Academy Bumblebees

 

Coach: Royce McAdams

Returning starters: 6 off., 8 def.

 

Preview

Squeaking into the postseason last year by virtue of winning a three-way tiebreaker, the Bumblebees plan to capitalize on Layton Willis’ (544 yards rushing) progression after he nabbed offensive newcomer of the year honors last season. Center Steven Stewart and guard Marcos Pacheco, both seniors, along with junior tackle Tyler Lisenbe, will fuse a fence for a new quarterback. Linebackers Tyler Moon, Kyle Kuban and James Ash lead the defense.

 

Did you know?

This is Academy’s 10th season in District 25-2A.

 

Florence Buffaloes

 

Coach: Paul Smith

Returning starters: 5 off., 3 def.

 

Preview

With its second new coach in three years, Florence hopes to change the attitude and atmosphere around the program. The Buffs’ defense should be reliable as the team is looking to sneak up on unsuspecting opponents this season. Junior brothers Michael (126 yards rushing) and Emilio Ramirez (109 yards receiving) are emerging along with Gilbert Ledesma (120 yards rushing), while dueling quarterbacks Ben Futrell and Doak Hensley will try to replace Blake Brimer’s production. Also a safety, Michael Ramirez bolsters the defensive side that will see plenty of pass attacks this season.

 

Did you know?

Smith, a former assistant coach and co–offensive coordinator at Round Rock, sports a 57-22-1 record overall in Texas and Colorado.

 

Jarrell Cougars

 

Coach: Ricky Taylor

Returning starters: 3 off., 6 def.

 

Preview

The Cougars lost leading passer and rusher Chris Trevino, but Aaron Mueller (433 yards) should be able to build on his six-touchdown junior campaign along with Clint Vasquez (260 yards). Daniel Tucker (578 yards, six TD) made the most of his chances.

 

Did you know?

Jarrell will plan to remedy just its second losing season in the last 11 years.

 

Lago Vista Vikings

 

Coach: Alan Haire

Returning starters: 4 off., 4 def.

 

Preview

The Vikings were left on the outside looking in after finishing the season in a three-way tie for third place. Senior captain Cameron Kurth and center CJ Jacque, along with second-team all-district tight end Daniel Parker, anchor a running game that amassed 2,801 yards on the ground last season, compared to 219 yards passing. Dakota Haines (86 tackles) will help solidify the secondary. Austin Terry (6-3, 215, 4.6) will also fulfill a big role this season playing defensive end.

 

Did you know?

With a three-way tie for third place between Lago Vista, Lexington and Academy, Academy edged the Vikings by virtue of head-to-head-to head point differential, and Lago was the odd-team out by one point.

 

Lexington Eagles

 

Coach: Jason Holcomb

Returning starters: 8 off., 7 def.

 

Preview

Second-team all-district running back and safety Clint Hutson (1,102 yards rushing, 362 yards receiving, 5 total TDs; 45 tackles, 2 INT) joins Chance Sherrill (162 yards rushing, 133 yards receiving) as a formidable duo. Only a sophomore last season, LB Xavier Ward garnered defensive newcomer of the year honors and could compete for defensive MVP. Joining him is incumbent defensive back Dylan Islet, who has a nose for the ball.

 

Did you know?

Coach Holcomb has amassed 66 wins in eight seasons at the helm, averaging more than eight wins a season to become the winningest coach in Lexington history.

 

Rogers Eagles

 

Coach: Jeff Walker

Returning starters: 7 off., 4 def.

 

Preview

After romping through the district last season, Rogers has enough firepower to maintain its offensive attack. They lost the district’s offensive MVP (Robert Campos) and defensive MVP (Dustin Hamilton) to graduation. The offense should be alright, though, with first-teamer senior quarterback Chance Marek back to lead the attack with all-district center Michael Brenek protecting him and tight end Devin Zamora a year wiser. Defensive tackle Garrett Rice anchors the defense.

 

Did you know?

After scoring at least 24 points in eight straight games, Rogers failed to score for the first time all season in its playoff matchup against Hallettsville, losing 9-0 in the bi-district game.

 

Salado Eagles

 

Coach: Jeff Cheatham

Returning starters: 4 off., 2 def.

 

Preview

The Eagles’ overwhelming size on the line, led by Caleb Little on both sides, might enable them to push opposing defenses around. However, Salado lost a lot of offense to graduation – their top two quarterbacks, top rushers and top five wide receivers. A staunch defense that allowed just over 15 points per game should keep the Eagles in contention.

 

Did you know?

The Eagles racked up 16 consecutive regular-season victories before suffering an overtime defeat to McGregor (19-16) last season in Week 3.

– Habeab Kurdi, ACN Correspondent

 

ACN prediction

(with enrollment)

1. Academy (335)

2. Lago Vista (369)

3. Lexington (300)

4. Rogers (258) 

5. Salado (397)

6. Florence (325)

7. Jarrell (245) 

Offense MVP: 

Clint Hutson, Lexington

The do-it all-man for Lexington rarely got a rest last season while piling up eye-popping numbers (1,102 yards rushing, 362 yards receiving, 5 total TDs; 45 tackles, 2 INT).

 

Defensive MVP: 

Caleb Little, Salado

He grabbed first-team all-district honors as a defense tackle, not to mention first-team all-district honors at tight end.