September 2024 | prestonhollowpeople.com @phollowpeople | @peoplenewspapers
POWER RANGER
PETERS LEADS HIGH-POWERED ATTACK FOR JESUIT, C8
Also inside:
Can Parish continue TAPPS dynasty?, C2
Eagles primed for contention in SPC, C7
New coach brings new hope for Hillcrest, C9
2024 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
STAYING ON TOP REMAINS CHALLENGE FOR PANTHERS
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
Nobody on Parish Episcopal’s foot ball roster has ever concluded a sea son for the Panthers without a state championship.
Parish has won a remarkable five con secutive titles in the TAPPS Division I classification. In other words, the Panthers have been one of the most dominant teams in the state — public or pri vate, large or small — for half a decade. And they have no in tention of loosening their grip on the trophy.
“I think this is one of the more talented teams we’ve had, but only time will tell,” said Parish head coach Dan iel Novakov, the architect of the program’s dynasty. “We’ve got a lot of returning experience.”
Parish has 14 starters back to be exact, split evenly between offense and defense. And none is more critical than Sawyer Anderson, the quarterback who will look to go 4-for-4 this fall.
Anderson inherited the job from cur rent SMU quarterback Preston Stone, who engineered the school’s first two champi onships in the largest TAPPS division.
Anderson, a Park Cities native, kept that streak alive during his freshman season and somehow has continued to improve each year since. Last fall, he threw for almost 3,500 yards and 40 touchdowns.
He’s a pro-style quarterback with dual-threat capabilities, which makes him ideal to lead Parish’s system. The Panthers averaged 43.8 points per game a year ago.
“He’s got more of a command. It’s just like having an extra coach on the field,” Novakov said. “I don’t know there’s a whole lot more you can ask of anybody.”
By now, of course, the Panthers know they have a proverbial target on their back, and have mastered the art of preparing for each season without becoming complacent or comfortable.
“I think this is one of the more talented teams we’ve had, but only time will tell.”
Coach Daniel Novakov
In 2023, Parish dropped three of its first four games while navigating an eye-popping nondistrict schedule. Then the Panthers won their last nine games, culminating with the title.
“It’s hard to play from the top spot when everybody is gunning for you,” Novakov said.
Anderson will have several returnees among his receiving corps, including Bryson Fields, Jaylen Pile, and Carson Darby, who combined for 21 touchdown catches last season.
Marcus Hanish and Jackson Sanford should see some carries at running back,
DESTINY IN DECEMBER
Here’s a look back at Parish Episcopal’s five consecutive TAPPS Division I championship game wins. Year Opponent Score
Plano John Paul II 42-14
42-28
56-17
Plano Prestonwood 38-14 2023 Houston St. Thomas 40-29
QUICK FACTS
NOTABLE: Parish has a 15-game winning streak in district play. When you factor in the postseason, the Panthers have beaten 28 straight TAPPS opponents.
SCHEDULE
while the offensive line will be bolstered by transfers Hunter Caudill (Grapevine), Andrew Lockey (Plano John Paul II), and Gavin Lavelle (Keller Central).
The Parish defense was young last year, which translates into more experience that should pay off this season. Standout defensive back D.C. Crane is back after recording 100 tackles.
The Panthers also welcome back defensive backs Guy Stern and Julian Mayfield, and linebackers Jesse Richardson, Rocco Bigham, and standout nose tackle Landry Sattler. They will mix with promising transfers such as Nick Wheeler (ESD) and Landon Pratt (Lewisville Founders).
This year’s schedule features the usual slate of early challenges. But the biggest showdown, for a change, might come from within the district.
Their new alignment puts the Panthers alongside former league foe Argyle
Liberty, which has been rebuilt into a powerhouse by former Dallas Cowboys tight end and now-Liberty coach Jason Witten.
The Warriors are jumping back to Division I after an unbeaten run to the state title at the Division II level a year ago.
“Everybody feels like we’ve been a little bit disrespected because we haven’t been picked to win. We want to prove everybody wrong,” Novakov said. “We like to play from that position.”
2023 RECORD: 10-3 (4-0 in district)
Purdue commit Sawyer Anderson has a 34-5 record as he enters his fourth season as Parish Episcopal’s starting quarterback. CHRIS MCGATHEY
W.T. White Seeking To Take Next Step, Fulfill Postseason Potential
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
W.T. White has made four consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in school history. Now players and coaches are eager to take the next step.
Breaking through with WTW’s first postseason win since 1990 could start with a better regular-season finish in a more favorable district, and thus a higher seed.
“We want to do something that hasn’t been done around here in a long time. That’s our mindset and mentality,” said third-year WTW head coach Kenchee Ross. “Every game is going to be important.”
