2 | Thursday August 30, 2012 | The University Star
WAC 2012
Head coach name/number of years at position: Dennis Franchione – second season
Head coach name/number of years at position: Sonny Dykes, third season
Last bowl game appearance: N/A
Last bowl game appearance: 2011
Rival schools: UTSA
Rival schools: None
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 9
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Key offensive players/positions: RB – Marcus Curry TE – Chase Harper
Key offensive players/positions: WR – Quinton Patton WR – Myles White
Key defensive players/positions: CB – Darryl Morris LB – Joplo Bartu
Key defensive players/positions: DB – Chad Boyd Potential strengths: Receiving core, experience
Potential strengths: Running game Potential weaknesses: Quarterback consistency, secondary
Star File Photo
Shaun Rutherford, senior quarterback, is expected to start in this weekend’s game against the University of Houston.
Potential weaknesses: Defensive front
Head coach name/number of years at position: Gary Andersen, fourth season
Head coach name/number of years at position: Mike MacIntyre, third season
Head coach name/number of years at position: Robb Akey – sixth season
Last bowl game appearance: 2011
Last bowl game appearance: 2006
Last bowl game appearance: 2009
Rival schools: Utah
Rival schools: Stanford
Rival schools: None
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning offensive starters: 7
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Number of returning defensive starters: 7
Key offensive players/positions: WR – Matt Austin RB – Kerwynn Williams
Key offensive players/positions: WR – Noel Grigsby TE – Ryan Otten
Key offensive players/positions: QB – Bobby Cowan CB – Aaron Grymes
Key defensive players/positions: LB – Bojay Filimoeatu SS – McKade Brady
Key defensive players/positions: DE – Travis Johnson
Key defensive players/positions: S – Gary Walker
Potential strengths: Veteran starting offense
Potential strengths: Returning stars Senior leadership in the secondary
Potential strengths: Passing games
Potential weaknesses: Defensive front
Potential weaknesses: Linebackers
Potential weaknesses: Defensive depth
CONFERENCE
OUTLOOK
Head coach name/number of years at position: DeWayne Walker, fourth season
Head coach name/number of years at position: Larry Coker, second season
Last bowl game appearance: 1960
Last bowl game appearance: N/A
Rival schools: New Mexico
Rival schools: Texas State
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning offensive starters: 11
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 9
Key offensive players/positions: OT – Davonte Wallace RB – Robert Clay
Key offensive players/positions: QB – Eric Soza WR – Kam Jones
Key defensive players/positions: LB – Alexander Lavoy DE – Donte Savage
Key defensive players/positions: DT – Richard Burge LB – Steven Kurfehs
Potential strengths: Receiving core
Potential strengths: 20 returning starters, passing game
Potential weaknesses: Offensive line inexperience
Potential weaknesses: Depth, inexperience, still a developing program
In the wild and crazy world of NCAA conference realignment, no conference lost more teams than the Western Athletic Conference. The WAC did bring in new members Texas State, UTSA, UT-Arlington, Seattle and Denver. However, football schools Texas State and UTSA are leaving the conference following the 2012 season. On top of those issues, the WAC may not be able to participate as a football conference moving forward unless a merger with the Big Sky becomes a reality.
