Taking a look at 2017 predictions for Central Texas teams

Last week, we found out that the Cameron Yoemen would have the targets on their back with the preseason number one rankings in 3A division one. This week, we are going to dig a little deeper and take a look at district projections for 10-3A and other Central Texas districts, plus highlight some of the players mentioned.

10-3A

DCTF has the Yoemen pegged to capture the 10-3A crown in 2017. The Yoemen, which return a total of seven offensive and eight defensive starters, are predicted to finish above Rockdale (2), Franklin (3), McGregor (4), Troy (5), Little River Academy (6) and Jarrell (7) in the standings.

The Yoemen return more starters than any other team in the district. Rockdale, Troy and Academy each return 12, Franklin has nine, McGregor comes in with eight and Jarrell has five coming back.

Cameron (1), Rockdale (10) and Franklin (12) are all ranked in the 3A poll.

“We got that number one rating, and that is good,” said Yoe head football coach Tommy Brashear. “I would rather be number one at the end of the year as opposed to the beginning of the year, but people have high expectations for us and we have high expectations for ourselves. That is where we want to be. We have to go out and prove we belong there.”

Cameron’s non-district opponents

To prepare for a brutal district schedule, Cameron will have potentially an even a tougher challenge during their non-district games. Bellville, Gatesville, Bay City and China Spring are all predicted to make the playoffs in their respective 4A districts, and three of the four teams come in ranked in the 4A polls.

Cameron’s season and home opener will see the #11 Bellville Brahmas try to avenge last season’s loss at Yoe Field. Bellville has nine starters returning and is predicted to win 11-4A DII. Gatesville is the only team not ranked, but the Hornets are still predicted to finish fourth in 13-4A. That district also has the likes of La Vega, China Spring and Burnet.

Bay City could potentially be a trap game in week three. It is a long road trip and the Black Cats are ranked 16th in the DI rankings. Bay City returns 16 starters and is expected to finish behind Stafford and El Campo in 12-4A.

In the finale, the toughest challenge may be waiting in the wings with number eight China Spring. The Cougars return 11 starters and are right behind second ranked La Vega in the 13-4A DI standings.

Andress Honored

Being the number one team in the state means you must have quality talent. Yoe senior quarterback Zack Andress was mentioned as the 3A preseason offensive player of the year by the publication. Andress led Cameron’s offense with over 3,000 yards and 45 touchdowns in 2016.

Additionally, Andress is pegged as the 10-3A preseason district offensive MVP. Rockdale’s linebacker J.R. Hinojosa is the preseason defensive MVP. The Tigers also landed JaQuayln Crawford (WR) and Dylan David (LB) on the preseason all-state team.

Coaches Poll

Every year, DCTF includes a coaches poll top five. That list includes 1. Brock, 2. Cameron Yoe, 3. Wall, 4. Yoakum and 5. Malakoff.

State Championship Prediction

If the rankings were to hold up, Cameron would get revenge from their 2015 state championship loss by taking down Brock in the finals. Mineola was the preseason number on team in the state last season and ended up capturing gold.