The Zone: District 9-4A Division I

Hour 28 of our 40 Hours of Football brings about a trip to District 9-4A, Division I. For stories and photo galleries you might have missed, click here.

OUR PICKS

1. LINDALE

2. CHAPEL HILL

3. KILGORE

4. HENDERSON

5. PALESTINE

6. ATHENS

7. MABANK

LINDALE EAGLES

COACH: Chris Cochran (5th year at school, 31-18)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 393-454-17

STADIUM: Eagle Stadium, 200 Stadium Dr., Lindale, 75771

2020 RESULT: 13-3

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 21/12

LETTERMEN LOST: 23

OFFENSE: Power spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Jacob Seekford, Sr., 5-8, 160 性视界传媒� QB Sam Peterson, Sr., 6-4, 188 性视界传媒� OL Will Hutchens, Jr., 6-3, 235 性视界传媒� TE Cody Swaim, Sr., 6-2, 190 性视界传媒� WR Evan Alford, Sr., 6-4, 165 性视界传媒� OL Casey Poe, Soph., 6-4, 250 性视界传媒� OL Trey Mazratian, Jr., 5-11, 240 性视界传媒� OL Kieler Miller, Sr., 6-2, 230 性视界传媒� RB Kasey Villareal, Sr., 5-7, 175 性视界传媒� WR Judson Long, Sr. 性视界传媒� OL Yahir Soto, Sr.

DEFENSE: 4-2-5

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jacob Seekford, Sr., 5-8, 160 性视界传媒� LB Colton Widemon, Sr., 6-0, 210 性视界传媒� DL Cody Swaim, Sr., 6-2, 190 性视界传媒� DL Christian King, Jr., 5-10, 210 性视界传媒� LB/S Levi Thornton, Jr., 5-8, 170 性视界传媒� DL Omarr Webber, Sr., 5-8, 210 性视界传媒� DL Kieler Miller, Sr., 6-2, 230 性视界传媒� DB Brett Maya, Jr., 5-10, 155 性视界传媒� LB Ryan Stanton, Jr., 5-10, 175

2021 OUTLOOK: Last season was one for the record books for the Eagles. Can they run it back after advancing past the second round for the first time in program history and making it all the way to the Class 4A Division I title game? Only time will tell. In order to do so, the Eagles have to replace some big-time players, most notably running back Jordan Jenkins (Baylor), Airik Williams (Mary Hardin-Baylor) and Jaymond Jackson (Lamar). But the cupboard is not bare, especially on offense. Despite losing a 3,000-plus-yard rusher in Jenkins, the Eagles still have plenty of firepower on offense. The connection of Peterson and Seekford will be back in the mix. Peterson threw for 2,474 yards with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season. He enters his senior campaign with a 16-4 record as the starting quarterback. Peterson is also the Eagles性视界传媒� top returning rusher as he had 516 yards and four touchdowns on the ground as a junior. Seekford had 70 catches for 1,006 yards and 10 touchdowns. Cochran said he is excited about an athletic offensive line that looks to be really physical. Widemon (114 tackles, 7 TFL) and King (70 tackles, 6.5 sacks) are back to lead the defense.

CHAPEL HILL BULLDOGS

COACH: Jeff Riordan (3rd year at school, 10-13; 77-30 overall)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 321-414-12

STADIUM: Bulldog Stadium, 13172 State Highway 64 East, Tyler, 75707

2020 RESULT: 8-5

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 35/14

LETTERMEN LOST: 10

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Solomon Macfoy, Sr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� WR Deuce McGregor, Jr., 5-10, 160 性视界传媒� ATH Tyson Berry, Jr., 5-7, 175 性视界传媒� OL Keviyan Huddleston, Jr., 6-4, 235 性视界传媒� WR Ahstin Watkins, Jr., 6-5, 210 性视界传媒� OL Corey Johnson, Jr., 6-3, 275 性视界传媒� RB Ja性视界传媒橩errion Davis, Sr., 6-0, 190 性视界传媒� OL Nathan Ruiz, Sr., 5-10, 200 性视界传媒� RB Samari Willis, Sr., 5-10, 175 性视界传媒� QB/P Tyler Jones, Jr., 5-11, 150 性视界传媒� WR Lee Preston, Jr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� RB D性视界传媒橝ndre Williams, Jr., 5-7, 150

