Teams We Got Wrong in 2021: Pt. I

These are the Texas high school football teams that exceeded expectations by Dave Campbell's Texas Football, including Tomball, Forney, Marlin and Humble Summer Creek.
Ishmael Johnson

Every year, we preview every single team in the state and give projections on how we think they’ll fare in the upcoming season. Because projections are just that, projections, and we’re by no means perfect, nor claim to be, we often get things wrong. And sometimes, we get stuff really wrong.

Marlin Bulldogs

What We Said: Fourth place in District 8-2A DI, Unranked
What They Did: 11-4, Second place in District 8-2A DI, state semifinalist

One team that surged to the top of their classification was Marlin. The Bulldogs were nearly playing inside AT&T thanks to a great job by Ruben Torres’ first-year staff and a slew of breakout players such as quarterback Desmond Woodson (3,636 passing yards, 685 rushing yards and 39 total touchdowns) and receivers Trajon Butler and Derion Gullette (Over 1,400 receiving yards each). Freshman Tyraun Bell also led an athletic defense with a standout debut at the varsity level finishing with over 200 total tackles and 19 tackles for loss. They finished 11-4 after combining for six wins over the previous three seasons.

Marlin’s only two stumbles during the regular season were to 3A D2 Lexington and eventual District 8-2A champions, Italy. Then in the post-season, the Bulldogs knocked off a tough Tolar and Crawford team before falling just short losing to state finalist Hawley, 19-12.

Ruben Torres’ team will likely enter the 2022 season ranked in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine. We’ll try not to underestimate them this time around.

 

Humble Summer Creek Bulldogs

What We Said: Fifth place in District 21-6A, missed playoffs
What They Did: 10-4, Fourth place in District 21-6A and 6A DII regional finalist

Summer Creek was one of the most efficient rushing attacks in the state that probably didn’t get enough attention. With an outstanding offensive line led by Kelvin Banks, the Bulldogs ran for over 4,000 yards with sophomore Lloyd Avant and senior Torrie Curry leading the way with over 50 touchdowns combined.

The team’s defense also held seven opponents either scoreless or to single digits thanks in part to Rocky Jack on the defensive line and middle linebacker Julian Ortiz.

Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears

What We Said: Fifth in District 10-4A DI, miss playoffs
What They Did: 11-3, won district 10-4A DI, regional finalist

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