LEWISVILLE, TX — Dave Campbell’s Texas Football is projecting a strong season for some Concho Valley teams and players this fall, but the magazine isn’t predicting breakthrough years for Central and Lake View.
Both San Angelo schools were picked to finish in the same spot as last year when Central was fifth out of six teams in District 2-6A, while Lake View was last among the four teams in District 3-4A Division I.
Both teams, however, may have the returning talent to prove those predictions wrong.
Central brings back seven starters on both sides of the ball from a 4-6 team that made huge strides last season in closing the gap on the district’s top teams.
Central lost to the district’s four playoff teams last year — Frenship, Midland Legacy, Midland High and Odessa Permian — by a combined 24 points. A 32-30 loss to Permian ultimately kept the Bobcats out of the postseason.
Legacy is predicted to win this year’s title, followed by Frenship, Permian and Midland High.
The big question for Central is who will replace two-year starter Christian “Squeaky” English at quarterback — Colton Hill or Micah Smith?
Lake View returns nine starters on offense and eight on defense from last year’s 2-9 team.
The Chiefs’ offense was averaging 30 points per game last season after nine games, but injuries helped sink their chances late.
Junior quarterback Chris Alvizo is among the returners, along with senior wide receiver Braylon White.
Andrews is picked to repeat as the district champ, followed by Big Spring, Pecos and Lake View.
The Chiefs had close losses last year to Pecos (45-37 in overtime) and Big Spring (28-21), so a runner-up finish seems well within reach.
San Angelo TLCA was picked to finish in last place in District 3-3A Division I following last year’s winless season. The Eagles have a lot of experience, however, with nine returning starters on each side of the ball.
Outside the city limits, Tom Green County has a couple of teams ranked No. 3 in the state in their classifications — Wall in Class 3A Division II and Water Valley in 1A Division I.
Wall had two players named to the 3A Preseason All-State Team, quarterback Landon York and offensive lineman Hudson Braden.
Wall is predicted to win District 4-3A Division II with York as the preseason Offensive MVP and defensive back Hagyn Barbee as the Defensive MVP. Grape Creek is picked fourth.
Outside the county, Brady is picked to finish as the runner-up in District 5-3A D-II behind Tolar. Defensive lineman Demarcus Reed is the preseason Defensive MVP.
Mason was ranked No. 12 in Class 2A D-I, while Junction was No. 12 in 2A D-II. Both teams are expected to win their district.
Mason linebacker Clancy Osbourn was named to the 2A preseason all-state team.
In District 3-2A D-I, Ozona is the favorite to win the title, followed by Sonora, Reagan County, Forsan, Christoval and Colorado City.
Ozona running back Christian Villarreal was named preseason Offensive MVP, while Reagan County defensive lineman Elijah Huerta took defensive honors.
In District 5-2A D-I, Ballinger is again predicted to take the fourth and final playoff spot. De Leon is projected to dethrone Hamilton.
In District 4-2A D-II, Wink is expected to repeat as the champ, followed by Iraan, Eldorado, McCamey, Sterling City and Van Horn.
In Class 1A D-I, No. 3 Water Valley leads a talented pack of area teams that includes No. 15 Robert Lee and No. 19 Menard.
Water Valley is predicted to win the 8-1A title, followed by Robert Lee, Veribest, Irion County and Paint Rock.
Water Valley linebacker Boston Wiese was named to the preseason all-state team, along with Robert Lee wide receiver Nate Samaniego.
In District 4-1A D-I, Garden City was picked to finish third again behind Buena Vista and Rankin.
In District 15-1A D-I, Menard is predicted to defend its title ahead of Medina and Eden.
In 1A D-II, longtime state power Richland Springs is ranked No. 3. Other area schools in the top 25 include No. 15 Blackwell and No. 25 Rochelle.
Richland Springs’ Cohen Ethridge was named preseason all-state as a utility player.
In District 6-1A D-II, Blackwell and Bronte are picked to claim the two playoff spots.
In 15-1A D-II, Richland Springs and Rochelle are projected to take the two postseason berths.
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