DEFENSE: Even

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Solomon Macfoy, Sr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� DB Deuce McGregor, Jr., 5-10, 160 性视界传媒� DL Keviyan Huddleston, Jr., 6-4, 235 性视界传媒� LB Brack Dyer, Sr., 5-10, 205 性视界传媒� DL Ladainian Mosley, Sr., 6-0, 230 性视界传媒� DL Ahstin Watkins, Jr., 6-5, 210 性视界传媒� DL Corey Johnson, Jr., 6-3, 275 性视界传媒� LB Da性视界传媒橵eon Ross, Soph., 6-0, 185 性视界传媒� LB/DL Ja性视界传媒橳avion Watson, Sr., 6-1, 220 性视界传媒� DL Ja性视界传媒橩errion Davis, Sr., 6-0, 190 性视界传媒� DL Nathan Ruiz, Sr., 5-10, 200 性视界传媒� DL Devin Howland, Sr., 6-0, 215 性视界传媒� DB Samari Willis, Sr., 5-10, 175 性视界传媒� DB Lee Preston, Jr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� DB D性视界传媒橝ndre Williams, Jr., 5-7, 150

2021 OUTLOOK: Here come the Bulldogs. After going three rounds deep in the playoffs last season before falling to district foe and state finalist Lindale, Chapel Hill is equipped for a big season in 2021. Only 10 players graduated 性视界传媒攐ne was quarterback Cameron Ford, who put up big numbers 性视界传媒� but there is plenty of experience back on this roster. Jones is expected to take over at quarterback, and he will have plenty of weapons. Macfoy had 34 catches for 584 yards and four touchdowns. McGregor had 56 catches for 1,266 yards and 10 touchdowns. Berry had nearly 500 yards of offense. Willis was limited last year by injury but still rushed had more than 300 yards of offense in three games. Watkins provides a big target. On defense, Dyer (118 tackles, 17 TFL), Mosley (45 tackles, 6 TFL) and Watson (100 tackles, 5 TFL) are all back. Ross had 12 tackles in his one start as a sophomore and is expected to have a breakout sophomore campaign. Adolfo Tamayo made all 52 of his extra-point tries and was 5-for-7 on field goals.

KILGORE BULLDOGS

COACH: Clint Fuller (1st year at school, 0-0)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 555-368-30

STADIUM: R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium, Harris St. at Simmons St., Kilgore, 75662

2020 RESULT: 10-4

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 20/7

LETTERMEN LOST: 21

OFFENSE: Multiple I

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Jermaine Roney, Sr., 5-10, 180 性视界传媒� QB Daverion VanZandt, Jr., 5-11, 210 性视界传媒� WR Matthew Tyeskie, Jr., 5-10, 165 性视界传媒� RB Matthew Hardy, Soph., 5-9, 180 性视界传媒� K Kris Baldoza, Sr., 5-7, 160

DEFENSE: 4-2-5

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Alex Chavez, Sr., 6-3, 245 性视界传媒� DB Marcaelin Caraway, Sr., 6-0, 192 性视界传媒� DB Davin Rider, Sr., 6-0, 186 性视界传媒� LB Chris Ervin, Sr., 5-8, 170 性视界传媒� DL Payton Christian, Jr., 5-11, 255 性视界传媒� LB Millard Wiley, Soph., 6-1, 180

2021 OUTLOOK: There will be a new head football coach at the helm for the Kilgore Bulldogs. Mike Wood stepped down after 11 seasons to become the district性视界传媒檚 Director of Athletics and Athletic Facilities. Kilgore went 83-53 under Wood. Taking over is Clint Fuller, who spent the last three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Pleasant Grove High School. Fuller is the 22nd head football coach in Kilgore性视界传媒檚 program history, but just the third in the last 26 seasons. Kilgore advanced to the state quarterfinals last season before falling to district foe Lindale. The Bulldogs will look to fill several holes from the 2020 squad as three players signed to play at the Division I FCS level. Just two starters return on offense. One is Roney, who caught 39 passes for 519 yards as a junior. VanZandt will step in at quarterback and will also have Tyeskie to throw the ball to. Hardy will take over the running back spot as a sophomore. Chavez (56 tackles, 3 sacks), Caraway (53 tackles), Rider (93 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions) and Ervin (75 tackles) are back on the defensive side. Baldoza gives the Bulldogs a weapon on special teams, going 64 of 66 on extra points and connecting on seven of 10 field goal attempts with a long of 43 yards. Even though there was a lot of turnover for the Bulldogs in the offseason, Kilgore always has to be considered a contender for a district crown and deep playoff run.