The Longhorns should continue to thrive on offense behind returning quarterback Andrew Paredez (1.138 passing yards) and running back Ben Ebeke (994 rushing yards). Both are only juniors.
Jimmy Mowles, who opened last year at quarterback before being sidelined with a broken collarbone, should see time at multiple positions on both sides of scrimmage.
“I feel good about our quarterback play,” Ross said. “They really have grown and understand the reads. We have two guys who are very capable, and they are very different.”
On defense, the linebackers should be a strength, anchored by returnees Cooper Whitson, Dylan Munoz, and Manny Rodriguez — who also kicked a playoff-clinching field goal last year against Birdville. Jermarious Jones, who started every game as a sophomore in 2023, is back at safety. A handful of newcomers should make an impact, such as transfers Clinton Ingram, Isaiah Flores, and Desmond Beckworth. Plus, 6-foot-7 receiver Ambrose Carter will join the roster from the basketball team, along with fellow hoopers Ardon West and Isaiah Foster.
QUICK FACTS
2023 RECORD: 6-5 (5-3 in district)
NOTABLE: The Longhorns have averaged 30.1 points per game since the start of 2021, which is the most prolific three-year offensive stretch in program history.
SCHEDULE
Ben Ebeke finished his breakthrough sophomore season with almost 1,000 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns for W.T. White. CHRIS MCGATHEY
Could Steadily Improving Lions Roar Into Contention This Season?
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
Slowly and steadily, St. Mark’s is making progress, even if a 15-game losing streak against SPC 4A competition might tell you otherwise.
The Lions haven’t amassed the depth yet to move up in the conference’s daunting large-school division. But they are getting incre-
“It’s important to be able to ignore the results and focus on where the improvement is happening,” said St. Mark’s head coach Harry Flaherty. “The competition is always going to be steep. We are just focused on building internally.”
St. Mark’s dropped six of its last seven games a year ago with a depleted roster. But the Lions gained experience as a result, as evidenced by a healthy crop of returnees.
Elite two-way lineman Henry Estes is back for his fourth varsity season. So are receiver Mateu Parker and running back Russell Higgins. Then there’s Noah Williams, a key contributor in the backfield and the secondary.
Lawrence Gardner will be the new starting quarterback after playing a reserve role for the past two seasons. He will be joined on offense by running back Max Bean along with linemen Henry Roden and Brady Wyatt.
The defense struggled at times last year but returns several starters including linebacker and leading tackler William Everitt, defensive back Riggs Bean — twin brother of Max — and linemen Jack Baker and Hilton Sampson.
“We feel like we’re improving from a quality standpoint each year.,” said Flaherty, who added program participation has risen to more than 100 players. “The target feels more within range for our guys.”
2023 RECORD: 4-6
QUICK FACTS SCHEDULE
NOTABLE: St. Mark’s has 17 SPC titles in football, most recently in 2008. Houston-area schools have dominated the large-school classification since then.
Henry Estes, verbally committed to Columbia, has been a stalwart for three seasons on the offensive and defensive line for St. Mark’s. ROB GRAHAM
Gierkey, Eagles to Flash Offensive Firepower
QUICK FACTS
2023 RECORD: 5-4
NOTABLE: ESD traveled to Ireland for its season-opening game against Florida power IMG Academy, which Williams said would be a “really special” experience.
SCHEDULE
August
23 IMG Academy (Fla.)^ 9:30 a.m.
30 at Plano Prestonwood
6 FW Trinity
13 Houston Second
4 Bellaire Episcopal*
10 at Houston Kinkaid* 7 p.m.
18 The Woodlands Cooper* 7 p.m.
25 at Houston St. John’s* 7 p.m.
November
1 at St. Mark’s* 7 p.m.
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
Episcopal School of Dallas seems to keep reloading on offense. This year, the Eagles hope nine returning starters can keep them in contention for an SPC title.
Leading the charge will be quarterback Jake Gierkey, who threw for more than 2,400 yards and 23 touchdowns last season for a unit that scored an average of 42.4 points in its five wins.
“He did a good job in his junior year,” said ESD head coach Richard Williams. “It was very clear this spring the comfort level that he has with the offense and the respect of the players.”
His two biggest targets are literally big — receiver Dario Benaglia is 6-foot-5, while tight end Hutch Chipman is 6-foot-4. They combined for 14 scores a year ago.
Others to watch include re ceivers Siler Cooke and Josh Logan, plus sophomore running back Hudsen Young. The entire offensive line is coming back, too, an chored by Landen Capetillo, Owen Bellson, and Brett Dopona.
