STOP SNORING TONIGHT! Advanced Technology | Family Friendly Mark Martinsen DDS Texas A&M - B.S. • Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry - DDS Brent Patterson DDS Texas A&M - B.S. UTHSC at SA - DDS What’s Your Goal? Let it be good dental care! • Dental Sleep Appliances • Cosmetic Dentistry • Bridges • Porcelain Laminates • Ceramic Crowns • Implants • Emergency Care Tooth Colored Fillings • Gum Treatment • Extractions • Root Canals Digital X-Rays • Nitrous Oxide • Partials • Intra-Oral Cameras Teeth Whitening • TVs Over the Chairs • Kids Arcade & Play Room TEXAS CITY OFFICE 409-938-1700 LEAGUE CITY OFFICE 281-557-7747 In front of Education Village 2 | The Daily News | Football Preview | August 2023August 2023 | Football Preview | The Daily News | 3 DISTRICT 24-6A Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9Week 10Week 11 Aug. 25Sept. 1Sept. 8Sept. 15Sept. 22Sept. 29Oct. 6Oct. 13Oct. 20Oct. 27Nov. 3 CLEAR CREEK Aug. 26 @Kingwood@Deer ParkChannelview 1 Pasadena Mem@BrazoswoodClear Lake 1 OPEN @Clear Brook 1 Clear Springs 1 @DickinsonClear Falls 1 CLEAR FALLS Sept. 7Oct. 27 @PearlandSummer Creek 1 Lamar 2 @HeightsClear Brook 1 @Clear Springs 2 Dickinson OPEN @BrazoswoodClear Lake 1 @Clear Creek 1 CLEAR SPRINGS Aug. 26 @KatyShadow Creek2Klein Forest2@HuntsvilleDickinson2Clear Falls2@BrazoswoodClear Lake2@Clear Creek1Clear Brook2 OPEN DICKINSON Sept. 2 Atascocita@Ridge PointDobieKlein Oak@Clear Springs 2 OPEN @Clear Falls 2 Brazoswood@Clear Lake 2 Clear CreekClear Brook DISTRICT 9-5A-I Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9Week 10Week 11 Aug. 25Sept. 1Sept. 8Sept. 15Sept. 22Sept. 29Oct. 6Oct. 13Oct. 20Oct. 27Nov. 3 GALVESTON BALL Sept. 30 Oct. 19Nov. 2 @La MarqueTexas City*@MadisonHou Sterling* OPEN @SharpstownHou Austin@Hou MilbyHou Waltrip@Hou NorthsideHou Wisdom DISTRICT 10-5A-I Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9Week 10Week 11 Aug. 25Sept. 1Sept. 8Sept. 15Sept. 22Sept. 29Oct. 6Oct. 13Oct. 20Oct. 27Nov. 3 FRIENDSWOOD Oct. 12 Texas CityWillowridgeFB Kempner@Manvel@Foster@MagnoliaFulshear@Terry@Angleton OPEN @Magnolia West DISTRICT 9-5A-II Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9Week 10Week 11 Aug. 25Sept. 1Sept. 8Sept. 15Sept. 22Sept. 29Oct. 6Oct. 13Oct. 20Oct. 27Nov. 3 SANTA FE Sept. 30 Oct. 13 Nov. 4 @FB KempnerVidorSam Rayburn OPEN Dayton@FB Marshall@Nederland@Galena Park@PN-GTexas City@Willowridge TEXAS CITY Sept. 7 @Friendswood@Galveston*Nuevo León OPEN Galena Park PN-G @FB Marshall@WillowridgeDayton@Santa FeNederland DISTRICT 10-4A-II Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9Week 10Week 11 Aug. 25Sept. 1Sept. 8Sept. 15Sept. 22Sept. 29Oct. 6Oct. 13Oct. 20Oct. 27Nov. 3 LA MARQUE GalvestonWheatley@Hitchcock@St. PiusBellville@WhartonSweeny OPEN @W ColumbiaRoyal@Sealy DISTRICT 12-3A-I Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9Week 10Week 11 Aug. 25Sept. 1Sept. 8Sept. 15Sept. 22Sept. 29Oct. 6Oct. 13Oct. 20Oct. 28Nov. 3 HITCHCOCK Sept. 30 @Refugio@East BernardLa Marque@WheatleyTWCA@Salado@YoakumColumbus@HempsteadHallettsville OPEN HOMEAWAY 1. CCISD Veterans Stadium; 2. CCISD Challenger Stadium *Alternate site and date if Courville Stadium renovations not completed: Week 2 at Stingaree Stadium, Aug. 31; Week 4 at Challenger Stadium on Sept. 14 Team helmets courtesy of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football DISTRICT Want to follow all the action, but can’t make the game? Chat with us live or just follow along for real-time high school sports updates on Twitter @GalvGameTime. Not on Twitter? No worries, you can follow along with all the action on our website at galvnews.com/gametime. GALVESTON COUNTY UIL FOOTBALL4 | The Daily News | Football Preview | August 2023 DISTRICT 24-6A FOOTBALL DISTRICT 24-6A FOOTBALL BRINGS SEASONED, EVENLY MATCHED TEAMS INTO 2023 HUNGRY FOR MORE By JAMES LACOMBE The Daily News B eing highly competitive from top to bottom is something the 24-6A football district has delivered upon in recent years, and the 2023 season is shaping up to be no different. With the start of the season, here’s a breakdown of District 24-6A. 