Preston Hollow People 2018 High School Football Preview

2018 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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September 2018 | prestonhollowpeople.com   @phollowpeople |  @peoplenewspapers

THE SON ALSO RISES

E.J. SMITH AND JESUIT WANT TO KEEP PUSHING THE PACE ESD excited about defense Experience boosts St. Mark’s Stone leads Parish offense

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September 2018 | 3B

Young Knights Seek Improvement in TAPPS

CHRIS MCGATHEY

Like many of Covenant’s players, Ben Spangler has a valuable year of varsity experience.

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

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ast season, a combination of injuries and inexperience left Covenant with plenty of lopsided losses while enduring a daunting schedule.

This year should be better, with many of those same players returning healthy, resilient, and more seasoned for a run at the school’s first TAPPS 11-man playoff berth.

“It was kind of a blessing in disguise,” said head coach Jesse Olvera. “They got out there and took some bumps and bruises.”

Realignment placed the Knights in a more favorable district alongside schools of more comparable size, although there are still some growing pains for the program. The participation numbers aren’t high enough to field any sub-varsity teams, and Covenant’s home field doesn’t yet have lights — forcing the Knights to play on Saturday afternoons.

After playing many underclassmen last season, the Knights are still young. Ben Spangler will lead the way, having started more than half of the games at quarterback as a freshman.

“You’re playing juniors and seniors on the other side,” said Olvera, beginning his third season at Covenant. “The game is so much faster, and you’re going to make mistakes. He’s going to get better, and his confidence has got-

ten a lot better.”

Cole Sellers returns at running back after being hampered by an ankle injury in 2017.

He’s part of a small senior class that includes receiver Alec Scully, linebacker Jack Spangler, and safety Wes Bender.

“They’re going through all this adversity, but they never waver,” Olvera said. “They play at 100 percent the whole time. They really motivate the younger kids.”

Q U I C K FA C T S

2017 RECORD: 1-9 (0-5 in district) NOTABLE: Prior to transitioning to 11-man football four years ago, Covenant was a powerhouse in the six-man ranks, winning TAPPS state titles in 2012 and 2013.

C O V E N A N T VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E

September

1 7 14 22 28

at FW Calvary at Pantego Christian at Kennedale Fellowship Coram Deo at Irving Highlands

October

6 13 26

Central Texas Christian Texoma Christian at Ovilla Christian

November 2

at First Baptist

7:30 p.m.

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4B | September 2018

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Ramon, Hillcrest Eye Quick Turnaround

By Tim Glaze People Newspapers

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ROB GRAHAM

The speedy and versatile Trevon Norton scored four touchdowns last year as a sophomore for Hillcrest.

he rich sports tradition at Hillcrest made accepting the head football coaching job a “no-brainer” for Jacob Ramon.

The hiring of Ramon, a former assistant coach at Plano East, to replace longtime Hillcrest coach Andy Todd, signals the beginning of a new era at the school.

A new district alignment awaits the Panthers, too, with Carrollton Ranchview, Pinkston, North Dallas, Alvarado, Carter, and WilmerHutchins all grouped together in the new District 8-4A, Division I. After arriving this summer, Ramon needs to install his system quickly.

“I know we have only been [practicing] a few days, but so far our energy is sky high,” he said. “We just have to continue to stay positive

and get better every day. They are like sponges, just so excited to learn.

Their demeanor, mannerisms, and the way they carry themselves are very positive and extremely encouraging to me.”

Ramon wants his team to “play at least 11 games this year,” which would mean the Panthers qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2014. For that to happen, the team will lean heavily on two-way stars Christian Evans and Luis Reyes, seniors that have emerged as team leaders.

“Christian is a very athletic wide receiver and defensive back who has the ability to be a playmaker anytime he touches the ball,” Ramon said. “Luis is a lineman who leads by example. He did not miss one single day of our summer workouts. I think overall our small group of seniors really care about this football team.”

Q U I C K FA C T S

2017 RECORD: 3-7 (2-4 in district) NOTABLE: Hillcrest didn’t play any close games last season. Its average margin of defeat was 35.9 points, and its average margin of victory was 31.3.

