VYPE 5A -- No. 14 The Pearland Oilers

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Pearland Oilers

Not Going Down Without a Fight

Head Coach: Tony Heath

Overall 2011 Record: 11-3

Postseason: Reached the Regional Finals

By Matt Malatesta

CUTLINE: Protecting the Rig will be Justin Phillips, Jacob Garner and John Gibberman.

With the new realignment in February, a natural rivalry is seemingly taking shape. Manvel, who reached the state finals in Class 4A, moves up to Class 5A this season. Unfortunately they were paired with one of the most decorated Texas High School football programs over the past decade -- the Pearland Oilers.

Pearland reached the Elite 8 a year ago, falling to Hightower in the regional finals. Sure the Oilers lost players to graduation, but coach Tony Heath has built a program that reloads year after year.

Leading Pearland this season will be senior John Gibberman, who was the starting varsity fullback when the Oilers won state in 2010. Now it's his turn to take the leadership role and Heath has moved him to the other side of the ball.

"It's crazy how time flies," he said. "I remember like it was yesterday playing in the state game. Now it's my turn and it means so much to me to finish strong during my last season. I'm happy to move over to linebacker and I think our defense is really coming together."

Gibberman joins junior Justin Phillips in the middle of the Oiler defense, while Devante Dotson will hold down the secondary. Phillips is more of a rover and will be a mid-major DI recruit as a senior.

On offense, quarterback Jacob Garner returns after a solid junior season and 14 starts. He threw for over 1,800 yards and doesn't make many mistakes. Kevin Washington and Adam Saunders will be the go-to receivers, while JaColbie Butler is emerging as the next talented Pearland back.

Pearland should be 8-0 entering the Manvel game, which will be played at The Rig, and likely for the rights for the district championship.

#threepointstance

Pearland will blow through district until their inaugural match-up against Manvel. The Mavs better be ready for Class 5A competition. Running back JaColbie Butler needs to make a splash to open the passing lanes for the Jacob Garner and company. The Oilers will easily make the playoffs on coaching and preparedness alone. Let's see how far they can go in the postseason.

The 2012 Schedule

8/31 @ Houston Madison

9/07 @ Kempner

9/14 Spring Branch Memorial

9/21 OPEN

9/28 Pasadena

10/4 @ Sam Rayburn

10/12 Alvin

10/19 South Houston

10/26 @ Pasadena Memorial

11/2 Manvel

11/08 @ Dobie