2016 Region Outlooks: 6A Region III

Photo by Samuel De LeonThe UIL recently realigned the district for the 2016 and 2017 football seasons. Realignment not only changes district races. Regional championships can be decided with new groupings competing once the playoffs begin. We’ll take a closer look at the frontrunners in each region throughout the spring doldrums. Previous Outlooks:6A Region I / 6A Region IIClass 6A Region III New additions to Class 6A Region III like Richmond George Ranch and Humble Atascocita provide depth to the region, but Katy remains king until knocked off the mountaintop. Atascocita played for a regional title in 2015 and George Ranch moves up from Class 5A after winning a state title. Here are a few teams to watch this fall. Katy Shocking, I know, but any chatter about Class 6A Region III starts and stops with the defending Division II state champions. Katy put on a historic show in 2015, reaching the top as a Class 6A program after falling short in back-to-back state title games to Cedar Hill. The Tigers' defense was one for the record books, and the usually destructive ground game was too much for the rest of the state. Katy doesn’t rebuild, so expect another stout team to march towards a state title. The interesting part for 2016 might be the Tigers’ move to Division I of the Class 6A ranks. That would match up Katy with the biggest and best schools around the state if another regional title is claimed. George Ranch It was a year for the ages in 2015 for head coach Ricky Tullos’ team. The Houston-area program capped off an undefeated season with a thumping 56-0 victory over Lake Ridge in the finals. The Longhorns lost a lot of talent from that team, but should still compete in the playoffs, especially if George Ranch ends up in Division II. With Katy likely moving to the Division I ranks, that leaves Region III wide open in Division II. George Ranch has as much chance as anyone of filling that void. Galena Park North Shore Katy is the team remembered, but it was North Shore that claimed the state’s biggest title when the Mustangs knocked off Westlake in the Class 6A Division I title game by seven points in overtime. North Shore lost three games in September before reeling off 12 straight triumphs to end the season. The defense will be anchored by defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson, who was a standout performer in the win over Westlake. The addition of Humble Atascocita, a regional finalist in 2015, will make District 21 a battle. Houston Lamar Few teams will be as talented as Houston Lamar. The Texans lost the second game of the season and didn’t lose again until Dickinson edged out Tom Nolen’s team by two points in the Region III Division I semifinals. A District 18 championship will be expected, but a potential showdown with Katy in the playoffs could decide the champion of Region III in Division I. Defensive back Grant Delpit is one of the best prospects in the state and defensive end Troy Porche is a force. Quarterback Owen Holt is poised for a big season.

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