Changes are in store for Mansfield schools
By: By Jarret Johnson
Thursday's UIL realignment placed the Mansfield school district, which opens its fifth school, Lake Ridge, in the fall, in two of the more competitive athletic districts in the Metroplex.
What has been District 5-5A the past two seasons remains mostly intact and becomes 7-5A. The big changes: Mansfield Legacy drops from 5A to 4A, and DeSoto is added, leaving a district with East Texas schools Lufkin, Longview and the two from Tyler.
DeSoto joins Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Mansfield Timberview, Midlothian and South Grand Prairie in the fall. Timberview won 12 games last season, Mansfield 11, DeSoto 10, Cedar Hill 8 and Duncanville 7.
"I know this, that whoever makes it into the playoffs in whatever sport will have a great opportunity to win a state championship," Timberview football coach Mark Walker said.
"Week in and week out, playing in a district like that, you're playing the best in this area. I feel like I can truly say that District 7-5A is going to be the toughest in the Metroplex."
The other three Mansfield schools didn't exactly get any breaks, either. Lake Ridge, Legacy, and Summit will join Arlington Seguin, Ennis, Lancaster, Red Oak and Waxahachie in the formidable District 15-4A.
Summit football coach Travis Pride is excited about playing Ennis, Lancaster, Red Oak and Waxahachie for the first time next season in district.
"I think it's going to be pretty competitive," Pride said. "Every week, if you don't play up to your ability, you can be beat in this district, and after seven weeks of that hopefully you'll be well prepared for the playoffs. I think it will be fun; new is good."
One of the biggest surprises of the day for Mansfield officials was the move from Region I to Region II in 4A, which means unfamiliar opponents at different sites for regional championships.
"We've always been in Region I, so I didn't really see that coming," Mansfield schools athletic director Debbie Weems said. "From an administrative point of view, though, good facilities across the board, the proximity of all the schools is good, and the competition is great."
Jarret Johnson, 817-390-7760