Texas Football Greats II
Region-by-Region Breakdown
DALLAS REGION
Favorites:
1. 1973 Tyler
2. 2005 Southlake Carroll
3. 1996 Lewisville
Sleeper:
2008 Allen:
Their spread offense and discipline will give foes trouble.
Top Players:
1. RB Earl Campbell (’73 Tyler)
2. LB Jessie Armstead (’88 Carter)
3. QB Chase Daniel (’04 Carroll)
Intriguing Stories:
1. Which Carroll QB will lead his team out of a brutal district: Wasson, Daniel, McElroy, or Dodge? By the way, the coaching category…even for the three Carroll games.
2. Can ’94 Tyler’s speed give the ’73 Lions fits?
3. 1988 Dallas Carter. The only team to officially not win the Championship (they forfeited the 1988 crown to Converse Judson after eligibility issues), the Cowboys are brash, fast, and angry. Arguably the most reviled team in the field; they could win it all.
WEST REGION
Favorites:
1. 1991 Permian
2. 1999 Midland Lee
3. 1955 Abilene
Sleeper:
1989 Permian:
A formidable sleeper, the ’89 Panthers are explosive, but have a difficult path out of this region.
Top Players:
1. RB Cedric Benson (’99 Lee)
2. OL/DL Randy Stout (’66 San Angelo)
3. WR/DB Lloyd Hill (’89 Permian)
4. RB/DB Glynn Gregory (’55 & ’56 Abilene)
Intriguing Stories:
1. And the best Permian squad is…This will be a blood-bath between three squads that were each highly ranked nationally in their respective seasons. 1991 Permian won the Texas Football Greats I tournament with a stunning victory over ’03 North Shore.
2. And the best Abilene squad is…Another war between two legendary teams. The ‘55s must avoid turnovers.
3. Don’t sleep on the Pack. 1961 Wichita Falls should win their first game. Running the single-wing offense could befuddle some of the contemporary defenses if they advance deep into the playoffs.
AUSTIN/HOUSTON REGION
Favorites:
1. 2003 North Shore
2. 1990 Aldine
3. 1968 Reagan
Sleeper:
1996 Westlake:
QB Drew Brees and a plethora of offensive talent give the Chaps a fighting chance in every contest.
Top Players:
1. LB David Hodge (’74 Brazoswood)
2. QB Bobby Reid (’03 North Shore)
3. QB Drew Brees (’96 Westlake)
Intriguing Stories:
1. Austin Reagan is well represented with three National Champions squaring-off against each other in the first two-rounds. Whoever emerges, will have a legitimate shot at reaching the semifinals.
2. A potential second round battle between ’07 Katy and ’03 North Shore. Two teams that were as dominant in their respective seasons as anyone in the field.
3. If you like offense, get ready for ’96 Westlake versus ’08 Lake Travis in Round One. The over/under is 74-points.
SAN ANTONIO/HOUSTON REGION
Favorites:
1. 1985 Yates
2. 1978 Stratford
3. 1993 Converse Judson
Sleeper:
1962 Brackenridge:
QB Victor Castillo (25 TD passes) and the incomparable Warren McVea afford the erratic Eagles the luxury of being able to score from anywhere on the field.
Top Players:
1. RB Warren McVea (’62 Brackenridge)
2. RB Craig James (’78 Stratford)
3. QB Tommy Kramer (’71 Lee)
4. RB Johnny Bailey (’85 Yates)
Intriguing Stories:
1. 1953 Houston Lamar. As talented a backfield as has ever graced Texas’ gridirons, the Redskins could pull a surprise against a Stratford team that may be looking ahead to their potential second round battle with 1985 Yates.
2. Rocket Pride. Converse Judson, slighted in the first Texas Greats Football tournament, sends two outstanding entries into the fold this time. Who will emerge victorious? 1983 Rocket standout Melvin Echard thinks the original is always better.
3. Remember the Alamo. Fair or unfair, the four San Antonio representatives got bunched into their own bracket in Round One. Only one team is guaranteed to reach the Round-of-16. It’s four even clubs vying for city bragging rights.