2017 Region Outlooks: 2A DII Region III — Is Tenaha now the team to beat?

The 2017 Texas high school football season will be here before you know it, and in a year without UIL realignment, we have a grasp on who should challenge for region — and state — titles across the state. We’ll take a closer look at the frontrunners in each region throughout the spring doldrums.PREVIOUSLY Class 6A: Region I / Region II / Region III / Region IVClass 5A: Region I / Region II / Region III / Region IVClass 4A DI: Region I / Region II / Region III / Region IVClass 4A DII: Region I / Region II / Region III / Region IVClass 3A DI: Region I / Region II / Region III / Region IVClass 3A DII: Region I / Region II / Region III / Region IVClass 2A DI: Region I / Region II / Region III / Region IVClass 2A DII: Region I / Region IIToday’s spotlight: Class 2A DII Region III Region III may undergo the biggest change at the top with the graduation of Bremond quarterback Roshauud Paul, as the Tigers will be without Mr. Texas Football for the first time after three consecutive state championships. Returning district champions Tenaha, Iola and Maud enter the year in a much better position to compete for a regional title. Bremond For the last three years, Bremond’s game plan has been simple – get the ball in Paul’s hands as early and as often as possible, and surround him with a good supporting cast. It’s worked quite well, as Paul led the team to three straight undefeated seasons. Without Paul, it will be interesting to see what things look like for coach Jeff Kasowski. But with 14 returning starters, the Tigers at least have some experience on their side heading into the season. RB Kaidyn Peralez (1,710 total yards, 23 TDs) will be relied on heavily to carry the load offensively while QB/LB Michael Pruitt will likely take over under center after racking up 140 tackles on defense last season. Cayl Wagner will lead the way in the trenches and Kellan Stuard is back on the offensive line, as well. Things will look different in Bremond and the dominance certainly won’t come as easily (losing Joe Williams is an underrated blow, as well), but the Tigers still have some weapons entering the season. Tenaha Bremond has been a thorn in the side of Tenaha during two of its three state title runs. But after winning 13 games and advancing to the regional championship game last year, the Tigers may have the best chance to dethrone Bremond. Coach Craig Horn has 19 starters back from a team that outscored its opponents 684-87 last year. The offense all starts with QB CJ Horn (3,611 total yards, 51 TDs), who has made a living as an accurate passer and he may be the best quarterback in Class 2A now. He’ll have plenty of weapons in WR/FS Trai Gardner (1,670 total yards, 26 TDs, 5 INTs), WR/SS Jay Lloyd (1,215 total yards, 16 TDs) and RB Onterio Thompson (1,116 total yards, 22 TDs), while Juarmez Brock (116 tackles, 17 TFL) and Tycorreus Villegas will lead the way in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Add in MLB Tavoris Giles (150 tackles, 16 TFL) on defense and the Tigers may have what it takes to finally push through to a regional championship this season. Maud It’s hard to make a name for yourself as a quarterback playing in the same region as Paul and Horn, but Maud brings back a solid weapon under center. After losing its first three games last year, the Cardinals bounced back to advance to the regional semifinals before falling to Bremond. With QB/LB Gage Jones (2,178 total yards, 28 TDs) back to lead the way after taking home district MVP honors, Maud has the offensive prowess to be successful again. WR Brooks Minter (515 yards, 9 TDs) is back as a weapon on the perimeter while first-team all-district DE Jordan Creutz and C/DT Alex Sultz (25 tackles, 4 sacks) anchor the defensive front. With six starters back on both sides of the ball and depth behind them, Maud will be again be a favorite out of District 9.

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