The University Star | Thursday August 30, 2012 | 3
First FBS game: Bobcats face off against Houston Cougars By Jordan Brewer Assistant Sports Editor The first test for Texas State’s football team as an FBS program will take place this Saturday when they take on the Houston Cougars in Robertson Stadium. Texas State is 3-1 historically against Houston. However, the Cougars beat the Bobcats 68-28 in their last meeting in 2010. “If someone has not told (Houston), they don’t know,” Coach Dennis Franchione said regarding the overall series record between Houston and Texas State. “I think if there’s any remembrance of games it is the one from two years ago. I think they scored a touchdown on every one of their first three plays. These kids don’t live in those days.” Last season’s offensive prowess was not a first for Houston. They have led the NCAA in offensive yards over the last six seasons, averaging over 7,000 yards a season and 42,560 yards over that span. The only wide receiver with starting experience in Houston’s four wide set, however, is senior Ronnie Williams. He played in all 14 games last season but has only one career start under his belt. Houston is also replacing its legendary former quarterback, Case Keenum. “They always have guys that can run,” said Jason Washington, Cornerbacks Coach . “We are ready for the challenge. Our guys are looking forward to prove to everybody in the conference that we are a pretty good secondary. Nothing bad about starting off with a big test and we will continue to go from there.” The Cougars will still feature many of last year’s talented offensive contributors. Their offensive line re-
mains intact as four of last year’s starters return, including their entire left side of the line. Jacolby Ashworth, starting left tackle, has started 29 career games. The returning leader in all-purpose yards, Charles Sims, lines up as a runningback but had a total of 1,396 yards and 13 touchdowns. Of those yards, 575 came through the air on 51 receptions. Sims had 834 yards on 110 carries for an average of 7.5 yards per carry. Quarterback David Piland is taking over for departed starter Keenum, who threw for 5,631 yards, 48 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. Piland has the responsibility of filling Keenum’s shoes but the sophomore signal-caller has had some experience under the helm when Keenum went down with injury in 2010. “We are going to try and play tight on (Piland’s) receivers, get some pressure on him from the defensive line and linebackers,” Morris said. “We know they are going to be prepared. (Piland) I’m sure will do fine. He’s a good quarterback and they have some good receivers back. Hopefully we can get after them.” As a true freshman, Piland filled in for Keenum and threw for 2,641 yards, 24 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in eight games. Piland redshirted last season but hopes to have the same caliber season he had in 2010, where he led Conference USA in passing yards. The quarterbacks for Texas State will come by the twos, as Shaun Rutherford is set to start, but Tyler Arndt is also expected to get his number called. Rutherford passed for 1,227 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. Rutherford took advantage of his speed in 2011 with just under 600 yards and three touchdowns. Tyler Arndt, in eight games, passed for 576 yards with three
Kathryn Parker, Staff Photographer
View of the Northside Complex from inside Bobcat Stadium.
The new football locker room at Bobcat Stadium.
The new Bobcat fan shop, located in the Northside Complex, allows students, alumni and fans to purchase gameday essentials.
Cushioned seating available for season ticket holders.
touchdowns and three interceptions. Both quarterbacks can add to the running game with their feet. A defensive player to watch for Houston is cornerback D.J. Hayden. The 2011 Conference USA Defensive Newcomer of the Year transferred to Houston from Navarro Junior College and finished with 66 tackles while picking off two passes. Tony Levine will take over the coaching reigns as the coaching staff gets a makeover after Houston’s previous coach Kevin Sumlin departed for Texas A&M. With the new staff, the Bobcats are preparing for multiple looks, especially in the defensive front of Houston. “They switched defensive sets from last season to this season,” said offensive tackle Thaddeus Watkins. “We have been working against multiple fronts and coverages to make sure we have covered everything. We are getting our technique down.” On the other side of things, the Bobcats are more comfortable in their second year under Dennis Franchione’s system. The players and coaches have expressed how this year it’s more about playing and reacting versus thinking and getting down the scheme. Franchione has preached paying attention to details over the first few weeks of the 2012 season. It’s an important concept when playing on the road, especially in front of a hostile crowd in Houston. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and Bobcat fans can turn to www. universitystar.com for postgame recaps and quotes, pregame and postgame podcast coverage and live tweets throughout the game from @txstcamirvine and @eddiebatyIII. Twitter: @jbrewer32
4 | Thursday August 30, 2012 | The University Star
DISTRICT 25-5A
RATTLERS LOOKING TO STRIKE
San Marcos Rattlers look to enhance team with new staff By Cameron Irvine Sports Editor
THIS SEASON
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The last few years have been rough on San Marcos Rattlers football. Pitted against some of the toughest competition in the state, the Rattlers have been unable to match top-tier 5-A talent. The last two years, San Marcos was paired with state champions, Steele High School. But with Steele out of the district and usual powerhouse Judson under a brand new coaching staff for the first time in over 30 years, the Rattlers see the opportunity to strike. “We have an explosive offense,” Cameron Kenney, offensive lineman, said. “Running backs are hitting the holes really well and wide receivers are catching
