District 7-5A preview: Arlington Heights, South Hills a cut above
This all-Fort Worth ISD district is a very top-heavy collection of football teams. The biggest question in District 7-5A: Will South Hills finally have the fire power to end a run of dominance by Arlington Heights? The Yellow Jackets are seeking a third consecutive district title, and return 10 starters to make it happen. Heights must do that, though, with new faces at key skill positions. South Hills has the brothers Wallace healthy, along with 12 returning starters (seven offense, five defense). Wyatt, a perennial playoff contender (five of the past six years) faces a tough challenge due to many new faces on offense. Trimble Tech has made back-to-back playoff appearances, and three straight is quite possible. Expect Southwest to be much improved from their two-year struggle. Western Hills, North Side and newcomer Young Men’s Leadership Academy face long odds unless they get some breaks.
Best bet for the playoffs
South Hills: With a strong core returning, this looks like the Scorpions’ best chance to grab that elusive district title and make a run in the playoffs.
Arlington Heights: Sophomore QB Jaiden Zackery, steps in for a three-year starter, but he has the biggest offensive line in the district. The talented defense has a few holes to fill.
Trimble Tech: The Bulldogs are 11-11 the past two years, with playoff berth to show for the effort. The eight returning starters are joined by talented underclassmen.
Southwest: The Raiders return 18 starters. New head coach Robert Goebel was promoted from offensive coordinator, so expect the Raiders pass-oriented attack to include plenty of new wrinkles.
Players to watch
Jaylon McLean, WR, Trimble Tech: Had 27 receptions for 367 yards and three touchdowns a year ago.
Greg Mims, QB, Southwest: Completed 103 passes for 1,513 yards and 15 TDs. Needs to cut down on the INTs (13 last season) if Raiders have designs on the playoffs.
Tracin Wallace, QB, South Hills: Lost to a knee injury before the start of the season a year ago, Wallace was spectacular in 2014, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes (123-180) for 2,123 yards and 30 TDs. Rushed for another 1,393 and 22 scores.
Tylan Wallace, WR, South Hills: A scorching year at the wideout spot, had 59 receptions for 1,439 yards and 20 touchdowns along with 172 more rushing yards. The twins have committed to Oklahoma State.
Avery Visor, RB, North Side: Rushed for 255 yards and five scores last season and threw for another 571 yards, but will shift primarily to the backfield.
Mark Brown, DE, Arlington Heights: Committed to San Diego State, he recorded 62 tackles (36 solo) and five sacks last year.
This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 10:40 AM with the headline "District 7-5A preview: Arlington Heights, South Hills a cut above."