Stepp's 3A DI Region IV Picks: District Projections and Playoff Outlook

DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

District 13-3A Division I

1. Yoakum
2. Marion
3. Universal City Randolph
4. Hallettsville
5. San Antonio Cole
6. Luling
7. Smithville

Defending champion Yoakum was gutted by graduation as 10 starters on offense have moved on. The Bulldogs will lean on defense and their traditionally good athleticism to keep them in contention. Marion with an impressive 30 returning lettermen from an area round playoff squad expects to be much-improved and possibly ready to challenge for a district title. Randolph is two seasons removed from a 10-win season, but being located on a military installation can change things quickly for the Ro-Hawks, and they have a new head coach in Creighton Reed. Hallettsville moves over to Region IV with Yoakum and the Brahmas are hoping they’ll have better luck in their more familiar regional digs.

District 14-3A Division I

1. Jourdanton
2. Hondo
3. Devine
4. Carrizo Springs
5. Crystal City
6. Natalia
7. Lytle
8. Poteet

Depth is at a premium in this district as there are seven teams who have a legit claim on being a playoff team. Jourdanton with 14 starters back and 32 lettermen returning is the team that gets the nod as the preseason favorite over Hondo, which did lose some key parts from last year’s 8-3 squad. Devine and Carrizo Springs are moving up from Class 4A and expect to be playoff contenders, while last year’s district champion Crystal City must replace significant loses to graduation. Natalia and Lytle can’t be overlooked either.

District 15-3A Division I

1. Sinton
2. Goliad
3. Orange Grove
4. Mathis
5. Corpus Christi West Oso
6. Aransas Pass

After a run to the state semifinals a year ago in 4A, there’s no question Sinton is primed for another big season as the Pirates return six on both sides of the ball, including QB Quincy Bess. If there’s a team in the district who could challenge Sinton’s supremacy, it’ll be Goliad, which is fresh off a 10-3 season and have eight starters back on defense. The key will be replacing some key skill position losses on the offensive side of the ball. Orange Grove impressed in Year 1 under new head coach Jared Johnston, who is an OGHS alum. The Bulldogs expect to be solid once again with 13 returning starters. The battle for the four seed will be a fun to watch as Mathis and West Oso look evenly matched.

District 16-3A Division I

1. Raymondville
2. Rio Hondo
3. Bishop
4. San Diego
5. Lyford
6. Kingsville Academy
7. Progreso

Down in South Texas, there will be a real battle for the top spot with three teams having a strong claim for the crown. Raymondville, which had an undefeated regular season a year ago, has to replace an all-state running back, but the Bearkats do return seven starters on both sides of the ball. Rio Hondo may have one of the top defensive units regardless of classification in the Valley as the Bobcats bring 10 starters back. If their offense can mature they’ll be in the mix. Bishop has a new coach, but the Badgers' 17 returning starters from a playoff team will be the third district title contender. San Diego, also a playoff team, is a step behind the top three, but not by much as the Vaqueros return 16 starters.

PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS AND PLAYOFF OUTLOOK

W13 Yoakum vs F14 Carrizo Springs

R16 Rio Hondo vs T15 Orange Grove

W14 Jourdanton vs F13 Hallettsville

R15 Goliad vs T16 Bishop

W15 Sinton vs F16 San Diego

R14 Hondo vs T13 Universal City Randolph

W16 Raymondville vs F15 Mathis

R13 Marion vs T14 Devine

The landscape in Region IV has changed drastically. Gone are Edna and Llano, but defending state champion Yoakum gets added to the mix along with 4A semifinalist Sinton. Expect the young Bulldogs to cruise into the second round where a real test awaits in Orange Grove. If they survive that, Goliad awaits. Sinton is a heavy favorite at the bottom of the bracket, and for my money, they are the regional favorite as well.

REGIONAL CHAMPION

Sinton over Goliad