Who will top our 2020 Fab 55 list?
By Mike Craven who separated themselves He's electric after the clear-cut favorite to go played some wide receiver hard to imagine a more mcrnven@sl:llesmrui.com from the pack as juniors. catch, physi~ enough to wire-to-wrreasthestate's in 7-00-7 tournaments phy&ically gifted corner. Our initial 2020 Fab 55, beat bwnp-coverage and top prospect. and built like an outside Troy Omeire, WR, Fort It's time to focus on a which will be released is the type of receiver to Ja'Quinden Jackson, linebacker. Bend Austin: A freakish new batch of recruiting digitally on Thursday and demand double-teams in ATH , Duncanville: The Dwight MCGiothern, CB, athlete with a tremendous targets - for 2020. in print on Friday, will be college, which is rare. 6-2, 200-pounder is the Cedar Hill Trinity Christian: frarne(6-3, 205) and con The 2019 Fabulous 55 topped by one of these five Zachary Ev a ns, RB, nation's No. 2-ranked Toe 6-1, 180-pound 5-star sistent hands. He's totaled was Jed by - • --!' ~ prospects, who are listed Galena Park North Shore: athlete - in 2019, that prospect is the best defen 85 catches for 1,546 yards wide receiver and Ohio here alphabetically: The 5-star prospect is the was Cuero's Jordan sive back in the state. He and 21 touchdowns in his State early enrollee Demond Demas, WR, top-rated running back in Whittington. No one looks like a safety because first two years on varsity. Garrett Wilson. It's now Tomball: The 5-star Texas the country and is draw knows what position of his height and wingspan His offer list includes the time to crown the new best A&M commit is 6-41 210 ing comparisons to Adrian Jackson will play in col but is capable of playing nation's elite programs player in Texas, and there and is the No. 3-ranked Peterson, who topped our lege; he's a high school comerback because of his and he's high on both are five 2020 candidates receiver in the country. 2004 Fab 55. He's the quarterback but has hips and footwork. It's Texas and Texas A&M. Duncanville's Ja'Quinden Jackson plays quarterback in high school but is projected to move to wide receiver or into the secondary in coUege. He is one of a handful of prospects that could top the American-Statesman's initial 2020 Fabulous 55. IMIK£ CRAVEN/AMERICAH·STATESMANJ AMERICAN - STATESMAN ' S 2019 FABULOUS 55
AMERICM-STAT£SMAN'S 211' FABULOUS SS 1bo Am From sWf reports NATION'S TOP 10 in a dropoff in recruiting. Toe country's No. 1 running CLASSES Buckeyes signed 17 players back (IMG Academy's Trey Alabama may have lost this year ina class that ranked Sanders) andNo.1 strong-side the national championship, The top 10 recruiting classes 14th nationally and third in the defensive end (Antonio Alfano but the Crimson Tide has in the country, per 247Sports' Big Ten behind Michigan and from New Jersey). South won the national recruiting composite ratings. Penn State. Carolina had the No. 1 defen- champiomhip. l. Alabama :.:lei! 'rt.iw wide receiver sive tackle (Zacch Pickens, Again. 2. Georgia Garrett Wilson, who was from South Carolina). The Crimson Tide signed 3. Texas the No. 1- ranked player in Oklahoma got the country's the top- rated class in the 4. TexasA&M the state on the American- No. l quarterback (Arizona's country on Wednesday, per 5. LSU Statesman's Fabulous 55, Spencer Rattler) and he'll be the 247Sports composite 6. Oklahoma signed in December. He's the throwing to the No. l wide rankings that average the 7. Oregon No. 2-ranked receiver in the receiver (Jadon Haselwood industry's leading websites. 8. Michigan country. But Ohio state's top- from Georgia). That should come as little 9. Florida rated recruit is defensive end Georgia nabbed the No. 1 surprise;since2010,Alabama 10. Clemson Zach Harrison, a5-starpros- weaksidedefensiveend, Nolan has yielded the country's No. 1 pect from Ohio and the No. Smith from IMG Academy in recruiting class eight times - 2 -ranked strong-side end in Florida. LSU, which bas pro- in 2011, 20U, 2013, 2014, 2015, the country. duced several NFL defensive 2016, 2017 and 2019. that ranked 32nd nationally. The Buckeyes signed three backs in recent drafts, got the Georgia had the country's His top two-rated recruits s-stars inall; besides Harrison nation's No. 1 comerback in second-rated class, followed both were from North and Wilson, they also signed Derek Stingley, a Louisianan. by Texas, Texas A&M, LSU Carolina - quarterback Sam Buford, Ga. center Harry Michigan got the No. 1 safety and Olclahoma. Howell and wide receiver Miller. - Olclahoman Daxton Hill. Mack' s first class: New Khafre Brown. Howell is the Wilson was the Ione Texan Texas signed the No. I North Carolirut coach Mack country's No. 3- rated dual- in the class. athlete (Bru McCoy, from Brown didn't have much time threat quarterback. Signing the No. I'S: Which California) and Tennessee to cobble together his signing Last year's North Carolina schools ended up with the got the nation's top offensive class, but the Tar Heels signed class ranked 20th nationally. top-rated players at various taclcle when West Virginia's 24 players, including four Mklus Meyer: Urban Meyer's positions? Darnell Wright signed on 4-star prospects, in a group retirement may have resulted Alabama signed the Wednesday. Nation's best running backtops2020Fab55 Galena Park North Shore running back lachary Evans is the No. 2 high school recruit in the country for the 2020 class. He also tops the 2020 Fabulous 55 as the state's top recruiL [MIKE CRAVEN/AMERICAN-STATESMAN) By Mike Craven FAB 55: RECENT NO. 1 PLAY ERS He then lived up to the hype [email protected] as a junior with nearly 2,000 The last five No. 1 players on the Fabulous 55 and where they signed: yards rushing and 29 touch The best running back in 2015: Malik Jefferson. OLB, Mesquite Poteet (Texas) downs. He averaged more than the country headlines the 2016: Gregory Little, OT, Allen (Ole Miss) 10 yards per carry and was American-Statesman's initial 2017: Baron Browning, OLB (Ohio State) named the MaxPreps national 2020 Fabulous 55. 2018: B.J. Foster, S, Angleton (Texas) junior player of the year. Galena Park North Shore's 2019: Garrett WIison, WR, ~ (Ohio State) None of this matters to Zachary Evans helped his Evans, of course. Acool, calm program capture the Class 6A and collected teenager, he Division I state title last year Evans arrived on the 4.51 40-yard dash at the takes all the accolades in the as a junior. He's the unques recruiting scene as a hot-shot Opening regional in Houston same stride he uses to score tioned prize of the 2020 sophomore splitting the car in February of his sophomore touchdowns. There's an aura recruiting cycle inside the ries at North Shore in 2017. year at nearly 200 pounds. of quiet confidence when he Lone Star State. The 6 - foot, He finished the year with The numbers matched the walks onto the field or into 213-poundfive-starprospect 1,483 yards and 27 touch tape. Evans passed every test. an interview. holds 39 offers from the coun downs on just 184 carries. Checked every box. Collected try's best programs. He then posted a laser-timed offers from all the big schools. SeeFAB55, C3 FABSS FAB 55: 2020 COMMITMENTS Fourteen members of the Fab 55 have already committed. from Page CJ Last year 10 players on our Initial 2019 list were commit ted. Texas A&M, which led all schools with 12 signees It's as if he knows what from the 2019 list, already has six pledges for 2020: we all think we know: Texas A&M (6) - WR Demond Demas (third), CB Jayton He's