EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a series of 12 spring football previews. The Athlete’s Connection will run our “Spring Blitz” series every weekday through May 23.

The celebration parade is over. The visit to the state capitol and the picture ceremony with Governor Rick Perry is over. The trophy is put away in the trophy case.

It’s back to business as usual for the Lamar Consolidated football team.

After winning the 4A Division I state championship last season, the Mustangs began spring practice ready to prove that their state title was not a one-shot deal.

“We still have some kids in other sports, but the ones we have out there are doing a good job,” Lamar Consolidated head coach Lydell Wilson said. “They’re really excited about being out there and have the opportunity to prove that this wasn’t a one-time thing. We’ve had some successful classes come in here, and this class doesn’t want to be the one that doesn’t have the same kind of success.”

In his seventh year at his alma mater, Wilson turned a program that was bare in talent and support and turned them into state champions. In 2006, Lamar Consolidated made it to the state semifinals.

But now the real work begins, as the Mustangs work on trying to build on the success that Wilson has built upon. But the hardest thing will be to replace the man who led Lamar Consolidated to a state title.

Running back Jacquizz Rodgers, who was named the 4A player of the year in the state after rushing for 2,391 yards and 29 touchdowns, is now at Oregon State, and leaves a big void for Lamar Consolidated's offense. But Wilson expects to see quarterback D.J. Smallwood become even more of a weapon than last year.

In the state championship game against Copperas Cove, Smallwood ran 17 times for 106 yards to keep the Mustang offense going after Cove keyed on Rodgers.

“He’s the guy who has been the best athlete on the field, but the last couple of years, he didn’t have to be,” Wilson said. “I think you’ll see him take a new role. When you look at him, he’s 26-3 as a starter and 8-1 in the playoffs. So he’s the guy who has a lot of experience and he’s done very well for us.”

Smallwood will also benefit from a deep pool of returning wide receivers, including Jamal Williams, D.D. Goodson and tight end Justin Goodson. Marcel Threat also had some good performances as the backup running back last season, and will have to build on that going into the 2008 season.

On the offensive line, Pressly Godson returns after making first-team all-state last year. He had 84 pancakes blocks last year and gave up no sacks on the season.

Defensively, the Mustangs did lose some talented players, but have an all-state player coming back in free safety Steven Fleming. Also, linebacker Tremell Nicholson and defensive end D’Vonn Brown are other returning players Wilson is counting on to make an impact on defense.

“We have some guys returning that are pretty good,” Wilson said. “Plus, we have a good number of young athletes that if they step up and play the roles we think they’re capable of playing, then we should be pretty solid.”

Like last year, Lamar Consolidated will play a fair share of 5A teams, including Elkins and Pasadena Memorial. The Mustangs will hang their banner and get their championship rings when they open the season at home Aug. 29 against Texas City.

LAMAR CONSOLIDATED 2008 SCHEDULE
Aug. 29: Texas City, 7 p.m. (at Traylor Stadium)
Sept. 5: Fort Bend Elkins, 7:30 p.m. (at Traylor Stadium)
Sept. 12: at Pasadena Memorial, 7 p.m. (at Pasadena Stadium)
Sept. 19: Montgomery, 7 p.m. (at Traylor Stadium)
Sept. 26: at Buda Hays, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3: Opponent TBA
+Oct. 10: at Bay City, 7 p.m.
+Oct. 24: Foster, 7 p.m. (at Traylor Stadium, as home team)
+Oct. 31: at Terry, 7 p.m. (at Traylor Stadium, as visiting team)
+Nov. 7: El Campo, 7 p.m. (at Traylor Stadium)

+ District 23-4A game

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