H I L L C R E S T VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E

August 31

at FW Polytechnic

September

7 14 21 28

Sunset Conrad at Bonham at Pinkston*

October

5 12 18 26

Carrollton Ranchview* at North Dallas* Carter* at Alvarado*

November 8

Wilmer-Hutchins*

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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* — District 8-4A, Division I game

6B | September 2018

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Rush Hour: Smith Carves His Own Legacy for Rangers

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

A

s with many teenagers, E.J. Smith doesn’t want to be just like his dad. He wants to be better.

However, when your father is a Dallas Cowboys legend, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and the leading rusher in NFL history, that goal becomes a monumental challenge.

“I’m Emmitt Smith’s son. But I’m more than that,” E.J. Smith said. “I want to be Emmitt Smith 2.0.”

He knows he will be in the spotlight during his upcoming junior season at Jesuit, not only because of his family legacy but because of the way he turned heads a year ago.

E.J. rushed for three touchdowns during the second half of a season-opening loss to DeSoto in his debut at the varsity level, spurring a furious comeback by the Rangers that fell just short.

“We knew we could be better in the second half,” he said. “It kind of showed whether I was ready. I didn’t want my teammates to lose trust in me.”

For the year, E.J. finished with 1,303 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. He also caught 43 passes, seven of which resulted in scores — leading a high-powered offense that averaged 46.8 points per game and reached the area round of the Class 6A Division II playoffs.

“He’s done a great job,” said Jesuit head coach Brandon Hickman. “He’s a dynamic player. He can catch the ball and run it down your throat.”

During this offseason, E.J. has focused on physical conditioning, but also on diversifying his skills such as reading defenses and blocking for teammates. Hickman points out the improved leadership of his soft-spoken star running back.

“He’s one of the most humble kids I’ve ever coached,” Hickman said. “He’s very positive, and when someone gets down, he’s always there to pick them up.”

E.J. was born Emmitt James Smith IV in May 2002, a few months before his father broke Walter Payton’s all-time rushing yardage record during his final season with the Cowboys.

Before he began playing flag football, he started playing golf at age 2. Later, he even quit football for a brief time to focus on base-

ball, track, and soccer. Yet by the time he got to middle school, the focus went back to the gridiron.

E.J. is too young to remember many of Emmitt Smith’s playing days, even though the resemblance on the field is uncanny, from the famous No. 22 on his jersey to the way he cradles the ball in his hands.

E.J. is reminded of this all the time, of course, while eagerly awaiting the day when he won’t always be thought of as Emmitt’s son first and foremost.

“It’s a nice compliment. It’s great to have that name,” E.J. said. “He blessed me with a gift, but I’ve had to work hard for this.”

Emmitt Smith attends every Jesuit game and watches film extensively with his son.

Hickman said Emmitt Smith readily admits that E.J. has the potential to be even better than he was.

“I never taught you how to run the ball,” E.J. recalls his dad saying. “I never needed to.”

PHOTOS BY ROB GRAHAM

E.J. Smith, son of Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, averaged 188.7 all-purpose yards per game during his sophomore year at Jesuit.

B AC K F I E L D BREAKTHROUGH E.J. Smith put up big numbers during his sophomore season at Jesuit, especially after District 9-6A play began.

OPPONENT Coppell Richardson Skyline Rich. Pearce Lake Highlands W.T. White Rich. Berkner Gar. Lakeview Longview

YDS TDS 77 2 168 5 93 2 15 2 165 3 128 2 23 1 183 2 109 2

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September 2018 | 7B

New Coach Brings Optimism to Longhorns

By Tim Glaze People Newspapers

N

ew W.T. White head coach Tony Johnson thrives in rebuilding situations. He’s certainly facing one with the Longhorns.

A winless season in 2017 led to Johnson’s hiring — albeit a late one — as WTW looks to navigate District 8-6A alongside perennial powers like Duncanville and Skyline.

In 26 years of coaching, which includes time in the college ranks at TCU, Johnson has turned around squads that, when he started, were enduring lengthy losing streaks. And while he’s still learning his players’ names, Johnson is confident he can instill a culture change with the Longhorns, too.