“Offensively I feel we’re go ing to be strong,” Williams said. “We’ve got some explosive piec es. It should be a fun season when we’ve got the ball in our hands.”
Williams admits graduation has left holes on defense, meaning it will be critical for the offense to score points or prolong posses sions while newcomers gain expe rience. Many offensive starters will also have roles on defense.
ESD hopes to compete more favorably with the Houston pow erhouses in the conference’s largeschool division after the Eagles went 0-3 against Episcopal, St. John’s, and Kinkaid a year ago.
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ESD senior quarterback Jake Gierkey will benefit from the return of several skill players in his second season as a starter. CHRIS MCGATHEY
DEEP SENIOR CLASS RAISES EXPECTATIONS FOR RANGERS
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
Charlie Peters was comfortable with the offense and confident in his teammates.
Yet as a new starting quarterback entering last season, his head was spinning.
Two games and one amazing fourth-quarter comeback later, Peters could see why his coaches placed the Jesuit offense in his hands.
Brandon Hickman. “It was only a matter of time. After the Rockwall game, he kind of took off with the offense. I was very impressed with the way he handled himself. We’re going to give him the keys to the car with our offense.”
“Going on the field with them again is a huge advantage.”
Charlie Peters
In just his second varsity start, Peters threw for 370 yards and six touchdowns as the Rangers scored 46 points after halftime to stun Rockwall in a 60-59 thriller.
“That game showed that I could do it,” Peters said. “After that, I knew they had faith in me, and I had faith in them. It felt like no-
season, finishing with 2,993 passing yards and 32 touchdowns with just six intercep
Hickman said Peters has put on about 20 pounds of muscle during the offseason and will have more flexibility to command the up-tempo attack. Several of Jesuit’s top playmakers are back from a year ago, fueling optimism that the team’s normally high-powered offense could reach new heights.
“We’re returning a lot of guys that I played with last year,” Peters said. “Going on the field with them again is a huge advantage.”
Henry Bourret is a versatile running back
Harlan Beucler also should make an impact at receiver. The athleticism should ramp up with the addition of standout baseball players
Shane Parker and Jake Fults. Reserve quarterback Beck Berry might catch some passes, too.
“We’re very fortunate to have eight receivers who can go out and play. The core guys who we have coming back played a lot of snaps last year. I think it’s important to get a lot of guys the ball,” Hickman said. “Depth at receiver is a good problem to have.”
Jesuit also will return the majority of its starters from a defensive unit that allowed an average of just 17.5 points in eight district games.
The Rangers have holes to fill in the secondary but have size up front. Cade Gill, who had 58 tackles as a defensive end, might see some time at linebacker alongside Julien Bird and Cooper Smith.
Experience returns along the defensive line with Parker Sherman and Cole Hatzmann. The secondary will be anchored by safeties
win district, and we’ve got a chance to get to the playoffs and make a run. I like our chances because I like the way our kids are preparing,” Hickman said. “The culture of our team is better than it’s ever been.”
QUICK FACTS
2023 RECORD: 8-4 (6-2 in district)
NOTABLE: Jesuit has made the playoffs in 13 of the past 14 campaigns. And the Rangers have a solid track record in postseason play, with 13 victories since 2012.
SCHEDULE
Jesuit quarterback Charlie Peters threw at least one touchdown pass in all 12 games last season, and nine times connected for at least two scores. ROB GRAHAM
New Coach Aims to Bring Winning Culture to Hillcrest
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
A.D. Madise sees Hillcrest as a program on the cusp of a breakthrough, rather than a total rebuilding project.
The Panthers have had winning seasons in four of the past five years but haven’t been able to translate that success to the playoffs, where Hillcrest hasn’t won a game since 2006.
That’s the challenge for Madise, the former NFL receiver who takes over at Hillcrest after spending more than a decade as an assistant at South Oak Cliff and other successful stops.
“You pull the best things from the places you’ve been. This is not going to be SOC North,” he said. “You’ve got to get a feel for what works and what doesn’t. Our plan will be tailor-made for Hillcrest.”
The Panthers will have a handful of returning starters on both sides of scrimmage from a team that finished 4-6 a year ago.
Asher Randall is back at quarterback after throwing 13 touchdown passes as a sophomore. So is his leading receiver, Jacoby Ogbonna, a playmaker who reached the end zone 12 times last season.
The defense will employ a 4-2-5 alignment, with expected standouts including linebackers Jaden Morris and John Newton, and cornerback Evan Lewis.
Several players could see significant
action on both sides of scrimmage, including Romeo Jackson, Desean Williams, Jerard Davis, Avery Winters, Micah Clark, and Jeremiah Howard.
