Under the Microscope: 5A DI District 5
DFW Offseason - Week Four
It’s week four of our offseason district breakdowns and we’re previewing a loaded 5A DI District 5! Denton Ryan and Frisco Lone Star will now face off in district play and Frisco Independence joins those two to form a really strong top three in this district. Let’s go under the microscope of 5A DI District 5.
Denton Broncos
Denton improved to 4-6 in 2019 after a 2-8 posting in 2018. The Broncos faced new district foes Frisco Lone Star and Frisco Independence in non-district a season ago but lost both games. Making the playoffs will be an uphill battle for a Bronco team in a tougher district in 2020.
Denton Ryan Raiders
With Frisco Lone Star now in the same district, Ryan now has a challenger for the top spot that they haven’t had in quite some time. Ryan lost star Drew Sanders to Alabama but returns Texas commits Ja’Tavion Sanders and Billy Bowman Jr. Quarterback and Memphis commit Seth Henigan is back as is Rice commit D.J. Arkansas and top junior recruit Austin Jordan on the defensive side of the ball. The Raiders could very well be back in the state championship game in 2020 and won’t have to face Shadow Creek this time.
Frisco Centennial Titans
Frisco Centennial managed a 2-8 record last season and was on the wrong end of several close games. Quarterback Grayson Dayries is back along with all-district performer Paxson Fletcher at wide out. Those two will need to be in lockstep next season if Centennial wants to snag a playoff spot.
Frisco Heritage Coyotes
Heritage saw significant improvement in 2019, going 4-6 after finishing just 1-9 in 2018. Marvin Covington is back on defense and Shawn Wara is back as well. Heritage is another big step away from making the playoffs. If the Coyotes can make the same jump this year that they did in 2019, a playoff appearance could very well be in the cards.
Frisco Independence Knights
The Knights finished 10-3 in 2019 and one of the three losses was a game they had to forfeit. Independence is returning star tight end Elijah Arroyo and quarterback Braylon Braxton in 2020. Running back Zy’re White is back as well. Independence has reloaded and could push Denton Ryan and Lone Star in district play.
Frisco Lone Star Rangers
Lone Star is losing star receiver Marvin Mims to OU but returns star quarterback Garret Rangel for his junior season. Rangel still has wide outs Trace Bruckler and Brandon Spencer to throw to and running back Jaden Nixon is back as well. Lone Star is losing some talent on the defensive side of the ball, but Jaiden Jones returns on the defensive line and the Rangers figure to challenge Denton Ryan for the top seed in the district. Lone Star should expect another deep playoff run, but the Rangers will need to overcome Denton Ryan at some point.
Frisco Reedy Lions
Frisco Reedy is moving up to DI from DII for the next two years. Reedy went 6-5 and lost to Ennis in the opening round of the playoffs a year ago and will have to overcome the adjustment of having to play against DI schools. Reedy faced The Colony is non-district play a year ago and lost. The Lions return running back Jacob Smith 2020 could be a tough transition in moving up.
Frisco Wakeland Wolverines
Wakeland finished 5-6 in 2019 and exited the playoffs with an early loss to Highland Park. The Wolverines should compete for a playoff spot once again in 2020 but the competition will be plenty stiff.
The Colony Cougars
The Colony finished 8-3 in 2019 after a 9-2 season in 2018. The Cougars have graduated a lot of talent that carried the team to strong back to back finishes. There is talent back along the offensive line and in the secondary, but there are plenty of questions elsewhere. The Colony will likely compete with several Frisco schools for the final playoff spot in the district.
Team to Watch
My team to watch in 5A DI District 5 is Denton Ryan. The Raiders were just a jump ball catch away from winning a state championship last season. Denton Ryan fell to Shadow Creek 28-22 and will have to climb the mountain once again to reach the state championship game. This time, Shadow Creek won’t be waiting for the Raiders if they get there. Denton Ryan is one of the favorites to win the 5A DI crown in 2020.
Player to Watch
My player to watch on 5A DI District 5 is Frisco Lone Star quarterback Garret Rangel. Marvin Mims has graduated and Rangel will miss his talent. It’s time for Rangel to take the next step after a stellar sophomore season and be the true leader of this offense. I believe he is fully capable of doing so and should see his recruitment blow up after his junior year.