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Sachse, Rowlett face familiar foes in quest to return to playoffs

By DEVIN HASSON, dhasson@starlocalnews.com

Published: Friday, August 31, 2012 4:26 PM CDT

Familiarity breeds contempt, as the old saying goes.

Well, that might not be the case for the new District 11-5A.

As was the situation from 2008-2010, the seven Garland ISD schools have their own district, meaning four of those teams will advance to the Class 5A playoffs.

But while proximity might make all these teams rivals, the relationships are not steeped in hatred.

"Most of the kids know each other pretty well," Sachse head coach Mark "Red" Behrens said. "The kids grew up playing against each other and the teams are all familiar with one another. But we all know that any team is capable of winning on a given night. I think top to bottom, this district is going to be competitive every week."

Unlike many districts, there are few changes as far as the GISD teams are concerned, with the exception of the departure of McKinney Boyd.

Sachse is hoping those familiar surrounding yield a similar result to last season, when they broke through to make the playoffs for the first time in school history.

Kent Myers, who was a wide receiver last season, is expected to take over at quarterback. The junior showed promise throwing the ball and is also a threat on the ground.

Tyrique Edwards, another junior, can be an explosive option on the outside, while Austin Williams is another seasoned receiver.

Defensively, Sachse should be an improved team with linebackers Kantrell Hunter, Isaiah Smith and Bryan Hudson making up the core.

Rowlett has made the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons and is coming off a history-making trip to the regional quarterfinals.

The Eagles have to replace their starting quarterback, but that transition should be eased by the return of running back Jalen Rhodes. The Texas Tech-commit rushed for 1,487 yards last season and could be in for an even bigger year.

The defensive line is stout with Dominique Wyatt, Collis Walker and newcomer of the year Cedric Johnson, while Grant Dotsy anchors the secondary.

The 11-5A favorite is once again expected to be defending district champion Garland, who was 9-3 last season.

The Owls always have athleticism on both sides of the ball, perhaps none more dynamic than Ja'Taveon Green, who averaged better than 18 yards per touch both running and receiving.

The strength of the defense should be in the secondary, where all four starters return, including Drahane Glass, who had five interceptions last season.

South Garland is not always pretty, but it seems to get the job done, year in and year out.

The Colonels should once again contend for a playoff spot behind dynamic quarterback Trey Porter, who should only improve with a year of experience under his belt.

Marquel McNac is a hard-nosed runner who will also play a key role in the offense. Defensively, South Garland is strong up front with ends Casey King and Stefan Greenwood bracketing nose guard Charles Walker.

The other three teams in 11-5A are all breaking in new coaches and hoping for better results.

Naaman Forest, under Sam McElroy, were 2-8 last season but there is talent there. Junior quarterback Justin Walker threw for more than 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also rushing for 500 yards. Juaqin Davis is one of the top returning rushers in the district after accounting for more than 1,200 yards on the ground last season.

On defense, the Rangers will be led by Chance Rogins and Lionel Phillips on the defensive line.

Lakeview was also 2-8 last season and is now under the leadership of Kendall Miller, who takes over the program after coming over from South Oak Cliff.

The Patriots will have a new quarterback, but have a talented wide receiver in Jarvis Baxter and a solid runner in Demarcus Hall.

North Garland, under new head coach Joe Castillo, is hoping to break a winless drought that dates back to 2010. The Raiders spent the spring and the early parts of the fall in position battles that they hope will prepare them for the start of the season next week.

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