pretty damed good Jones (13th), OT Smart Chibuzo (35th), 0G Aklnola at football and possesses Ogunbiyi (37th), OG Jordan Jefferson (44th), OG Josh all the tools to be special. Bankhead (53rd) "The stars and rankings Oklahoma (3) - RB Jase McClellan (eighth), ATH Drew help for publicity, and I do Sanders (19th), ATH OJ Graham (34th) think I'm the best running Texas (3) - OG Logan Parr (14th), QB Hudson Card (17th), back in the country, but it OG Jake Majors (27th) all comes down to foot LSU (1) - OT Courtland Ford (16th) ball," Evans said. Ohio State (1) - WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (43rd) "I'm still young and have a ton to improve on before college. I'm hon quarterback or move to size to also play safety, ored to be considered wide receiver or even and Omeire is a physical one of the best, but it also defense in college. freak of nature with mas means I need to prove it ""ra""S quarterbacll Hudson card was the first 2020 prospect to commit to Texas. He's He' s a good enough sive potential. each time out." the second-ranked quarterbacll in the state on the Fab 55. (STEPHEN SPILLMAN.hOR STATESMAN) player to start at all three Texas pledge Hudson Texas, Texas A&M and spots in college. Cardis the second-ranked every other SEC team is for much more than the recruitment. Evans wants linemen are on the Fab He nearly led quarterback in the state after him. best running back in the an offensive line. 55, more than any other Duncanville to an upset at No. 17 overall, trailing It's easier to list the top country. He makes my "Nobody can run the position. of North Shore in the state only Malik Hornsby of programs that haven't job easier." football without block Houston Clear Creek title game. Fort Bend Marshall. offered than it is to list The themes of team ing," he said. tackle Chad Lindberg is Wide receiver Demond Offensive lineman Jake his offers. work and winning are "The team success the top-ranked offensive Demas, cornerback Majors, wboiscommitted Evans is big. He's fast. important to Evans. will bring the individual lineman at No. 7, and Dwight McGlot hern to Texas, is 27th. And he puts in the work. He plays for the best stuff. I'm looking at the Texas pledge Logan Parr and wide receiver Troy Texas A&M bolds com "Zach is a different type high school program offensive line classes in is No. 14. Omeire round out the top mitments from six players of dude," North Sh ore in the state and wants the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Duncanville quarter five. on the list. quarterback Dematrius to continue winning in cycle and trying to figure back Ja'Quinden Jackson Demas is a state The Austin 8Iea is Davis said. college. out what team is set at is t he state's second champion long jumper represented by Card, "He pushes you to be Most recruits mention the offensive line because ranked prospect. committed to Texas defensive linemen great because he's going playing time or the coach those guys are the most He's listed as an ath A&M. Princely Umamnielen and to be great. As a quar ing staff when listing the important in football." lete because it's unclear McGlothem is a long, Alfred Collins, and wide terback, you can't ask important factors in their Eleven offensive whether he'll remain a rangy cornerback with the receiver Collin Sullivan. 2020 AMERICAN-STATESMAN FABULOUS 55 The American Statesman's initial Fabulous 55 list of the state's top recruits for 2020, compiled by staff writer Mike Craven. The list will be updated again in August. Rank Pos. Player School (Class) Hl, wt. College note l RB Zachary Evans Galena Park North Shore (6A) 6-0, 213 Several, incl. Texas A&M. Texas, Oklahoma St 2 ATH Ja'Quindeo Jackson Duncanville (6A) 6-2,200 Several, incl. Texas, Alabama 3 WR Demond Demas Tomball (SA) 6-4, 210 Committed to Texas A&M 4 CB Dwight MCGiothern Cedar Hill Trinity Christian (Priv.)6-1, 180 Several, incl. Texas A&M, LSU 5 WR Troy Orneire Fort Bend Austin (6A) 6-3. 205 Several, incl. Texas A&M, Texas 6 DE Vernon Broughton Houston Cypress Ridge (6A) 6-5,280 Several, incl. Texas, Alabama, Baylor 7 OT Chad Lindberg Houston Clear Creek (6Al 6-6,306 Several, incl. Texas, Arizona, Auburn 8 RB Jase McClellan Aledo(SA) S-10, 201 Committed to Oklahoma 9 QB Malik Hornsby Fort Bend Marshall (SA) 6-2,175 Several, incl. Texas A&M. Texas 10 s RJ Mickens Southliif:c Carroll (6A) 6-1, 188 Several, incl. Ohio State, Texas A&M 11 CB Loranclo Johnson Lancaster (SA) 6-0, 181 Several, incl. LSU, Arkansas, Texas A&M 12 s Chris Thompson Jr. Duncanville (6A) 6-2, 195 Several, incl. Texas, Texas A&M 13 CB Jaylon Jones Cibolo Steele (6A) 6-3.185 Committed to Texas A&M 14 OG Logan Parr San Antonio O'Connor (6A) 6-3, 280 Committed to Texas 15 DE Alec Bryant Alvin Shadow Creek (SA) 6-3,230 Several, incl. Oklahoma, Arkansas, Arizona 16 OT Courtland Ford Cedar Hill (6A) 6-6, 305 Committed to lSU 17 QB Hudson card 6-2, 167 Committed to Texas 18 RB EJSmith Dallas Jesuit (6A) 6-0, 190 Several, incl. Florida, Georgia, Arkansas 19 ATH Drew Sanders Denton Ryan (SA) 6-5, 211 Committed to Oklahoma 20 DT Branard Wright Dallas Carter(4A) 6-3,294 Several, incl. LSU, Baylor, Auburn 21 s DariusSoow Lewisville Hebron (6A) 6-1, 216 Several, incl. Texas, Michigan State, Baylor 22 DE Alfred Collins Bastrop Cedar Creek (SA) 6-5, 245 Several, incl. Texas, Texas A&M, Arizona State 23 RB Seth McGowan Mesquite Poteet (SA) S-11,200 Several, incl. Notre Dame, Ohio State, LSU 24 s Bryson washington Houston C.E. King (6A) 6-2, 196 Several, incl. Texas, Oklahoma, Florida State 25 DE James Sylvester Newton(2A) 6-4. 225 Several, incl. Texas A&M, TCU. Baylor, Arl By John Harris Amerk.'3J1•Slatesm;w Correspondent HAYS COUNTY - In a hotly contested game that was much closer than the final score indicated, r ' • I .. , , 't pulled away down the stretch to claim a 53-43 vic tory at Hays in District 25-6A Friday at Hays High School. After Hays rallied from a 25-13 halftime deficit to tie the score at 37-37 on Noah Fultz's 3-point jumper to open the fourth quarter, T , ~ (28-4, 10-3 District 25-6A) outscored the Rebels 16-6 over the final six min utes to win by double-digits. The Cavaliers knocked down 10-of-14 free throws in the fourth quarter while holding Hays (14-17, 3-u) to 3-of-12 shooting from the field. "We didn't think it was going to be this tough, seeing what their record was," said 1 ~ , = senior Brett Baty, who led all players with 17 po~ts an_d a~ded ~o s~eals. After losing Cal-signee D.J. Thorpe for the season to an ankle injury in November, the Cavs suffered another key injury when senior guard Ryan Bormann also went down with an ankle injury on Jan.17that will sideline him for the rest of the regular season. In addi tion, Garrett Wilson, a starter on last year's team, enrolled at Ohio State to play football last month. That said, the Cavs still had enough in reserve to stave off a determined Hays team on its Senior Night. "We just had lhenext-man up mentality," said Baty, who has signed a scholarship to play baseball at Texas begin ning next fall "We feel like we have enough talent, we have enough depth, to make a deep run in the playoffs." :..J=c ~ coach Clint Baty, Brett's father, said, "we've gone through a series of injuries, but our kids have See Cl\VS, 1\8 know there's going to be a CAYS little inexperience along the way, but this is good prep FromPageA6 aration heading into the playoffs." Hays coach Matt Sandoval really taken it as 'Now's my couldn't say enough good opportunity.' As much as we things