Spring Football Wrap Up for North Houston

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HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

The Slate is Wiped Clean As Spring Football Wraps Up

By Matt Malatesta

School is out for the summer, but just before the books were turned in for the year, spring football gave the football community a glimpse into what to expect for the 2012 season.

So what was learned over the three-week period?

District 13-5A is considered one of the toughest conferences in the state of Texas and that won't change in 2012. Klein Oak and Klein Collins will both be looking for quarterbacks next season, but outside of that, they Panthers and Tigers are stacked with talented young athletes.

Klein Oak junior-to-be mini-back Larenzo Stewart is considered one of the most dangerous weapons in the state of Texas at 5-foot-6, 155-pounds. His lateral movement and explosion through the hole is an impressive as his track speed.

"The Dallas Skyline coaches thought he was the best back in Texas," Orangebloods.com's Jason Howell said. "And that is saying something, seeing the competition they played. They were highly impressed."

The biggest surprise could be move-in quarterback Jordan Davis (6-foot-3), who comes from Wheaton High School in Illinois. The junior-to-be finished last year as the starting quarterback for Wheaton who made a run through the playoffs and into the state championship game.

"I'm excited to be back here in Texas, where the football competition is fierce," he said. "I'm just learning to system and hope to contribute next season."

Jordan joins Rand Turnbull, who transferred from Cy Woods, along with returners Michael Trotter and Jonathan Toth as the Panthers' potential signal-callers.

Leading the defense will be linebackers Javon Shelley and Josh Mabin, who made a big impact on the district as sophomores. Mabin was the Newcomer of the Year, who is returning from a knee injury suffered last season. Shelley has moved from defensive end to linebacker.

The cupboard at Klein Collins is teaming over in 2012 as well. Running back Michael Goodson should have a nice season, following the lead of offensive linemen Chance Allen (Kansas State-commit) and Tyler Tezeno.

Tezeno has become the highest rising 2012 college prospect in north Houston this spring. He's picked up offers from nearly a dozen schools including BCS power LSU.

"College coaches love his size and athleticism," coach Drew Svoboda said. "He could project as an offensive or defensive lineman. What college recruiters also like are his academics. He competes in the classroom."

On defense, the backfield is loaded with talented underclassmen in Isaiah Santos and Jordan Thomas. Santos follows brothers Ryan (headed to New Mexico) and David (at Nebraska) on the Tiger defense, while Thomas has his sights set on Stanford with his abilities on the field and in the classroom.

Westfield will be physical as usual on defense with the likes of defensive tackle Hardreck Walker and defensive backs Ron Knowles and Goldie Jones. Linebacker Tony Qualls returns from injury and is developing into 2012 team leader.

“I feel really good by what we got accomplished the last three and a half weeks. We had some guys with some nagging injuries, but nothing serious. They had to sit out, but it was great because you pretty much know who your (starter) guys are,” coach Corby Meekins said. “So you are trying to build depth and trying to look one-to-two years down the road. I have to see today, but I've also got to see the big picture.”

Defending state champs Dekaney lost a lot on both sides of the ball, and will be in a dog-fight for a playoff spot in 2012. Quarterback D'Juan Hines returns but will it be enough to hold off Klein, Klein Forest, Atascocita, Kingwood and Spring?

Klein Forest welcomes coach Barry Abecrombie from Class 5A state finalist Hightower, but he's was still putting together a coaching staff and getting settled during the spring football period.

Klein will be young, but running back David Hamm can carry a heavy load for the Bearkats. Barry Campbell takes over at Kingwood and Craig Stump will now lead the Atascocita Eagles.

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District 14-5A will have a drastically different look with the additions of A&M Consolidated and Bryan. The Woodlands and Lufkin will still be the favorites, while Consolidated will also be a playoff team with the likes of their stingy defense and wide-open offense.

The Highlanders saw a glimpse at their next potential superstar in sophomore back Patrick Carr. Carr is raw, but gives The Woodlands a homerun threat that they were lacking from the tailback position a year ago.

Carr will also benefit from a large offensive line led by seniors Jonathan Huckins and Sam Kronshage. The quarterback position is uncertain, but athlete Jayme Taylor will give their offense some more punch from the slot receiver or Wild Highlander position. The Woodlands leaned on a tremendous defense a year ago, but will have to replace much of that unit in 2012. Taylor may play a little outside linebacker when needed.

College Park has impressed in 7-on-7 competition and will compete against Oak Ridge, Conroe and Bryan for the final spot. Oak Ridge welcomes new coach Dereck Rush and a fresh perspective to the War Eagle program. Lufkin enters their first season new coach Todd Quick after the death of legendary coach John Outlaw.

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Tomball's Tommy Kaiser has retired and turned over the reigns to Waco coach Danny Ramsey. Ramsey has ties to the area, serving as an assistant at Cy Creek. Ramsey was 15-17 at Waco but made the playoffs the last two seasons. Moving to Class 4A is big for the Cougars, who should make the playoffs for years to come. Tomball Memorial's program is in their early stages as they will compete at the varsity level this season in the new District 22-4A

District 18-4A will be wide-open. Traditional powers Brenham and Montgomery will be challenged by Huntsville and Willis for the next two years. Magnolia West will need to find a replacement for super-back Desmond Richards, while Willis will need to reload after DI schools raided their 2011 talent. Magnolia could surprise with their new offense and a pair of nice defensive line pieces.

While dual-sport star Todd Eaglin has graduated and is off to Tyler Junior College to play basketball, The Woodlands Christian Academy has another star in James Bento (6-foot-5. 200-pounds), who will be the go-to guy for the Warriors.