“I do really well with rebuild projects,” he said. “Bonham was 0-20

when I started there; when I coached in Kansas, I took over a team that had gone 0-40. I always seem to thrive in city schools where it’s more about culture-flipping. We’ve got some great kids here at White, and there’s been winning here before, so I’m confident.”

Johnson was a late hire from Bonham, where he was 5-26 in three seasons with one playoff appearance.

At WTW, he must sort through a roster that’s short on returning talent in terms of numbers, but he’s already seen some good things.

“They’re practicing with vigor,” he said. “We have to find little victories every day. Every day, we need to be a little bit better. Life is intense, so I like to say, ‘Every day is fourth-andgoal.’ Fourth and goal is an intense situation, so if we approach everything like it’s fourth-and-goal, eventually we’ll get some wins.”

Q U I C K FA C T S

2017 RECORD: 0-10 (0-7 in district) NOTABLE: Last year, WTW endured the first winless season in the 53-year history of the program. The Longhorns haven’t posted a winning record since 2000.

W.T. W H I T E VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E

August August 31 31

at Molina Greenville

7:00 7:30 p.m. p.m.

8 Pinkston 6 South Garland 15 at Eastern Hills 14 atFW Carter 21 at Wilmer-Hutchins 28 Richardson* 29 at South Oak Cliff* October

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 7:30 p.m. p.m.

7:00 7:30 p.m. p.m.

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September September

October 5 at Molina*

6 Spruce* 11 at Skyline* 13 at Samuell* 19 Lake Highlands* 126 9 Conrad* at Duncanville*

November November

7:30 p.m.

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7 p.m.

7:30 7:30 p.m. p.m.

7:00 7:30 p.m. p.m.

3 2 at Thomas Jefferson* Richardson Pearce* 7:30 7:30 p.m. p.m.

10 Kimball* 7:30 9 at Richardson Berkner* 7:30p.m. p.m. * — District 11-5A game

* — District 8-6A game

ROB GRAHAM

Versatile speedster Marcus McClanahan led W.T. White with five rushing touchdowns a year ago.

8B | September 2018

prestonhollowpeople.com ROB GRAHAM

ESD’s Preston Morway completed 60 percent of his passes as a sophomore, with 14 touchdowns.

Eagles Getting Defensive in Competitive SPC

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

E

SD has become known for its high-powered offenses in recent years, but this season, it’s the defense that has head coach Richard Williams “super-excited.”

With nine returning starters and a year of experience in the SPC’s large-school division, that unit should provide a boost to the Eagles, who finished third in the largeschool division of SPC last year, only one point away from a potential spot in the championship game.

“They faced some of the best talent last year that any ESD team has had to face,” Williams said. “Coming back, they will be more confident and be more familiar with the system.”

Scott Bower anchors the defense after posting 23 sacks a year ago, more

than any other player in the state.

Luke Stanford is a three-year starter at linebacker. River Woods is a shutdown cornerback. And they have plenty of help from Carson Raney, Kenneth Borders, and others.

On offense, quarterback Preston Morway will look to build on an impressive sophomore campaign in which he threw for more than 1,500 yards.

“He’s got a slew of targets that will make his job easier this year,” Williams said of Morway. “He’s fearless and a little bit of a gunslinger. It took him a little bit of time to get acclimated. He’s a different kid this year.”

Williams expects at least eight players to see action at receiver this season, even though ESD’s top four pass-catchers from last year are gone, as is standout running back Andrew Henry, who’s now at Allen.

Q U I C K FA C T S

2017 RECORD: 5-4 (3-2 in SPC) NOTABLE: Morway threw for a combined 731 yards and eight touchdowns as ESD won its final two games of last season against Casady and rival St. Mark’s.