about his team's effort miss three starters from last in its final home game of the year not being able to play, the season. other guys have stepped in." "We rallied back, kept Bennett Mohn scored fighting, and tied the score," nine of his 16 points in the Sandoval said. "Give Lake fourth quarter, and John Travis credit, but hats off to Wetter added four of his 11 our guys for making it a ball points in the final period. game. We're not chopped Luke Depperschmidt, who liver." is being counted on to fill in Senior Noah Fultz led for Bormann, flashed much Hays with 13 points, all in the needed ball-handling and second half. leadership skills for the Cavs. Luke Watson tallied all 11 of "When those injuries hit, his points in the third quarter you check your depth right when the Rebels outscored away," Clint Baty said. "We Lake Travis 21-12. ~ •23 .t . Lake Travis forward Brett Baty slams a dunk during the 53-43 win by Lake Travis over Hays on Feb. 1 at Hays High School. Lake Travis forward Brett Baty (22) tries to shoot against Hays' CUrtis Hudgeons (45) and Jacob Monroe (3) during the 53-43 win by Lalce Travis over Hays on Feb. lat Hays High school. (PHOTOS BY PAUL BRICK/FOR AMERICAN -STATESMAN! PREP BASKETBALL BOYS __ •• ••••-••" •• WC "IWVIS Sl, HAYS 27 Mo,s 2S111 - 17 Mop:~-,s..,....,.,...,,._,,. 15 21 11 l - Sl togaa4.__, GuNa.ra. ... ._...._ 4. Stra.sstr.,_ 5. ,,-.,4....,,..,3.Ci1 BOYS ••• __ ······-•• WE 1JA'4S '5, ANDERSON 4t _,.. 11114 I - 41 - 121SZ31S-'5 - -4,Sritll!0.-6, Ugolll2, Sl)UlttS.°""" 2, Hood6,e,,,s1. IM Tll!l,: o,ppencllmidto."'-l'l. Laogllft9.Pamn9.~2.Wl! By John Harris Ben Amey in the 74th minute llotb teams tr.ill first-place Cavs' Cory Americ3n•Stotesman to provide the Cavaliers (5-2- Bowie by two points. Smith (4) Correspondent 4, 3-0-2 District 25-6A) with "That was huge for us," celebrates some breathing room in what Lake Travis coach David his goal LAKEWAY - Lake Travis had been a tense back-and Bammel said. "We were during the broke open a scoreless game fortb defensive struggle. right there in the mix of the 2·0 win with a pair of second-half Three minutes later, junior top three or four teams in by Lake goals and held off visiting Carson McKinzie rammed the district, but we were not Travis over Westlake to preserve a 2-0 home a rebound off a cross necessarily at the top. This is Westlake on victory in a pivotal District from freshman David Arellano a great opportunity for us to Jan. 29 at 25-6AboyssoccermatchJan. to put the game out ofreach set ourselves apart and maybe Lake Travis 29 at Cavalier Stadium. for Westlake (8-3-2, 1-2-1). we can work our way toward High School. Senior center back Corey The win kept Lake Travis in tbe top of that list instead of (PAUL BRICK/ Smith headed in a perfectly a tie with Lehman for second FOR AMERICAN placed comer kick from junior place in the district standings. SeeSOCCER, Ai STATESMANJ Bentley Patterson and game, and they b.:ld a goal SOCCER Wren Maybury)," Bamrnel wiped out in the first half said. "We were able to due to an offside call. 1romPagtA6 readjust at halftime and "I told them I was pleased make sure we kept our with their performance, shape on the b:iclc:line, and but sometimes the result just being in the mix of some guys really stepped doesn't match," Baker that list." upfoc-ustbat madeussuc• said. "We bad a couple Bammel credited bis cessful inkeepingazeroon opportunities to get the defense, specifically his the scorebosrd. bsll in the back of the net. bacltline, for keeping "We were able to cspi• We knew what they were Westlalte's: dangerous talize on opportunities going to do. They're big, offense off the ~oreboord later in the g:.mie because physicsl, they were going and allowing the Ca,,s to we were able tobe success• to try lo get set pieces. and loc3te the back of the net ful defensively." that'showtheygotus. We twice in crunch time. Westlab coach James got stretched out on the ..Most of the experience Baker found little fault with second goal trying to push on this year's team from his team. forward a little bit. previous years playing var• The Chapurals con• •· Any time we can take sity soccer comes on that stantly pushed forward, points away from LT is a baocldine (featuring 11enio1"S creating scoring oppor• good day. Today wu not Smith, Diego Guerrero, tunities throughout the our day." ~-navts• Cory Sll'lltll (4) scorn a gNl 111 •NHlr durlnt tile H wm by~ navts over Westlake N Jan. 2!I ill Like 1r.wis High. !,PHOTOS B'f P,,.~ SIIICll/fORAl,EUCAlHIAltSW.Nl <:arson Mcklule (24) and Ctlemett Estes (21) ce'lebrate McKmie's pl dllrill1 the 2-0 wt■ by LUe lruis-~ on Ju. 29 at LUe llDis Higb School Bowie faces big -week against Westla ~c, LT By Colby Gordon Amerlcm·St..ausm.m COTrUfKlllderil THE WEEK IN REVIEW The Bulldogs clinched a playoff spot with wins over Austin High 169• 67) and Lehman 151-47). Bowie (.10 •7. 10• 3 District 25•Ml is tied with for second place in the district but can finish no lower than third. Both Austin Hig)I 11nd Lehm1111 are fighting for the dis· hict 'sfourth playoff spot, so it makes Bowie's week that much more impres• sive due to lbe fact it received the Maroons' and Lobos' best effort. Bcnrie's Carson DcMIUlle (11), pusn19 the bill away from MIStin lttll's Josll Jones (3) la .a .-1.ast week, Md the 81111dogs NIB tlle week tied with for secOINI pl.ace Ill tff District 25-6A studmgs. lROOCIUO GO' Do you feel added pres• around. sure because the Cavs are Tell me something about ranked No. 2 in the state in you that most people don't the preseason poll? know. Not necessarily, just I actually know how to because we all know crochet . I haven't done what we need to get done it in a Jong time, but I in order to be at the top. bet that if I were to get a Whether it's in the off refresher on how to do it season or regular season, I could make a blanket or we all work to be the best scarf. the team and individuals Do you have plans after can be. you graduate? Tell me something about Iplantocontinueplay t he first time you played ing baseball at TCU. I organized baseball. received a scholarship When I was 12, I offer - and some from a remember changing L ~ t T ~ outfielder Austin Plante plans to play baseba.11 few other schools - but teammates. I wasn't play at TCU after graduation. [NICK WAGNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN] decided to choose TCU ing with players from the because I love the facili same neighborhood or Diego Padres scout team would they be? ties, coaches and the school. It was fun because in Jupiter, Fla., and being (Baseball players) Bryce campus. I was able to socialize and able to play with other Harper and Joe Mauer, Do you have any baseball meet new people. teammates from differ Ray Lewis and Dwayne superstitions? Do you feel extra moll• ent countries on our team. Johnson. I wouldn't say I'm too vated because last year's What has been the hard• Why did you choose big on su perstitions. team failed to reach state? est baseball skill for you to Dwayne Johnson? I'm not big on relying on There is always t hat get good at? I chose The Rock luck for me to do well in feeling of us trying to Probably learning how because he is a very influ a game, but I will say that build upon what we failed to slow the game down at ential actor and person a routine I always have is last year - but I have a the plate to make every an d there are many that I will always wear an good feeling that it will thing easier and calmer things about him such arm sleeve and tape my