Vandals Predicted To Make Playoffs

While preseason predictions are generally viewed as meaningless by most fans and all coaches, the Van Vandals have to be hoping there’s something to the picks in Dave Campbell’s 2007 Texas Football. After being edged out of the playoffs for consecutive seasons, Van has received an early nod to return this year, with a third place finish in District 14-3A.
One prediction everyone can bank on is that whatever happens in Van, Jermie Calhoun will play a big role. Calhoun, chosen as Texas Football’s Class 3A Coverboy, returns to harass district opponents for one more season before taking his talents to the Oklahoma Sooners.
While the Vandals lost a lot of experience off of last year’s squad, they will come back with more size and a lot of speed. Calhoun will run behind Kolton Monds (6-2, 225), Jonathan Wheeler (6-2, 240), Luke Seider (6-0, 240) and Cameron McMien (6-1 230). Junior Blake Pennington returns as a starter at quarterback, and he will use Emmanuel Hayes, Zach Harrison, Matthew Goode and Peyton Neill to keep defenses honest.
Harrison will also help anchor the defense along with Damon Hightower, Jace Huddle and Cody Mayes.
The two teams Van will be chasing, at least according to Texas Football, are Tyler Chapel Hill and Canton.
Last season’s third place team, Tyler Chapel Hill, has received the early nod to win the district. The Bulldogs were regional semifinalist in 2006 after posting a 3-2 district record. They return return seven starters on offense including quarterback Chris Mass, running back Matthew Tucker, and wide receiver Tony Riley. The challenge for the Bulldogs will be replacing the entire defensive front.
After reaching the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time in school history, the Canton Eagles will try to make it three in a row. They are predicted to repeat last season’s second place finish in 14-3A.
Canton returns six starters on both sides of the ball from a 3-2 district team, but will have to replace key players from last year’s regional semifinalist squad.
The good news for the Eagles will be the return of those twelve starters led by two-way lineman Keavon Milton and quarterback Casey Bell.
On the defensive side of the ball, Cody Yarbrough (FS) John Harris (LB) Michael Adams (DT) and Destry Hesskew (DE) will provide the experience.
Last year’s district champion Brownsboro is predicted to finish fifth behind Athens, and ahead of Bullard.