Tuesday, August 28, 2012

La Porte 2012 Roster

Below is the Varsity roster for this season.  It can be found on the LPHS football website here: http://sc.lpisd.org/education/dept/dept.php?sectiondetailid=28622&



No      Name                   Class   Position
1         Victor Holmes           Jr.     QB-DB
2         Ellis Hutchinson          Sr.    WR-DB
3        Taejon Wearen          Jr.     WR-DB
5        John Nelson               Jr      WR-DB
6        Eric Medina               Sr.     K
7        Hunter Bozant            Jr.     WR-DB
10      Chris Fannette            Sr.    QB-DB
12      Jordan Jackson           Jr.    QB
14      Juan Caro                  Sr.    RB-LB
15      Conniel Lloyd            Sr.    RB-DB
18      Garrison Zaborowski Jr.    WR-DB
19      Hunter Hatton           Sr.     TE-LB
20      Hoza Scott               Jr.       RB-LB
21      Keith Whitely           Sr.      RB-DB
22      Malik Graves            Sr.     WR-DB
23      Johnathan Lewis        Jr.     RB-DB
24      Britt Grant                 Soph.RB-DB
25      Clifton Figaro            Jr.      RB-DB
26      Nick Brown              Soph.QB
27      D.J. Bell                    Sr.     RB-DL
30      Garrett Green            Sr.     RB-DB
32      Trevor Mouton          Sr.     TE-LB
33      Joshua Marrujo          Jr.     RB-LB
34      David Terrebonne      Soph.WR-DB
35      Jesse Hickman           Jr.      RB-LB
40      Lane Albertson          Jr.      RB-DL
41      Thomas Revak          Sr.      RB-LB
42      Alex Jones                Sr.      RB-DL
44      Toby Detillier            Jr.       RB-LB
45      Cyron Mayo             Sr.      TE-DL
47      Trevor Nelson           Jr.      TE-LB
50      Chris Rico                 Sr.     OL-DL
52      Ivan Gomez               Sr.     OL-DL
55      Justin King                Sr.     OL-DL
56      Jose Garcia               Sr.     OL-LB
60      Tyler Davis                Jr.      OL-DL
61      Michael Leagan          Jr.     OL-DL
62      Samuel Alfaro            Sr.     OL-DL
63      Corey Lee                 Sr.     OL-DL
65      Jerry  Valdez             Sr.     OL-DL
66      Mark Guzman           Sr.     OL-DL
67      Cody Haas               Sr.     OL-DL
68      Tony Briones            Sr.     OL-DL
70      Jared Howard           Sr.    OL-DL
71      Maurice Morris         Sr.    OL-DL
74      Ian Small                   Jr.     OL-DL
75      Jonathan Wahlenberg Sr.    OL-DL
77      Andrew Arevalo        Sr.    OL-DL
80      Bryson Rogers           Soph.WR-DB
81      Brandon Busch          Sr.     TE-LB
82      Travis Hudson           Jr.      WR-DB
83      Jahvey Mark             Sr.      WR-DB
84      Larry Ruffin               Sr.      RB-LB
85      Nick Alvarado          Jr.       WR-LB
86      Chase Smith             Sr.      WR-DB
87      Jaron Dykstra           Soph.  TE-LB
88      Justin Pickell             Sr.      TE-LB
89      Michael Rodriguez    Jr.       TE-DL

Monday, August 27, 2012

La Porte vs Clear Brook Preview

The La Porte Bulldogs will open the 2012 season against the Clear Brook Wolverines at Bulldog Stadium in La Porte Friday night at 7pm.

The Bulldogs are starting a new season with 15 returning starters from last season's regional finalist squad.  La Porte has picked up some pre-season accolades that have rarely been seen in the past including starting at #2 in the Houston area by the Houston Chronicle.  Texashsfootball.com has ranked the Bulldogs #4 in the state to start the season and Friday Night Football Magazine has them #7.

The Wolverines start 2012 after going 4-6 in the regular season in 2011 and squeaking into the playoffs.  Clear Brook hung with eventual state finalist Hightower for a half before going down in the first round.  This year Clear Brook is trying to take another step up towards the top of district 24-5A.

Last week La Porte scrimmaged Pearland Dawson and looked very good in the process.  Clear Brook faced Dawson's 24-4A district mate Santa Fe and struggled with turnovers, committing six in the scrimmage.   Clear Brook will be trying to fix that problem in practice this week before going up against the turnover causing Bulldog Dark Side defense.

