12-6A REGION 2
WEISS
By Jake Herman After achieving a 10-2 season and perfect 7-0 mark in their district last season, Weiss will be formidable again in 2022. 3rd year head coach Steve Van Meter is prepared to adapt to meet the challenges of realignment in the new District 12-6A -- expected to be among the most competitive in the state. “We have a lot coming back. We just have to figure out what the identity of this team is going to be,” coach Van Meter told IHSFAN. “We’re not going to allow ourselves to be complacent.” Sr. QB Tate Reiland (372 yards, 5 TD last season) and So. QB Jax Brown are vying for the quarterback vacancy left graduating star Dior Bradfield. The Wolves’ air raid offense returns four of its starting offensive linemen, including 2nd team AD Sr. Isaiah Mworia. 1st team AD WR and safety Micah Gifford is a deep threat on every snap who has a knack for acrobatic catches. 2nd team AD Tory Simmons and Zerian McQueen are developing into reliable slot receivers as they each grow stronger from their knee injuries. Sr. RB Daelen Alexander was last year’s Offensive Newcomer award winner. The powerful back is also very skilled in the passing game. Weiss’ defense has all the pieces to take a big step forward. The D-line should be among the area’s best in 2022, returning three all-district players. Chad Otutu is a dominant force at nose tackle, demanding double teams and opening up lanes for athletic defensive ends Damare Green and Lorenzo Diggs. Behind them, leading tackler Chase Edwards returns alongside AD Sr. LB Sam Miller. 1st team AD Peyton Morgan is a key run stopper in the secondary.
HUTTO
By Jake Herman After qualifying for the playoffs last season with a 5-5 record, the Hutto Hippos were bounced by eventual state champions Westlake. Despite realignment pairing them with the likes of Temple and Harker Heights in the new District 12-6A, the Hippos have no plans of backing down. “Our players have shown great leadership this offseason, and they want to make a name for themselves,” 5th year head coach Brad LaPlante told IHSFAN. “They know it’s not an easy district, but they’re not backing down from anyone.” After spending almost, the entire season on the road, the Hippos will enjoy a renovated stadium complete with a new video board and entrance. Junior Quarterback Will Hammond began 2021 as the backup but eventually earned the starting nod and a place on the all-district second team. His mobility provides an extra wrinkle in a high-powered offense that returns 7 starters. Sr. all-district WR Gary Choice and Sr. all-district RB Jalon Banks are the playmakers to watch while several younger players will fight for opportunities at other positions. Defensive depth is a question mark but could go a long way in determining the Hippos’ playoff fate. They return just 4 starters on that side of the ball. Sr. all-district linebackers Brody Bujnoch and Kenneth Settles will supply leadership and physicality behind a defensive line led by Junior Torres. 40
