The Zone: District 8-4A Division II

Hour 31 of our 40 Hours of Football takes us to District 8-4A, Division II. For stories and photo galleries you might have missed, click here.

OUR PICKS

1. GILMER

2. PLEASANT GROVE

3. LIBERTY-EYLAU

4. SPRING HILL

5. PITTSBURG

6. NORTH LAMAR

GILMER BUCKEYES

COACH: Alan Metzel (2nd season, 14-2)

ALL-TIME: 710-395-39

STADIUM: Jeff Traylor Stadium, 308 North Bradford Street, Gilmer, 75644

2020 RESULTS: 14-2 state finalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 21/12

LETTERMEN LOST: 22

OFFENSE: SPREAD

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Brandon Tennison, Sr., 5-11, 180 性视界传媒� WR Jay Rockwell, Sr., 6-2, 180 性视界传媒� FB Matthew Burton, Sr., 5-10, 240 性视界传媒� WR Rohan Fluellen, Jr., 5-11, 175 性视界传媒� OL Jarot Ritter, Sr., 5-10, 210 性视界传媒� FB Omero Orona, Jr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� RB Ashton Haynes, Jr., 5-10, 175 性视界传媒� FB Keith Rockwell, Jr., 5-10, 210 性视界传媒� RB Cody Guidry, Sr., 5-9, 175 性视界传媒� RB Jaron Choyce, Sr., 6-3, 225 性视界传媒� OL Taylor Nealy, Sr., 5-10, 200 性视界传媒� OL Bodie Henson, Sr., 6-2, 250 性视界传媒� WR Parker Gillow, Sr., 6-1, 170 性视界传媒� FB Jose Hernandez, Sr., 5-8, 180 性视界传媒� OL Braelyn Ward, Jr., 5-10, 280

DEFENSE: 3-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jay Rockwell, Sr., 6-2, 180 性视界传媒� DL Matthew Burton, Sr., 5-10, 240 性视界传媒� DB Rohan Fluellen, Jr., 5-11, 175 性视界传媒� DL Jarot Ritter, Sr., 5-10, 210 性视界传媒� LB Omero Orona, Jr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� LB Ashton Haynes, Jr., 5-10, 175 性视界传媒� LB Keith Rockwell, Jr., 5-10, 210 性视界传媒� S Cody Guidry, Sr., 5-9, 175 性视界传媒� LB Jaron Choyce, Sr., 6-3, 225 性视界传媒� LB Taylor Nealy, Sr., 5-10, 200 性视界传媒� DL Dereck Borda, Sr., 6-0, 300 性视界传媒� DB Parker Gillow, Sr., 6-1, 170 性视界传媒� LB Jose Hernandez, Sr., 5-8, 180 性视界传媒� DL Braelyn Ward, Jr., 5-10, 280

Gilmer has high expectations for the 2021 season after its march to the Class 4A Division II state title game in 2020. The Buckeyes won 14 games during that stretch, but their two losses against Carthage will provide some extra motivation when the two teams meet in non-district play on September 24th. They will be in great shape as they try to chase down their fourth state championship since 2004. Their roster includes plenty of playmakers, including senior quarterback Brandon Tennison (3,866 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 985 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns), senior wide receiver and defensive back Jay Rockwell, senior defensive lineman and fullback Matthew Burton (104 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 17 sacks), junior wide receiver and defensive back Rohan Fluellen (964 yards, 33 tackles and seven interceptions), senior offensive and defensive lineman Jarot Ritter, junior linebacker and fullback Omero Orona (94 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and eight sacks), junior running back and linebacker Ashton Haynes (582 yards and four touchdowns), junior linebacker and fullback Keith Rockwell, senior running back and safety Cody Guidry (347 all-purpose yards, 38 solo tackles, 26 assisted tackles and 64 total tackles) and senior running back and linebacker Jaron Choyce (183 yards, 65 tackles, 10 touchdowns and four sacks).

PLEASANT GROVE HAWKS

COACH: Josh Gibson (8th season, 71-25)

ALL-TIME: 220-197-1

STADIUM: Hawk Stadium, 5406 McKnight Road, Texarkana, 75503

2020 RESULTS: 9-4 regional semifinalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/4

LETTERMEN LOST: 24

OFFENSE: WING-T

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Ahkhari Johnson, So., 6-1, 178 性视界传媒� RB Jaylen Boardley, So., 6-1, 194 性视界传媒� OT Victor Shaw, Jr., 6-4, 268 性视界传媒� TB Kaden McFadden, So., 5-11, 168 性视界传媒� OT Caleb Hackleman, So., 6-5, 254

DEFENSE: 3-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Ahkhari Johnson, So., 6-1, 178 性视界传媒� LB Jaylen Boardley, So., 6-1, 194 性视界传媒� DE Zorien Jackson, Sr., 6-5, 215 性视界传媒� SS Kaden McFadden, So., 5-11, 168 性视界传媒� OLB Reese Elrod, Sr., 5-8, 183

Pleasant Grove has enjoyed sustained excellence during Josh Gibson性视界传媒檚 eight-year run as head coach, so another multi-round playoff appearance is expected in 2021. The Hawks have won nearly 75 percent of their games while he性视界传媒檚 held that position and will make more noise with sophomore quarterback and defensive back Ahkhari Johnson, sophomore running back and linebacker Jaylen Boardley, junior offensive tackle Victor Shaw, senior defensive end Zorien Jackson, sophomore tailback and strong safety Kaden McFadden, senior outside linebacker Reese Elrod and sophomore offensive tackle Caleb Hackleman. They will test themselves with non-district games against Paris, Silsbee and Carthage and wrap up district play with a trio of clashes against Spring Hill, Liberty-Eylau and Gilmer that will likely decide all four district playoff teams and positions.