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW The Clear Falls Knights enter the new year as the defending district champions, winning the crown for the first time in program history in 2022. But, in a testament to how evenly matched the district’s seven teams are, the Knights didn’t win the title in undefeated fashion. Dickinson dealt Clear Falls its lone district defeat midway through the 24-6A slate, but the Gators had their hopes for back-to-back district titles derailed by two stunning losses: a wild comeback victory by Clear Springs and a massive upset win by Clear Creek. The Chargers and the Knights ended up with identical 5-1 district records, but Clear Falls won the teams’ head-to-head matchup to stake its claim at the top of the 24-6A heap. The Wildcats’ gritty 17-14 triumph over the Gators was their only district win, but definitely proved to be a memorable one to grow on. CLEAR FALLS PREVIEW 2022: 9-3 overall, 5-1 in district, reached second round of playoffs Defense has been the cornerstone of the Knights’ recent ascension to perennial playoff contender, but the bulk of their experience will be on the offensive side of the ball in 2023 with nine returning starters, compared to just three returning starters on defense. Protected by a rock-solid offensive line — Jude Edwards, Skyler Luzader, Tommy Gausepohl, Jacob Lockstein, James Jordan and Charles Holt — featuring five returning starters and a sixth with plenty of playing experience, QB Landon Vessel is poised to have a breakout season, while versatile RB Payton Greer will carry more of the load in the backfield but also still will be utilized in the passing game. Clear Falls’ defense will be led by returning starter Le’Kell McGowan, who shifts from DE to OLB to take on the disruptive pass rushing role filled by Baylor signee Corey Kelly last season, as well as LB Jackson Waid and tough-as- nails DL Angus Pingel. “There are things that are motivating factors for us to stay hungry and not just be satisfied with winning district last year,” Clear Falls head football coach Zach Head said. “Our players have done a good job of balancing being proud of what we’ve achieved and accepting the confidence it takes to do those types of things, but also staying very hungry to do that and more.” CLEAR SPRINGS PREVIEW 2022: 8-4 overall, 5-1 in district, reached second round of playoffs The Chargers have been one of the district’s most consistently successful programs over the years, and in 2023, they’ll have their sights set on getting back to consistently winning district titles — their run of three straight 24-6A crowns from 2016-18 marks the last time a team has won the district in consecutive years. With eight returning starters on offense and seven on defense, Clear Springs brings a solid core on both sides of the ball to build around, highlighted by star OL Blake Ivy — who is weighing college offers from Texas, Texas A&M and LSU — and LB Michael Sylvalie. Skill-wise on offense, incumbent starting RB Xai-Shaun Edwards is in line for a lion’s share of carries in the Chargers’ run- heavy offense. QB Julian Salazar played well in eight starts last year, but QB Kaleb Maryland could challenge for snaps as well. Either QB will have standout wideouts Jarius Williams and Mu’izz Toukara in the passing game. “A lot of these guys will be in their third year as starters, so we’re really hoping that pays off for us,” Clear Springs head football coach Anthony Renfro said. “We’ve got a good mix of older talent and younger talent, and we just have to put it all together and win some games we’re not supposed to win.” DICKINSON PREVIEW 2022: 8-4 overall, 4-2 in district, reached second round of playoffs Following a 2022 season that saw the Gators lose two district games they very well could have won, they’ll be looking to live up to the expectations of returning to the top of 24-6A. Indeed, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has predicted Dickinson to win the district in 2023, and has the Gators tallied higher than any other team in 24-6A (No. 28) in its Class 6A preseason state rankings. Overall experience is a major strength for Dickinson, with five returning starters on each side of the ball and a whopping 37 returning lettermen total. Hard-nosed dual-threat QB John Solomon leads the offense, which also is expected to run the ball much better in 2023 behind a tough, physical offensive line. On defense, returning starters in DB Diego Sanchez and DE JaMarcus Anderson are proven leaders for the Gators. “We had a disappointing district campaign last year and let some games slip through the cracks on us,” Dickinson head football coach John Snelson said. “This