Today’s spotlight: Class 6A Region I

UIL Realignment has certainly changed the landscape in Region I as gone is Allen, who completely dominated the landscape the past two years. The Eagles have found a new home in Region II, thus leaving the door wide open in Region I Division I. Last year’s Division II regional champion, Waco Midway, is also gone as they’ve moved over to Region II after realignment. As is always the case in a realignment year, there was plenty of shuffling within Region I and we now have two six team districts out west, which leads into the big story from February San Angelo Central moving into a DFW district. The travel will be tough, and the competition will be as well with Euless Trinity, 5A quarter-finalist Richland and what should be an improved Abilene High squad in 3-6A. Southlake Carroll, after its surprise playoff run, now has a new head coach in Riley Dodge and will have its hands full powerful Denton Guyer, ever improving Haslet Eaton, Trophy Club Nelson and Keller Fossil Ridge who posted a 10-1 mark in 2017. Changes are everywhere and it should make for some intriguing races come playoff time.

Euless Trinity

Many had written the Trojans off after a slow start in 2017, but Chris Jensen’s squad stayed the course, got healthy and got back to basics and it paid off in a major way with the Trojans advancing all the way to the regional final before falling to eventual champion Allen. Trinity suffered some heavy graduation losses, but what puts it in contender category is a potentially ferocious defense led by defensive lineman William Latu and Sau Saafi. Defensive back Shamar Morton is one of the DFW area’s top playmakers as well, so look for the Trojans to be a defense first team. The offense will still be big and physical up front and there are some talented backs in the pipeline but don’t be surprised if the Trojans passing game is more of a focal point this year with WR Keanu Hill and QB Laki Ellis both returning as well.

Denton Guyer

2017 was a forgettable year for the Wildcats who were stunned in the first round of the playoffs by Trophy Club Nelson. Don’t expect a repeat performance in 2018 as John Walsh’s squad could really be special come playoff time in what many view as a potentially wide open Division II bracket. Kaedric Cobbs (1,362 rushing, 25 TDs) showed that he’s more than capable of carrying the load at the 6A level after moving in from Melissa and the junior back could see even more time as Guyer breaks in a new QB. Folks are raving about sophomore prospect Eli Stowers and if he can live up to his potential, Walsh could have another special prospect guiding his offense but at least early expect Guyer to ease him into a featured role. Denton Guyer’s athletic front seven will be tough to block and features several playmakers as well.

Coppell

The Cowboys were an eye-lash away from playing for a regional title last year and despite losing QB Brady McBride, Coach DeWitt’s squad could be even more potent with seven returning starters on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receivers Jonathan McGill and Blake Jackson combined for 20 touchdown receptions a year ago and could put up some eye-popping stats in 2018. The big wildcard is Houston Yates transfer Taj Gregory. If he’s ruled eligible to play, he could step right in and be an impact player at QB or another position because of his athleticism. RB Ryan Hirt is back as well after nearly 1,400 yards on the ground a year ago. Coppell lost some playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the back seven, but if that group can grow up in a hurry expect the Cowboys to be a contender in Region I.

Duncanville

If you look at Duncanville’s first 12 games last year, the Panthers looked to be the one team that could have the formula to take down Allen. It didn’t quite work out as it turned out Euless Trinity had the formula in Round 3 stunning the Panthers and ending their dream season at 12-1. An outstanding group of seniors that won five playoff games in two years graduated, but head coach Reginald Samples has the Panthers program rolling full speed ahead. Ja’Quinden Jackson moves to the QB slot full time and he’s lightning in a bottle with the ball in his hands. He earned Sophomore of the Year honors in 7-6A and with his ability, the sky is the limit. Gyasi Smith is a big time weapon outside and the Panthers should have multiple backs who are capable in the ground game. The Panthers defense which was mesmerizing at times a year ago took some heavy losses in the front seven and that group’s development will be vital in Duncanville making another run at a regional title.