REGIONAL OUTLOOK

The dynamics in Region II have changed quite a bit with the departure of Denton Ryan to Region I and last year’s champion, College Station moving over to Region III after UIL realignment. That could open the door for Longview to kick the door down in 2022.

District 5-5A Division I is an odd mish-mash of teams from Dallas ISD, Birdville ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and then Mansfield Timberview being thrown in for fun. Timberview is the big favorite in the district over Birdville ISD rivals Richland and Birdville, while the race for fourth is going to be really intriguing with Bryan Adams, Newman Smith and WT White all contenders for the final playoff slot.

6-5A Divison I is led by Frisco ISD with the addition of Sherman as well and even though to Bearcats aren’t being talked about much, they’ll be a tricky team, especially when teams have to play at Bearcat Stadium. Lone Star is still the team to beat, but Wakeland with their impressive playoff run is a strong contender to end Lone Star’s reign of dominance inside of FISD. Sherman, Frisco Reedy, Frisco and even Frisco Heritage all will be players for the final two playoff spots.

The number one team in the state, Longview resides in 7-5A Division I and the Lobos are the big favorites, the real battle in this district will be for second place and the opportunity to host a bi-district game and avoid a long road trip. Tyler gets the early nod over Lancaster who is a bit unproven after spending two years in a Dallas ISD based district. McKinney North and Forney will be the top contenders for the final playoff spot, while a young Lufkin squad could play spoiler, especially when playing teams at home at Abe Martin Stadium.

One of the biggest intrigues of this recent realignment is the move of 8-5A Division I which features teams in Houston and the Golden Triangle to Region II. Crosby who has been a powerhouse in Division II is the pre-season favorite, while a real battle for second between Barbers Hill and Port Arthur Memorial looms. Baytown Lee brings a lot back from a playoff team a year ago, but LaPorte under a new coach and with a new attitude could be the real sleeper in this district.

DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

District 5-5A Division I

1. Mansfield Timberview
2. Richland
3. Birdville
4. Dallas Adams
5. Carrollton Smith
6. Dallas White
7. Dallas Molina
8. Carrollton Turner
9. Dallas Sunset

District 6-5A Division I

1. Frisco Lone Star
2. Frisco Wakeland
3. Sherman
4. Frisco Reedy
5. Frisco
6. Frisco Heritage
7. Frisco Centennial
8. Frisco Liberty
9. Frisco Lebanon Trail

District 7-5A Division I

1. Longview
2. Tyler
3. Lancaster
4. McKinney North
5. Forney
6. Lufkin
7. North Mesquite
8. West Mesquite

District 8-5A Division I

1. Crosby
2. Barbers Hill
3. Port Arthur Memorial
4. LaPorte
5. Baytown Lee
6. Humble Kingwood Park
7. New Caney Porter
8. Baytown Sterling
9. Goose Creek Memorial

PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS

W5 Mansfield Timberview vs F6 Frisco Reedy

T7 Lancaster vs R8 Barbers Hill

W6 Frisco Lone Star vs F5 Dallas Adams

R7 Tyler vs T8 Port Arthur Memorial

W7 Longview vs F8 LaPorte

R6 Frisco Wakeland vs T5 Birdville

W8 Crosby vs F7 McKinney North

R5 Richland vs T6 Sherman

REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

Longview over Mansfield Timberview