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DISTRICT 13-5A / DI PREVIEW: Wagner heavy favorite to repeat as league champ

Veterans Memorial, Brackenridge, Sam Houston and Burbank are expected to battle for three other playoff spots.

Predicting the District 13-5A / Division I race

The top four teams from each district advance to the University Interscholastic League playoffs, which start on Nov. 15. The two schools with the largest enrollments compete in the Division I bracket and the two smaller schools advance to Division II. (School enrollments are in parentheses.)

1. Wagner (2,147): Dynamic QB Tobias Weaver is gone, but the T-Birds still will be tough to beat.  

2. Veterans Memorial (1,423): Patriots made their first varsity season last year a memorable one. 

3. Brackenridge (1,782): Willie Hall starting 25th season as the Eagles' head coach.

4. Sam Houston (1,341): Hurricanes have made the playoffs each of the past six seasons.

5. Burbank (1,349): Bulldogs coming off first winning season since 2008.

6. Lanier (1,907): Voks looking to get back on track after two straight losing seasons.

7. Highlands (1,915): Owls slipped to 2-8 last year after three straight 7-4 playoff seasons.

8. Edison (1,769): Golden Bears are just three years removed from a 7-3 season.

9. Jefferson (1,871): Mustangs will try to break a streak of nine losing seasons. 

Preseason Offensive MVP: Wagner fullback L.J. Butler, junior

Preseason Defensive MVP: Wagner end DeMarcus Hendricks, senior

Here is a breakdown of each team in District 13-5A / Division I:

1. WAGNER THUNDERBIRDS

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Defensive end DeMarcus Hendricks, left, and fullback L.J. Butler helped Wagner win their first district title and advance to the state semifinals for the first time last year.

Coach: Charles Bruce, 26-39 in six seasons at Wagner

2018 records: 13-2 overall, 8-0 in District 13-5A / Division I (first)

Last playoff appearance: 2018, lost to Alvin Shadow Creek 41-24 in 5A Division I state semifinal

Starters returning (O/D): 5/4

Players to watch: DL Juan Aboytes, senior; FB L.J. Butler, junior; DE Cabron Clay, senior; WR Josh Cobbs, senior; DE DeMarcus Hendricks, senior; CB Avante Stevens, senior; OL Rafael Zertuche, senior. 

Season opener: at Laredo United South, Aug. 30, Laredo SAC

District 13-5A / Division I opener: vs. Sam Houston, Sept. 12, Rutledge Stadium

Outlook: Wagner had a historic season last year, winning its first district championship and reaching the state semifinals for the first time. The Thunderbirds lost some outstanding players to graduation, including dynamic quarterback Tobias Weaver, but the cupboard is hardly bare for Charles Bruce, who is starting his seventh season as Wagner head coach. The T-Birds return nine starters from a team that swept its district opponents and finished 13-2. The top two returnees are senior defensive end DeMarcus Hendricks and junior fullback L.J. Butler. Hendricks earned second-team All-State honors last year after finishing the season with 87 tackles, 14 sacks, four interceptions and four touchdowns. Butler carried a big load of the offense, rushing for 2,028 yards and 32 touchdowns. Another big offensive threat back is senior wide receiver Josh Cobbs, who had 14 receptions for 236 yards and four TDs in Wagner's run-oriented offense. The best player on the offensive front is senior Rafael Zertuche, who had five pancakes last year. Hendricks, two-year starting end Cabron Clay and senior cornerback Avante Stevens will anchor the defense. Clay had 59 tackles and eight sacks last season, and Stevens recorded 36 tackles, two sacks, one interception and one TD.

2. VETERANS MEMORIAL PATRIOTS

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Slot receiver Darius Guess, left, and strong safety Omari Frazier helped lead Veterans Memorial to the second round of the playoffs in the Patriots' first varsity season last year.

Coach: Richard Mendoza, 8-4 in one season at Veterans Memorial

2018 records: 8-4 overall, 7-1 in District 13-5A / Division I (second)

Last playoff appearance: 2018, lost to Mission Veterans Memorial 48-33 in 5A Division I second round

Starters returning (O/D): 7/7

 Players to watch: QB Isaac Barrera, senior; SS Omari Frazier, senior; WR Roberto Garcia, senior; WR Darius Guess, senior; WR Balin Jackson, senior; RB/WR Jason Lazo, junior; DL Dresden McIver, senior; RB/DE Xavier Mitchell, junior; S Elijah Moffett, senior; QB Kahliq Paulette, senior; OL Oscar Ramirez, senior; RB J.C. Solitaire, sophomore; LB Jadin Sommers, senior;  DB Christian Sutton, senior; OL Josh Walker, senior; LB/DL Ryu Williams, senior; CB Simeon Woodard, junior. 