LIBERTY-EYLAU LEOPARDS

COACH: Dewaski Davis (2nd season, 71-93 overall, 6-5 at Liberty-Eylau)

ALL-TIME: 367-310-13

STADIUM: Harris Field, 2901 Leopard Drive, Texarkana, 75501

2020 RESULTS: 6-5 bi-district finalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 24/14

LETTERMEN LOST: 11

OFFENSE: MULTIPLE ONE BACK

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OT Jason Murphy, Sr., 6-3, 295 性视界传媒� WR/QB Ian Jones, Sr., 6-0, 155 性视界传媒� WR Chris Lewis, Sr., 5-9, 148 性视界传媒� RB Greg London, So., 6-0, 190

DEFENSE: 4-2-5

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DT De性视界传媒橵on King, Sr., 6-0, 225 性视界传媒� OLB Mike Riley, Sr., 6-3, 185 性视界传媒� LB Shawn White, Sr., 6-0, 215 性视界传媒� DB Chris Lewis, Sr., 5-9, 148 性视界传媒� LB Nate Gamble, Jr., 5-10, 225 性视界传媒� FS Tracy Revels, Jr., 6-2, 158 性视界传媒� LB Greg London, So., 6-0, 190

Liberty-Eylau finished 2020 with a winning record and a Class 4A Division II bi-district playoff finish, so it plans to record another successful season in 2021. The Leopards need to play their best ball at the midway point of the season because their three consecutive games against Spring Hill, Gilmer and Pleasant Grove will go a long way in determining their playoff positioning again. Senior defensive tackle De性视界传媒橵on King, senior outside linebacker Mike Riley, senior offensive tackle Jason Murphy, senior linebacker Shawn White, senior wide receiver and quarterback Ian Jones, senior defensive back and wide receiver Chris Lewis, junior linebacker Nate Gamble, junior free safety Tracy Revels and sophomore linebacker and running back Greg London can put them in the right position to achieve more this fall.

SPRING HILL PANTHERS

COACH: Weston Griffis (2nd season, 5-6)

ALL-TIME: 445-354-23

STADIUM: Panther Stadium, 3101 Spring Hill Road, Longview, 75605

2020 RESULTS: 5-6 bi-district finalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 20/12

LETTERMEN LOST: 13

OFFENSE: POWER SPREAD

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Jax Stovall, Jr., 6-0, 185 性视界传媒� RB Davaunte Powers, Jr., 5-7, 230 性视界传媒� WR Grayson Crews, Sr., 6-3, 215 性视界传媒� OL Gavin Amerson, Sr., 6-2, 230 性视界传媒� OL Tony Natera, Sr., 6-1, 245 性视界传媒� FB Bayne Brinkman, Jr., 6-2, 210 性视界传媒� FB Brooks Hill, Jr., 6-1, 225 性视界传媒� WR Emory Allen, Jr., 6-2, 180 性视界传媒� WR Brennan Ferguson, Sr., 6-3, 175 性视界传媒� WR Isaiah Thomas, Jr., 6-1, 190 性视界传媒� OL Brett Andros, So., 6-1, 230 性视界传媒� RB Caden Newman, Jr., 5-9, 165 性视界传媒� WR Dominic Alexander, Sr., 6-1, 185 性视界传媒� RB Eric Morrow, Sr., 6-0, 180 性视界传媒� P/K Ashton Thomas, Sr., 6-0, 170

DEFENSE: Multiple

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Cameron Webb, Sr., 6-1, 220 性视界传媒� LB Grayson Crews, Sr., 6-3, 215 性视界传媒� DL Bayne Brinkman, Jr., 6-2, 210 性视界传媒� LB Brooks Hill, Jr., 6-1, 225 性视界传媒� S Carson Tidwell, So., 6-2, 180 性视界传媒� DB Emory Allen, Jr., 6-2, 180 性视界传媒� DB Brennan Ferguson, Sr., 6-3, 175 性视界传媒� LB Isaiah Thomas, Jr., 6-1, 190 性视界传媒� DL Brett Andros, So., 6-1, 230 性视界传媒� DB Caden Newman, Jr., 5-9, 165 性视界传媒� DB Dominic Alexander, Sr., 6-1, 185 性视界传媒� DB Eric Morrow, Sr., 6-0, 180