“We’ve got a solid nucleus of kids and we’re going to be solid moving forward,” Madise said. “We just don’t have a ton of numbers yet. Patience will be key for us.”
2023 RECORD: 4-6 (3-3 in district)
NOTABLE: Senior twins Isaac and Isaiah Dorn are each just 5-foot-6 but provide quickness and tenacity at multiple positions on offense and defense.
SCHEDULE
August
29 W.T. White 7 p.m.
September
6 at Elgin (Okla.) 7:30 p.m.
12 at FW Western Hills 7:30 p.m.
20 Samuell* 7:30 p.m.
27 at Spruce* 7:30 p.m.
October
3 South Oak Cliff* 7 p.m.
18 Seagoville* 7:30 p.m.
24 at Thomas Jefferson* 7 p.m.
November 1 Adamson* 7:30 p.m.
8 at Woodrow Wilson* 7:30 p.m.
*—District5-5A,DivisionIIgame
QUICK FACTS
Hillcrest’s Asher Randall took over as the starting quarterback last season and threw 13 touchdown passes with just four interceptions. CHRIS MCGATHEY
Two 2023 Wins Show Greenhill Moving in the Right Direction
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
Greenhill won just two games last season, but both were significant. The Hornets snapped a 29game losing streak in their season opener against Coram Deo, and later rallied from a 20-point deficit to earn their first SPC win in five years against Arlington Oakridge.
In other words, the rebuilding project for second-year head coach K.J. Williams is taking shape, and brighter days appear to be ahead.
“When it came down to what we instilled in our program, the kids bought into it. That football culture is starting to turn around,” Williams said. “I’m very happy and pleased with what’s going on.”
The optimism has carried over to the offseason, with participation numbers up significantly and several players taking college visits.
“Our core is strong. They want
to make themselves relevant,” Williams said. “We always should be better than we were the year before. I want our kids to play with confidence. I want people to know that we are a football school in addition to an academic school.”
Top returnees for Greenhill include quarterback Will Black, lineman Kaden Castillo, and lanky receiver Bryson Watt, also a standout in baseball. All three are two-way players.
Running back John Hurley contributes speed, while 6-foot-5 tight end Garrett Koerner brings versatility. And the Hornets have some size up front, too, with Oliver Hill and Victor Sampson anchoring the lines.
Greenhill also added some impact transfers at the skill positions, such as Austin Price (Frisco Lone Star), Trey Davis (Frisco Wakeland), and Josiah Christian (Prosper).
2023 RECORD: 2-8
NOTABLE: Greenhill scored 89 combined points in their two wins, but just 70 combined points in their eight losses, which were by an average margin of 24.9 points. August
Depth, Experience Bring Knights Confidence After Rollercoaster Year
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
Last season’s rollercoaster saw Covenant surge to a 3-0 start, stumble through a rough stretch while dealing with injuries, then rally to win the program’s first playoff game since 2020.
The Knights hope the momentum from that upswing in November will carry over to a campaign in which they return several key players on both sides of scrimmage.
“Last year was full of highs and lows for us,” said sixth-year Covenant head coach Jacob Zinn. “We felt like we ended the year really strong. We competed really hard. We’re looking to keep it rolling.”
The offense should stabilize behind returning skill players such as Benjamin Golik (who posted more than 1,200 total yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago), Duke Black, and twins
Matthew and Campbell Peterson.
All of them are defensive standouts, too, with Black recording a team-high 113 tackles and Matthew Peterson grabbing seven interceptions.
Then there’s returning quarterback Lleyton Horan, who lost the starting quarterback job prior to the season before regaining it a few games later. He generally came up big when it counted, leading Covenant to close victories over McKinney Christian and Colleyville Covenant.
“We’re really excited. He’s had a great spring and summer,” Zinn said. “He knows he’s going to be the guy and has been a great leader for us.”
The Knights have a unique roster loaded with seniors — including some four-year starters — and freshmen. The youth could be especially evident on the offensive line, which will be anchored by sophomore Connor Evans.
QUICK FACTS
2023 RECORD: 7-5 (1-2 in district)
NOTABLE: The Knights surrendered an average of 48.8 points in their five losses last season, two of which came against TAPPS Division III state champion Dallas Christian.
SCHEDULE
After a breakout season in 2023, Bryson Watt is the top returning receiver for Greenhill in catches, yards, and touchdowns. CHRIS MCGATHEY
Lleyton Horan led Covenant to a dramatic playoff win over Colleyville Covenant, the first-ever postseason road victory for the Knights. CHRIS MCGATHEY
