Down in the Golden Triangle, Huffman-Hargrave has their sights set on a big run as the Falcons bring eight starters back on both sides of the ball from a team that nearly beat regional finalist Chapel Hill in the first round of the playoffs. Fast-rising Bridge City looks to take another step forward in year two under Josh Smalley, while Little Cypress-Mauriceville will return one of the most explosive players in the state in Braylon Lewis. Watch out for Hardin-Jefferson to surprise Vidor and Lumberton to steal the final playoff spot.
Houston ISD got themselves a playoff win last year as Worthing went undefeated and earned a first round win before falling to Chapel Hill in the area playoffs, the Colts were gutted by graduation and that may open the door for Yates. The Lions have a new coach, but they bring back 17 total starters, so give the edge to the boys from the Third Ward. The battle for third and fourth should be very competitive, North Forest, Wheatley, Washington and Furr all have a case for playoff positioning.
After making the playoffs in their first season playing varsity football, Fort Bend Crawford is primed for a breakout as the Chargers bring back all 22 starters from last year, expect this team to be a regional contender. Needville always seems to over-achieve under head coach Mike Giles and the Blue Jays are poised to be right in the mix. Stafford is always talented and is capable of beating anyone on the right day, while Navasota after a surprise area round playoff appearance a year ago could be back in the playoffs once again.
DISTRICT PREDICTIONS
District 9-4A Division I
District 10-4A Division I
District 11-4A Division I
District 12-4A Division I
PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS
W9 Kilgore vs F10 Hardin-Jefferson
R12 Needville vs T11 Houston North Forest
W10 Huffman-Hargrave vs F9 Henderson
R11 Houston Worthing vs T12 Stafford
W11 Houston Yates vs F12 Navasota
R10 Bridge City vs T9 Lindale
W12 Fort Bend Crawford vs F11 Houston Wheatley
R9 Tyler Chapel Hill vs T10 Little Cypress-Mauriceville
REGIONAL CHAMPION
Kilgore over Fort Bend Crawford
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