Final steps to state championships begin Thursday night

By TOBIAS XAVIER LOPEZ

tlopez@star-telegram.com

Dreams can be wonderful things, but when it’s time for reality, the dream teams will be left with fond memories but no hardware. The journey begins tonight when the state high school football playoffs begin, and half the field will be eliminated in the bi-district round.

Now is when the elite teams prove themselves at the expense of the just-happy-to-be-here crowd.

So which schools possess a legitimate chance to be playing for a state title rather than just dreaming about one?

Southlake Carroll Class 5A Division II

The Dragons (9-1) took the District 6-5A title by knocking off tough teams in Coppell, Flower Mound, Marcus and Lewisville Hebron. In doing so, Carroll faced tougher competition than most of the other teams in Region I.

The building blocks

Quarterback David Piland When he’s on his game, he might be the most accurate passer in the area. He threw for 2,219 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Special teams With kicker Cade Foster, the Dragons are in scoring position anytime he’s within 45 yards. His regular touchbacks also provide hidden yardage that prevents opponents from big-play returns.

Running back Tommy Avers One of the flashiest backs in the area, Avers can take anyone one-on-one in space. His quick first step and dangerous but well-timed jukes proved difficult to stop.

The stumbling blocks

Allen (9-1) The bracket isn’t especially kind to the Dragons, with a potential second-round matchup against defending state champion Allen. Last year, Cedar Hill eliminated Carroll in the second round.

Cedar Hill (10-0) The top-ranked Longhorns boast one of the fastest, most dynamic defenses in the state. Cedar Hill poses a tough task should the two meet in the quarterfinals.

Pass defense Yes, Carroll plays in one of the most prolific passing districts in Region I. But the Dragons gave up 199.4 passing yards per game.

Aledo Class 4A Division II

Aledo (9-1) rides into the playoffs with a huge charge after silencing the Birdville faction for the second year in a row to claim the District 6-4A title.

The building blocks

Johnathan Gray The "Ghost" continues to prove himself as one of the area’s elite backs with 1,745 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns. The Bearcats’ offense rests on this young sophomore’s legs, but he runs like a senior.

Tradition The Bearcats are a perennial playoff team, with a state title in 1998. Aledo also enjoys the ultimate in community support, which will back the Bearcats from Fort Worth to El Paso.

Dual threat The Bearcats are without question a running offense, but don’t discount the passing attack. Quarterback Matthew Bishop put up 1,713 passing yards and 15 touchdown strikes.

Stumbling blocks

The wishbone Weatherford gave Aledo its lone loss using the power of the ’bone. In its 28-27 victory, Weatherford rolled up more than 275 rushing yards.

Stephenville Aledo edged Stephenville 20-16 in the season opener. Stephenville (8-2) awaits Aledo in the second round and is fully capable of exacting revenge for the early loss.

Overconfidence The Bearcats are fully capable of earning the Region I championship. But as one of the favorites, Aledo can’t get caught up looking past its third- and fourth-round opponents.

Who else?

Arlington (8-2), Class 5A Division I The Colts are guided by Matt Joeckel, who has the area’s top passer rating (182.0), with 2,302 yards and 28 TD passes. They are a lock for the first two rounds.

Euless Trinity (8-2), Class 5A Division I The Trojans proved they can dominate just about any defense with their running game. With Plano East and Coppell in the bottom half of the Region I bracket, the Trojans enjoy a manageable path to the quarterfinals.

Arlington Bowie (8-2), Class 5A Division II The Volunteers possess the all-around talent and coaching to make a serious run. Should Carroll and Allen destroy each other in the second round, Bowie could be waiting to knock off either one in Round 3.

Nolan Catholic (10-0), TAPPS Division I The Vikings rolled through to an undefeated season. Nolan Catholic reigns as the defending champion and certainly has the talent to take the title again.

TOBIAS XAVIER LOPEZ, 817-390-7760

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