VYPE 5A -- No. 15 The Lamar Redskins

Click to view image

Lamar Redskins

Tradition Continues

Head Coach: Tom Nolen

2011 Overall Record: 10-3

Postseason: Lost to Pearland in the Third-Round

By Randy McIlvoy

Throughout the past two decades one of the true, traditional powers in Houston has been at Lamar High School. The Redskins are the class of HISD and will make their annual pilgrimage through district en route to a playoff appearance.

That was the case in 2011. Head coach Tom Nolen is one of the deans of coaching in the Greater Houston area always seems to have his Redskins teams peaking by late November. Last fall was not the start Nolen was looking for. Lamar won its opener against Clear Brook, but then dropped back-to-back games against Fort Bend Elkins and a 21-10 loss to the Brenham Cubs.

That was the wake-up call Lamar needed and they promptly reeled off nine consecutive wins before a season-ending playoff loss in round three against the Pearland Oilers.

Back in 2012 is quarterback Darrell Colbert, who is a highlight reel waiting to happen. Last fall, Colbert passed for 1,392 yards and 18 touchdowns along with 14 interceptions.

Colbert will look to a revamped receiving corps led by Beau Wells, who had 14 catches in 2011 for 178 yards and two touchdowns. WR Cory Mitchell is also back after his two-touchdown effort in 2011. In Lamar's backfield, Colbert will turn to Darius Durrall, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound junior, who will lead the Redskins after rushing for 231 yards and three touchdowns in 2011.  

Lamar will have to deal with major losses including top running back London Kirby, but Nolen will find a back in due time.

Defensively, Lamar lost stellar defensive back Daniel Lopez, who had eight interceptions, but the Redskins will relay on Cedrick Lancaster to anchor the secondary after his four interceptions last fall.

#3pointstance

Lamar's offense will rely heavily on quarterback Darrell Colbert to get it done in all phases and stay healthy.  He'll create havoc on opposing defenses but will need new receivers to step up, trust the offense and learn to make the catches when the Redskins need them the most. The offensive line will have the job of protecting Colbert and give him time in the pocket and create hole for him to use his speed to make plays. Defensively, the Redskins will have some new faces that coach Nolen will count on to grow up quickly.

Schedule

8/31 Klein Forest

9/8 @Elkins

9/15 @Beaumont Westbrook

9/21 Alief Elsik

9/28 @Westbury

10/13 Westside

10/20 @Sam Houston

10/26 Madison

11/2 @Bellaire

11/8 Chavez