all the balls. We are looking really good.” San Marcos has a new coaching staff this year led by Mark Soto, who coached under icon Jim Rackley at Judson. When Rackley retired this year, Soto was left looking for a job and San Marcos became the destination for the upstart head coach. Already, Soto has settled in and the players love the new, winning attitude. “Everything is looking up and everything is going great,” Cory Brown, safety, said. “Ever since (the new coaches) got here, it’s been going great.” The Rattlers are 6-33 since making the playoffs in 2007 and still play in a tough district that includes Smithson Valley, New Braunfels and Judson. Judson travels to San Marcos on Oct. 26, Soto’s first
game against his old team, where he was an assistant for five years. CJ Moreno, junior linebacker, one of many leaders for the Rattlers, knows that the district will still be difficult to get through, and a playoff spot will still have to be earned, not given. “In this district, there is going to be a lot of competition,” Moreno said. “We will be looking to fight hard every game.” Moreno added that heart, strength and work ethic are the strengths of the Rattlers. attributes often characterized with the underdog, who is looking to get back to playoff football, something that used to be part of the Rattler norm. Notable San Marcos contests this season include big, tough tests with Dripping
Springs and Steele (both on the road) on Aug. 31 and Sep. 27, respectively. The toughest part of the district schedule for San Marcos comes early, when the Rattlers welcome Smithson Valley and Judson to town, while traveling to New Braunfels in the first three district contests. The Rattlers will continue to play in the newly expanded Bobcat Stadium for all home games this season. Other big district contests include a rivalry renewed with Smithson Valley and Judson on Oct. 19. Smithson Valley takes on New Braunfels on November 2. Both of the district-favorite Rangers toughest tasks come on the road. Twitter: @txstcamirvine
Head coach name/number of years at position: Mark Soto – first year If applicable, last playoff appearance: 2007 Number of returning offensive starters: 6 Number of returning defensive starters: 7
RB - Jonah Fabian
LB - CJ Moreno
Key offensive players/positions: OT - Cameron Kenney RB - Jonah Fabian RB - Collin Anderson Key defensive players/positions: LB – CJ Moreno CB – Nick Manrique S - Cory Brown Potential strengths: Offensive Line Simple schemes Potential weaknesses: Depth Team to beat in district: Smithson Valley This year’s overall goal/goals: To be better than last season
S - Cory Brown
OL - Cameron Kenney
25-5A CONTINUED
The University Star | Thursday August 30, 2012 | 5
Head coach name/number of years at position: Larry Hill – 19th season
Head coach name/number of years at position: Mark Smith – first year
Head coach name/number of years at position: Chuck Caniford – eighth year
If applicable, year of last playoff: 2011
If applicable, last playoff appearance: 2011
If applicable, year of last playoff appearance: 2011
Rival schools: Judson, New Braunfels
Rival schools: Wagner, Steele
Rival schools: Canyon
Number of returning offensive starters: 4
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning offensive starters: 7
Number of returning defensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 3
Key offensive players/positions: RB – Lawrence Mattison OL – Garrett Gunter
Key offensive players/positions: WR - Jermaine Adams, OL - Jonathan Baker OL - Gerardo Zacarias
Key offensive players/positions: QB – Weston King, TE – Alex Leslie WR – Caleb Marlar
Key defensive players/positions: LB – George Schwanenberg
Key defensive players/positions: S - Tre Flowers, S - Jarveon Williams OLB - Malik Pryor
Key defensive players/positions: DE – Zach Wright, OLB – Marshall Lewis DB – Kiki Montoya
Potential strengths: Team speed
Potential strengths: Quarterback Offensive line experience
Potential strengths: Running game Strong defense Potential weaknesses: Quarterback questions
Potential weaknesses: New systems
This year’s overall goal/goals: To be better than last season
Team to beat in district: Smithson Valley
Potential weaknesses: Linebackers Defensive backs
This year’s overall goal/goals: Win district and complete for a state title
Head coach name/number of years at position: Pete Gibbens – sixth season
Head coach name/number of years at position: Matt Elliot – third year
If applicable, year of last playoff appearance: 2011
If applicable, last playoff appearance: 2011
Rival schools: None Number of returning offensive starters: 5 Number of returning defensive starters: 5 Key offensive players/positions: WR – Xavier LaGrant, RB – Robert Gardner Key defensive players/positions: LB – Byron Mills, DE – Jayden Moore Potential strengths: Linebacker leadership Potential weaknesses: Quarterback play, secondary Team to beat in district: Smithson Valley This year’s overall goal/goals: To win playoff games
Rival schools: New Braunfels, Smithson Valley Number of returning offensive starters: 6 Number of returning defensive starters: 5 Key offensive players/positions: OT – Jacob Smith, C – Vinny Flores Key defensive players/positions: DE – Ernest Gonzales, S – Cody Wilson Potential strengths: Offensive Line Potential weaknesses: Depth, Defensive Line Team to beat in district: Smithson Valley This year’s overall goal/goals: Win district championship
Team to beat in district: Smithson Valley
DISTRICT OUTLOOK Steele, who has won this district two straight years, was realigned by the UIL this summer, opening the door for a new District 25-5A champion. Smithson Valley moves up from 4-A back to 5-A and is expected to win the district this year. Canyon’s red turf will make more headlines than the team will this year, and Judson is rebuilding with the loss of coach Jim Rackley.