Spring Hill surged late in the 2020 season to earn a trip to the postseason and generate some excitement going into the 2021 campaign. That included wins by the Panthers in their final three non-district games and last two district contests. As dramatic as that was last season, the team doesn性视界传媒檛 want to put itself in the same tough spot in 2021. It plans to lean on junior quarterback Jax Stovall (750 yards and eight touchdowns), junior running back Davaunte Powers (820 yards and eight rushing touchdowns), senior defensive lineman Cameron Webb (65 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, two caused fumbles and one blocked kick), senior wide receiver and linebacker Grayson Crews (185 receiving yards and 25 tackles), senior offensive lineman Gavin Amerson (35 pancakes), senior offensive lineman Tony Natera (40 pancakes), junior defensive lineman and fullback Bayne Brinkman (52 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and one caused fumble), junior fullback and linebacker Brooks Hill (71 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and one fumble recovery) and sophomore safety Carson Tidwell. The final four games of Spring Hill性视界传媒檚 district schedule are matchups to watch this season. The October 15th home game against Liberty-Eylau and October 22nd game at Pleasant Grove are notable because Spring Hill never got to face those teams on the field in 2020. The October 29th home game against Pittsburg and November 5th game at North Lamar are crucial as well because the Panthers advanced to the playoffs last season because of wins against those opponents. To stay competitive this fall, expect them to lean on their strong defensive line and returning quarterback and tailback starters.

PITTSBURG PIRATES

COACH: Triston Abron (1st season, 28-10 overall, 0-0 at Pittsburg)

ALL-TIME: 492-490-33

STADIUM: Pirate Stadium, 300 North Texas Street, Pittsburg, 75686

2020 RESULTS: 1-8

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 25/13

LETTERMEN LOST: 6

OFFENSE: PISTOL SLOT-T

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Brayden Bolton, Sr., 5-9, 180 性视界传媒� OL Edward Simmons, Sr., 6-4, 330 性视界传媒� QB/TE Jaxson Ramsey, Sr., 5-10, 200 性视界传媒� TE Ty Price, Sr., 5-9, 215 性视界传媒� TE Bralyn Johnson, Sr., 6-2, 260 性视界传媒� OL Nathan Thompson, Jr., 6-2, 250

DEFENSE: 3-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Christian Bates, Sr., 6-0, 250 性视界传媒� DB Brayden Bolton, Sr., 5-9, 180 性视界传媒� DL Edward Simmons, Sr., 6-4, 330 性视界传媒� LB Jaxson Ramsey, Sr., 5-10, 200 性视界传媒� LB Ty Price, Sr., 5-9, 215 性视界传媒� DL Bralyn Johnson, Sr., 6-2, 260 性视界传媒� DL Nathan Thompson, Jr., 6-2, 250

Pittsburg impressed in its only win in 2020 and was competitive in another district game, so it can build off of those performances in 2021. The Pirates shined in their dominant 61-0 shutout victory against district foe North Lamar and just missed the postseason due to a four-point loss against Spring Hill. You can expect their October 29th game at Spring Hill to play a role in deciding the district性视界传媒檚 fourth and final playoff qualifier again. They plan to battle with senior linebacker Christian Bates, senior running back and defensive back Brayden Bolton, senior offensive and defensive lineman Edward Simmons, senior quarterback, tight end and linebacker Jaxson Ramsey, senior linebacker and tight end Ty Price, senior defensive lineman and tight end Bralyn Johnson and junior offensive and defensive lineman Nathan Thompson. The experience of returning starters will help the team adjust to the new offensive and defensive schemes.

NORTH LAMAR PANTHERS

COACH: Brenton Whitaker (1st season, 0-0)

ALL-TIME: 185-326-7

STADIUM: R. L. Maddox Stadium, 3201 Lewis Lane, Paris, 75462

2020 RESULTS: 0-8

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 23/14

LETTERMEN LOST: 13

OFFENSE: SPREAD

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Dawson Dority, Sr., 6-2, 175 性视界传媒� WR Ayden Exum, Jr., 6-4, 180 性视界传媒� RB Matthew Sandlin, Jr., 5-10, 165 性视界传媒� WR Zain Figueroa, Sr., 5-10, 165 性视界传媒� OL Jason Peregrina, Sr., 6-1, 265 性视界传媒� C/QB Blake Hildreth, So., 5-11, 150

DEFENSE: 3-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Zain Figueroa, Sr., 5-10, 165

North Lamar didn性视界传媒檛 win a game in 2020, but improvement under new head coach Brenton Whitaker can extend its stay in the 2021 playoff race. Due to four of the six district teams qualifying for the playoffs, the Panthers would likely need two district wins to advance to the postseason in 2021. They plan to stay competitive with senior quarterback Dawson Dority, junior wide receiver Ayden Exum, junior running back Matthew Sandlin, senior wide receiver and defensive back Zain Figueroa, senior offensive lineman Jason Peregrina and sophomore center and quarterback Blake Hildreth. The team expects big things from its skill players this fall, but also plans to develop the men in the trenches.