be different this year while hitting. as his work ethic and the own wrist before every What has been your favor• If you could invite four way he treats everyone game. ite baseball memory? people from the history of around him along with Playing for the San the world to dinner, who bow respected he is all Rick Cantu HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: PRESEASON POLL, TOP PLAYERS PRESEASON TOP 10 Second base: Scott Guzman, Sr, Thorndale 1. L. 13, Class 6A, Sul Ross signee hit .432 31·4 (last year's record) with 33 RBIs and 42 runs Cavshavegone89-14-2 for 2018 regional finalists. over past three seasons Shortstop:L• Almendariz, under coach Mike Rogers; Sr, Round Rock don't expect any drop-off Houston signee, a from loaded lineup led by versatile infielder who Brett Baty, Austin Plante. anchors Dragons' defense, 2. Georgetown, SA. 32· 11 • 1 is son of Round Rock No team in Austin area Express President Chris boasts better trio of start· Almendariz. ing pitchers than Jackson Third base: Brett Baty, Sr., Sioson, Grant Wood and ~ Jack Brinley. Whether hitting leadoff 3. Round Rock, 6A, 32-10 or in heart ofCavs' lineup, Tradition-laden pro Texas signee delivered gram that has played in Infielder Brett Baty, a Texas signee, anchors another with .435 average, 12 HRs two consecutive regional loaded LilK U,allil team. IJOHN GUTIERREZ/FOR STATESMAN) and27RBls. finals has dynamite one· Outfielder: Jace Grady, Sr~ two pitching combo in Calzoncit, who will also PLAYERS TO WATCH Elgin Jared McKinzie and Cam see plenty of action on Offensive player of the Dayton. mound, leads talent ed Pitcher: Jimmy Lewis, Sr., year in District 19 · SA last 4. Georgetown Gateway group that could chal· tallf Tr By Colby Gordon Americ:ln·Sl•tesman Com,spondent Rouse junior Dalton Porter is all about hard work. Porter's pure baseball talent is undeniable; he committed to play col lege baseball for Texas as a freshman in high school. However, an unrelenting work ethic has helped make him one of the best players in Central Texas ns the UIL baseball season opens this weekend. See HOPES, C2 Afive-tool player, Porter Krempin pointed out "He pushes you," Porter HOPES can bit for power and aver that Porter goes to a said. "He'stougbonyouat age and has speed to steal gym for specific baseball times, but be cares about From Page Cl bases and cover wide areas development "and does you, and that's why I like ofthe outfield. Last spring, things that other guys playmgfor him so much. He Whether it's spending he had more than 30 hits, won't. It's not easy. It doesn't let people get away hours in a batting cage runs and RBIs with a bat takes up a lot of his time, with the easy stuff, and or working on individual tingaverage because he's a great stu he'll call you out, too. He's drills on the mound with north of dent, too." honest, and that's good." his parents or a baseball .420. He The Raiders, who will Rouse isn't deep on var instructor, Porter does also pos face - ~ and sity experience this spring whatever it talces to maxi sesses McNeil on Saturday at withonly Porter, Southard mize his talent. the arm McNeil High School to and first baseman Lance "I have this drive inside strength to begin their season, started Little - players who gar of me that I just can't Porter gun down to flourish with Krempin's nered all-district nods a accept average," said IUjl!]ers arrival ill 2017. They've year ago - as returniJlg Porter, a left-hander who from the outfield. made it to the Class SA starters, but you can bet earned all-state honors as Third-year Rouse coach playoffs two years in a with Krempin and Porter an outfielder last spring but Chad Krempin noted that row, including claiming a leading the way, there could also pitch at Texas. the things Porter does share ofthe District 19-SA will be another run at the ''Every day for me is a new outside of regular prac title and advancing to the playoffs. day to be successful, and tice are what separates Region II quarterfinals two "It's the best time of that's what I like to live by. him from other players years ago. Having players the year," Porter said. "I ... I just have something and allows him to excel such as Porter and senior enjoy it, and I'm excited to inside of me that wants to in all facets of the game. pitcher Jared Southard, play with my teammates. (work as bard and much as "He's talented, but he's a fellow Texas pledge, We've got some work to possible). I enjoy playing meticulous and puts in doesn't hurt, but players do, but when everything is baseball. I love the game time and work," Krempin pointed toward Krempin as said and done, we're going and having the chance todo said. "Any great player a main reason the Raiders to be ready to play. We've great things - that's what will be willing to work are now one of the area's got the best coach out there keepsmegoingeveryday." when others aren't." noteworthy programs. that's pushing us. n IJ¥laollio,,- 2l NA 26.0 I JI 1'69 15.6 JI NA 21.S lli 551 ll.4 ---OW,R,nj,-- 18,0 I .. I -cir-- ••NA --- .. 1'.◄ ""'-~~Sandl!rs.ttilD lZ .., w I lli 471 l&I .. NA ,,. lU ZJl -~-,_.._,,...... --LBJRran-- - .." l.. 2l ••J74 lU I on.-.-lJllel(;s,,.- Z5 -400 16.D 2l NA 1S.O .. •• l◄•• CittGll ...... _l.lx,\y .. ll 451 lU ---__ IS 21& IU --- 11 l8I l◄J --LBI 14 lS It.I --LBJ .. 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U lllt>lb1II.O ---NaM.utsca.c.tdlr'Aldt 21NA &'l86 ll -Tlfflld!lll,51.-21 l'.l l.l -°"""'tt,do""1r 21 Q 11 ll FABFIVES District25-5Atitle, whichmarks secured a p layoff spot in the 22nd consecutive season that District25-5A with a 75-52 win Class6A the Jaguars have claimed a dis over Lanier. Norman Boyd had I. West"'' 29-3 trict championship. No other 18 points .... Regents and St. 2. Lil.f s TGI i 29·4 team in the Austin area has even Michael's remain tied atop the 3. Hendrickson 22·7 made the playoffs in that many TAPPS 4-5A standings after 4. Bowie 20·8 consecutive years. Connor Rood posted 22 points 5. Round Rock 22·9 Lehman seeking to make his• to help Regents top Brentwood Class SA tory: Lehman reached a program Christian 66-42. I. Cedar Park 25·4 milestone Tuesday by record 2. LBJ 20-5 ing its 16th win of the season, GAMES TO WATCH 3. Reagan 22·5 a 57- 49 defeat of Akins. It gave 4. Connally 20·9 coach steve Pinchback's team Friday 5. Manor 20· 10 a one-game lead over Austin Vandegrift at Leander, 7 p.m.: Class 4A and others High and Del Valle for the Leander can clinch a playoff spot 1. Thorndale 24-6 fourth and final playoff spot Coac:h Ffeddie Roland has led LBJ to 22 consec:utive distric:t in its season finale. but Vandegrift 2. Liberty Hill 26-6 in District 25-6A. The Lobos, championships. INICK WAGNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN] and star Greg Brown Ill will qualify 3. Gateway Prep 21·7 who have never qualified for for the postseason if the Lions end 4. Blanco 24,8 the postseason in the state's points) powered the Jags. Cedar already been eliminated from the year with two wins. 5. St. Michael"s 20· 10 largest classification, can join Park, which is No. 20, beat playoff contention, but their Round Roc:k at Hendrickson, 7 Wes~.i.l e, L 'e T.,_ . · and Rouse 63-55 behind 16 points win knocked Leander down to p.m~ The host Hawks can secure PLAYEROFTHEWEEK Bowie in the playoffs with a win from Josh Baker • ... In Class 4A, fourth place in District 13-6A, the District 13-6A title with a win over Austin on Friday. No. 24 Liberty Hill rebounded just one game ahead of surg over second-place Round