REGIONAL OUTLOOK

Argyle showed the jump to a new classification wasn’t going to be an issue as the Eagles rolled to a regional title and an appearance in the state semifinals. A few new challengers have emerged to try and take the crown. Can they get the job done or does Argyle rule Region I once again?

A real battle will emerge out in El Paso for supremacy in 1-5A Division II as Canutillo, fresh off a trip to the regional semifinals, has to replace a ton of offensive production. Does that open the door for young, but talented teams from Andress and Chapin? I think the gap has closed, but Canutillo will still be outstanding on defense and that gives the Eagles the edge. Burges with their veteran team returning should have enough to over-take El Paso High, a surprise playoff team in 2022.

Abilene Wylie’s transition to Class 5A was a little more challenging, but the Bulldogs broke through with a run to the regional finals a year ago and a 10-4 mark. Wylie has some exciting skill talent returning, but the Bulldogs have a question mark at QB and along the offensive line. The battle for second should be intriguing as Rider, who is in its final year as a school, will be really young on offense. Does that open the door for Abilene Cooper? Amarillo Palo Duro seems entrenched in that four spot, but the Dons will need to hold off an improved Plainview bunch.

There’s some intrigue in 3-5A Division II as Argyle enters as the favorite, but the Eagles have some work to do to replace some heavy losses on defense. AHS has a lot of talented sophomores who could see action right away in 2023. Frisco Emerson was the real surprise story of 2022, winning nine games in its first varsity season. With every player from last year’s team returning, plus the addition of the Hawkins brothers from Allen, the Mavericks expect to be a force if they can hold up on the line of scrimmage. Lake Dallas is a solid pick for third with a lethal combo at QB/WR, while the battle for fourth should be intriguing; Independence got the spot last year, but the Knights were gutted by graduation. Frisco Memorial has questions with a late coaching change, so don’t be surprised if Denton High sneaks into that four slot.

If you think 4-5A Division II is Colleyville Heritage and Grapevine, then you haven’t been paying much attention to what’s been happening in Fort Worth ISD with improved football all-around in this district. Despite a coaching change, Colleyville Heritage has a ton of offensive experience back and gets the edge for the district title. But Wyatt, which returns the house, and Arlington Heights, fresh off a 10-win season, will be formidable as well. Grapevine won the district a year ago, but it was hit hard by graduation. The Mustangs will be in the playoffs, but they could be further down in the standings. Rapidly improving Southwest is ready to leap into the mix if one of the top four falters and North Side should be improved after going 6-4 a year ago.

DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

District 1-5A Division II

1. Canutillo
2. El Paso Andress
3. El Paso Chapin
4. El Paso Burges
5. El Paso
6. El Paso Jefferson

District 2-5A Division II

1. Abilene Wylie
2. Abilene Cooper
3. Wichita Falls Rider
4. Amarillo Palo Duro
5. Plainview
6. Lubbock

District 3-5A Division II

1. Argyle
2. Frisco Emerson
3. Lake Dallas
4. Denton
5. Frisco Memorial
6. Frisco Independence
7. Carrollton Creekview

District 4-5A Division II

1. Colleyville Heritage
2. Fort Worth Wyatt
3. Fort Worth Arlington Heights
4. Grapevine
5. Fort Worth Southwest
6. Fort Worth North Side
7. Fort Worth Trimble Tech
8. Fort Worth Polytechnic

PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS

W1 Canutillo vs F2 Amarillo Palo Duro

R4 Fort Worth Wyatt vs T3 Lake Dallas

W2 Abilene Wylie vs F1 El Paso Burges

R3 Frisco Emerson vs T4 Fort Worth Arlington Heights

W3 Argyle vs F4 Grapevine

R2 Abilene Cooper vs T1 El Paso Chapin

W4 Colleyville Heritage vs F3 Denton

R1 El Paso Andress vs T2 Wichita Falls Rider

REGIONAL CHAMPION

Argyle over Abilene Wylie