2021 HS football preview: Ranking the Top 10 Fort Worth-area schools in Class 5A
We’re only one week from the start of the 2021 Texas high school football season.
In the next installment of our Fort Worth-area football preview, we take a look at the Star-Telegram Top 10 rankings in Class 5A.
Return on Friday to see the Star-Telegram preseason Top 10 in Class 6A.
Top 10 private school rankings
1. Aledo (Last season: 13-1)
The Bearcats won their UIL record 10th state championship in January and they’re favored to win an 11th. Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (Nevada commit) quickly came into form after being named the starter in October. Tim Buchanan will have to replace top receiver JoJo Earle and state championship MVP DeMarco Roberts. Tight end Jason Llewellyn is committed to Oklahoma. Top defensive back BJ Allen is committed to Texas.
2. Mansfield Summit (Last season: 8-5)
The Jaguars had their best playoff run to the Class 5A Division 1 state semifinals where they gave their best punch against eventual state champ Denton Ryan. Star-Telegram all-area defensive player of the year Kam Washington graduated, but the defensive unit returns TCU commit Joseph Adedire (13 sacks) and defensive back Ahmaad Moses (116 tackles, 3 INTs). Quarterback David Hopkins (17 TDs), running back Keon Hobbs (890 yards rushing, 8 TDs) and four starting offensive linemen also return.
3. Colleyville Heritage (Last season: 8-1)
The Panthers enjoyed an undefeated district championship and trip to the regional semifinals. The team will have to replace first team quarterback and Atlanta Braves draftee AJ Smith-Shawver and top running back Braxton Ash. Waiting in the wings are 12 returning starters, six on each side. Key returners include Division 1 defensive back recruit Dylahn McKinney, four-year starter Hogan Wasson, receivers Leon Covington and Parker Roe and athlete Isaac Shabay.
4. Azle (Last season: 9-3)
The Hornets have been one of best area schools for the past 3-4 years and 2021 will be no different. The team returns six offensive starters and five defensive starters. Quarterback Chris Lee, who was a first-team all-area quarterback, threw for 3,373 yards and accounted for 47 touchdowns. The offensive line will be led by Jakson LaHue, who has FBS offers, while the defense will be led by linebacker Barrett Gilbreath (105 tackles).
5. Brewer (Last season: 4-5)
The Bears will make a significant jump in 2021 with 18 starters returning. This includes all but one on defense highlighted by preseason All-American defensive back Jordan Johnson-Rubell, who was among the top freshmen in the country last season. The cornerback already has 16 FBS offers, 14 from a Power Five school. A big boost on the line comes from 5-star tackle Bear Alexander, who comes over from 5A champ Denton Ryan. Offensively, quarterback Jaylen Spriggs, receiver BJ Williams and running back Montrail Cushionberry combined for 2,000 yards rushing and 19 TDs.
6. Grapevine (10-4)
After an undefeated district championship, the Mustangs, who reached the regional semifinals, return 15 starters with eight on defense. Defensive line will be good with Garrett Gardner and Aden Casady. Offensive is headlined by three-year starting running back Caleb Texada.
7. Justin Northwest (Last season: 7-4)
After being named all-area offensive newcomer of the year in 2020, quarterback Jake Strong (2,700 yards total, 35 TDs) returns along with five other offensive starters. The Texans bring back seven starters on defensive. Ashton Peterson, Jackson Steormann and Preston Scrivner combined for 269 tackles and 7 sacks.
8. Burleson (Last season: 6-4)
Dylan Raiola is a 4-star sophomore quarterback and ready to lead the Elks, who would’ve made the playoffs last season if not for COVID rules. Raiola has offers from TCU, Baylor and Georiga. Jon Kitna’s team returns 11 starters and defense will headline with eight back. Luke Peterson is among the top receivers (15 TDs) and look for Quintlon Ivory (74 tackles) in the secondary.
9. Mansfield Timberview (Last season: 10-2)
The Wolves reached the regional semifinals, but if they want to repeat success the team will have to do it behind a young squad that returns just two offensive starters and seven overall. Running back Jarvis Reed and receiver Titus Evans are key returners while the defense is led by 3-star Oregon safety commit Landon Hullaby. Preston Starks and Todrick Dixon combined for 7 INTs.
10. Crowley (Last season: 2-8)
The Eagles had a rough 2020 only winning two games, but the young team is back and experienced. They return 19 of 22 starters, including all 11 on defense. Daunte Blake highlights the team as the running back is coming off a 1,000-yard season. Defensively, watch for linemen Donald Thompson and Malik Tillman, and linebackers Seth Swords and Darius Miller to shine.
This story was originally published August 19, 2021 at 6:00 AM.