Rock. Will Baker, senior, Wes~ : How ranked local teams fared from a loss to Salado last week ing Vandegrift. The Vipers Bowie at [ , kl' Travis, 7:30 p.m.: The7-footforwardmusthave lllesday: In Class 6A, Baker's J8 with a 67-_58 win over Taylor. and Lions will meet Friday. A Bowie win would give the enjoyed the fast tempo in the points helped No. 8 Wesl ..it':! ... In Class2A, No. 15 Thorndale ... Marble Falls' Joshua Mosley Dawgs a share of second place Chaparrals' district-clinch clinched the District 25-6A trounced Milano 91-40. scored 26 points in a 70-59 in District 25·6A. ing 73-60 win over Bowie on championship by beatingBowie. Other key games Tuesday: In win over Weiss. The Mustangs Tuesday Tuesday; the Texas signee bad ~ .; , whichremainsNo. District 25-6A, Del Valle kept are only a game behind Rouse Connally at Cedar Park, 7 p.m.: J8 points and 14reboundswhile 15 in the latestTexas Association its faint playoff hopes alive as and Pllugerville for third place If Cedar Park stumbles Friday scoring on everything from ofBasketball Coaches poll, beat Deion crenshawscored 30 points in District 17-5A .... Quentin at Marble Falls, Connally could thunderous dunks to a pair of Anderson 65-40 behind a bal inan84-57win.overHays. Toe Middleton had 14 points to help grab a share of the District 3-pointers. anced att ack paced by John Cardinals need to win out and Manor beat Hutto67-45inakey 17 ·SA title with a win. Wetter (13 points).... In Class have Austin beat Lehman on District 18-5A game. The win AREA ROUNDUP 5A, No. 15 LBJ clinched at least Friday to help force a three· secured at least a share of the Please send scores, sta a share of the District 25- 5A way tie for fourth place .•.. district title for the Mustangs. tistics, information and LBJ adding to history: With a championship with a 73-36 Latham Robin.son had 22 points ... Jaylen Crayton scored 23 points player ofthe week nomi• win over Lockhart onTuesday, win over Lockhart. Jordan Teal as Westwood stunned Leander as .. edgedCrockett67-63 nees to Thomas Jones at LBJclincbedatlea.stasbareoftbe (19 points) and Brian Batts (17 58-51. The Warriors have inDistrict25-5A- ... Mccallum [email protected]. Hendrickson girls beat Cedar Ridge With victory, Hawks close the season against one wrap up district title another. Inother district play, Vandegrift defeated McNeil 56-47. By Butch Harl Elsewhere, Pflugerville Ame.ric3n-Sttilt$m!ltl warmed up for its District Correspondtul I 7 -5A showdown at Cedar Park Feb. 1 by beating Weiss ROUND ROCK 67-25. The Panthers, whose Hendrickson's state-ranked lone district loss came against girls made it official fan. first-place Cedar Park, have 29 by clinchlng the District secured the top two spots in 13- 6A title and the district's 17-5A while Rouse appears top playoff seed with a 69-54 locked in third. London win over Cedar Ridge. Clarkson led Pflugerville with Mikayla Woods scored 27 ll points, Destiny Magee bad points to pace Hendrickson 10 points and Kai Finister (35-1, 15-0 District 13-6A). finished with nine points. While the Hawks can start Ryani Vaugh led Weiss with planning for the postseason, ll points. Cedar Ridge (22-12, 9-5) fell Marble Falls upset Connally into a third-place tie with 54 -45 Jan. 29, creating a Round Rock. which defeated ehance for the Mustangs to Leander 57-30. Both Cedar catch Connally for the final Ridge and Round Rock are one playoff spot. Rylie Ulbricht game ahead ofidle Westwood. scored 28 points for Marble Hendrickson coach Norma Falls while Lashiyah Fowler Sierra has built the Hawks had 22 for Connnlly. program into a playoff peren In District 18 - 5A, nial since she moved from Georgetown r emain ed in Hutto and has had multiple first place by blasting Cedar playoff runs, including last Creek78- 15. East View edged year, when the Hawks reached Bastrop 42- 41 when Sarah the Class 6A Region II finals. Workman scored the game However, she was quick to The Hendrickson Hawks' Kailey Lacy (35) dri~ the ball upcourt against the Cedar Ridge Raiders in the winning basket on a floater in point out how special t his Raiders' gym on .Ian. 29. !JAMIE HA.RMS FOR A.MERICAN· STA.1"ESMAIIJ the final second, and Hutto group is for her. beat Elgin 54-51. "These girls are extremely makes us tough to beat when Kiersten Rossow and Taryn Leander 57-30. Bri Simonetti In District 25-5A, Dripping motivated and have already the girls follow her lead. I am Wills bad u po:ints each. and Carly Altenburger scored Springs remained in first brokenso many records," she very proud of these group of For Hendrickson, Woods 11 points each, and Jaaucklyn place by beatin g third said. "Cedar Ridge was a great girls; they just don't know bad 10 boards along with Mooreadded JO points. Round place Lockhart 34-27 while win because we faced pressure how to lose." her team-high in points. Zoe Rock (14-12, 9-5), which bas Crockett crushed Reagan we hadnotseenina while,and Cedar Ridge played well for Nelson scored 12 points, and won four consecutive games, 65-18 to hold on to second Tthink this is preparing us for most of the game. The Raiders Kailey Lacy added 11 points hosts Stony Point and Cedar place. Tn 25-6A, the top of the a playoff run.• trailed 20-17 after a q uar for the Hawks. Gina Pastucci Ridge to close out district standings remained static as And bow about Woods, ter then falling behind at the finished with nine points. play. West ' . i beat Hays 67-29 her star player who earned break, 35-28. But relentless Hendrickson has a bye Feb. Westwood (24-8, 8-6) and second-place Bowie beat player of the year honors Hendrickson closed the game 1 before clo~ing oul the regular closes the season with Austin High 41-32. The loss l ast season from the with a 17-10 fourth-quarter season hosting: second-place Leande.r and Vandegrift. If dropped lbe Maroons into American -Statesman? scoring run to account for the Vista Ridge. the Warriors win both games, a third-place tie with f' ,I,. "Mikayla is such an out final margin. In other District 13-6A they are assured of at least ,... ;, which beat Del Valle standing player," Sierra said. Malaysia DePrisco led the action, Round Rock remained a tie for fourth place since 56-14. Lehman beat Anderson "Her strong play always Raiders with 14 points while red-bot witha57-30 win over Round Rock and Cedar Ridge 50-37. HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL: FAB FIVES, ROUNDUP, PLAYER OF THE WEEK West, II forward Shay Holle, center, scored 39 points in wins over Hays and Anderson to earn the American-Statesman's Player of the Week honors. [JOliN GUTIERREZ/FOR STATESMAN! FABFIVES night, Crockett beat LBJ district by beating Taylor and four steals for the 67-41 as Carter led au 61-25. Dragons, Edler finisbed Class6A scorers with 26 points, Makayla c.oy scored 14 with 11 points, and Bri L Hendrickson 35· l adding nine rebounds, points with five rebounds Simonetti had nine points, 2. West...... 2fr7 eight assists and six as Westwood defeated four rebounds and three 3. Vista Ridge 23-10 steals. lraijah Jackson Vandegrift 47-36 and blocked shots. 