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 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ QB Sam Peterson, Sr., 6-4, 188 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Will Hutchens, Jr., 6-3, 235 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ TE Cody Swaim, Sr., 6-2, 190 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Evan Alford, Sr., 6-4, 165 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Casey Poe, Soph., 6-4, 250 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Trey Mazratian, Jr., 5-11, 240 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Kieler Miller, Sr., 6-2, 230 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB Kasey Villareal, Sr., 5-7, 175 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Judson Long, Sr. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Yahir Soto, Sr.
DEFENSE: 4-2-5
DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jacob Seekford, Sr., 5-8, 160 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB Colton Widemon, Sr., 6-0, 210 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Cody Swaim, Sr., 6-2, 190 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Christian King, Jr., 5-10, 210 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB/S Levi Thornton, Jr., 5-8, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Omarr Webber, Sr., 5-8, 210 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Kieler Miller, Sr., 6-2, 230 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Brett Maya, Jr., 5-10, 155 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ 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 EaglesÐÔÊӽ紫ý™ 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 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Deuce McGregor, Jr., 5-10, 160 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ ATH Tyson Berry, Jr., 5-7, 175 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Keviyan Huddleston, Jr., 6-4, 235 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Ahstin Watkins, Jr., 6-5, 210 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Corey Johnson, Jr., 6-3, 275 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB JaÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Kerrion Davis, Sr., 6-0, 190 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Nathan Ruiz, Sr., 5-10, 200 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB Samari Willis, Sr., 5-10, 175 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ QB/P Tyler Jones, Jr., 5-11, 150 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Lee Preston, Jr., 5-10, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB DÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Andre Williams, Jr., 5-7, 150
DEFENSE: Even
DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Solomon Macfoy, Sr., 5-10, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Deuce McGregor, Jr., 5-10, 160 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Keviyan Huddleston, Jr., 6-4, 235 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB Brack Dyer, Sr., 5-10, 205 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Ladainian Mosley, Sr., 6-0, 230 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Ahstin Watkins, Jr., 6-5, 210 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Corey Johnson, Jr., 6-3, 275 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB DaÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Veon Ross, Soph., 6-0, 185 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB/DL JaÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Tavion Watson, Sr., 6-1, 220 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL JaÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Kerrion Davis, Sr., 6-0, 190 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Nathan Ruiz, Sr., 5-10, 200 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Devin Howland, Sr., 6-0, 215 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Samari Willis, Sr., 5-10, 175 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Lee Preston, Jr., 5-10, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB DÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Andre 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 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý”one was quarterback Cameron Ford, who put up big numbers ÐÔÊӽ紫ý” 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 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ QB Daverion VanZandt, Jr., 5-11, 210 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Matthew Tyeskie, Jr., 5-10, 165 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB Matthew Hardy, Soph., 5-9, 180 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ K Kris Baldoza, Sr., 5-7, 160
DEFENSE: 4-2-5
DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Alex Chavez, Sr., 6-3, 245 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Marcaelin Caraway, Sr., 6-0, 192 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Davin Rider, Sr., 6-0, 186 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB Chris Ervin, Sr., 5-8, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Payton Christian, Jr., 5-11, 255 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ 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 districtÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s 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 KilgoreÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s 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 YaÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Corus Porter, Sr., 5-8, 140 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Devin Phillips, Sr., 6-3, 175 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Tobaius Jackson, Sr., 5-11, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ QB Donovan Davis, Sr., 6-0, 165 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB Ty Fuller, Jr., 5-10, 185 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Smauel Quintanilla, Sr., 6-0, 230 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ TE Brandon Paske, Sr., 5-10, 220 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Dedrick Jackson, Sr., 6-4, 350 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ QB Jacobe Robinson, Jr., 6-4, 200 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Jamal Robinson, Jr., 5-8, 158
DEFENSE: 4-2-5
DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB YaÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Corus Porter, Sr., 5-8, 140 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB Trust Carston, Sr., 6-1, 160 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Tobaius Jackson, Sr., 5-11, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Devin Fields, Sr., 5-11, 235 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Josh Howard, Jr., 5-11, 160 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Cordarius Grange, Sr., 5-10, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB Christian Brown, Sr., 5-11, 180 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB Kyler Branham, Sr., 5-10, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Charles Simpson, Sr., 6-10, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ 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 LionsÐÔÊӽ紫ý™ 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 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB TajÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Shawn Wilson, Jr., 5-10, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB Shedrick Dudley, Jr., 5-9, 175 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB Jermny Walker, Sr., 6-0, 160 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Mason Mitchell, Sr., 6-5, 260 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Kaleb Hagans, Sr., 6-5, 260 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL QuanÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Tae Gage, Jr., 5-9, 235 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ TE Anthony McLaughlin, Jr., 6-3, 260 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ TE Peayton Giles, Soph., 6-1, 200 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB Kobey Taylor, Sr., 5-8, 150 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ QB Jarod Walker, Sr., 5-11, 162 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ QB DyÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Myzean Martin, Sr., 6-1, 175 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ K Luke James, Sr., 6-0, 174 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Pedro Garcia-Castillo, Sr., 6-0, 300
DEFENSE: 50
DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB TajÐÔÊӽ紫ý™Shawn Wilson, Jr., 5-10, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB Shedrick Dudley, Jr., 5-9, 175 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Jermny Walker, Sr., 6-0, 160 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Anthony McLaughlin, Jr., 6-3, 260 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Peayton Giles, Soph., 6-1, 200 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Kobey Taylor, Sr., 5-8, 150 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ LB Tyler Hunt, Sr., 5-9, 150 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ 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 AngelÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s 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 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB JeCorey Roberts, Sr., 5-10, 210 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL John Hayes, Sr., 6-5, 235 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Jorien Ray, Soph., 5-11, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ QB Jaxson Stiles, Soph., 6-2, 195 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Jermarius Moore, Jr., 5-11, 165 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ WR Brenson McNeil, Jr., 6-1, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Ivan Pinedo, Jr., 6-0, 220 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ QB/WR Daniel Stanley, Sr., 5-10, 165
DEFENSE: 4-3
DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB/DB Gage Friedrich, Soph., 5-11, 175 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Trey Manning, Jr., 5-10, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Dylan Grubbs, Jr., 5-11, 225 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB/LB Jaxson Stiles, Soph., 6-2, 195 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Hunter White, Soph., 5-9, 225 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Brenson McNeil, Jr., 6-1, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Kaleb Russell, Jr., 5-10, 220 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Marco Rocha, Sr., 6-2, 205 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ 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 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ OL Raul Carrasco, Jr., 6-1, 280 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ TE Braxton McCabe, Sr., 6-4, 240 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB Cody Chapman, Jr, 6-0, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB Aiden Wilkenson, Jr., 5-11, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ RB Kyler Howeth, Soph., 5-10, 160
DEFENSE: 4-3
DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Caleb Goforth, Sr., 6-0, 215 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Kaizen Burrows, Sr., 6-1, 215 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB JJ Flores, Soph., 5-11, 170 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DB Kyler Howeth, Soph., 5-10, 160 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ DL Sam Bowker, Sr., 5-11, 200 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý¦ 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.