ESD VARSITY SCHEDULE August 31

at Trinity Christian

September 7 14 21 28

Parish Episcopal at FW Country Day Bellaire Episcopal* at Houston Kinkaid*

October 5 12 19 26

Greenhill* Austin Saints at Houston Christian* Houston St. John’s

November 2

at St. Mark’s*

Hornets Aim for Return to Postseason

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

I

ROB GRAHAM

J.T. Herrscher is a standout at linebacker for Greenhill, as well as the team’s top returning receiver.

n his first season, head coach Casey Selfridge led a senior-laden Greenhill squad to the program’s first SPC championship game in almost two decades. As challenging as that was, an encore performance might be even more impressive.

The Hornets lost several playmakers from that runner-up team to graduation, including quarterback Jake Webster and receivers Xavier Bryant (who signed with Sam Houston State for basketball) and Kassidy Woods (who signed with Washington State). Leading rusher Christian Benson transferred to Parish Episcopal.

Plus, Greenhill is moving up to the conference’s large-school classification alongside perennial powers such as Houston Kinkaid and Bellaire Episcopal, and faces a schedule filled with extensive travel.

Still, Selfridge is optimistic that

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* — SPC Class 4A games

Greenhill can maintain its momen“We’re going to look tremendously diftum behind an experienced defense ferent,” Selfridge said. “Our goal is simply to and a handful of talented newcom- be better tomorrow than we are today.” ers.

Q U I C K FA C T S “It’s been positive to be around for an entire offseason,” Selfridge 2017 RECORD: 6-4 (6-2 in SPC) said. “We’re trying to fine-tune what NOTABLE: The Hornets won 14 games we’re doing here.” combined over the past two seasons, and Greenhill should benefit from posted consecutive winning seasons for the return of 12 starters, led by twoway standouts J.T. Herrscher — a the first time since 2001-02. hard-hitting linebacker and surehanded receiver — and Carlton G R E E N H I L L VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E Collins. The offensive and defensive August lines will be experienced with three- 31 at Valliant (Okla.)

7:30 p.m. year starters Brennan Brown and September Kevin Hoare.

7 Austin Saints 7 p.m.

“I’m looking forward to building 14 at Cistercian 7 p.m.

Houston Christian* 7 p.m. that depth,” Selfridge said. “That’s 21 at Bellaire Episcopal* 7 p.m. something we need to be really in- 28 October tentional about.” at ESD* 7 p.m.

The starting quarterback compe- 5 12 Houston Kinkaid* 7 p.m. tition features last year’s sub-varsity 19 at Houston St. John’s* 7 p.m. signal-callers — junior Angelo Dros26 St. Mark’s* 7 p.m. sos and sophomore Jack Quinn. SelNovember fridge said both likely would see ac- 2 at OKC Casady 7 p.m. * — SPC Class 4A game tion early in the season.

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September 2018 | 9B

• Cheerleading

Jesuit Faces Difficult New District

• Tumbling

• Private Lessons

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ROB GRAHAM

After seeing significant action last season as a sophomore, Jesuit’s Mitchell Campbell moves from safety to linebacker.

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

B

randon Hickman could look at Jesuit’s new district alignment and either complain or prepare excuses. Instead, he’s ready to embrace the challenge.

The Rangers will face a daunting schedule that includes six road games and District 9-6A clashes against traditional powerhouses from Plano and Allen.

But they’ll do so with a talented and experienced lineup on both sides of scrimmage that gives Jesuit a decent chance to continue its streak of eight consecutive playoff appearances.

“That doesn’t change our mindset,” Hickman said. “It’s raised their effort and commitment level. Our kids are looking forward to it.”

The Rangers will have a new quarterback leading their high-scoring, up-tempo offense, as junior Kevin Shuman — a transfer from Highland Park — takes over for the graduated Parker Towns. Jesuit scored a program-record 559 points last season.

“He’s picking up the offense real well and starting to become a leader,” Hickman said. “I feel like we’re ahead of the game on offense and defense.”

Shuman will benefit from the continued development of running back E.J. Smith, who amassed almost 2,000 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns last year. He will run behind an offensive line that returns four of five starters from

2017. The receiving corps includes returnees Jack Hajdu, Travis Whisler, and Nick Hafertepe.

New defensive coordinator Don Woods is installing a 3-4 alignment in hopes of improving a Jesuit unit that has struggled in recent seasons.

