TEPPER: Don't overreact to these teams' slow starts

‘tis the season. No, not Christmas season. Yes, it’s deer season but we’re not talking about that right now. Instead — it’s overreaction season. Three games is just enough of a sample size to draw some conclusions about Texas high school football teams. But three games, in some cases, is also reason for fan bases — especially those with high expectations — to run screaming into the street, declare the season a lost cause and fall to their knees, begging the Powers That Be for a merciful end. But I’m here to tell you to relax. There are plenty of examples of teams that got off to slow starts that ended up having terrific seasons — even state championship seasons. Galena Park North Shore won a title two years ago with four losses. Yoakum played for a title last year with four losses. It happens. So I’m here to quell some fears. Here are some teams that are under .500 after three games that shouldn’t be hitting the panic button. (A note: I’m intentionally excluding teams from the Houston area who may have an 0-1 record, because if you’re freaking out over a one-game sample, you’ve got bigger issues.)Belton (1-2) The Tigers find themselves at 1-2, but there were bound to be some growing pains with new coach Sam Skidmore taking the reins. Perhaps most importantly: the two losses are more than acceptable — a seven-point loss at rival Temple, and a three-point loss to Pflugerville Hendrickson. The defense here is solid, especially with stud defensive back Garrison Vaughn, and the offense should follow. Don’t be surprised if Belton bounces back. Ennis (0-3) This one is jarring because of who it is. Ennis? The 2014 state champs? The perennial power? They’re winless? But the Lions are another example of a tough non-district schedule, losing a last-gasp game to South Oak Cliff, a four-point game to 6A power John Tyler, and a rivalry matchup at Waxahachie. Jack Alvarez will get his boys going, and they remain the favorite to win District 17-5A. Bellville (0-3) Perhaps no team has played a more bizarre non-district slate than the Brahmas. Coach Grady Rowe always schedules tough, but this year, he scheduled weird. A loss on the road at 3A powerhouse Cameron Yoe is nothing to turn your nose up at. Then, a one-point overtime loss against a resurgent Bay City squad. Then the weirdest of them all: a fits-and-starts 7-5 loss at Stafford. If running back TJ Nunn and company can get the offense rolling again, the Brahmas will make this 0-3 start look like much ado about nothing. Arp (1-2) The Tigers were supposed to be an East Texas powerhouse this season and, to be quite honest, they likely still will be. They’ve played all of their games close — a 14-point loss to Tatum, a 1-point loss to Hughes Springs and a 7-point win vs. Alto — and most encouraging: the defense is absolutely there, allowing an average of 19 points per game. That will play, especially when district play rolls around. Don’t worry about Arp. Hamlin (1-2) For a team that started the year in the Top 10 of 2A Division II, it’s been a rough start for the Pied Pipers. But last week’s win over Hawley should inspire a lot of confidence, as the offense finally got rolling. A loss to 3A Merkel and solid 2A Anson are respectable, and if the offense continues its upward trajectory, the ceiling remains high for the green and white. Petersburg (0-3) The 0-3 record is ugly, but in reality, the Buffaloes are probably just one win short of where they should be. The combined record of their opponents is 8-1, including a close loss to Nazareth and a season-opening defeat at the hands of defending champ Borden County. Do the Buffaloes need to figure something out as far as a reliable offense? Absolutely. But the pieces remain in place for a deep run come November and December.