The District 14-4A race was very topsy-turvy.
The teams expected to be the cream of the crop took a big drop and finished near the bottom of the district race.
Teams expected to struggle played for the district title.
Here's a look at some teams and players who stood out during the five-week slate.
Best team: Jacksonville. Sure, the Indians didn't win the district title, but I think they are still the best team in the district. With a good left-handed quarterback, junior Ryan Black, a solid running game and a tenacious defense, the Indians had a chance to run the table. They led 17-14 at halftime Friday night, before losing 28-17 to the...
Most surprising team: Lindale. The Eagles, who I expected to go winless inside 14-4A play, won their last four games of the season, including Friday night at the Tomato Bowl over Jacksonville. With the play of quarterback Matt Broussard and running back Keandre Ross, the Eagles were able to run to the district crown. Before district play started, I slated Lindale to be the only win for the...
Most disappointing team: Nacogdoches. A team that was expected to be a title contender in the preseason, the Dragons lost all five district games by double-digit margins. A school with nearly twice as many students as Kilgore, Lindale and Henderson, Nacogdoches looked overmatched on the scoreboard, despite fielding a team with players that had more size and speed than its opponents. The Dragons were victims of big game's by the district's...
Most exciting players: Ladarius Anthony, Kilgore and Trey Metoyer, Whitehouse. I got to watch each player play once this season, and both were impressive. They were also key parts in helping their teams clinch playoff berths Friday night.
I saw Anthony Friday night when he ran for 242 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-28 win over Nacogdoches. He nearly rushed for 1,500 yards in his sophomore campaign and will likely be the district's top running back for three straight seasons.
I saw Metoyer the previous week when he caught six passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns against the Dragons. The Whitehouse wide receiver is a treat to watch and will have colleges knocking at his door next year. The junior capped off the regular season with eight catches for 229 yards and five scores in the Wildcats' 42-28 win over Henderson Friday night that was a must in them reaching the playoffs.
Team with a best chance to win a playoff game or two: Lindale. The Eagles play the fourth-place team from District 13-4A, Sulphur Springs. The only thing is Sulphur Springs is the defending Class 4A, Division II champions. The main reason for picking Lindale is the tough match-ups the other three teams are facing. Jacksonville might have a shot to knock off Texas High, though.
Early favorite to win district next season: Kilgore. This is assuming the district stays basically the same next season, with the exception of Henderson likely dropping to Class 3A. The Bulldogs were filled with sophomores and juniors this year, most notably Anthony.
Now, let's start dribbling and shooting. On to the basketball season.