At least the Rangers have seven starters back, including linebackers Tommy Roy and Mitchell Campbell, lineman Andrew Gregory, and safety Jack Barton.

Q U I C K FA C T S

2017 RECORD: 7-5 (6-1 in district) NOTABLE: The Rangers started 0-4 last season before a seven-game winning streak that was snapped by Longview in the second round of the playoffs.

J E S U I T VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E

August 31

Arlington

September

7 14 21 28

October

12 19 26

at DeSoto Wylie at Plano West* McKinney Boyd*

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m..

at Prosper* at Allen* at Plano*

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

November

2 9

7:30 p.m.

McKinney* at Plano East*

7 p.m.

7 p.m. * — District 9-6A game

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September 2018 | 11B

Passing Fancy: Parish Looks for Balance With Stone

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

D

espite finishing with a losing record in 2017, Parish Episcopal carries plenty of momentum into this season.

Just five seniors graduated from a squad that played much better in October and November, even winning a postseason game and competing well in arguably the state’s toughest privateschool district.

With so many starters returning, the second season for head coach Daniel Novakov should benefit from greater experience and continuity — even though the schedule is as tough as ever.

“We’re not breaking in a whole bunch of new starters and teaching them the system,” Novakov said.

“We’re much further along this year than we were last year.”

Sophomore quarterback Preston Stone already has scholarship offers

from dozens of major college programs after a freshman year in which he threw for almost 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Stone will again be the focal point of a high-powered offense that Novakov hopes will be more balanced. Top returnees Logan Rayburn, Tyler Hamilton, Luke Bridges, and Parker Stone will be joined by Allen transfers Cameron and Kahlil Overton to give the signal-caller plenty of targets.

Four offensive linemen also are back, and running back Darries Boyd will be joined by two transfers — Cauren Lynch from Irving MacArthur and Christian Benson from Greenhill.

With several two-way players, the Parish defense should be bigger and deeper. Seven returning defensive starters — including Ricky Figurell, Jalen North, and Gordie Geymuller — will be joined by top transfers Myles Jones (St. Mark’s), Noah Richards (Plano East), and Caleb Holt (Frisco Heritage).

Q U I C K FA C T S

2017 RECORD: 5-7 (2-5 in district) NOTABLE: Five teams from Parish’s district advanced to the TAPPS Division I state quarterfinals last season, with Plano Prestonwood claiming the title.

PA R I S H VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E

August 31

at TCA-Willow Park

September 7 14 21 28

at ESD Tyler Grace FW Southwest Christian at Trinity Christian

October 5 12 19 26

Fort Worth Christian at Bishop Dunne* Bishop Lynch* Plano Prestonwood*

November 2

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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7 p.m.

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ROB GRAHAM

at Plano John Paul II*

7 p.m.

* — TAPPS district game

Preston Stone threw for 27 touchdowns and ran for a teamhigh six scores as a freshman last season.

Neuhoff, Lions Seek to Continue Resurgence

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

A

s St. Mark’s looks to continue building on its bounceback campaign from a year ago, a lot of familiar faces will be part of the effort.

The Lions will return 15 starters — including 10 on defense — from a squad that quintupled its victory output last season against a rigid SPC schedule. Some key contributors graduated, but several others remain.

“They kind of set the standard and the culture that we’re trying to get created. Now, this current group has kind of continued that,” said longtime head coach Bart Epperson. “We’ve got a great nucleus returning from last year.”

Those returnees start with dualthreat quarterback Colin Neuhoff,

who passed for 1,244 yards and 15 ers, while Carr Urschel is a standout at detouchdowns last season, and also fensive end. Anthony Andrews and Blake rushed for a team-high 358 yards Rogers lead the secondary. and three scores.

Q U I C K FA C T S “He’s a great manager of the offense,” Epperson said. “He’s been 2017 RECORD: 5-3 (2-3 in SPC) getting his body and mind in top form. Now he’s experienced and the NOTABLE: Chicago Bears linebacker Sam game has kind of slowed down for Acho and Green Bay Packers running back him a little bit. He’s doing all the Ty Montgomery each played at St. Mark’s. things he should be doing to have another great year.”

