2016 Region Outlooks: 4A DII Region I

Photo by Ashley WirzThe 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 II / 6A Region III / 6A Region IV / 5A Region I / 5A Region II / 5A Region III / 5A Region IV / 4A DI Region I / 4A DI Region II / 4A DI Region III / 4A DI Region IVClass 4A Division II Region I Region I took a big hit when the reigning champions, Celina, moved over a division within the Class 4A Division II ranks. The loss of the best program in the region is a big hit to the legitimacy of Region I in state championship discussions. Celina romped through Region I in Class 4A Division II, so much so that it is hard to imagine a team emerging from the pack to compete for a state championship. The loss of Aubrey to Region II also hurts the depth within the region. Krum and Sweetwater enter 2016 as the favorites to replace Celina as regional champion. Krum Krum finished third in District 3, but found itself in a rematch against Celina for a regional championship. Celina ended Krum’s season with a second victory over Gary Robinson’s team in 2015. The Bobcats dropped non-district games to Pilot Point, Sanger and Boyd. A district loss to Aubrey was followed by a regular season-ending loss to Celina. It was an up-and-down season for Krum, but a 31-0 victory over Sweetwater in the regional round propelled the Bobcats to a regional championship opportunity. It was one of the most impressive wins in the state during the third round of the playoffs. Sweetwater The Mustangs entered the postseason undefeated and the favorite to advance through Region I. That changed in the third round of the state playoffs when Sweetwater was shocked in a 31-0 loss to Krum. Impressive non-district wins over Muleshoe and Snyder boosted the resumé, but one bad performance was enough to undo a previously perfect season. Sweetwater should be expected to win a district championship again in 2016, placing the Mustangs firmly in the discussion for a regional championship. Sweetwater gave up six total points in two playoff wins before the upset loss to Krum. Perryton Iowa Park is the defending District 10 champion, but it was Perryton which lasted the longest in the state playoffs. The Rangers rattled off two playoff victories before a date with Celina ended the season. Perryton limped into the playoffs with a 2-2 district record. A win over Greenwood in the bi-district round sparked a stellar performance in a 57-35 victory over Anna in the area round. Iowa Park and Vernon moved to District 3, joining Krum. That leaves District 1 open for Perryton to claim.

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