HENDERSON LIONS

COACH: Othell Robinson (1st year at school, 22-40 overall)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 583-413-54

STADIUM: 700 Lion St., Henderson, 75654

2020 RESULT: 3-6

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 29/13

LETTERMEN LOST: 17

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Ya性视界传媒機orus Porter, Sr., 5-8, 140 性视界传媒� WR Devin Phillips, Sr., 6-3, 175 性视界传媒� WR Tobaius Jackson, Sr., 5-11, 170 性视界传媒� QB Donovan Davis, Sr., 6-0, 165 性视界传媒� RB Ty Fuller, Jr., 5-10, 185 性视界传媒� OL Smauel Quintanilla, Sr., 6-0, 230 性视界传媒� TE Brandon Paske, Sr., 5-10, 220 性视界传媒� OL Dedrick Jackson, Sr., 6-4, 350 性视界传媒� QB Jacobe Robinson, Jr., 6-4, 200 性视界传媒� WR Jamal Robinson, Jr., 5-8, 158

DEFENSE: 4-2-5

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Ya性视界传媒機orus Porter, Sr., 5-8, 140 性视界传媒� LB Trust Carston, Sr., 6-1, 160 性视界传媒� DB Tobaius Jackson, Sr., 5-11, 170 性视界传媒� DL Devin Fields, Sr., 5-11, 235 性视界传媒� DB Josh Howard, Jr., 5-11, 160 性视界传媒� DB Cordarius Grange, Sr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� LB Christian Brown, Sr., 5-11, 180 性视界传媒� LB Kyler Branham, Sr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� DB Charles Simpson, Sr., 6-10, 170 性视界传媒� LB Giovanni Morales, Sr., 5-10, 170

2021 OUTLOOK: Phil Castles is out after eight seasons, and Othell Robinson is in. Castles led the Lions to a 62-33 mark and four rounds deep in the playoffs on three separate occasions. Robinson was most recently the offensive coordinator at Crowley. He is a 1997 graduate of Texas A&M Kingsville and has been coaching for 24 years. Prior to coaching at Crowley, he was at Lewisville High School and was athletic coordinator and head football coach at Fort Worth Eastern Hills and Fort Worth Poly. He also coached at the Class 6A level at Denton Guyer and at DeSoto, where he was pass game coordinator during a perfect season in 2016. Joining Robinson are his sons, Jacobe and Jamal, who started for Crowley last season as sophomores. Robinson and Davis will likely be in the mix to be the Lions性视界传媒� signal caller. Phillips is the top returning receiver for the Lions with 18 grabs for 349 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson is the leading returning rusher (92 yards, 1 touchdown) and tackler (61 tackles), and he had three interceptions. Fields is also back on the defense after compiling four sacks.

PALESTINE WILDCATS

COACH: Lance Angel (7th year at school, 36-31; 91-68 overall)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 513-521-40

STADIUM: Wildcat Stadium, 1600 S. Loop 256, Palestine, 75801

2020 RESULT: 6-5

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 19/11

LETTERMEN LOST: 20

OFFENSE: Wing-T

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Jarrett Henry, Sr., 6-6, 315 性视界传媒� RB Taj性视界传媒橲hawn Wilson, Jr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� RB Shedrick Dudley, Jr., 5-9, 175 性视界传媒� RB Jermny Walker, Sr., 6-0, 160 性视界传媒� OL Mason Mitchell, Sr., 6-5, 260 性视界传媒� OL Kaleb Hagans, Sr., 6-5, 260 性视界传媒� OL Quan性视界传媒橳ae Gage, Jr., 5-9, 235 性视界传媒� TE Anthony McLaughlin, Jr., 6-3, 260 性视界传媒� TE Peayton Giles, Soph., 6-1, 200 性视界传媒� RB Kobey Taylor, Sr., 5-8, 150 性视界传媒� QB Jarod Walker, Sr., 5-11, 162 性视界传媒� QB Dy性视界传媒橫yzean Martin, Sr., 6-1, 175 性视界传媒� K Luke James, Sr., 6-0, 174 性视界传媒� OL Pedro Garcia-Castillo, Sr., 6-0, 300

DEFENSE: 50

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Taj性视界传媒橲hawn Wilson, Jr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� LB Shedrick Dudley, Jr., 5-9, 175 性视界传媒� DB Jermny Walker, Sr., 6-0, 160 性视界传媒� DL Anthony McLaughlin, Jr., 6-3, 260 性视界传媒� DL Peayton Giles, Soph., 6-1, 200 性视界传媒� DB Kobey Taylor, Sr., 5-8, 150 性视界传媒� LB Tyler Hunt, Sr., 5-9, 150 性视界传媒� DL Jamyrian Black, Sr., 5-10, 255