Season opener: vs. Floresville, Aug. 30, Rutledge Stadium

District 13-5A / Division I opener: vs. Lanier, Sept. 12, Alamo Stadium

Outlook: Veterans Memorial had a memorable inaugural varsity season last year, reaching the second round of the playoffs after finishing runner-up to state semifinalist Wagner in the district race. The Patriots return seven starters each way from the team that went 8-4 overall and 7-1 in league play. Quarterback Isaac Barrera saw some playing time as a backup last year, passing for 362 yards and running for 450 yards and seven touchdowns. Barrera will throw to senior wide receivers Darius Guess and Balin Jackson. Jackson had 542 yards and four TDs receiving last year, and Guess finished with 402 yards and four TDs. Senior linebacker Jadin Sommers, who had 121 tackles and scored four defensive TDs, will anchor the Veterans D. Jadin Sommers will get plenty of help from strong safety Omari Frazier and end Dresden McIver, both seniors. Frazier had 81 tackles and one interception last season and McIver finished with 93 tackles and one sack. Senior linebacker Ryu Williams and junior cornerback Simeon Woodard are two other reliable defenders. Williams recorded 81 tackles and two sacks last year, and Woodard had 46 stops and three interceptions.

3. BRACKENRIDGE EAGLES

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Senior safety Michael Puente, left, and senior quarterback Julian Cameron will be relied on to provide leadership for a Brackenridge team expected to make the playoffs.

Coach: Willie Hall, 136-120 in 24 seasons at Brackenridge

2018 records: 6-5 overall, 5-3 in District 13-5A / Division I (three-way tie for third)

Last playoff appearance: 2018, lost to Southwest 49-27 in 5A Division I bidistrict

Starters returning (O/D): 7/5

Players to watch: RB/DB Justin Cabrera, senior; WR Carlos Camargo, junior; QB Julian Cameron, senior; OL/LB Carlo Chavez, junior; OL Diego Cornejo, senior; DB Keith Griffin, junior; OL Jonah Lara, senior; RB Marvin Levingston, junior; LB Xavier Lopez, senior; OL David Naranjo, senior; DB Alan Pruneda, junior; WR/DB Michael Puente, senior; TE/LB Jade Rios, senior; DL Morris Stephens, senior; RB A.J. Talamantes, senior; LB Treydon Wise, senior.

Season opener: at Somerset, Aug. 30

District 13-5A / Division I opener: vs. Jefferson, Sept. 13, Alamo Stadium

Outlook: Brackenridge returned to the playoffs last year after missing the cut in 2017. Willie Hall, starting his 25th season as the Eagles' head coach, will look to 12 returning starters, seven on offense and five on defense, keep Brack in the title chase. Quarterback Julian Cameron, who passed for 1,534 yards and 22 touchdowns, is back to lead the offense. Cameron also rushed for 300 yards and nine more TDs. Wide receiver Carlos Camargo and tight end Jade Rios, Cameron's primary targets last year, also return. Rios had 26 receptions for 378 yards and five TDs last year. Running back Martin Levingston had a solid season as a sophomore last season, rushing for 643 yards and six TDs. Justin Cabrera also saw playing time at running back in 2018. The key player on the offensive line is Diego Cornejo. Rios also will play linebacker and Cabrera is expected to play both ways, too, joining Michael Puente and Alan Pruneda in the secondary. The Eagles made the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons before staying at home in 2015. They returned to the postseason the following year before missing out again in 2017. Hall, 136-120 in 24 seasons at Brack, is the longest-tenured head football coach at one school in the San Antonio ISD.

4. SAM HOUSTON HURRICANES

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Sam Houston running back/linebacker Darian Anderson, left, and defensive lineman Ivan Reed are among nine returning starters on the Hurricanes' roster.

