2021 HS football preview: Ranking the Top 10 Fort Worth-area schools in Class 6A
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 6A.
Return on Saturday to see the Star-Telegram playoff predictions and a look back on the offensive and defensive leaders from the 2020 season.
Top 10 private school rankings
1. Southlake Carroll (Last season: 12-2)
The Dragons reached the state title game for the first time since winning a championship in 2011. The team hit a bump in early August when 5-star quarterback Quinn Ewers decided to forgo his senior year for Ohio State. Despite the change, Carroll is still in good shape for another deep run. 6-4 Kaden Anderson is the next man up and has options in South Carolina commit Landon Samson (1,300 yards, 15 TDs) and Boston College commit RJ Maryland (13 TDs). Running back Owen Allen is a workhorse (2,063 yards, 28 TDs). The defense is led by all-area defensive newcomer of the year Logan Anderson, linebacker Barrett Baker (129 tackles) and Wisconsin commit Avyonne Jones.
2. Euless Trinity (Last season: 10-2)
The Trojans made a deep playoff run to the regional final against Southlake Carroll. A rematch is in sight with the team returning 12 starters, highlighted by 4-star Oklahoma State commit Ollie Gordon (2,083 yards, 28 TDs). Gordon will move over to quarterback while Trinity also returns running back Gary Maddox (8 TDs). The offensive line is led by twins Jacob and Jared Foni. Defensively, Nai Mose (61 tackles), Ola Fakailoatonga (57 tackles) and Jacob Schaeffer (4 INTs) will lead the charge.
3. Arlington Martin (Last season: 10-2)
The Warriors won district and reached the third round of the playoffs in 2020. This year’s team returns five starters on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Cydd Ford becomes the No. 1 quarterback. Ford, who played receiver and backup QB last season, will rely on running backs Zaire Barrow and 5-star junior Javien Toviano. 4-star Ernest Cooper IV and Texas commit Trevell Johnson lead the defense while Toviano is also a shutdown corner.
4. North Crowley (Last season: 7-4)
The Panthers made some history last season with the program’s first playoff win in 17 years. What’s better, 14 starters return in 2021 with eight on offense. If they want to contend with Trinity in district, the team will need continued production from quarterback Chandler Pullam (1,521 yards, 10 TDs), running back DeJuan Lacy (1,250 yards, 10 TDs) and District offensive MVP Quinton Jackson, who also plays defense. Look for Aaron Austin (8 sacks), Tristan Archie and Amarion Toliver (45 tackles) to shine on defense.
5. Arlington Bowie (Last season: 8-2)
The Volunteers have new leadership at the top with new head coach Joseph Sam, who was a former defensive coordinator at Mansfield Legacy. The offense starts with the line and 5-star Devon Campbell, who is the top-ranked guard in the country. Campbell, who is projected to commit with Texas, is the third-ranked player in the state and 12th ranked senior in the nation. The defense returns six starters, including Vaquan Buggs and Tridell Tally.
6. Haslet Eaton (Last season: 9-4)
The Eagles had a lot of firsts last season, including their deepest playoff run to the regional semifinals. Eaton will look to contend with Carroll again in district, led by 12 returning starters with seven on defense. Hunter Erb (Texas A&M commit) is among the best linemen in the nation while 6-4 Charles Whitebear is going to be a big target at receiver. However, the team will need a new quarterback. Defense should be the strength with Ben Roberts (98 tackles, 4 INTs), Brock Hayward (130 tackles) and Israel Kiwabonga (67 tackles, 5 sacks).
7. Boswell (Last season: 3-6)
The Pioneers didn’t have the prettiest of 6A debuts last season, but they should contend for a playoff spot with a young, but experienced team. They return 10 starters on defense and 16 overall. Those numbers should bold well for coach John Abendschan’s group. Chris Lister can play both sides of the line and Sawyer Farr should be penciled in at quarterback. He was named all-area baseball newcomer of the year in the spring. Cooper Vaden and Nick Hawthrone are defensive stars for Boswell.
8. Keller Timber Creek (Last season: 4-7)
The Falcons benefited from tiebreakers at the end of the regular season to clinch a playoff berth in Marshall Williams’ first season with the program. Now 11 starters are back with six on offense and the team gets a tremendous boost with elite running back Emeka Megwa coming over from Nolan Catholic. The Washington commit has 37 offers. Quarterback Jacob Porter (1,848 yards, 17 TDs) returns along with linebacker Devin Green (56 tackles).
9. Arlington (Last season: 5-6)
The Colts took state power Denton Guyer to overtime before losing in the area round. Coach Scott Peach returns eight starters with four on each side. Offensive tackle Jacob Waller is a 3-star SMU commit while Rodney Talton (7 TDs) is an all-around talent. Three-year starter EJ Higgins (80 tackles) will lead the defense along with Anthony Crenshaw. Watch for defensive lineman Micah Leejay to make some noise up front.
10. Keller (Last season: 3-6)
Look for the Indians to contend for a playoff spot in District 4-6A after missing out last season, despite beating Timber Creek in Week 11. Defense will be the team’s strength with nine returning starters, led by all-area linebacker Zac O’Day (133 tackles). Jon-Thomas Linnear, Colton Vargas and Austin Coleman will help make the defensive unit stout on opposing offenses. Watch for receiver Amari Henry and Coleman to help out with the scoring.
