Hillcrest and Roosevelt are loaded with talent once again this season and rank as the District 12-4A favorites. The two teams outscored Woodrow Wilson by a combined score of 73-7 in 1992, although the Wildcats shouldn’t be outclassed again this year.
W.T. White has the most returning starters, nine on offense and seven on defense, along with 21 lettermen. Last year, the Longhorns dropped below .500 for the first time since 1986.
Pinkston has a chance to compete for a state playoff spot, while Thomas Jefferson is expected to be out of district contention in 1993.
As usual, Hillcrest is big. One sizable example is defensive tackle Kelsey Davenport (6-2, 285). Other returning starters include linebacker/fullback Darren Hester (6-2, 215), Derrick Browning, Jeff Benitez, Carlos Soto and Bryan Sanders.
Hester is a two-way standout, leading the team last year with 108 tackles. He added 462 yards on 91 carries and six catches for 127 yards.
Roosevelt, the 1992 district runner-up, returns nine starters and 16 lettermen from last season’s 7-4 group. The Mustangs have reached the playoffs six of the past seven years.
Flanker Michael Williams is a three-year starter on offense who had 29 catches for four touchdowns a year ago. Another key offensive threat is running back Sidney Sims (5-10, 195), who rushed for 898 yards and nine touchdowns in 1992.
W.T. White, Pinkston and Woodrow all could challenge the big boys for district supremacy. Keep an eye peeled for White’s offensive tackle/linebacker David Green (6-2, 240). Kicker Mark Stroube could mean the difference in a game or two for White, based on his successful junior year.
What will it take for Woodrow to pull off another major upset like 1991’s, when the Wildcats took the district title? With two teams going to the playoffs, it is imperative that Woodrow upset either Hillcrest or Roosevelt to have a legitimate shot. Felix Brown needs to have a big year on both offense and defense, and linebacker Miguel Haro must intimidate with some crunching tackles.
“A lot of our success this season will depend on senior leadership,” says coach Bruce Land.
“I think that this team will have good chemistry, and with a little luck, we should be right there until the end.”
