Under the Microscope: 5A DI District 6
DFW Offseason - Week Five
Week five of our district breakdowns takes us over to 5A DI District 6! Lancaster is grouped in with all of the Dallas ISD schools in 5A DI to make up this district. Although the Tigers will undoubtedly be the favorite to win this district, there are three other playoff spots to be had. Let’s go under the microscope and take a look at who could fill those spots.
Carrolton Newman Smith Trojans
Newman Smith dominated Turner 60-0 last season. It would be the only win for the Trojans as Newman Smith stumbled to a 1-9 record in 2019. Newman Smith hasn’t made the playoffs since 2015 and will have to rely on quarterback Douglas Hill who is back for his senior season. As I just mentioned, there are three teams in this district who will make the playoffs that didn’t make it a year ago. Newman Smith will be looking to be one of those three teams.
Carrolton R.L. Turner Lions
The only way to go for Turner is up in 2020. The Lions went 0-10 last season and only scored in three games. It helps that Turner ditches Denton Ryan, Birdville, Grapevine and Colleyville Heritage in their former district and now move into an easier district with other Carrollton and Dallas ISD schools.
Dallas - Bryan Adams Cougars
Adams will look to continue building on success from last season. The Cougars won three games last season after a 1-9 2018 campaign. Adams is in a much easier district this season compared to last season. Quarterback Amari Jones is back for his senior year as they look to make the playoffs. Adams is one of the teams I will be keeping an eye on as one that should be in contention for a playoff spot.
Dallas - Molina Jaguars
Molina opened its 2019 schedule with a win over Western Hills but wouldn’t win a game the rest of the season. Of course, Molina played in 6A and in a district with Duncanville and Lake Highlands. Now Molina is in 5A and a much easier district. That experience playing in 6A could serve the Jags well in 5A. Jalen Jackson is back to lead the offense as Molina looks to improve on its record from a year ago.
Dallas - Samuell Spartans
Samuell finished the 2019 season with a 2-8 record after a 4-6 posting the season before. Having to play Mansfield schools, Lancaster and Highland Park certainly didn’t help the Spartans case. Like many other teams in this district, Samuell is now in an easier district and should expect a better record in 2020. The versatile Dekkios Davis is back for Samuell this season.
Dallas - Sunset Bison
Sunset was in the same tough district Samuell was in a year ago but failed to win a game, going 0-10 in 2019. The Bison can only go up after only winning one game over the last two seasons. A playoff appearance may not be in the cards for Sunset but finishing with a better record could inspire confidence for the future.
Dallas - W.T. White Longhorns
W.T. White figures to contend for a playoff spot after going 4-6 in 6A last season. The Horns improved drastically from a 1-9 season in 2018 and return talent along the offensive line and at wide receiver. Quarterback Jason Salinas is back as is running back Elijah Edwards. With plenty of returning talent after experiencing success at the 6A level, watch for the Horns to be a contender in this district.
Dallas - Woodrow Wilson Wildcats
Woodrow Wilson went 3-7 in 2019 but had wins over Adams, Samuell and Sunset. If the Wildcats can beat those three teams and find one other district win, Woodrow Wilson could be back in the playoffs in 2020. The Wildcats return quarterback Sam Fennegan, along with talent at running back and wide receiver. I will have my eyes on Woodrow Wilson in 2020 as a team that could make a run at the playoffs.
Lancaster Tigers
Lancaster was a big winner in realignment. The Tigers move out of a district with Highland Park and into a district as the only team to make the playoffs a year ago. The Tigers will likely win this district with ease and returns major talent from an 11-3 squad last season. Wide receivers Majik Rector and Phaizon Smith are among those returning. Replacing Tre Bradford won’t be easy, but Lancaster returns Davion Hodge and DQ James at running back along with plenty of talent along the offensive line.
Team to Watch:
My team to watch is the W.T. White Longhorns. With as much returning production as the Horns have, I expect this team to make a run at the playoffs and potentially be the 2nd best team in this district. This is W.T. White’s time to capitalize on an easier district.
Player to Watch:
My player to watch is Lancaster wide receiver Majik Rector. The three-star recruit is a Kansas commit and will now be one of the focal points of Lancaster’s offensive attack after losing Tre Bradford. Lancaster may not sweat through many district matchups, but Rector will need to step up in the playoffs.