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.
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