2016 Region Outlooks: 3A DI Region III

Photo by Pat CarriganThe UIL realigned the districts for the 2016 and 2017 football seasons in February. Realignment doesn’t just change district races – 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 I / 4A DII Region II / 4A DII Region III / 4A DII Region IV / 3A DI Region I / 3A DI Region IIIClass 3A Division I Region III Region III dominated this division for three years before Brock, from Region I, unseated Cameron Yoe in the state championship game. Yoe was a three-time defending state champion entering the game, even leading at halftime before an injury helped derail a chase for history. Yoe took some hits to graduation and still has to hire a new head coach, making this region feel a little more winnable for teams like Teague, West and Grandview. Region III also welcomes in Franklin and Jarrell from Division II and La Marque from Class 4A – not exactly slouches. Cameron Yoe A dynasty ended when running back Traion Smith suffered a leg injury near the end zone of the state championship game. Cameron Yoe was leading, thanks in large part to Smith, one of the state’s top rushers. Brock capitalized on the opportunity and scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to win the game by 10 and stop Yoe from winning a fourth-straight championship. Smith is gone, meaning Yoe must replace a running back that rushed for more than 3,000 yards and had 49 rushing touchdowns as a senior. In his career, Smith totaled over 7,500 yards and 119 rushing touchdowns. Head coach Rick Rhoades also moved on, taking the head job at Gregory-Portland. Franklin The Lions jumped up a division, landing in District 10 with Cameron Yoe and Jarrell, another team joining Division I from Division II. Franklin won Region III in Class 3A Division II, advancing to the state championship game before falling to Waskom. It was the only blemish on an otherwise perfect season. Franklin must replace running back and linebacker Will Phillips and contend with larger schools in district and in the playoffs. Cameron Yoe remains the king until dethroned, but Franklin offers new blood in the chase. La Marque La Marque lost in the area round of the state playoffs in Class 4A Division II. The Cougars move down to Class 3A Division I and must compete in District 11. La Marque instantly becomes the favorite to claim a district title and a lower classification could equal more success in the playoffs. La Marque went 9-3 in 2015, losing the first two games of the season before winning nine straight. The season ended with a playoff loss to Caldwell. Teague The only two losses for Teague came to Mexia in Week 2 and then to Cameron Yoe by seven points in the regional finals. It was a banner season for the Lions and head coach Donnie Osborn. The Lions went undefeated in district and beat West in the third round to reach the regional finals. Teague is now in the same district as West, giving the two teams a strong litmus test before the playoffs begin.

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