Coach: Melton Schultz, 17-16 in three seasons at Sam Houston

2018 records: 5-6 overall, 5-3 in District 13-5A / Division I (three-way tie for third)

Last playoff appearance: 2018, lost to Harlan 33-14 in 5A Division I bidistrict

Starters returning (O/D): 4/5

Players to watch: RB/LB Darian Anderson, senior; QB Raymond Citizen, senior; TE/DE Darrius Govan, junior; WR Dejon Hights, junior; CB Lation Jones, senior; S Magnus Kirby, senior; C/OL Darien Lee, junior; NG Romeo Losoya, junior; S Lamar Miller, senior; DE Ivan Reed, senior; FS Latrevious Reed, senior; RB Faiszon Reese, junior; CB Amari Williams, junior; RB/CB Ronald Wilson, junior.

Season opener: vs. at Fredericksburg, Aug. 29, Alamo Stadium

District 13-5A / Division I opener: vs. Wagner, Sept. 9, Rutledge Stadium

Outlook: Sam Houston has made the playoffs nine of the past 10 seasons, including the last six in a row. The Hurricanes return only four offensive starters from last year's 5-6 squad, but senior quarterback Raymond Citizen and junior running back Faiszon Reese are two capable players with experience. The defense, which returns five starters, could be a strength for the Hurricanes this season. Senior end Ivan Reed, who had 72 tackles and three sacks last season, and junior nose guard Romeo Losoya will anchor the defensive front. Senior Magnus Kirby and senior free safety Latrevious Reed are the leaders in the secondary. Kirby finished last season with 77 tackles, one sack and two interceptions, and Reed had 55 tackles and five interceptions. Sam Houston is starting its fourth season under coach Melton Schultz, who is 17-16 since getting promoted in 2016. The Hurricanes went 6-5 in each of Schultz's first two seasons. 

5. BURBANK BULLDOGS

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Burbank junior safety Alex Araiza, left, and senior running back Matthew Salazar are among 14 returning starters from a team that finished 6-4 overall and 5-3 in district play last year.

Coach: Phil Barron, 6-4 in one season at Burbank

2018 records: 6-4 overall, 5-3 in District 13-5A / Division I (three-way tie for third)

Last playoff appearance: 2017, lost to Richmond Foster 69-6 in 5A Division I bidistrict

Starters returning (O/D): 6/8

Players to watch: Safety Alex Ariaza, junior; WR/DB Andrew Buentello, sophomore; WR/DB Ernest Dusengimana, junior;  S Jose Flores, senior; OL Isaiah Gonzalez, junior; DE Landrew Guerrero, senior; DT Joe Klein, senior; QB Toby Korrodi, senior; RB/LB Alex Leos, senior; OL Xavier Morris, junior; LB Joe Navarro, senior; DE Brandon Ortega, junior; DT Guillermo Ortiz, senior; WR/DB Fernando Penilla, junior; running back Matthew Salazar, junior; DE Roman Salazar, junior; WR Juan Urbiola, senior; 

Season opener: vs. Pearsall, Aug. 29, SAISD Sports Complex

District 13-5A / Division I opener: vs. Edison, Sept. 13, SAISD Sports Complex

Outlook: Phil Barron led Burbank to its first winning season since 2008 in his inaugural campaign as the Bulldogs' head coach last year. Burbank's 6-4 finish stopped a streak of nine losing seasons. The Bulldogs went 17-74, including 0-10 in 2012 and 2015, during that stretch. They missed the playoffs last year after advancing in 2017, when they finished 5-6 after getting trounced by Richmond Foster in the first round. Barron, who was Burbank's offensive coordinator for one season before getting promoted when Mark Perez resigned, will rely on 14 returning starters to keep the Bulldogs in the playoff hunt. The offense will revolve around running back Matthew Salazar, who rushed for 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore last season. Salazar will run behind an offensive line led by juniors Isaiah Gonzalez and Xavier Morris. Senior Toby Korrodi will start at quarterback after passing for 300 yards and four TDs as a backup last year. Korrodi is the son of former Harlandale standout quarterback Toby Korrodi. The elder Korrodi's other son, Jacob, a junior, will play in the Burbank secondary. Senior safety Jose Flores and tackles Joe Klein and Guillermo Ortiz, both seniors, will lead the defense. Flores had 53 tackles and four interceptions last year, and Klein recorded 40 tackles and five sacks. Ortiz finished the season with 30 tackles and five sacks.

6. LANIER VOKS

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Defensive end Cesar Flores, left, and offensive lineman Jacob Reyes are two of the leaders of a strong senior class for Lanier this season.