4. Bowie 21-8 chipped in 11 points and became just one of six Ariana Rosado had 10 5. Austin 23· 10 Aaria Rattler added 10 Class 6A schools in the points with six rebounds ClassSA as Jennifer Shuttlesworth state to win nt least 25 and three steals for Stony L cedar Park 29-3 notched coaching win games for five straight Point (19-15, 5-10), and 2. Georgetown 22· 10 No. 201. seasons. Amaja Greenfield and 3. Dripping Springs 22-12 Wes~ and Bowie The Warriors improved summer Thomas added five 4. Crockett 30·5 both won easily to set up to 25 - 8 with the victory points each. Hadja Bayo 5. Pll ugervi lie 22· ll a District 25-6A matchup and are 9-6 in District bad six rebounds. Class 4A and others of 15-0 West,L1", at 14-1 13- 6A, tied with Cedar Vista Ridge got 12 L Texas school for the oear Bowie on Tuesday night. Ridge and trailing Round points from Victoria Baker 25·0 A balanced attack helped Rock by one game going and nine points with 10 2. Lago Vista 19·5 Austin clinch third place into the Tuesday night rebounds from Al Marotte 3. libcrty Hill 17-17 by beating Akins 67- 28. season finale. Westwood to beat Cedar Ridge 4. Burnet 25-7 l ~~ , " beat Hays faces last -place Leander 46-36, which ties Cedar 5. Hyde Park 20-4 53 - 27 to earn a playoff while Round Rock hosts Ridge with Round Rock spot. Cedar Ridge. A Dragons for third place in district. AREA ROUNDUP Marble Falls had a huge win would put Round District champion win over Glenn that puts Rock in the playoffs, Hendrickson had a bye Dripping Springs and the Mustangs one game and a Westwood victory Friday night and closes Crockett clinched playoff ahead of idle Connally would push both teams district hosting second- spots, but the Tigers (22- for the final plnyoff spot in, If Cedar Ridge and place Vista Ridge. 12, 12-1) appear poised to in District 17-5A. Cedar Westwood win, it would claim the District 2 5-5A Park beat Pflugerville force a three-way playoff PLAYER OFTHE WEEK crown after beating to win the district, and for the final two spots. McCaUum 74-27. Rouse crushed Weiss Danielle Davalos had 10 Shay HoHe, junior forward, The Tigers finish dis- 50-27 to clinch third points for the Warriors in westt..i.e: HoUe scored 28 trict play against Reagan place. Connally was idle their win over Vandegrift, of West .i.. e 's 40 points (3-10 in district); Crockett and finishes Tuesday while 0ni Hoodoo added while shooting 80 per- (30- 5, 11 -2) had a great night against Glenn while nine points and grabbed cent from the field in the week, winning twice, and Marble Falls faces Weiss. agarne-rugh 14 rebounds. Chaparrals' overtime closes against Tr~ ,1;, The Georgetown meets Round Rock's Maddie win over ~Jlw'fr~two Tigers and Cougars split East View in a battle Edler scored five points weeks ago and last week two district meetings, of the top two teams in the first 17 seconds ns scored 22 points in Jess but Crockett's upset loss in District 18-5A. The Round Rock (15-12, 10-5) than three quarters as the to Lockhart is the differ- Eagles outscored Hutto never trailed visiting Chaps beat Hays 6 7- 2 9. ence in the standings. ll -6 in o;rertirne to beat Stony Point in a 44-32 She then played not quite Last Tuesday, Crockett the Hippos 50-45. Manor win. a full half but scored 17 defeated Reagan 65-18 clubbed Cedar Creek Round Rock led 19 -5 points as West~ • e beat as four Cougars scored 67-39. after the first quarter. A Anderson 67-28. Holle in double figures, led Liberty Hill rallied to late fourth-quarter rally has keyed the Chaps' 15-0 by Jordyn Carter, with 16 claim the District 27-4A got the visiting Tigers to district run. points. Kyra Burns, Allese crown as Burnet beat a nine-point deficit. Crutcher and Ani Villarrubia Lampasas 66- 44, The Jaaucklyn Moore had 13 Butch Hart, AA-S each had 10 points. Friday Badgers finish third in points with 12 rebounds correspondent From left, Avery Vormohr (14), Maddie Wright (2), Maia Courtois (7) and Ava Perry (5) have helped the Lake Travis girls soccer team move into a tie for first place in the District 25-6A standings. [JOHN GUTIERREZ / rnR AMERICAN · STATESMAN] Cav girls continue to dominate district play SpeclJJJ to the Lake-Travis View The Lake Travis girls soccer team improved to 6-1-0 in District 25-6A play with a pair of dominating victo ries last week. The wins kept the Cavs in a tie with rival Westlake atop the district standings. Lake Travis bolds the tiebreaker edge because of its victory over Westlake last month. On Jan. 29, the Cavs scored early and often in a 7-0 win over Ann Richards. Brooke Berens had two goals, while Maia Courtois, Natalie Yoo, Maddie Wright, Ava Perry and Avery Vormobr each scored one goal. On Feb. 1, the Cavs cruised to a 6-o win over Del Valle. The offense again was potent as Alana Clark, Berens, Wright, Trinity Clark, Courtois and Yoo all scored. The Lake Travis defense continued to be as just as domin.ant as its attack; keep ers Jeannette Massey, Hannah Alexander and Aubrey LeMond have not allowed a goal in five of their seven dis trict matches. Overall, Lake Travis has soared 32 goals in district play while and surrendering only three goals. The Cavs travel to Hays Feb. 5 for a district match that begins at 7:45 p.m. They return home Feb. 8 against Anderson for only their second district ganJe at Cavalier Stadium. That match also starts at 7:45 p.m. Spillman Loop to see changes this summer Redesign of high school road to Include more lanes and parking By Luz M or eno - Lozano [email protected],m.com Spillman Loop, the road that leads to ~ '="a 1s High School, is due for a few improvements this year, including additional entrance and exit Janes, a new parking lot and more sidewalks. The school district plans to address those improvements over the summer in a project that will be funded out of the 2012 bond contingency funds estimated at about $ I.5 mil lion. An additional $800,000 will be allocated. for improve ments to Cavalier Drive, the road that runs through the original portion of the high school campus and its athletic fields, in summer 2020. As the high school campus gets bigger, disilrict officials said there is a need to rede sign the entrance and exit for safety purposes and also for the ease of getting in and out. The road has one lane lead ing into the campus and two leading out, with an addi tional lane used for student parking. Parents, students and staff have reported long wait times trying to get on and off campus. Kim Flasch, See LOOP, A5 Lake Travis High to get new road lanes, parking Reconfigured Spillman Loop/ RR 620 turn of signal reconfigured Spillman Loop Re-configured island .' Lake Travis Medical lm!Ar1a Or. ... High School Pkw~y.'-+ -----~ P,erforming Area A detailed N Arts Center ~ Cavalrer.J D r. Existing parm9 Sources: Malooe•Wheeler Inc..; maps.,news.com/.-iHERE GATEHOUSE MEDIA new sidewalks running parking lot by the west• LOOP alongside. District staff em edge of campus near said a portion ofthe center the softball field, which From Page Al median willbe removed to is where student parking create additional capac will be. Winovtich said the school board presi ity needed to expand the new sidewnlks will be built dent, said that in her last road. The redesign will around the new parking lot visit to the high school it also include lengthening to ensure that students, took about 40 minutes to the parent loading zone. staffand parents are safely exit onto RM 620. Wmovitchsaid thatshould crossing the street to the Robert W inovi tch , help increase the flow campus' buildings and director of facilities and of traffic as people exit fields. construction for the dis campus. "We' ve looked care· trict, said the goal is to "One thing I love about fully at trying to improve convert the parking lane this project is you see kids safety for students walking into a second Jane leading (now)walk:ingintbemirldle between (the parking lot) into the campus. of (Spillman Loop), and and the activity center and "What we are trying to with this design we looked on the campus, so we've accomplish there is get the at how can we make it added lots of sidewalks masses of cars coming into safer for these kids who are and looked at crosswallcs the high school campus loading and unloading," to improve safety there," off of {RM) 620 and into said Johnny Hill, assistant Winovitch said the school more quickly, n superintendent for busi The design and funding Winovitch said. "We ness, financial and auxiliary was approved bythe school hope that will help traffic services. board in January. Before problems on 620 and get A parking reconfigura improvements begin for students and staff onto the tion will allow for 240 new Cavalier Drive in summer campus more quickly.n parking spaces with new 2020, a design will need to The exit will expand spots in front ofthe admin • be approved by the school from two to four lanes with istration building and a new board. DIGEST Feb. 7 Brown Bag Lundleon concert: Noon to 1p.m. at the I 'Way Activity Center. !OS Cross Creek. