This is the fifth of The Athlete’s Connection’s 30 football previews in 30 days leading up to the season-opening games beginning Thursday, Aug. 28. Today, Athlete's Connection sportswriter Chad Washington takes a look at District 22-5A.

 DEER PARK
Nickname: Deer
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Enrollment: 3,781
2007 record: 8-3 (Division I Region III bi-district finalist, lost to Humble 16-7), 6-1
Coach: Chris Massey
Returning lettermen: 22

Over the years, Deer Park has always been a strong team in the regular season, but hasn’t had that final kick to make a strong postseason run. Despite not having a losing record since 1997, the last time the Deer have made it out of the second round was 2002. But with several key players back on offense, there are high hopes that this could be the year Deer Park breaks through and becomes a major player in the region.

The core of the offense returning is senior quarterback Hans Cook and senior running back Travis Carter. Carter ran for over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, and Cook passed for almost 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns. Three of those went to senior Natreon Moose, who returns after making all-district last year. Senior linemen Derrick Clark and James Burden return to make the line even stronger from last year.

The defense only has two returning starters in senior nose tackle Ronnie Victor and safety Travis Fetgatter, who were both first-team all-district selections. But the Deer need contributions from junior linebacker Alex James and junior defensive tackle Zach Logan to lead a young defensive squad.

Deer Park will have an early-season test at Cy-Fair on Sept. 13, but the Deer’s big games will be the last two games of the season, first at Pearland and at home against Pasadena Memorial.

LA PORTE
Nickname: Bulldogs
Colors: Orange and Black
Enrollment: 2,325
2007 record: 4-6, 3-4
Coach: Jeff LaReau
Returning lettermen: 24

La Porte struggled to maintain any consistency last season, but got two big wins to end the season on a high note. And with seven offensive starters back, the Bulldogs are hoping that their momentum can carry over into this season.

The offense will have a stable of good running backs, led by returning starter Kendrick Perkins, a junior. Anthony Webb and Duke Hawkins are also steady runners. Senior wide receiver Jimmy Randle, with his 6-foot-5 frame, was the Bulldogs’ leading receiver last year. The offensive line should be stronger with returning starters senior Arturo Marrero-Choe, Justin Carnes and Eric Nowetner.

The defense kept La Porte in several games last year, but only has three returning starters. Senior defensive tackle Ian Ogando is a four-year letterman, while senior defensive back Devon Sutherland made all-district in 2007. Young linebackers like Edward Gonzalez and Ray Rodriguez will have to step in and contribute.

La Porte could be unbeaten when it reaches district play, but with road games at Deer Park, Pearland and Pasadena Memorial, the Bulldogs will have to steal a win in one of those games to get into the playoffs.

PASADENA
Nickname: Eagles
Colors: Green and White
Enrollment: 2,366
2007 record: 3-7, 1-7
Coach: Jeff Ganske
Returning lettermen: 16

Despite being one of the oldest schools in the area, Pasadena High has not had a strong football history. The last time the Eagles had a winning record was in 2002, and hasn’t made the playoffs since 1996. Despite a small number of returning players, Pasadena does have strength on the offensive and defensive lines.

Seniors Kaheem Chaney and Raul Chapa give the o-line some stability, which will benefit senior quarterback Gabriel Morgan and running back Luis Montoya. Returning wideout Alfredo Rios will be a go-to guy in the passing game.

The defense hopes to improve with depth at linebacker, which includes leading tackler Blas Gomez, Jerry Reyes and Montoya. The line will be anchored by senior Eduardo Sanchez, while defensive backs Martin Fernandez, Jose Carranza and David Saucedo will be in the secondary.

The Eagles will be looking to avenge a 12-7 loss to Milby on Sept. 13, and then will face Pearland in the district opener on Sept. 26.

PASADENA DOBIE
Nickname: Longhorns
Colors: Burnt Orange and White
Enrollment: 3,192
2007 record: 2-8, 2-5
Coach: Bobby Cotton
Returning lettermen: 23

After two lackluster seasons, Dobie hopes to turn things around in 2008 thanks to more skill players and a focus to win in a very competitive district. But the Longhorns will need a better defensive output than last year, when it allowed an average of 32 points per game.

It looks like Dobie will have a two-headed monster at running back, with Anthony Phillips and Randy Owens splitting carries. But it’s up to the offensive line – led by Mario Villa and Rodell Duff – to open holes for the backs. Tight end Sofita Keto is big and fast and could be an effective weapon in the passing game.

The Horns need to have a better output from its defense, meaning defensive linemen Daniel Robinson, Quinton Edwards, Cody Catney, and defensive back Daniel Lopez must play better.

