2016 Region Outlooks: 4A DII Region II

Photo by Gary SandersonThe 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 IV / 4A DII Region IClass 4A Division II Region II This region was controlled by Gilmer for years, but the addition of Celina bolsters an already tough field and creates a two-headed race for the top that rivals nearly any in the state. Gilmer and Celina are storied programs at their level. The two squared off in the state semifinals in 2015, with Celina advancing after a 49-44 win. The year before, Gilmer blew out Celina en route to the title. With two defending regional champions inside Region II, the depth inside the region will be overlooked. Atlanta is back after a district championship and a trip to the regional finals. Pittsburg drops down from Class 4A Division I and Aubrey joins the region from Region I. Celina The Bobcats are tied for most all-time state titles with eight. Celina came within one win of becoming the first team to record nine championships. A loss to West Orange-Stark in the final ended an otherwise perfect season. Celina was 15-0 entering the game, searching for the program’s first title since 2007. Celina reached the finals after winning Region I and then dethroning Gilmer from the top spot in Class 4A Division II. Celina did it with a timely offense and a dominant defense. The Bobcats held opponents to 14 or fewer points nine times. The offense only scored fewer than 30 points twice all season: in the opener and in the loss to West Orange-Stark in the state championship game (most of which was without QB Conner Pingleton, who was injured early in the game). It was an otherwise dominant year and the Bobcats should be expected to compete for a state title. Gilmer A year of change didn’t end with another state championship. The Buckeyes were eying a repeat as Class 4A Division II champions before a state semifinal loss to Celina. Gilmer and Celina enter the season on another collision course. Head coach Matt Turner took over for Jeff Traylor and led his team to a 14-1 record despite a ton of talent leaving the program after the 2014 championship. Gilmer nearly doubled its opponents’ point total in 2015 and will be the favorites to capture the District 14 championship, even with the emergence of Atlanta and the addition of Pittsburg. Wide receiver Lamarcus Morton gives Turner’s offense a weapon. The defense will be strong, but must replace leaders like Demarco Boyd and others. Atlanta The chase for a district championship will be tougher in 2016 as Atlanta joins a district with Gilmer and Pittsburg. Atlanta lost five games in 2015, but all were to playoff teams. The Rabbits won seven of their last eight games before the loss to Gilmer in the regional finals. Atlanta scored over 40 points in the three playoff wins prior to the meeting with Gilmer. A district championship will be a tough task, but the Rabbits won’t be a team anyone wants to see early in the state playoffs. Pittsburg Pittsburg drops down a division after reaching the area round of the Class 4A Division I state playoffs. Argyle, the eventual regional champion, ended the Pirates’ season. It was an impressive year for a team still being taught how to win by head coach Brad Baca and his staff. The only two losses of the season came to Liberty-Eylau in district play and to Argyle in the playoffs. Another year of mentoring by Baca and an equal playing field in school size should serve the Pirates well.

——