handed to Micah Thomas who has impressed with a mix of run/pass.
-The Senior combination of deep threat receiver Larry McDuffey and running back Davonte Milton has been great and both players have racked up six touchdowns through five games.
-North Shore's defense has been great as usual and the defending 21-5A champs will continue to be the best until someone knocks them off.

Port Arthur Memorial Titans (at La Porte 10/28 7pm)
-Five games and five blow outs for the Titans.  Three of those games were against 4A competition and the others were against a couple of 5A teams in down years.
-The real season starts in game one this week against North Shore.
-Senior Quarterback and Baylor Commit Terrence Singleton has been a force this season with over 1000 yards passing and 500 yards rushing with a combined 19 touchdowns
-Senior Running Back and Arkansas Commit Nate Holmes has kept opposing defenses off balance with 562 yards and 10 touchdowns.
-The Titan defense appears to be improved and will be an important part for a good run in the playoffs and in district play

Beaumont West Brook Bruins (at Beaumont 11/5 (Sat) 7pm)
-West Brook was also a victim of the powerhouse Katy Tigers for their only loss of the season.
-A stingy defense has been the key with Senior Defensive End/Linebacker and UT commit Caleb Bluiett leading the way.
-Senior Quarterback and coaches son Joshua Stump has shown poise and leadership leading the Bruin offense, however he did pick up an injury against Katy.  He should be back in charge for district play.
-Senior Running Back Percy Johnson is a small back, but he has put up good numbers with 533 yards so far including 121 yards against a very strong Katy D.