High school football countdown: Everman

Everman

District 8-4A

Coach: Dale Keeling

Last season: 6-4 (5-2 in District 7-4A), lost to Stephenville 49-23 in bi-district

Key players: QB Derrion Alexander (6-1, 170); QB/RB Reggie Kincaid (5-11, 165); LB Darian Sumberlin (6-0, 195); DE Marcus Stafford (5-10, 205); OG Zac Fusilier (5-10, 200); CB Chris Stafford (5-10, 170); CB Dominic Cook (5-11, 180)

The big picture: Eight all-district performers from a year ago -- all seniors -- have moved on, yet the Bulldogs expect better results this season. That's because when you've gone to the playoffs every year since 1999 and won two state titles (2001 and 2002), simply making it to bi-district is never the expectation, coach Dale Keeling said. The team's prospects for improving on last year's brief playoff stint could hinge on the running ability and decision-making of athletic QB Derrion Alexander and fellow fleet-footed QB/RB Reggie Kincaid. Everman faces two playoff teams from a year ago in nondistrict play - Fort Worth Southwest (whom the Bulldogs defeated 30-28 in 2011) and El Paso Del Valle. Those early tests should have the Bulldogs primed for competing in a realigned District 8-4A that features Burleson, Centennial, Waco and Waco University.

Quotable: "Last year was a big disappointment to us. We talked about that and the expectations we have." -- Coach Dale Keeling

"We have to come together as a team to get it done. I believe we have chemistry this year." -- QB Derrion Alexander

"We still feel like we're one of the best teams in Texas -- football powerhouse. All we've got to do is try to live up to the name." -- LB Darian Sumberlin

Notable: Everman has played 4A power Highland Park in the opener the past two years. The Scots aren't on the schedule this time around, but Everman still faces a tough opening challenge. They must make a lengthy road trip west to Sweetwater on Sept. 1 to face El Paso Del Valle, a playoff team from a year ago.

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