group of seniors is really tight, and winning the district is a top goal as a program, and that’s not going to change. We just have to take them one game at a time, focus on the task at hand and not be overlooking anybody.” CLEAR CREEK PREVIEW 2022: 2-8 overall, 1-5 in district A district win over the aforementioned Gators should serve notice that the Wildcats are capable of competing with anyone in the 24-6A field, as well as instill confidence into the team’s returning starters — and there are plenty with seven on offense and four on defense — in their ability to do so. Despite having a small-for-6A roster, speed and skill should be solid for Clear Creek on both sides of the ball. The running back tandem of Dre Ketchum and Donovan Coffman are set to lead the offense, and DBs Cah’lil Ward and Quinton Gray and LB Dylan Russo are top players to watch on defense. Another player who will have a major role in helping Clear Creek win games is Garrett Carleton, who’ll line up as the team’s kicker and punter in addition to playing at receiver and possibly in the defensive backfield. Consistency will be key for a turnaround for the Wildcats, which lost three games — against Channelview, Clear Brook and Clear Lake — on the last play of the game. “We don’t have a lot of depth, but we do have quite a bit of experience,” Clear Creek head football coach Dwayne Lane said. “It’s a good, hard-working group that had a really good offseason. I think we’ve made stronger gains in offseason weight room and with speed and stuff than we’ve made in a long time.” DISTRICT 24-6A OPPONENTS BRAZOSWOOD 2022: 7-4 overall, 3-3 in district, reached first round of playoffs Entering his second season at the helm of the Buccaneers, head coach Joe Dale Cary will look to build on a 2022 season which saw a program that has struggled in previous years snap a 10-year playoff drought. Brazoswood will have five starters back on offense, but will have to rebuild somewhat at the skill positions, notably with a new starter at QB. The defense returns six starters, and the strength of that unit will be smack-dab in the middle with linebackers Caleb Warren and Mason Donovan leading the way. CLEAR BROOK 2022: 1-9 overall, 1-5 in district The Wolverines struggled last season, but have great potential to be the district’s most improved team. For starters, with a full offseason under his belt, second-year head coach Patrick Sanders and his staff have a chance to really put their stamp on a team with no shortage of athletes. Another positive sign for Clear Brook to be significantly better in 2023 is that the strength of both the offense and defense (with five returning starters on each side of the ball) appears to be in the trenches — always a good jumping off point in the sport of football. OL Jude Effinger and DLs Hazma Khan and Khyle Forbes are expected to lead the way in those spots. CLEAR LAKE 2022: 5-5 overall, 2-4 in district The Falcons welcome a new head coach in former Langham Creek offensive coordinator Donald Lawrence, and his transition to a new team should be eased thanks to 17 returning starters (eight offense, nine defense) with whom to work. Among those incumbents for Clear Lake are a pair with breakout season potential in dynamic athlete Hunter Modden, who can be plugged into multiple spots on offense and defense, and DB Damani Maxson, who was listed on the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Class 6A preseason all-state team — the sole player from 24-6A to receive that distinction. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photos CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Clear Falls’ Payton Greer celebrates with teammates after his game-winning touchdown in the final seconds of the fourth quarter Sept. 30, 2022, against Clear Springs at Challenger Columbia Stadium in League City; Clear Springs wide receiver Jarius Williams is hit by Clear Falls’ Trayvon Summe, left, and Jackson Waid during the fourth quarter Sept. 30, 2022, at Challenger Columbia Stadium; Dickinson quarterback John Soloman dives for yardage on a run during the second quarter Oct. 7, 2022, against Clear Falls at Sam Vitanza Stadium in Dickinson; Clear Creek’s Dre Ketchum looks for an opening on a run during the second quarter Aug. 25, 2022, against Kingwood at Veterans Memorial Stadium in League City. “Our players have done a good job of balancing being proud of what we’ve achieved and accepting the confidence it takes to do those types of things, but also staying very hungry to do that and more.” ZACH HEAD , Clear Falls head coachSupports Galveston County High School Sports! 