2016 Region Outlooks: 3A DII Region I — Canadian, Tolar add to loaded region

[caption id="attachment_22731" align="aligncenter" width="3000"]Canadian (7) Photo by Pat Carrigan[/caption] The 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 II / 3A DI Region III / 3A DI Region IVClass 3A Division II Region I Region I welcomes big fish in Canadian and Tolar. Canadian is the two-time defending Class 2A Division I champions, and now must make the jump up in classification while simultaneously replacing an historical great senior class. Tolar lost in the Region II final in Class 2A Division II, also making the jump up in competition. Awaiting the two new headliners are teams like Idalou and Cisco. Idalou is the defending Class 3A Division II Region I champion, while Cisco moves to District 4 after winning District 2 in 2015. Canadian The Wildcats stomped to another state championship and, quite frankly, proved it was time to move towards new challenges. Chris Koetting’s program won a state championship with very little resistance. Canadian outscored opponents 820-131 in 16 games. The defense never allowed more than 20 points and the offense used a balanced running game and the steadiness of Tanner Schafer at quarterback. The Wildcats must find a replacement for Schafer and get used to better week-in and week-out competition. Idalou A perfect season was interrupted in the state semifinals when Waskom outlasted Idalou, 28-24. It was an abrupt end to a banner season which included a district and regional championship. Canadian’s move into Class 3A Division II will garner most of the preseason headlines, and that praise and attention is earned, but Idalou is the defending champion of the region and should be considered a favorite to capture the crown again in 2016. Tolar Canadian isn’t the only successful program making a jump up in classifications. Tolar’s record from 2015 wasn’t overly impressive, but it made up for it with a playoff run that ended in the regional final. The Rattlers lost two district games and another one in non-district, but put it together at the right time to reel off playoff wins over Mart, Bosqueville and Valley View. It will undoubtedly be a tougher road for Tolar in district play and in the playoffs, but last year’s late success should become momentum for the 2016 squad. Cisco The Loboes lost to Wall in Week 2 before claiming nine-straight wins and a district championship. Cisco’s season was cut short early in the playoffs, however, losing an area round game to Coleman in double overtime. Cisco welcomes Tolar into District 4, adding depth to that district. The Loboes enter 2016 as one of the favorites from the region despite an early exit last season.

——