2021 OUTLOOK: Angel is entering his third season at Palestine during his second stint with the school. Angel was with the Wildcats from 2010-13 before returning in 2019. Palestine has had a winning record in Angel性视界传媒檚 five most recent seasons with the program. With eight returning starters on offense, the Wildcats should be able to extend that streak. It will start up front with four starters returning on the offensive line, led by Henry. Palestine is also experienced at running back, and Wilson, Dudley, Walker and Taylor provide plenty of options to make plays out of the backfield. Dudley had 800 yards on 95 carries last season. A lot of those same guys will also lead the way on defense, where only three starters are back.

ATHENS HORNETS

COACH: Zac Harrell (3rd year at school, 9-12)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 483-524-29

STADIUM: Bruce Field, 480 Royal Street, Athens, 75751

2020 RESULT: 4-6

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/11

LETTERMEN LOST: 21

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Ty Arroyo, Jr., 5-11, 175 性视界传媒� RB JeCorey Roberts, Sr., 5-10, 210 性视界传媒� OL John Hayes, Sr., 6-5, 235 性视界传媒� WR Jorien Ray, Soph., 5-11, 170 性视界传媒� QB Jaxson Stiles, Soph., 6-2, 195 性视界传媒� WR Jermarius Moore, Jr., 5-11, 165 性视界传媒� WR Brenson McNeil, Jr., 6-1, 170 性视界传媒� OL Ivan Pinedo, Jr., 6-0, 220 性视界传媒� QB/WR Daniel Stanley, Sr., 5-10, 165

DEFENSE: 4-3

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB/DB Gage Friedrich, Soph., 5-11, 175 性视界传媒� DB Trey Manning, Jr., 5-10, 170 性视界传媒� DL Dylan Grubbs, Jr., 5-11, 225 性视界传媒� DB/LB Jaxson Stiles, Soph., 6-2, 195 性视界传媒� DL Hunter White, Soph., 5-9, 225 性视界传媒� DB Brenson McNeil, Jr., 6-1, 170 性视界传媒� DL Kaleb Russell, Jr., 5-10, 220 性视界传媒� DL Marco Rocha, Sr., 6-2, 205 性视界传媒� DB/LB Jamauri Manning, Soph., 6-0, 175

2020 OUTLOOK: Arroyo had a strong sophomore season and will look to take another step forward in 2021. He was 102 of 175 for 1,241 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he had 93 carries for 524 yards and six touchdowns. Trey Manning (63 tackles) is back on defense. Cesar Martinez returns to handle the kicking duties after making 29 extra points and both field goal attempts last season. Harrell said that Athens will have speed in the secondary but will need to overcome inexperience on the offensive line.

MABANK PANTHERS

COACH: Zack Hudson

ALL-TIME RECORD: 376-434-21

STADIUM: Panther Stadium, 822 W. Mason Street, Mabank, 75147

2020 RESULT: 4-6

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 25

LETTERMEN LOST: 12

OFFENSE: Slot-T

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Caleb Goforth, Sr., 6-0, 215 性视界传媒� OL Raul Carrasco, Jr., 6-1, 280 性视界传媒� TE Braxton McCabe, Sr., 6-4, 240 性视界传媒� RB Cody Chapman, Jr, 6-0, 170 性视界传媒� RB Aiden Wilkenson, Jr., 5-11, 170 性视界传媒� RB Kyler Howeth, Soph., 5-10, 160

DEFENSE: 4-3

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Caleb Goforth, Sr., 6-0, 215 性视界传媒� DL Kaizen Burrows, Sr., 6-1, 215 性视界传媒� DB JJ Flores, Soph., 5-11, 170 性视界传媒� DB Kyler Howeth, Soph., 5-10, 160 性视界传媒� DL Sam Bowker, Sr., 5-11, 200 性视界传媒� DL Dallas Smith, Sr., 6-3, 270

2020 OUTLOOK: From 2012-18, Mabank won a total of eight games. In the past two seasons, the Panthers have compiled 10 wins and will be looking for more in 2021. It will start with an experienced defense that returns eight starters, led by Goforth (74 tackles, 12 TFL) and Burrows (46 tackles, 15 TFL, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles). Expect big things from Howeth, who Hudson said had to miss most of his freshman season due to COVID-19 but was the best player on the field when he was able to play.