The Texas 20, No. 17: Will anyone play defense?

[caption id="attachment_17780" align="alignleft" width="300"]Photo by Tim Huchton Photo by Tim Huchton[/caption] This is the Texas 20, DCTF’s countdown of the 20 biggest storylines heading into the 2015 football season.No. 20: Is there a college sleeper in Texas?No. 19: Which Texas high school football records will be broken? No. 18: State title games headed to HoustonToday, we’ve reached No. 17: Will anyone play defense this season? Anecdotally, there is no doubt that football is much more offensively driven than in past years. Fans who have followed football for anything longer than 10 years will tell you that yes, the offenses are bigger and faster and stronger and more dangerous now than they were in years past, especially in Texas high school football. Statistically, that bears out as well. Consider this: in 2004, there were 28 teams in Texas high school football that averaged 40 points or more per game. Ten years later, in 2014? A staggering 150 squads averaged at least 40 points per game. As you might expect, there are similar numbers with regards to defense: 2004 featured 158 teams that averaged 14-or-fewer points allowed per game, while 2014 had just 52 such squads. So, everyone can score. That’s pretty much a given in today’s football climate. But who (if anyone) will play defense? Here are three teams DCTF thinks has a chance to make an impact with their defense — yes, really, it could happen! Cedar Park (5A) Even with a new coach, the Timberwolves have quite a defensive core returning, led by the likes of CB Jav Guidry, do-it-all athlete Jack Grimm and LB Augustine Tambe. With nine starters back from a unit that allowed just 20.4 points per game, Cedar Park’s defense should keep them in the hunt. Geronimo Navarro (4A DII) The Panthers’ defense was pretty fierce last year, giving up just a bit more than 15 points per game in tough Region IV competition. But in 2015? It could be a flamethrower of a unit. Ten starters return, including all-state caliber LB Jake Wright and bruising OLB Sam Marbach. Coach Les Goad’s squad is going to hit some people. East Bernard (3A DI) The Brahmas are DCTF’s pick to win the 3A Division I title this season — hence their preseason No. 1 ranking — and the defense is a big part of it. Coach Jerry Long is a defensive whiz, and with nine starters back — like LB Allen Anderson, DE Ty Jalowy and DT Tyler Vasut — they’re going to be a hard unit to crack all season.