TLN: Looking at the key players for each of our football teams

The dog days of summer are usually associated with August. But if you’re a football fan, August represents anticipation, eagerness and hope.

Football is here. Pads are crashing. Whistles are blowing. Coaches are hollering. Players are grinding. The work toward playing the Saturday before Christmas (the state championship) begins.

For our nine coverage teams, preparations are underway as of Monday. The 10th program, Northwest V.R. Eaton, is opening this fall but playing a junior varsity schedule. Of course, Brad Turner’s program didn’t have spring football. The Eagles started workouts this past Monday.

As we look ahead, we offer in alphabetical order 50 words or less about the one player from each program who will be key to his team having a successful season.

▪  Carroll (DT Ryan Miller): He had an outstanding spring, becoming the nose tackle for a defensive line that continues to search for stability. Miller is plenty physical and tough to play. Controlling the flow of play from his spot will set the tone for the rest of the Dragons defense.

▪  Colleyville Heritage (RB Jamarie Williams): In 2014, Williams offered glimpses of how good he can become. With DeMarco Corbin graduated, a new coaching staff (Joe Willis) trying to put everything together on short notice and a starting quarterback to find, Williams has to take advantage.

▪  Grapevine (LB Nick Jordan): The Mustangs defense went through several rough moments in 2014. But the second year under Randy Jackson should show improvement. Jordan is as physical a linebacker in all of Tarrant County. By making his impact from the first day, Grapevine’s defense takes a major step.

▪  Justin Northwest (LB Caden McDonald): McDonald had a very good 2014 (56 tackles, six sacks) and an even better spring. As well as he plays, McDonald is going to be a leader for a unit where his sacks and tackles-for-loss numbers need to reach nearly 20 this fall. It could take more.

▪  Keller (DE Houston Miller): He’s verbally committed to Texas Tech and can a run a 4.5 in the 40. He’s going to draw quite a few double-teams. But he if handles those pretty well, that should free up others to create more pressure in the opposing backfield.

▪  Keller Central (WR Nick Rischer): Rischer isn’t very big (5-7, 160). But he is a playmaker, as he averaged about 17 yards per reception in 2014. Every time he catches a pass, he’s going to do something good because he’s elusive. Whoever is the Chargers quarterback will have a good target with which to work.

▪  Keller Fossil Ridge (QB Bryce Baccarini): The head coach’s son has been a strong leader ever since he entered the program. With the program needing new answers in several skill position spots, Baccarini’s presence will be critical if the Panthers are going to return to the postseason.

▪  Keller Timber Creek: (DL Chase Dennis): If a program is going to arise from frustrations, it has to start with the defense. The intriguing part about Daniels’ 2014 is that he collected five sacks. Obviously, he’ll need help. But he’s the kind of player who help others raise their level of play.

▪  Byron Nelson (DE/WR Brandon Bowen): He is the best athlete we cover. Bowen will be used on both sides of the ball and will make a definite impact. All head coach Brian Polk has to do is make sure that Bowen is as fresh in November as he is in August.

This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 12:35 AM with the headline "TLN: Looking at the key players for each of our football teams."