On offense the Wolverines feature the flexbone offense and will be trying to find room to run on La Porte.  Senior Quarterback Dominique Holmes returns as the top play-maker from 2011 (594 yards rushing, 475 yards passing). Junior Running Back Derek Simmons will be carrying the load in the backfield.  Clear Brook does not have a lot of experience coming back on the offensive line.

La Porte's offense will feature the flexbone as well with the three headed running back machine of Senior Keith Whitely, Junior Jonathan Lewis and Sophomore Britt Grant getting plenty of carries.  Junior Quarterback Jordan Jackson will get his first varsity start after a impressive summer throwing the ball in 7 on 7.  The real stars will be the offensive line with all five starters returning including 2-time all district Senior's Maurice Morris and Tony Briones.

On defense Clear Brook returns some experience in the secondary with Senior DB's Aaron Tellis and former running back Tim East.  Senior 6'4" defensive end Osagie Aisueni leads the front line.

The Bulldog's Dark Side defense is looking to keep up the momentum of the last few seasons with four of the front seven returning, including Seniors Alex Jones, Corey Lee and Mark Guzman.  Junior Linebacker Hoza Scott is the only returning linebacker, but don't expect a big drop off in play for the new corps with Junior Trevor Nelson changing positions to middle line backer.  Both corner-backs, Senior's Malik Graves and Ellis Hutchinson return and had a great summer to improve their skills from last season.  The starting safeties are Junior Victor Holmes and Senior Keith Whitely who plans to play both ways.  Expect the defense to be aggressive and tough as always this season.

La Porte must put the pressure up front on the Clear Brook offense this week and win the time of possession war.  The two running teams should make for a fast game.

Everyone should come out and see this exciting team.  Also new press boxes on the visitor side as well as a second story on the home side bring the stadium a little more modern feel along with the makeover of the visitor side.

La Porte vs Pearland Dawson Scrimmage Recap

La Porte lined up for their tune-up scrimmage against Pearland Dawson, the consensus #1 team in Houston on the 4A level.  It was an impressive performance for La Porte as Dawson only found the end zone once on the night against the second team D.

The trio of La Porte starting running backs and the big returning offensive line set the tone early with Senior Running Back Keith Whitely and Junior Running Back Jonathan Lewis gashing the Eagles defense for big gains and a short touchdown out of the wishbone.  Junior Running Back Britt Grant then broke a long 50 yard run on the sweep to the left.  The offense showed very well on the night.

On the first defensive possession La Porte faced Dawson's spread shotgun attack and showed great coverage in the secondary.  The Eagles never made it past midfield on their first 12 plays.  Dawson's star Running Back and Texas A&M Commit James White only had 3-4 carries in the controlled scrimmage and had one good run.  The others were stuffed by La Porte's front 7.

The second team offense for the Bulldogs got on the field and Junior Linebacker/Running Back proceeded to take the first carry around the right side for a 75 yard touchdown.  Dawson would come back and score on a long pass down the middle.

La Porte's first team offense got another 12 play series and Lewis got loose again for a 30 yard run, then Whitely for another 20 and he would punch it in from one yard out for another score.  It was a long clock consuming drive (if it had been a real game).

The first team Defense returned again for La Porte with Senior Cornerback Ellis Hutchinson landing a big hit on a Dawson receiver to break up a pass attempt.  The starters on defense didn't allow much all night.

Senior Kicker Eric Medina showed his leg in the special teams portion, knocking through a 45 yard field goal and also showed he can punt the ball for distance and for hang time.

Then came two twelve minute quarters with a running clock.  Dawson got on the board first after their big receiver got up field and leaped over the Bulldog defender for a long catch.  However the drive stalled there and Dawson was forced to kick a 30 yard field goal.

La Porte ate the rest of the clock with a long drive and Hoza Scott capping it with a 11 yard touchdown run.

Overall for a practice against a top 4A team in the state, La Porte was very impressive.  The strengths are up front on both sides of the ball.  You will be hard pressed to find better offensive and defensive lines on any team that are better than La Porte this season.  The passing game is coming along and by the time district play rolls around teams will think twice about stacking the line of scrimmage.

La Porte plays Clear Brook Friday at 7 at Bulldog Stadium in La Porte.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

District 21-5A Football Preview

District 21-5A went through some major changes in the offseason with the addition of Deer Park to a already strong district of four annual playoff teams.  Beaumont West Brook changed coaches with Craig Stump departing to Atascocita and Kevin Flanigan, former coach at Crosby, taking over.  Major losses to graduation for Port Arthur Memorial, Deer Park and Channelview will show the ability of those schools to re-load after impressive showings in 2011. 

