2018 Class 2A Division I TXHSFB Hipster Picks

Photo by Russell Wilburn

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Every year when the summer edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football comes out, fans and media alike look at the teams we have at the top of the pre-season rankings to get an idea of who likely makes the trip to Arlington to play for a state title at AT&T Stadium in December.

While the teams ranked highly in the pre-season are there for good reason, we all know there are always a few “mystery guests” that pop up with deep playoff runs and sometimes state titles when the season wraps up.  Who are those teams you need to keep an eye on in 2018? We’ve got you covered at DCTF as we bring you our 2018 “Hipster Picks” to keep in your back pocket as you casually drop them into conversation with your friends from time to time, so once they make that deep run, you can look like a TXHSFB genius!

Floydada: In addition to having one of the best mascots in all of Texas, the Whirlwinds should be one of the most improved teams out on the South Plains. Seventeen total starters return from a team that posted a 4-7 mark a year ago. Floydada does have a new coach, but it’s a familiar face as former assistant Scotty Bruington has taken the reins of a veteran squad. The skill talent is plentiful as there are several playmakers to surround returning QB Andrew Vega, but the Whirlwinds will need to improve up front on both sides of the ball if they want to be a factor in a brutally tough district that includes Sundown, New Deal and Post. If Floydada can move into one of those top three spots, they could potentially play for a couple of rounds in a wide-open 2A Division I Region I.

Bogata Rivercrest: It’s hard to believe a team that has posted a 22-2 record and returns half of their starters is a “hipster” pick, but such is life for the perpetually underrated Rivercrest Rebels, who are on their best run in school history under coach Lance Connot. The headliner for RHS heading into 2018 is two-way superstar Devon Womack, who ran for more than 1,900 yards a year ago and accounted for an incredible 182 tackles as a junior. He’s moving to QB this year, so it’ll be interesting to see how that impacts his production and if Connot limits his snaps on the defensive side of the ball. The real strength of the team will be the defense which brings back seven starters, including three on the defensive line with Clay Holt, Reese Jesse and Cole Carson. Carson was a revelation as a freshman, starting all 13 games for the Rebels. Region II, with the departure of Mart, looks to be as wide open as ever, so don’t count the Rebels out as a contender despite not being ranked in the preseason polls.

Groveton: The past couple of seasons, Groveton has had one of the state’s most explosive offensive attacks but the defense has struggled at times, preventing deep playoff runs. New head coach and former defensive coordinator Richard Steubing is hopeful that a renewed commitment to the running game can limit the snaps the defense has to play and will result in more success in 2018. There’s plenty of experience back on the offense with eight starters returning, led by RB Jak Cole. QB Richard Steubing, Jr will take over on offense and when Groveton does go to the air, they’ll still have playmakers with Eli Stewart and versatile weapon Davaurrio Horace. Six starters are back on defense led by DL Blake Hollis and LB Anthony Chavez.

Wallis Brazos: The Cougars, from a depth perspective, should compete on a much more even playing field in 2A Division I after posting a 4-6 mark and losing in the first round of the playoffs a year ago in their final season at the 3A Division II level. Coach Ned Barrier welcomes back six starters on both sides of the ball, led by QB Luke Demny, who threw for eight touchdowns a year ago. Two-way playmaker Jaylin Vela will be counted on to bring big-play ability to the table. Traditionally, Region IV powerhouse Shiner will draw most of the attention in this district, but a veteran Wallis Brazos squad could prove to be a tough out in the playoffs, especially if they can avoid an early encounter with Refugio.

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