Two-time Region I champion Decatur moves into Region II to change up the look of things with the departure of defending regional and state champion Anna. Can the Eagles navigate a region that is loaded with solid teams who are primed to take the next step in their development?
Decatur and Springtown move into Region II and into a Fort Worth ISD alignment, which will bode well for both teams as they contend for the district crown. Inside of FWISD there will be a three-way battle for the final two playoff spots, with 5A drop-down Southwest getting the edge over Eastern Hills and Western Hills.
After making the area playoffs a year ago, Alvarado is primed for a big season and folks in Johnson County believe the Indians are a threat to win the region and they might be right! Kennedale and their Wing-T offense is reliable and the Wildcats speed can give teams problems, while Lake Worth has a new coach in Todd Peterman who will without a doubt get the Bullfrogs rolling, it may take a year for them to really take off. Keep an eye on the district sleeper in Carrollton Ranchview, they could make a big leap forward under a second-year head coach.
Top to bottom, 7-4A Division I is the best district in the classification in my opinion as there’s six playoff caliber teams in this district fighting for four spots. Frisco Panther Creek gets the early edge, but they have a big question mark at QB, if that question gets answered this is a state title contender. Celina was the only team to beat state champion Anna, the Bobcats can play with anyone in the state when they are at their best. Lake Dallas a ten-win team drops down from 5A, expect the Falcons to be battle tested despite some key graduation losses. Sulphur Springs gets the ever so slight edge over Aubrey in a race for fourth, but don’t count out an always dangerous Paris team who athlete for athlete is as good as anyone in the region.
The Dallas ISD 4A district adds some quality depth with Kimball and Conrad dropping in from 5A, despite Carter having Kimball’s number in recent years, I believe this is the year the Knights win the Oak Cliff Super Bowl. But Carter fans, I picked Kimball a year ago and it didn’t work out well for me, so take heart! Pinkston’s size up front will be critical as they break in a new crop of skill talent, but the Vikings from West Dallas look to be a solid bet for the playoffs. Conrad’s got some dynamic skill talent, but do the Chargers have what it takes to take down a playoff tested team like Wilmer-Hutchins.
DISTRICT PREDICTIONS
District 5-4A Division I
- Decatur
- Springtown
- Fort Worth Southwest
- Fort Worth Eastern Hills
- Fort Worth Western Hills
- Fort Worth Carter-Riverside
- Fort Worth Diamond Hill
District 6-4A Division I
- Alvarado
- Kennedale
- Lake Worth
- Carrollton Ranchview
- Waxahachie Life
- River Oaks Castleberry
District 7-4A Division I
- Frisco Panther Creek
- Celina
- Lake Dallas
- Sulphur Springs
- Aubrey
- Paris
- Nevada Community
District 8-4A Division I
- Dallas Kimball
- Dallas Carter
- Dallas Pinkston
- Dallas Conrad
- Wilmer-Hutchins
- Dallas Roosevelt
- North Dallas
- Dallas Lincoln
PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS
W5 Decatur vs F6 Carrollton Ranchview
R8 Dallas Carter vs T7 Lake Dallas
W6 Alvarado vs F5 Fort Worth Eastern Hills
R7 Celina vs T8 Dallas Pinkston
W7 Frisco Panther Creek vs F8 Dallas Conrad
R6 Kennedale vs T5 Fort Worth Southwest
W8 Dallas Kimball vs F7 Sulphur Springs
R5 Springtown vs T6 Lake Worth
REGIONAL CHAMPION
Frisco Panther Creek over Alvarado
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