S T. M A R K ’ S VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E Two of Neuhoff ’s top receiving August targets also are back. Ryan War31 OKC Casady 7 p.m. ner is poised for a breakout season, September and Paxton Scott paced St. Mark’s 7 at Cistercian 7 p.m. in yardage in 2017. Jonathan Tay21 at Houston Kinkaid* 7 p.m. lor returns at tailback, while Land28 Houston St. John’s* 7 p.m. on Wood is a three-year starter at October center.

5 Houston Christian* 7 p.m.

12 at Bellaire Episcopal* 7 p.m.

On defense, a unit that was 26 at Greenhill* 7 p.m. young last season should benefit ROB GRAHAM November from experience and continuity.

Colin Neuhoff completed more than 64 percent of his passes 2 ESD* 7 p.m.

Davis Malouf anchors the lineback* — SPC Class 4A game and accounted for 18 touchdowns last year.

12B | September 2018

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LOOKING BACK AT 2017

The W.T. White defense breaks up a play against Skyline.

Jesuit’s Travis Whisler

PHOTOS BY ROB GRAHAM AND CHRIS MCGATHEY

Greenhill’s Brennan Brown makes a defensive stop against Cistercian.

Jesuit takes the field at Postell Stadium.

Hillcrest’s Trevon Norton & Christian Evans

Greenhill’s Carlton Collins (22) stuffs a Country Day runner.

Parish receiver Tyler Hamilton leaps for a score against ESD.

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Covenant’s Jack Spangler

September 2018 | 13B

St. Mark’s John Harbison

The Parish Episcopal defense sandwiches a Bishop Dunne ball carrier.

St. Mark’s Ryan Warner

W.T. White’s Chris Davis

14B | September 2018

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Safety Emphasized With Choice of New Turf at ESD Stadium

“This field has the latest technology on the market.”

Sydney Stahlbaum ROB GRAHAM

The Episcopal School of Dallas football team will open its 2018 season on a new playing surface at Gene and Jerry Jones Stadium.

By Tim Glaze People Newspapers 214.739.2244 · “THE BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IN TEXAS” · PRESTONHOLLOWPEOPLE.COM

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O

nce used almost exclusively at the college and professional level, synthetic turf fields are slowly becoming the norm for prep athletics – especially in Texas, where high school football is immensely popular.

Already a pro-turf school, a new, highquality AstroTurf field will be in place for The Episcopal School of Dallas football team come opening night in August.

Looking to upgrade the school’s athletic field, officials chose RootZone 3DSF turf to surface Gene and Jerry Jones Stadium. The RootZone brand features slitfilm fibers, which encourage durability, and a layer of fibers designed for player safety.

The turf also has a 60-ounce face weight and “dense stitching,” according to a release from AstroTurf.

Hemp, which retains water, is also present in the makeup of the turf. This crucial aspect of the new field should help keep field temperatures down, officials said.

“The result is a much cooler field,” said Sydney Stahlbaum, director of marketing at AstroTurf. “[The hemp allows] for

temperatures up to 41 degrees cooler than SBR rubber, which is most commonly used.”

The previous ESD field was also surfaced by AstroTurf.

Stahlbaum added that the new turf will be available for a plethora of sports, thanks to the durability of the product. Specifically, ESD’s football, soccer, and lacrosse teams will all be using the new field.

“This field has the latest technology on the market,” she said. “There’s much more flexibility and usage than natural grass allows.”

School officials have praised the relationship with AstroTurf, calling it “an easy decision” to go forward with the company on the new athletic field surface.

“We were delighted to partner with AstroTurf to bring superior value and innovative design to our facilities for the benefit of our student-athletes,” said Robert Buchholz, ESD’s chief financial officer.

ESD’s football team went 5-4 in 2017, with wins over Trinity Christian Academy, Houston St. John’s, Houston Christian, Casady, and St. Mark’s. The first game of the 2018 season is scheduled for Aug. 31 against Trinity Christian.