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch. The free concert will feature the ~ m.::i ttddlers. Next week, the David CUmmlngs Band will perform. The flu takes hold in western Travis County Pediatricians cite the doors at 8 a.m . to find a season has ramped up, we're physicians reported a slow sharp spike In virus line of patients flowing out even more busy during our start to the flu season but cases; school districts the front walkway. Three walk-in clinic.• all of that has changed, said note Increased student medical providers served "a Solis said the uptick in Dr. Daniel Roe, emergency absences little over 40" youngsters in cases seen by Beansprouts' physician and medical direc just the first hour of practice pediatricians started the tor for Vik Complete Care's that morning, most of whom week of Jan. 21. She said Westlake and Lakeway By Leslee Bassman were treated for the flu, said most of the children diag facilities. Conlnbuting writer Laura Solis said, clinical nosed with the flu have Type "It's clear that the flu has practice manager. A, withitssymptomsofhigh become widespread in our On Jan. 28, staff at "Monday morning are tra fever, cough, headache and area starting about two and Beansprouts Pediatrics' ditionally busy in our office,• body aches. Bee Cave location opened she said, "but now that flu In early Jan uary , local See FLU, A3 Physicians district's elementary schools. neighbors on my street whose FLU report that "In the case (of) Serene Hills kids went down with it this children who (and) West Cypress, we are week, also at Serene (Hills)," FromPageAJ have been doing extra, above and beyond she said. "And then my neigh vaccinated what we would normally bors behind me, their house but still get do because we know those was bit and they also go to a half weeks ago," be said. the flu do are the two schools that are Serene Hills. It just seemed Like Solis, Roe's staff has not have It seeing some of those increased really, really bad. I wish (the seen mostly Type A flu cases as severely absences," Alvarado said. school district) had closed the withoutalotofgastrointestinal or for as long By Monday, Harkleroad said campus like some of the other symptoms. He said the inci as those Serene Hills bad rebounded school districts. n dences of flu in patients who who did to closer to normal rates for Harkleroad said the state have bad a flu shot have defi not receive attendance but West Cypress Health Department has no nitely been lower and be has the shot Hills remained lower at 86 set number on when to close seenanevenmixofflupatients (AMERICA/t percent attendance. She said any public building for flu between pe ' \r• "' 11 15D w■ M .u.ptlng bids for 8,d t 19-014 RFB • Paper Bond Cut ~m ux, p111 Oat• February !(~1 Oocumems ma, be- obu11ned by tog. ~ in to the Ois1ric;t's .i.ctronic pur• ftkd~.lonwaw.nf't website: 218, 2111 2019 ------OOCl)4Sl6J7--01 By Thomas Jones Viewin2016. "Tomeetthe everything. playoffs in 2004. In 2007, ljones@sl•lesltUll.COlll faculty and the kids today, "It just feels good to Dicus led the Cavaliers to it was just really neat to be be back. Helping kids, the first of five consecu Jeff Dicus, the coach back at a school." families, communities ... tive state championships. who kicked off the Dicus has spent 35 coaching is my calling." He left · ~ after football dynasty, years as a coach in Texas, Dicus has earned a rep the 2007 championship will have a homecoming including 17 years ns a utation as an offensive and spent seven years as of sorts after finalizing a head coach at schools wizard. He was an early Duncanville's head coach deal to become the head including • ~, proponent of the pass before moving back to the coach at St. Michael's and Duncanville. He said happy spread offenses Austin area to be closer to Catholic Academy. he enjoyed his first year now ubiquitous across family. The school announced off after resigning from the state. Dicus replaces the hire Friday, and Dicus East View, but the itch to Dicus is best known Benjamin Ortiz, who went spent the day touring the coach returned. locally as the architect 13-36 in four seasons. campus in West Austin. "That first season (off) ofthe i...... ~ foot St. Michael's competes "This is just a dream was fine, but then it hit ball program. Before the in the Texas Association opportunity," said Dicus, home," Dicus said. "I 2003 season, be took over of Private and Parochial whose last coaching job missed the kids; I missed a team that bad won one Schools, the largest pri was as an offensive assis the camaraderie of the game in the previous two vate-scboolleaguein the tant at Georgetown East coaches' office; I missed seasons, and it made the state. FAB 55 : THE 3 0 NO. 1 PICKS Suzanne Halliburton's look back at all 30 No. I players from the Fabulous 55. along with who should have been ranked No. I that year with the help of hindsight. Note: We did not submit new No. Is for the 2015· 18 classes since their careers are still active. VEAi! POS. PLAYER HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE 1989 LS ~Armstead Oal carter Miam won tv.o national dlarooionshi~ was four-time AD-Pro and is in Giants' Ri!!!I of Honor. Redo: Armstead 1990 DE Aubre~ Bea~ Hou Yates Oklahoma Missed first two~ (acadcmicsl, was second Dick of NFL Mahomes wins NFL MVP award By Barry Wilner touchdowns and 5,097yards rushedfon,307 yards and ll TI1e Associated Press and had a 113.8 quarterback touchdowns behind a weak rating, trailing only Brees. New York offensive line. ATLANTA - Patrick Mahomes' ingenuity- he He drew 26 votes, five more Mahomes' breathtak can throw from all angles than former 1-.. T:· ..i ing breakthrough season and make plays inside and High st ar Baker Mayfield. earned him the NFL's Most out~;de the pocket - ener The Cleveland quarterback Valuable Player award. gized the Kansas City fan was selected first overall in The Kansas City quarter base and excited fans across the draft, one spot in front back from Texas Tech landed the league. of Barkley. a pair of awards at NFL "The play is never dead. Chicago's Matt Nagy, Honors on Saturday night He can find new ways to get in his first season with the as The Associated Press you the ball," Chiefs All -Pro Bears, was voted Coach of MVP and Offensive Player tight end '1$7-r- Kelce said. the Year. Nagy has overseen of the Ye:u. In his second "ltmaylooklikeascrewball, the development ofquarter pro season, Mahomes led a slider here or there, but it'll back Mitchell Trubisky, who the Chiefs to their first AFC get to you eventually." blossomed in his second pro title game since 1993 with Mahomes is the sixth season, and saw a defense some of the most creative straight quarterback and befittin g the "Monsters and clutch plays the league nth in the past u years to of the Midway" dominate has seen in years. win MVP. No Kansas City opp onents at times. He is "I'm so humbled,• he said player bad won the award the fifth Bears coach to win of the MVP award. "This is since the Chiefs joined the the award, joining team just the beginning. We've NFL in 1970. founder George Halas (1963, gotalongwaystogo. Itisan Los Angeles Rams defen 1965), Mike Dilka (1985, honor. It's a hard award to sive tackle Aaron Donald 1988), Dick Jauron (2001) win. The next award I hope took bis second straight and Lovie Smith (2005). I can get is the Super Bowl.