A Look Back at State Championships

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The State Recap

Ahmard Vital

@ahmardvital

Just before Christmas, the Texas State Playoff games took place in Arlington, Texas at Dallas Cowboys Stadium. From the Houston area, four teams went in with aspirations of bringing home the hardware.

No. 7 Sweet for Katy Tigers

Class 5A, Division II

In the Class 5A Division II, Katy defeated Cedar Hill in a game that the Tigers were pushed for all four quarters. Of course that statement may seem a bit odd, but for the most part Katy was not pushed in any contests this season. The Tigers completely dominated their regional playoff run, and their only competitive regular season games were an early contest against Alief Taylor (23-9) and district rival Cinco Ranch (35-21).

Coming into the season the Tigers were ranked No. 1 in the area by VYPE Magazine, which was a result of a solid offseason and the number of returning starters coming into 2012. On top of that, many within and around the Katy organization felt a sense of unfinished business after the shocking exit in 2011.

How much did that play a factor into the preparation for this season?

“It felt good to get redemption against that team…,” Katy defensive end Matt Dimon said.

Sure that was focus for the third round match against La Porte at Reliant Stadium, but that really was on the minds of most of the players going forward. It was evident from the first snap of the season that there was a different attitude in this team. There was a focus that went even beyond the norm for a well-coached Katy squad.

So much to the point after each of the Katy wins, players, Dimon in particular, even stated that he would only enjoy the win for an hour or so then it was on to prepping for the next game. And to paint a clear picture of what this program expects from its players, in the tunnel after the win over Cedar Hill, one Katy player talked about the win and was already forecasting what was to come for the 2013 season.

“It was great to get this state title win. Now, we will enjoy this now and through Christmas, but the next week we will start preparing to make another run in 2013.”

That’s why this team continues to have continual successful seasons.

Much like any other team, Katy thrives on the notion of team ball. Each player knowing and understanding his role and responsibility. But still, there were some players on the roster who are the go-to guys when it comes to making plays.

One of those guys is running back Adam Taylor, who knew coming into this season that he was going to take his game to another level. It showed in the win column and in his stats as he finished with 2,668 yards and 44 touchdowns, which broke a number of records this season. He was named the state's Offensive Player of the Game. Dimon, the Defensive Player of the Game, was equally impressive with 55 tackles and 12 sacks on the year. Defensive back Isaiah Brown locked down the seconadary, the offensive line was dominant and Kyle Fulks and Rodney Anderson were explosive playmakers to boot.

Was this a redemption year for Katy? Maybe, maybe not. Let’s go with the latter. This looks more like Katy just being Katy. Many feel that this may have been Katy's best ever.

HISTORY-MADE

Class 5A Division I

Sure Lamar fell 35-21 to a tough Allen team, but what is the bigger picture here? For one, nobody (don’t lie, you didn’t) thought that this team would even get out of the region, let alone play in the state game.

Coming into the year the Redskins were ranked No. 15 by VYPE Magazine. Even at that time, there was still a wonder as to how this team would finish. Was there talent there? Yes. Coaching? Yes. But could this team get over the Round 3 playoff hump? Not sure.

Now looking back, Lamar made some huge strides in 2012 that could set the stage for the program moving forward. This team is led by a now-seasoned veteran in Darrell Colbert Jr., who finished with nearly 2,500 passing yards, 30 touchdowns to nine interceptions. He also ran for another 712 yards and nine touchdowns. In the state game, he was electric with an impressive 181 yards on the ground and another 207 yards by air. He scored three touchdowns total.

Defensively, tackle Zelt Minor, who will take his talents to SMU, turned his game up to another level through the postseason and capped off with a stellar state performance. He ended the game with six tackles and a sack, despite facing double teams.

NAVASOTA PERFECT

Class 3A, Division II

The Rattlers finished off their perfect season 15-0 with the 39-3 rout of Class 3A power Gilmer. It was all about the defense and a solid showing by receiver Austin Collins, who had four carries for 96 yards and caught three passes for another 64 yards. In total, Collins scored three touchdowns and the stout Rattler defense held Gilmer to 162 yards of total offense.

EL CAMPO GETS TO THE DANCE

Class 3A, Division I

Playing the weekend before the multi-day state games, El Campo was defeated by Stephenville 70-35. It was the Ricebirds’ only loss on the year. Plenty of fight on the El Campo side, but Stephenville quarterback Tyler Jones put on a clinic throwing for 422 yards and running for another 126 yards. Jones contributed to nine scores. For El Campo, QB Bryce Brandl threw for 144 yards and three touchdowns with another 127 yards on the ground.