La Porte - There are 12 all-district players returning and an additional three that made honorable mention last season.  La Porte replaces three starting linebackers and a safety on defense that returns the line and corners.  Seniors Alex Jones and Corey Lee as well as Junior Hoza Scott will lead the way. On offense the Bulldogs have Junior QB Jordan Jackson, who had a impressive off-season, taking over the helm. Everyone else is returning, including the running of Senior Keith Whitely and Junior Jonathan Lewis. The expectations are higher than ever for La Porte in 2012.  I will have a team preview out next week.

North Shore - The Mustangs have shown over the years that they always re-load and this season will be no different.  The perrenial power house will feature a strong defense once again with highly recruited Junior Linebacker Zach Whitley leading the way. On offense North Shore return dual threat Senior QB Micah Thomas who was injured and did not play in La Porte's win over the Mustangs.  North Shore will be looking for revenge after La Porte's first win against the program in a long time last season.  They will be ready with non-district games against Clear Springs, Manvel and Cinco Ranch.

Port Arthur Memorial - Lots of turnover this season as the teams top playmakers graduated last season.  New quarterback, running back and receivers will be in place.  Don't look for any drop off in talent however as the offense should be just as explosive as in years past.  On defense the Titans lost all four linebackers to the next level and will be looking for replacements.  The Port Arthur defense improved immensly last season compared to years past and will be looking to sustain that level in 2012.

Deer Park - The Deer are new to district 21-5A and what a different world it will be.  Instead of facing the Pasadena schools, Deer Park will be facing several teams that make the playoffs every year.  The step up in competition should make the Deer a better team this season and in the future, but there will be some adjustment time needed.  On offense Deer Park lost their QB to graduation who had been starting for 3-4 years.  Line play is always a strength and the new runners should find some room to run.  Senior Receivers Eric Luna and Josh Rutherford will provide some returning fire power on offense.  On defense the Deer will be anchored by three year starter Senior Linebacker Vincent Vega.  Deer Park will be fighting for a playoff berth in 2012.

Beaumont West Brook - The Bruins went through major changes in the offseason with a new head coach.  There is a lot of unknowns for this team and expect they will be fighting for a playoff spot come week 10.  Flanigan brings in a high tempo offense lead by Quarterback Chris Clack and highly touted receiver Ladarious Spearman.  The defense is relatively unknown at this point, but a change to a 3-4 is expected.

Baytown Sterling- The Rangers return 11 starters from their 0-10 team from last season.  I expect they will improve greatly from last season.  Year two of the flex bone offense should show improvement with Senior Quarterback Jaime Acosta leading the way.  On defense only four starters return and with the ball control offense, the defense will need to make some plays.

Channelview - The Falcons had a great season last year, but it wasn't enough to get into the playoffs.  This season only three starters return from the prolific group of 2011.  Junior Quarterback Trevin Watson will have big shoes to fill and I expect the spread attack will still cause some problems for opposing defenses.  On defense the Falcons are in the same boat with only three starters back.  It will be an inexperienced group, but one that will have some momentum from last season.


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

La Porte Practice And Other Tidbits

Practice officially began Monday morning for La Porte's football program.  Pads will be popping on Friday. With new rules from UIL on number of practices and how they are run, things are a bit different this season.

Here is the link to the new rules if you would like to see: http://www.uiltexas.org/football/

Football calender from LPISD athletics site: http://sc.lpisd.org/education/components/calendar/calendar.php?sectiondetailid=30395&

La Porte team preview from Lone Star Gridiron: http://lonestargridiron.com/2012/07/28/2012-lsg-team-preview-la-porte-bulldogs/

La Porte team preview from VYPE Houston: http://www.ihigh.com/easthouston/article_128874.html

The Old Coach State 5A rankings La Porte #7: http://theoldcoach.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1393219&PT=4&PR=2

I expect there will be a intrasquad scrimmage Saturday morning 8/18 8-10am if everyone wants to see what the team is up to.  It will be only the second day in pads, so tough to gauge where they will be at that point.

Practices are open to public if you want to go sit in the bleachers.  Above schedule link has times for all practices.

We're getting ramped up for the 2012 season and I will have my own district preview in the next couple of days.

Here is the schedule for the Pearland Dawson scrimmage:
Friday, August 24th, 2012
Location : Bulldog Stadium
Freshman A & B- 4:00PM
JV Orange & White- 5:00PM
Varsity- 6:00PM