DISTRICT 27 - 4A
Head coach name/number of years at position: Todd Raymond – first year
Head coach name/number of years at position: David Jones – first year
If applicable, year of last playoff appearance: N/A
If applicable, last playoff appearance: 2011
Rival schools: Hays
Rival schools: Boerne-Champion, Alamo Heights
Number of returning offensive starters: 5 Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Austin Humphreys, Star Photo Editor
Casey Coffee alludes Kyle Lehman High School’s defense Aug. 24 during a scrimmage in Fischer.
Number of returning offensive starters: 5 Number of returning defensive starters: 4
Key offensive players/positions: RB – Paul Brown OL – Kenny Higgins
Key offensive players/positions: QB – Parks McNeil, WR – Tyler Ahrens OL – Madison Wilmot
Key defensive players/positions: DL – Kris Hernandez DB – Kyron Morrissette
Key defensive players/positions: DL – Jesse Hernandez, LB – Payeton Becker CB – Josh Appel
Potential strengths: Offensive and defensive lines
Potential strengths: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, linebackers, defensive Line
Potential weaknesses: Inexperience Team to beat in district: Kerrville Tivy This year’s overall goal/goals: To make the playoffs
Potential weaknesses: Secondary Austin Humphreys, Star Photo Editor
Fischer Canyon Lake High School, 3A, and Kyle Lehman High School, 4A, scrimmage Aug. 24 in Fischer. Both teams will start their respective seasons this weekend.
Team to beat in district: Alamo Heights and Hays This year’s overall goal/goals: Win a district championship
6 | Thursday August 30, 2012 | The University Star
Head coach name/number of years at position: Blake Feldt – second year
Head coach name/number of years at position: Mike Normant – first year
Head coach name/number of years at position: Danny Threadgill – fourth season
If applicable, year of last playoff appearance: 2012
If applicable, last playoff appearance: 2011
If applicable, year of last playoff appearance: 2011
Rival schools: Lehman
Rival schools: Kerrville Tivy, Boerne-Champion
Rival schools: Kerrville Tivy, Alamo Heights
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning offensive starters: 3
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Key offensive players/positions: QB – Caleb Kimbro, WR – Granger Studdard OL – Reed Darragh
Key offensive players/positions: WR – Cole Bailey, WR – Christen Diedenharn, OL – Daniel McCarty
Key offensive players/positions: QB - Kyle Poeske, OL - Kyle McKinney
Key defensive players/positions: DE – Kyle Cox
Key defensive players/positions: LB – Nicki Uretski, LB – Balek Klumpp DB – Kevin Kujawa, DB – Blake Rosenthal
Potential strengths: Senior leadership, Second year under new system Potential weaknesses: Depth Team to beat in district: Kerrville Tivy
Potential strengths: Defense, specifically linebackers, Receivers Potential weaknesses: Offensive/defensive lines Team to beat in district: Hays
Key defensive players/positions: DB - Jake Margozewitz, LB - Blake Webb Potential strengths: Skill positions on offense Potential weaknesses: Linebackers, secondary Team to beat in district: Hays, Kerrville Tivy, Alamo Heights This year’s overall goal/goals: Win district/go deep into the playoffs
This year’s overall goal/goals: Win district championship, deep playoff run
This year’s overall goal/goals: To make and have success in the playoffs
Head coach name/number of years at position: Jared Johnston – first year
Head coach name/number of years at position: Wayne Walker – third season
Head coach name/number of years at position: Paul Kirby – second year
If applicable, last playoff appearance: 2009
If applicable, year of last playoff appearance: 2006
If applicable, last playoff appearance: N/A
Rival schools: Everyone in district
Number of returning offensive starters: 4
Rival schools: Hays
Number of returning offensive starters: 2 Number of returning defensive starters: 3
Number of returning defensive starters: 4
Key offensive players/positions: QB – JJ Elkins, RB – Demarius Burton WR – Preston Bass
Key offensive players/positions: QB – Walker Franz, OL – Rivonte Chizer
Key defensive players/positions: S – Chase Forman, S – Zach Medina Potential strengths: Physicality, Speed Potential weaknesses: Lack of Experience Team to beat in district: Kerrville Tivy This year’s overall goal/goals: To make the playoffs and make a state championship run
Key defensive players/positions: OLB – Travis Pescetello, S – Ty Miles Potential strengths: Senior leadership on defense Potential weaknesses: Depth, inexperience offensively Team to beat in district: Kerrville Tivy This year’s overall goal/goals: Improvement, to be more competitive