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With DIRECT DEPOSIT you can earn up to 1% off the current loan rate with your APPROVED LOAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ask about our Loan terms today with up to 90 days 1st payment . CHARTERED 1933 Galveston Government Employees Credit Union Have you NOTICED not all CHECKING accounts are created equal. August 2023 | Football Preview | The Daily News | 5 DISTRICT 9-5A-I FOOTBALL AFTER CRUSHING DISTRICT 9-5A-I LAST YEAR, TORS LOOK FOR MORE IN 2023 ROOM TO GROW BY JAMES LACOMBE The Daily News T here was much to like, but also much left to be desired for the Ball High Tors after debuting in a realigned district in 2022. As the start of the 2023 gets underway, here’s a quick overview of Ball High and District 9-5A-I. 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW To say the Tors saw little resistance on their way to winning the District 9-5A-I championship would be putting it mildly. In posting an 8-0 district record, Ball High had seven shutouts, only surrendered one touchdown, and averaged nearly 62 points per game against all Houston ISD foes. But, the Tors — like the district’s other three playoff qualifiers: runner-up Houston Waltrip, third- place Houston Sterling and fourth- place Houston Madison — had a short postseason, bowing out in a 17-7 loss to Magnolia West. BALL HIGH PREVIEW 2022: 10-1 overall, 8-0 in district, reached first round of playoffs On top of going 8-0 in district, the Tors finished the regular season 10-0 overall with a pair of non-district wins over in-county rivals La Marque (49-7) and Texas City (7-0), but with the aforementioned playoff loss, they still have plenty of room to grow. To make more noise in the postseason, it won’t be enough to win on game day or to even win the day in practices, but the team needs to truly improve each and every week, Ball High head football coach Sheldon Bennight said. “We’ve got some competitive kids; now we’ve got to aim that competitive nature toward molding the team the right way and keeping the right focus as a team, rather than just winning the moment,” Bennight said. “You’ve got to keep the big picture in mind.” With seven starters returning on each side of the ball, Bennight feels the team’s biggest area of improvement this year will be its offensive line, which is expected to be anchored by physical, versatile senior Gunnar Chase. Operating behind that offensive line will be a new starting quarterback for the Tors. Names to keep an eye on to take the reins behind center this season for Ball High are junior Tim Brown, who played multiple positions on offense last year, and sophomore Kyden Barker. Bennight expects the defense to continue to be a strength of the team, with that unit headlined by gritty middle linebacker Stefanos Pothos and an athletic difference maker in junior defensive back Jonah Williams. DISTRICT 9-5A-I OPPONENTS HOUSTON WALTRIP 2022: 8-3 overall, 7-1 in district, reached first round of playoffs After going just 1-8 in 2020 and 2-7 in 2021, the Rams made a huge leap last season by posting eight wins, finishing in the district’s runner-up spot and reaching the postseason. Waltrip also had the distinction of being the only District 9-5A-I team to score points against district champ Ball High in 2022, albeit in a 61-7 defeat. The Rams will be young with just nine returning starters (five offense, four defense) and might struggle to carry their momentum into 2023. A pair of all-district two-way players in RB/DB Jaylin Middleton and RB/LB Drake Williams are expected to lead the way. HOUSTON STERLING 2022: 7-4 overall, 6-2 in district, reached first round of playoffs Sterling has been one of the most consistently solid squads among the teams in the district, having made the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, and only lost by one point to Waltrip (22-21) in a game last year that ultimately determined 9-5A-I’s runner-up. With 15 returning starters (eight offense, seven defense), a head coach coming into his second season leading the program, and a dynamic athlete to lead the team in Tyler Tillman, the Raiders could be the top threat to Ball High’s