Under the Microscope: 5A DII District 4

Cover Photo via @CoachA_GHS on Twitter

DFW Offseason - Week Six

Week six takes us to Division II! Today we kick off our previews of DFW area division II district and we’ll start with 5A DII District 4! Grapevine takes on a host of Fort Worth ISD schools along with Carrollton Creekview. Let’s take a look at where each team stands coming into the 2020 season.

Carrolton Creekview Mustangs

Creekview was a realignment winner after playing in a district with Denton Ryan and Colleyville Heritage. The Mustangs went just 4-6 in 2019 after a 3-7 2018 season. Creekview will look to capitalize on being in an easier district behind star junior Jordyn Crain.

FW North Side Steers

North Side is among a handful of Fort Worth schools to make the jump from 5A DII to DI for this season. The Steers made the playoffs for the first time since 1979 last season behind a strong group of juniors who will return for their senior season. That includes three-star wide out Da’Wain Lofton who is drawing strong interest from Mississippi State. Lofton will be relied on to help carry the offense as the Steers hunt for a playoff spot in 2020.

FW Polytechnic Parrots

Polytechnic is also making the jump from DI to DII after a 4-6 2019 season. The Parrots lost to North Side 21-20 to miss out on the playoffs, but three of their four wins were shutouts last season.

FW South Hills Scorpions

South Hills hasn’t quite been the same since the Wallace twins headed north for college. The Scorpions went just 1-9 last fall with the only win being a blowout against O.D. Wyatt. Linebacker Ca’Lub Holloway is back in 2020 to lead the defense as South Hills looks to improve its record from a year ago.

FW Trimble Tech Bulldogs

Trimble Tech is moving down from 6A after going just 2-8 a season ago. The Bulldogs only scored three points in district play, but Trimble Tech should have an easier time scoring the ball in this district.

OD Wyatt Chaparrals

Wyatt made the playoffs last year after a 3-7 regular season. Tymadre Ross is back at running back for the Chaparrals as Wyatt attempts to make the jump from 5A DII to DI. Cornerback Damon Gentry Jr. is back to lead the defense as Wyatt attempts to make it back-to-back playoff appearances.

Grapevine Mustangs

Grapevine was a clear winner in realignment. The Mustangs move out of a district with Denton Ryan and Colleyville Heritage and in with the Fort Worth schools. Grapevine went 6-5 in 2019 after a 10-3 2018 season. Running back Caleb Texada is back to carry the load for the offense.

FW Southwest Raiders

Southwest also made the playoffs after a 3-7 regular season a year ago. The Raiders will try to find their way back to prominence after a 7-4 2018 campaign. A return to the playoffs could be in the cards for Southwest if it can improve upon its record from a year ago.

Team to Watch:

My team to watch is the North Side Steers. I am looking forward to seeing if the Steers can make it back-to-back playoff appearances after not making a post season appearance since 1979. A returning group of talented seniors should be able to make this happen.

Player to Watch:

My player to watch is Grapevine running back Caleb Texada. Tight end Griffin Edwards should draw some attention in the passing game while also being able to block for Texada downfield. Texada will only be a junior and I will be looking for him to have a big season for the Mustangs offense.