DCTF's dark horse picks for Class 1A in 2017

Every year there’s a team or two that surprises most of the observers with a longer than anticipated playoff run. There are always a lot of variables involved with making that run, but — as always — a little challenge never deterred us at DCTF. TexasFootball.com contributor Leman Saunders takes a look at one team from each region that has a chance to make a little noise in 2017. DIVISION IRegion I: Nazareth Nazareth is the District 2 favorite, as well they should be — they return a four starters on offense and five starters on defense from a team that was four points away from a regional final last season. They have a perfect offensive one-two combo of all-state picks in the backfield with QB Traytan McLain (33 TD passes) and RB Jake Gerber (18 TDs rushing, 8 TDs receiving, 12 TD passes). Losing like they did last year in the playoffs must have left a bitter taste in their mouths which they will be eager to dispel this season. Region II: Rankin The Red Devils return four starters on both sides of the ball, and their district could be there for the taking. If Rankin can turn around their 2-8 season and fight their way out of district, they could just be the Cinderella team in maybe the toughest region in Division I. Look for junior SB Kamren Shelton and senior B Markus Black to have big seasons after missing significant time last year due to injury. Region III: May The Tigers always have talent and QB Wyatt Mote is one of the best in 1A, passing for 1,214 yards and 21 TDs last year. The problem for May: Region III is tough featuring Jonesboro and Zephyr, one of which the Tigers will likely catch in the second round of the playoffs. But both of those squads have major holes to fill, and the Tigers could spring an upset. After that, who knows how far they could go? Region IV: Abbott No team is more fitting of the “dark horse” label year in and year out than the Abbott Panthers. and that is a good thing! Coach Terry Crawford is incredibly consistent in turning out tough teams. The Panthers have made the playoffs every season since 2010, advancing to two state title games (winning it all in 2015) and another two semifinal berths. The Panthers enter 2017 with six total starters back in the fold. Filling holes on defense is a priority, but expect coach Crawford to have all the kinks ironed out by the time district play rolls around. DIVISION IIRegion I: Silverton With one of the most electrifying players in 1A in all-state RB Kaleb Naceanceno, Silverton is the best pick for the dark horse team in Region I. They were 7-3 last year and just missed making the playoffs, falling to Groom by a touchdown on the final game of the season. If the Owls can avenge that loss and sneak past a likely tough first round matchup, they would have a good shot at a regional final berth. Region II: Wellman-Union New head coach Joseph Hood will breathe new life into this football program in a district that appears to be wide-open. The two questions: How well will Hood adjust to the six-man game? And what will be the impact of his son, new spreadback Isiah Hood — coming in from 4A Brownfield where he caught 33 passes for 573 yards and 8 touchdowns as a receiver? If both adjust well, Wellman-Union will wow many a wayward watcher. Region III: Panther Creek Panther Creek had a great season in 2016, notching a 12-1 mark. But in a region that features the likes of Strawn and Crowell, it's a tough road to hoe. If the Panthers can fill a few holes in their starting lineup, they stand a solid chance to beat a weakened Crowell squad and face off with Strawn for the regional title. The Panthers' backfield duo of RB Matthew Morris (845 yards, 19 TDs rushing) and TB J.C. McDonald (1,271 yards, 25 TDs rushing) is primed for a breakout year. Region IV: Oakwood After three straight losing seasons, Oakwood is hungry to prove itself this year. Senior SB Ethan Edgemon (1,262 yards passing; 1,843 yards rushing; 97 tackles) is the Panthers' big offensive weapon; his performance will be a key component to their success in 2017. If Oakwood can make it out of its tough district as the runner-up, they match up well with potential first-round foe Calvert, which could open up a run for a Region IV title.