Number of returning offensive starters: 7 Number of returning defensive starters: 3 Key offensive players/positions: FB – Levi Mair HB – Marcos Rodriguez Key defensive players/positions: DE – Curtis Dawkins DT – Seth Garcia Potential strengths: Offensive line, backfield, defensive line Potential weaknesses: Inexperienced secondary Team to beat in district: Kerrville Tivy This year’s overall goal/goals: To make the playoffs
If applicable, year of last playoff appearance: 2012 Rival schools: Liberty Hills, Dripping Springs Number of returning offensive starters: 3 Number of returning defensive starters: 7 Key offensive players/positions: QB – Reed Jones RB – Kolby Kelley RB – Cameron Morris Key defensive players/positions: DE – Conner Kothmann DT – Jackson King ILB – Alden Mann Potential strengths: Offensive line Simple schemes Potential weaknesses: Depth Team to beat in district: Smithson Valley
THIS SEASON
Head coach name/number of years at position: Weldon Nelms – 15th year
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DISTRICT 27 - 3A
This year’s overall goal/goals: To be better than last season
The University Star | Thursday August 30, 2012 | 7
ILB - Alden Mann
QB - Reed Jones
DT - Jackson King
RB - Kolby Kelley
Head coach name/number of years at position: Charley Drum – first year
Head coach name/number of years at position: Mike Dormady – first year
Head coach name/number of years at position: Les Goad – sixth year
If applicable, year of last playoff appearance: 2010
If applicable, last playoff appearance: 2011
If applicable, last playoff appearance: 2012
Rival schools: None
Rival schools: Wagner, Steele
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning defensive starters 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 3
Key offensive players/positions: QB – Branson Belcher RB – Eduardo Covarrubias
Key offensive players/positions: WR – Luke Baird OL – Daren Satsky
Key defensive players/positions: DL – TJ Gregory
Key defensive players/positions: LB – Paul Burns LB – Bryce Collins
Potential strengths: Running back core, linebackers Potential weaknesses: Depth Team to beat in district: Wimberley This year’s overall goal/goals: To make the playoffs
Potential strengths: Depth at skill positions
Potential strengths: Offensive backfield and Defensive line Potential weaknesses: Depth Team to beat in district: Wimberley
Key defensive players/positions: LB – Evan Deleon FS – Jay Leal Potential strengths: Unity Senior leadership Depth
Team to beat in district: Wimberley
This year’s overall goal/goals: Get back, win in the playoffs
This year’s overall goal/goals: Make the playoffs
If applicable, last playoff appearance: 2009
Key defensive players/positions: DE – Jacob Dittmar DB – Seth Studebaker S – Brayden Beard
Key offensive players/positions: RB – Lj Anderson OL – Nick Terry C – Brian Bormann
Team to beat in district: Wimberley
If applicable, year of last playoff appearance: 2007
Key offensive players/positions: RB – Paco Martinez WR – Cole Reynolds OL – Cullen Eckert
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Potential weaknesses: Young OL Adapting to the new defensive system
Head coach name/number of years at position: Larry Prince – sixth season
Number of returning defensive starters: 8
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Potential weaknesses: Experience, development of linemen
Head coach name/number of years at position: Lance Moffett – second year
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Rival schools: Marion, Wimberley
Rival schools: Wimberley, Devine Number of returning offensive starters: 5
DISTRICT OUTLOOK
Number of returning defensive starters: 5 Key offensive players/positions: QB – Michael Miller RB – Fabian Muniz WR – Cullen McGuire Key defensive players/positions: DE – Aaron Shackelford LB – Ishmael MacNeil FS – Caleb Beauchamp Potential strengths: Quarterback play Potential weaknesses: Inexperience Team to beat in district: Wimberley This year’s overall goal/goals: Improve Make the playoffs
Wimberley will be confident following their 3-A, Division II state championship run and are poised to do it again in 2012. Wimberley’s biggest threats are Canyon Lake and Boerne, but they should have an easier time than other area schools in their respective districts.
8 | Thursday August 30, 2012 | The University Star | Advertisement
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