Dobie’s first real test should come at home against Dickinson Sept. 6, while the district opener against Pasadena Memorial will see if the Horns can compete for a playoff spot.

PASADENA MEMORIAL
Nickname: Mavericks
Colors: Teal and Black
Enrollment: 2,634
2007 record: 9-3-1 (Division II Region III semifinalist, lost to Katy 30-14), 5-2
Coach: John Snelson
Returning lettermen: 20

Next to Clements, Pasadena Memorial also came out of nowhere to have a dream season in 2007, finishing second in district and making a run to the regional semifinals. This year, the goals have been raised as the Mavericks look for another strong run and a possible regional title.

Last year, Bo Snelson (the coach’s son) ran for over 2,100 yards and 31 touchdowns at running back in the flexbone offense. Now he will be the quarterback, meaning he can become a threat running and passing. His main target will be senior wide receiver Chance Imhoff, who caught five scores last year. The line will be led by returning starters Chase Adamek and Danny Vance.

The heart of the defense is in the secondary, with junior Wykie Freeman, junior Tate Gresham and Jarod Holmes. Also, inside linebacker Taylor Hart is the team’s returning tackler.

The Mavericks face three tough non-conference opponents in Clear Creek, Clements and Lamar Consolidated before heading into district play. Road games at Pearland and at Deer Park will tell if Pasadena Memorial has what it takes to be one of the area’s top teams.

PEARLAND
Nickname: Oilers
Colors: Maroon and Black
Enrollment: 3,687
2007 record: 10-2 (Division I Region III area finalists, lost to North Shore 24-20), 6-0
Coach: Tony Heath
Returning lettermen: 23

After winning several district championships in 24-5A, Pearland moves to 22-5A, where the Oilers hope to continue its strong runs of being one of the consistently stronger teams in the Houston area. Pearland moves to a slightly easier district, but that doesn’t mean that the Oilers are going to take things lightly in district play. They are looking to make another big run in the playoffs and even contend for a regional championship.

Five starters return to an offense that relies on power running to win games. Running back Kasey Carrier is the returning workhorse after scoring 14 touchdowns in 2007. Quarterback Samuel Allen is a consistent passer and will have plenty of options with senior wideout Kevin Miller junior wide receiver Charles Ortiz. The offensive line should remain solid with juniors Ian Grey and Alex Freas.

The defense is experienced and hungry, with senior defensive linemen Dantrayal Smith and Mario Turner, senior linebackers Dennis Walls and Jordan Brogdon, along with senior defensive back Jarrod Stewart leading the secondary.

SAM RAYBURN
Nickname: Texans
Colors: Navy Blue and Columbia Blue
Enrollment: 2,447
2007 record: 2-8, 0-7
Coach: Chris Bussey
Returning lettermen: 27

Rayburn has been an afterthought in this district for almost 20 years. Going winless in district last year didn’t help things, but a new season brings optimism that the Texans can start the climb back to respectability.

The offense has a good corps of receivers led by Christian Abarca and Frank Hernandez, with Eloy Canales at tight end. The offensive line is stable with juniors James Black and Ricardo Lopez as returning starters.

The defense has veteran leadership with good depth in the front seven. Linemen Hilario Martinez and Miguel Hinojosa are the leaders up front, with linebackers David Valazquez and Matt Cook in the middle. The secondary will have Max Montoya and Henry Wheelis to rely on.

Rayburn will open against two 4A teams in Waltrip and Santa Fe. The district opener at home against La Porte could tell if the Texans have improved from last year.

SOUTH HOUSTON
Nickname: Trojans
Colors: Red and White
Enrollment: 2,498
2007 record: 6-5 (Division II Region III bi-district finalists, lost to Beaumont West Brook 42-28), 4-3
Coach: C.L. Whittington
Returning lettermen: 15

In his first year as South Houston head coach, C.L. Whittington led the Trojans to the playoffs for the first time since 1996. Now for the first time in a long while, South Houston has a chance to continue the rebuilding efforts and get back into the postseason.

The running game will rely on senior Jessie Raglin, Ray Deblac and fullback Kerrick Christian. Four starters return on the offensive line, including all-district selection junior Humberto Caceras, Joshua Tellez and Juan Espinoza.

The defensive line has a big weapon in senior Chris Loveless, while Darren Leaks and Rene Ramirez are also good players. Sophomore Leroy Scott is a up-and-coming player in the secondary.

South Houston’s first test will come against Atascocita on Sept. 19, then the Trojans have Deer Park and Pearland at home when district play begins.

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