• Defensive Player of the Colts quarterback Andrew Mahomes received 4 1 Year award. Donald, the Luck was chosen as Comeback votes from a nationwide only unanimous All-Pro Player of the Year after a panel of media members this season and the first 2m7season lost to a shoulder who regularly cover the Rams player selected for injury was followed by a sen league. New Orleans quar the top defel!lsive honor, sational 2m8 campaign. terback Drew Brees, a joins Lawrence Taylor and For his work as defensive WesU:t• High School grad J.J. Watt as players to win coordinator of the Bears, Vic uate, got the other nine. the award in back-to-back Fangio got the head coach With only one previous seasons. Dona!ld led the NFL ing gig in Denver. He also start, Mahomes entered with 20 sacks. won the Assistant Coach of the season as something of New York Giants running the Year Award. a curiosity after the Chiefs back Saquon Barkley was the Philadelphia defensive traded veteran Alex Smith top offensive rookie, and the end Chris Long won the to open up the job. It didn't defensive rookie award went Wolter Payton Man of the take long to erase any doubts to Indianapolis linebacker Year Awardforcommunity as Mahomes threw for 50 Darius Leonard. B:ukley service. GRADING THE 2018 FRES HMEN Dicl{er, Ingram,Jamison top Homs' list on offense cameron Dicker's winning field goal against Oklahoma in October secured the fffshman's place in UT history. (NICK WAGNER/AMElllCAN·STATESMAHJ By Mike CrJven country, and many of those took a giant leap forward as a Rising, Thompson enters mcr:.1w:[email protected]!esnl3D..com sigoees made instant impact.~ sophomore and bas secured 2019 as the clear backup to as freshmen. Here's how we the spot for the next two Ehlioger. The Texas football team graded the offensive recruits: years, barring injury. Rising returned to the national saw the writing on the wall Running backs discussion in 2018 as Tom Quarterbacks nnd explored a program with Herman led his program to potential playing time. Keaontay Ingram, four-star, 10 wins, including n sugnr Camen,n Rising, four-star, casey Thompson, four-star, Carthl!ge Bowl victory over Georgia. Newbury Park, Calif. Southmoore, Okla. Grade:B The momentum started on Grade: locomplete Grade: Incomplete Reason: Ingram showed the recruiting trail with the Reason: Rising has moved Reason; Thompson took a flashes of potential all- con 2018 class, the first full cycle on to utah aft er not playing redshirt season in 2018 and ference talent when given for Herman and his staff in as a freshman. He committed flirted with the possibility of touches. He was never asked Austin. TheLonghorns signed to Texas in hopes of wiooiog leaving, too. With the trans the third-best class in the thestartiogjob. SamEhlioger fers of Shane Buechele and Sec RECRUIT, CJ RECRUIT From Page CI to become the No. l back, andthereweretimeswhen he disappeared, whether by design, injury or simple freshman fatigue. He fin ished with 708 yards and three touchdowns 011 142 carries, averaging 5 yards per carry. He added two Running back ll(eaontay Ingram showed all-conference touchdowns and 170 yards potentia~ averaging 5 yards per carry, and is on track to on 27 catches. The former start next season. (RICARIJO 8. 8RAZZIELL PHOTOS/AMERICAN• member of the Fabulous STATESMAN] 5S enters bis sophomore season as the clear favor ite to start at rnnningb:Jclc. Wide receivers Brennan Eagles, four star, AliefTaylor Grade:C Reason: The best is yet to come for Eagles, a former top-five prospect in Texas. The domination of Collin Johnson and Lil'Jordan Humphrey allowed few opportuni ties for the freshman to D'Shawn Jamison•s 90-yard punt return for a touchdown earn targets. His stat line against Kansas Slate was the highlight of his season. for the season: just one His athleticism could be put to use on off&nse or catch for 35 yards in 11 defense next season. games. In an_odd _twist, a uniform violation by Jamison in a variety ways and expectations were Johnson actually allowed on offense, but bi~ spe· probably too high for Eagles to start tbe season cial teams play and clear The Punter's cousin. He opener. He'llbeinthemix athleticism excited the became more consistent for snaps as a sophomore Longhorns tbe most. throughou t the year, with Hwnphrey gone. which was to be expected Joshua Moore, four-star, Tight ends for a guy still new to Yoakum competitive footbrul. He Grade: C·plus MalcolmEpPS, four-star, averaged 40.3 yards per Reason : An injury SpringOek.aney kick with a long of 56. in terrupt ed Moore's Grade: Incomplete Nine of bis 56 punts were momentum.He'llbeasked Reason: Epps benefited morethan5oyards,and18 to help replace the slot from the new redshirt pinned an opponent inside production of Humphrey rules allowing players to the20. in 2019. He played in six participate in up to four games before a shoulder games without losing Offensive llnemen injury sidelined !rim for a year of eligibility. He the season. He caught played in wins over Texas Junior Angilau, four-star, seven passes for 53 yards, Tech and Iowa State, reg Salt' k East (Utah) including an important istering one catch for 18 Grade: Incomplete touchdown in Texas' win yards. Reason: Angilau took a over USC. redshirt in 2018. Afvonte Woodard, lour Speclalteams Reese Moore, four-star, star, Houston Lamar Seminole Grade: Incomplete cameron Dicker, three- Grade: Incomplete Reason: Woodard took sta.r, 'I' '?" .L Reason: Moore took a a redshirt in 2018. Grade: B-plus redshirt in 2018. D'Shawn .Jamison, four• Reason: Dicker Rallti Ghwmai, four-star, star, Houston Lamar cemented his place Frisco Wakeland Grade:B in Texas lore with a Grade: Incomplete Reason : Jamison game-winner against Reason: Ghirmai took a made bis splash when Oklahoma. Thefreshman redshirt in 2018. he returned a punt 90 provided o compet ent Mikey Grandy, three• yards for a touchdown kicking game, something star, CollegeofSanMateo against Kan sas State, Herman didn't have in Grade: Incomplete earning !rim Big u spe• his first season. Dicker Reason: An injury cial t eams player of the finished the year 18 of 25 caused Grandy to quit week honors. Jamison with a long of 52. He also football. was thought to be a nickel did well on kickoffs. Christian Jones, three· back when he came out of Ryan Bujcevski, three· star, Houston Cypress Houston Lamar, and he star, ProKick Australia Woods could go back to defense Grade: C·plus Grade: Incomplete with P. J. Locke ill off to Reason: It's bard to Reason: Jones took a the NFL draft. Texas used follow Michael Dickson, redshirt in 2018.