district crown in 2023 — although the Tors posted a comfortable 55-0 win in the teams’ matchup last year. HOUSTON MADISON 2022: 6-5 overall, 5-3 in district, reached first round of playoffs Despite having a young team and a first-year head coach, the Marlins navigated their way to the postseason last year for the second straight season. Madison also held Ball High to its lowest margin of victory in district, which was still a 39-0 win for the Tors. Madison has 12 returning starters (seven offense, five defense), and will hope that two of its most promising players — junior QB Ronald Square and WR Montreal Fisher — will be better for the experience they gained playing on varsity in 2022. HOUSTON MILBY 2022: 5-5 overall, 4-4 in district The Buffaloes could be prime candidates to slide into a playoff spot with 12 returning starters (six offense, six defense) coming off the program’s first non-losing season since 2013. In fact, in 2022, Milby came within one point from breaking a long postseason drought with a 22-21 loss to Madison in a game that ultimately determined the district’s final playoff qualifier. The Buffs should have a good building block for success, as well, with an experienced offensive line helping out top returning playmakers RB Gonzalo Trigo and QB Michael Hernandez. HOUSTON AUSTIN 2022: 2-8 overall, 2-6 in district The Mustangs started off 2022’s district schedule with a win, but then fell into a four-game losing skid and eventually ended the season with two forfeit losses. Buoyed by improved depth in the trenches, Austin hopes to begin taking steps toward being a playoff contender, with the program’s last postseason appearance coming in 2017. The Mustangs don’t have a ton of experience at the skill positions, but have a pair of promising two-way players in RB/LB Kevyn Martinez and RB/LB Toddrick Ward to lead as potential playmakers. HOUSTON SHARPSTOWN 2022: 3-7 overall, 2-6 in district The Apollos have the right mix of ingredients for an improved season with a head coach returning for his second season, 15 returning starters (seven offense, eight defense), and, overall, only graduating four lettermen from 2022, with 30 expected back. For signs of growth, Sharpstown will look to be more competitive against the district’s playoff teams after blowout losses last year, as well possibly avenging a close 22-12 loss to Austin. WR/DB Dany Kiza is a returning all-district player who can help lead the way for the Apollos in their 2023 efforts. HOUSTON WISDOM 2022: 2-8 overall, 2-6 in district The good news for the Generals is the program is coming off a 2022 season that saw them snap a district losing streak that dated all the way back to 2014, but now they’ll have to hope they can build on that momentum with a new head coach at the helm. There will be 14 returning starters (seven offense, seven defense) and 30 returning lettermen for the new coaching crew to work with, including last year’s starting QB Felix Tuyisaba. HOUSTON NORTHSIDE 2022: 0-10 overall, 0-8 in district Northside overhauled the program in what was a rebuilding year last season, and now are hoping the 22 returning lettermen and 16 returning starters (eight offense, eight defense) can put the Panthers in a better place in 2023. WR/DB Jkhori Smart is a player Northside may look to lean on in the upcoming season, as many of the team’s athletes will be two-way players with the Panthers still lacking in the depth department but making positive strides. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photo Ball High head coach Sheldon Bennight speaks to his players before the Tors’ bi-district playoff game Nov. 10, 2022, against Magnolia West at Alvin High School. “We’ve got some competitive kids; now we’ve got to aim that competitive nature toward molding the team the right way and keeping the right focus as a team, rather than just winning the moment. You’ve got to keep the big picture in mind.” SHELDON BENNIGHT, Ball High head coachDRIVE DEDICATION COMMITMENT. MoodyBank.com | 855.259.8075 Best of luck to all Best of luck to all Galveston County Galveston County Football Teams! Football Teams! SERVICE SPECIAL With This Ad expires 11-5-23 $ 69 409.925.8275 TACLBO22538E FINANCING AVAILABLE FREE ESTIMATES KEEP IT LOCAL! www.AffordableAirTX.com HAVE A GREAT SEASON 6 | The Daily News | Football Preview | August 2023 DISTRICT 10-5A-I FOOTBALL IN RUGGED DISTRICT, FRIENDSWOOD LOOKS TO BOUNCE BACK INTO PLAYOFF CONTENTION RIGHTING THE SHIP By JAMES LACOMBE The Daily News C ompeting in a tough new district resulted in a rare postseason absence for the Friendswood Mustangs just a year removed from a first- place finish in their previous district; now, a new head coach will look to navigate the deep waters of District 10-5A-I and steer the program back into the postseason. Let’s take a look ahead at what fans can expect in this district in the upcoming football season. 