VYPE 5A -- The Morton Ranch Mavs

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Morton Ranch Mavericks

Mavs a Playoff Contender?

Head Coach: Dave Meadows

Overall 2011 Record: 6-5

Postseason: Fell in First Round to Lamar Redskins

By Matt Malatesta

Morton Ranch has not been a player in District 19-5A in years. Ever, really. The thought of going to back-to-back playoffs was unfathomable a few years back. But coach Dave Meadows has steadied the ship and the Mavs are vying for another playoff appearance in 2012.

Fifteen returners are back for Morton Ranch, and both sides of the ball return some quality experience.

On offense it's a pair of waterbug running backs who have opposing defensive coordinators turning off game projectors. Deion Williams and E.J. Achelus, both 5-foot-9, need just a glimmer of daylight to take a routine three-yard run to the end zone. Achelus rushed for over 1,100 yards and Williams for just under 1,000, which means that the Mavs can have fresh "little" legs moving all game long. Throw in blazer Eli Hall in the backfield and there is no reason to throw a pass.

Clearing the way will be Darius Mobley at fullback and Meadows has an experienced line in Aaron Samuel, Romello Burros, Thomas Diggs, Rashan Webster, DeMarcus Johnson and Christian Vazquez. If the Mavs are in need of a big-play receiver they have Justin Paige, who can stretch the field.

While Morton Ranch could rely on defensive end Danielle Hunter (LSU-signee) for the big stop last year, the underclassmen learned what hard work and a hot motor looked like. Defenders Donald Williams, Donovan Armstead and Yanaton Solis learned from the top defender in school history how to play every down.

The linebacking corps is also solid with Vaughn Johnson, Eric Ordogne and Brandon Wiltz returning.

#threepointstance

If Morton Ranch gets good quarterback play, the Mavs can ensure themselves a playoff spot. Staying healthy is important but the Morton Ranch program is getting deeper. Physical play on the offensive and defensive front needs to improve a bit to go a little deeper in the postseason.

The 2012 Schedule

8/31 @ Tomball

9/06 FB Austin

9/13 Alief Hasting

9/21 OPEN

9/27 @ Katy

10/5 @ Memorial

10/19 @ Strake Jesuit

10/27 Mayde Creek

11/2 @ Taylor

11/10 Seven Lakes