Categories: SPORTS

The Best High School Football District in Texas

There are plenty of arguments over who is the best high school football team in Texas, but when it comes down to which district in Texas features the best football top to bottom, there may be no argument.

District 9-5A, which covers schools in Collin County just north of Dallas, is home to no fewer than three state powerhouses. Eight teams make up District 9 (listed in order of their finish in 2006): Allen, Plano East, Richardson Berkner, Plano West, Lake Highlands, Plano High, Wylie, and Richardson. Even those teams who do not challenge for the district title or make the playoffs could dominate in many another districts.

Wylie head coach Bill Howard can attest to the talent level in 9-5A. “We have three top-tier football teams in this district. Day in or day out, any of them could win state. Plano East has as much talent as anybody Allen is loaded up this year. Plano West brings the whole package; they have a great offensive and defensive line. Plano will be better, and Lake Highlands will be much better.”

Allen High School, who shocked everyone by going undefeated in district last year, is once again being underestimated by the pundits. Many are skeptical that the Eagles can repeat as district champions this season after losing so many key players to graduation, including quarterback Nathan Dick, who is now playing at Arkansas. Head coach Tom Westerberg isn’t worried about his team or the quarterback position in particular. Senior Steve Payne, who played well when he filled in for an injured Dick last year, will lead the offense, and the defense is strong with a mix of vets and talented newcomers. While going undefeated in district will be tough, Allen will be a tough football team to count out come playoff time.

Plano East High School finished 6-1 in district last season, but this year, the Panthers face an uphill battle with the return of only a handful of starters to the team. Head coach Johnny Ringo has a knack for breaking in young players early, so he has a number of non-starting returning players who have the experience to step in and produce. Returning quarterback Riko Smalls actually has better skill players around him this season, with receivers Kevin Smith. Mikey White, and Travis Thompson all bringing excellent speed. The backfield is loaded with Toben “Thunder” Opurum and D’Lyle “Lightning” Washington. Ringo will be counting on the offense to move the football and deliver the points, and newcomers playing up to expectations on defense to keep the Panthers in the district title hunt.

Richardson Berkner doesn’t have many personnel question marks: with running back Josh Johnson returning, the offense will be moving at will. Johnson’s brother Justin has graduated and the quarterback reins will now go to Nick Thomas. Thomas was effective in a backup role last season, and he won’t have to worry about shouldering the weight of the team. Linebacker Jock Payten leads an outstanding defense. The Rams advanced to the regional semifinals last season. Anything less would probably be a disappointment for Berkner fans.

Plano West finished 4-3 last season in 9-5A, good enough to make the playoffs, only to fall to Garland in the first round. This year, head coach Mike Hughes will have to work some magic. Only three starters return, but West is deep in talent, so some new faces will have to make a name for themselves. Of the starters that are returning, defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat is perhaps the one with the most impact. As a freshman last season, Jeffcoat stepped up from a backup role and quickly established himself as a starter by forcing fumbles and pressuring the quarterback. Linebacker Nick Douville was outstanding last season and brings leadership to the defense. Jason Coats will play quarterback, and is a threat to pass or run.

Lake Highlands finished 3-4 in district last season, and head coach Scott Smith has a strong stable of players that should do well this season. Jacob Andrews will play quarterback, and should be solid, since he has some good offensive weapons. D.J. Monroe was outstanding at running back last year, and should lead the attack on the ground this season. John Shorter was a playmaker at safety and will lead the defensive charge for the Wildcats.

Plano High has been a powerhouse for years, but last year they limped to a 2-5 district finish. Head coach Gerald Brence admits a young team did not meet expectations, but this year, the team is stronger and ready to contend. Michael Sheffield and Carson Meger will rotate at quarterback, and last year’s standout Rex Burkhead will line up in the backfield. The true strength of the team will be the defense, where C.J. Martin leads at linebacker and Kenny Watkins is outstanding in the secondary. “We have a lot of guys who will get to the ball,” Coach Brence says. He believes a focused approach will be the key to success this season. “What happened last year or two years ago against some teams doesn’t matter. We’ll approach each game the same. Well need intensity and preparation every single game.”

Wylie faced an uphill battle last season as the team moved up from 4A to 5A. The team did well, but couldn’t keep up with the rest of 9-5A. “We had a depth problem last season. We just didn’t have the size to compete,” head coach Bill Howard said. “We were still playing at a 4A level.” Howard believes the team will be bigger and better this year, with lineman Matt Harper leading the defense, which will be a point of strength. Quarterback Jared Monk will be the key to the offense. At 6’5″ and 220 pounds, he is a towering presence with a strong arm, and will have the Pirates moving, and winning, this season. Richardson, who suffered through a winless season last year, will be better, but will continue to struggle.

With so much on the line, and only four playoff spots, any team on a hot streak during district play can run away with the title. Once the second season of the playoffs begin, 9-5A, as they did last year, hopes to see their top teams make a deep run to the state title.