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW Despite the high level of competition in the district, Friendswood managed to win enough games to remain alive in the playoff race until the final two weeks of the season, with the Mustangs falling to eventual district champion Angleton (35-21) and playoff qualifier Magnolia West (22-19) to end the year. At the end of the day last season, Friendswood won the games it was supposed to but couldn’t pick up a signature upset victory it would’ve needed to contend for the postseason. FRIENDSWOOD PREVIEW 2022: 4-6 overall, 3-5 in district Jordan Johnson, the Mustangs’ new head football coach, is a homegrown talent (Friendswood High School class of 2009) who already has been a key cog in a program that has competed at the highest levels of Texas high school football in his still-young coaching career. Now, he’ll seek to jolt his alma mater after Friendswood went 4-6 overall and 3-5 in district last season. Johnson brings the experience of being the offensive coordinator at Denton Guyer for the past three seasons in which he saw a Class 6A state final appearance and two trips to the Class 6A state semifinals. While the Mustangs may not boast as many Division I college commits as those Wildcats teams that Johnson helped guide, Friendswood has a long history of success despite often facing disparities in the raw talent department. Friendswood will have seven returning starters on offense, headlined by a pair of speedy weapons in RB Walker Winters and WR Adam Buffington. Named a team captain over the summer, Brock Foster could be a player to watch for the Mustangs in 2023 after seeing some time at QB last season. With five returning starters on defense, the linebacker position is primed to be an area of strength for the Mustangs this season with fellow team captains Caleb Allen and Mason Sindelar leading the way as versatile playmakers. ANGLETON 2022: 9-3 overall, 7-1 in district, reached second round of playoffs The cardiac ‘Cats managed to rise to the top of the district by being victorious in close games against 10-5A-I’s other playoff contenders. Angleton’s one district loss (35-7) actually came against a Richmond Foster team that just missed the cut for the postseason, while the Wildcats edged playoff qualifiers Fulshear (44-40), Manvel (24-21) and Magnolia West (22-21). Angleton returns five starters on both sides of the ball. On offense, the Wildcats’ strength will be the experienced hand of four-year starting QB Adrian Ewell, while on defense, DBs Jaden Pettway and Ryland Brown lead the way. How Angleton develops in the trenches will be key to its 2023 success. FULSHEAR 2022: 11-2 overall, 7-1 in district, reached third round of playoffs The Chargers were the breakout team of the district in 2022 boosted by a powerhouse offense that scored fewer than 40 points only three times in 12 games last season — a 23-20 win over Magnolia West, a 9-7 win over Manvel and their 31-13 regional semifinal playoff loss to Smithson Valley. This season may be a completely different story for Fulshear, however, as the Chargers graduated all but two starters from that high-scoring attack. Fulshear could actually be poised to be a defensive-led team in 2023 with five returning starters and big-time playmakers at each level in DL Sheldon Rice, LB Chance Bryant and DB Ty Powell. MANVEL 2022: 8-4 overall, 6-2 in district, reached second round of playoffs While Manvel continued to be a solid program following his departure, Mavericks fans are surely buzzing about this season’s return of head coach Kirk Martin, who led the program to state championship game appearances in 2011 and 2017. Defense was a strong point for Manvel in 2022 and promises to be an even greater strength of the team this upcoming season with eight returning starters on that side of the ball, led by a LB duo in Tyler Cooks and Kaleb Blanton who are both candidates to play high-level college football. The Mavs should have a strong O-line in 2023 to lay the foundation for an offense with five returning starters, overall. MAGNOLIA WEST 2022: 8-4 overall, 5-3 in district, reached second round of playoffs In a testament to just how tightly bunched the district’s top teams were last season, Magnolia West was just four points shy of contending for the 10-5A-I crown with a one-point loss to the champs Angleton and a three-point defeat to runner-up Fulshear. Magnolia West was a rock-solid squad on the defensive side of the ball in 2022, only allowing higher than 23 points twice — a 30- 14 loss to Manvel and its 55-22 area-round playoff loss to Georgetown. This season is shaping up to be no different with six returning starters, led by LB Sam Mattingly and DL Brandon Mills. Four starters return on offense, including part-time starting QB Beau Chumley. RICHMOND FOSTER 2022: 7-3 overall, 5-3 in district The Falcons’ 2022 campaign proved there is little room to let up in District 10-5A-I. After a mightily impressive 5-0 start to the season with an average margin of victory of 43.2-4.2 (including a 35-7 thumping of eventual district winner Angleton), Foster lost three of its final five games and fell out of the postseason picture altogether. Foster will have a new head coach in 2023 with Shane Hicks, who is likely to lean on a defense that returns seven starters, including standouts at each level in DL C.J. White, LB Addison Ojiaku and DB Konnor Hanks. An inexperienced offense that returns just three starters will look to develop around some solid building blocks up front. MAGNOLIA 2022: 3-7 overall, 2-6 in district It was tough sledding last season for the Bulldogs in a district that was as rugged as it gets in the state of Texas. Four of Magnolia’s six district losses were by double digits, with its only close defeats coming against Friendswood (41-37) and crosstown rival Magnolia West (26-21). The ‘Dogs will try to close that gap and work their way into playoff contention in 2023 with a defense that returns all but one starter from 2022. Magnolia’s offense returns five starters from last season and has the tools in place for a formidable running attack with an experienced offensive line and returning lead RB Hunter Andrews. FORT BEND KEMPNER 2022: 1-9 overall, 1-7 in district A program that has had its share of struggles in recent years, Kempner was done no favors with its placement into one of the state’s deepest districts a year ago. The Cougars’ lone win (19-0) came against 10-5A-I last-place finisher Rosenberg Terry, and only one of their losses (21-14 to Magnolia) was closer than a 20-point deficit. Kempner will be starting off the 2023 season fairly fresh, with only eight total returning starters (three offense, five defense). A potential multi-position player in one of those returning starters — Javon Goss, who played QB last season — could be one to watch for the Cougars. ROSENBERG TERRY 2022: 2-8 overall, 0-8 in district The 2022 season started off well enough for the Rangers, as they recorded non-district wins over nearby rivals Fort Bend Clements (35-20) and Lamar Consolidated (20-3), but they were held winless against the much stiffer competition of District 10-5A-I. Experience on both sides of the ball offers reason to believe the 2023 season will be a better one for Terry, though. Dual- threat QB Marcus Townsend looks to be the centerpiece of an offense that returns six starters, while a Rangers defense that brings back eight starters should be a much more solid unit in 2023. knows Sports Medicine The University of Texas Medical Branch is in-network for most major insurance plans. 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Comprehensive Sports Medicine for athletes, weekend warriors and everyone in between. August 2023 | Football Preview | The Daily News | 7 STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photos Friendswood running back Walker Winters carries for first down yardage during the second quarter Nov. 4, 2022, against Magnolia West at Henry Winston Stadium. PAGE 6 FROM LEFT: Friendswood’s Adam Buffington spins away from Texas City defenders during the second quarter Aug. 26, 2022 at Stingaree Stadium in Texas City; Friendswood’s Caleb Allen makes a diving sack on Texas City quarterback Joey Duran. 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