Coach: Don Gatian, 102-117 in 21 seasons at Lanier

2018 records: 2-8 overall, 1-7 in District 28-5A (two-way tie eighth)

Last playoff appearance: 2016, lost to Angleton 73-0 in 5A Division I bidistrict

Starters returning (O/D): 7/7

Players to watch: WR Marcos Almendarez, senior; WR Malachi Apreciado, senior; TE Adrian Cardenas, senior; DL Roland Carrera, junior; OL Victor De Los Santos, sophomore; DE Cesar Flores, senior; LB Anthony Garza, senior; LB Frank Garza, junior; LB Carlos Jimenez, junior; QB Fabian Maciel, junior; QB Rocco Medina, senior; CB Savian Perez, junior; K Gilbert Ramirez, senior; OL Jacob Reyes, senior; OL Jay Reyes, senior; DE Latrell Taylor, senior; RB/WR Ricky Torres, junior.

Season opener: vs. Southwest Legacy, Aug. 30, SAISD Sports Complex

District 13-5A / Division I opener: vs. Veterans Memorial, Sept. 12, Alamo Stadium

Outlook: Lanier has won a total of three games the past two seasons after making the playoffs in 2016 and finishing 7-4. But with seven starters back each way, the Voks are feeling good about their chances of moving up in the district standings in 2019. Junior Fabian Maciel and senior Rocco Medina are expected to rotate at quarterback again this season. Brothers Jay and Jacob Reyes will anchor the offensive line. The defense will be led by two-year starting ends Latrell Taylor and Cesar Flores, who finished with seven and two sacks, respectively, as juniors. Lanier is starting its 22nd season under coach Don Gatian, who has one of the longest tenures at one school in the San Antonio ISD. The Voks have made the playoffs 10 times under Gatian, who led Lanier to the postseason for the first time since 1940 in his first season (1998). The Voks have won two district championships and shared another crown with Gatian at the helm.

7. HIGHLANDS OWLS

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Senior cornerback Isaiah Williams, left, and senior quarterback John Luna are among 14 returning starters for Highlands this season.

Coach: Hank Willis, 9-12 in two seasons at Highlands

2018 records: 2-8 overall, 2-6 in District 13-5A / Division I (two-way tie for sixth)

Last playoff appearance: 2017, lost to Angleton 79-14 in 5A Division I bidistrict

Starters returning (O/D): 7/7

Players to watch: OL Max Alvarado, junior; RB D'Marrion Gonzales, sophomore; QB Nigel Cervantes, senior; QB Juan Luna, senior; S John Stevenson, senior; DB Isaiah Williams, senior.

Season opener: at Corpus Christi Miller, Aug. 30, Buccaneer Stadium

District 13-5A / Division I opener: vs. Jefferson, Sept. 20, Alamo Stadium

Outlook: Highlands slipped to 2-8 last year after making the playoffs and finishing 7-4 in coach Hank Willis' first season. Inexperience hurt the Owls last year, but with seven starters back each way, they should be an improved team this season. Speedy senior quarterbacks Nigel Cervantes and Juan Luna, both dual threats, are among the players Willis will rely on to get Highlands back on track. Running back D'Marrion Gonzales, who had a solid freshman season on the varsity, will help take pressure off Cervantes and Luna. Junior Max Alvarado is the leader on the offensive line. Seniors John Stevenson and Isaiah Williams are two experienced and skilled players in the secondary. Highlands went 15 straight seasons before advancing to the playoffs in 2015, 2016 and 2017, finishing 7-4 each year. The 2015 and 2016 teams were coached by Juan Morales, who resigned in 2017 to become head coach at Holmes. Highlands won a share of the district championship in 2016. The Owls haven't won a title since 1999, when they went 10-1 in coach Ken Gray's final season at Highlands.

8. EDISON GOLDEN BEARS

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Edison linebacker Angel Carvajal and offensive tackle Abraham Salazar are among the leaders on a Golden Bears team that should be better this season.

Coach: Jesse Monreal, 7-13 in two seasons at Edison

2018 records: 3-7 overall, 2-6 in District 13-5A / Division I (two-way tie for sixth)

Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Boerne Champion 57-14 in 5A Division II bidistrict

Starters returning (O/D): 6/5

Players to watch: RB Jon Alvarado, junior; OL Rodolfo Barboza, sophomore; DL Michael Bryan, junior; LB Angel Carvajal, senior; RB Luke Converse, junior; OL Josh Cortez, senior; WR Jake Hernandez, junior; RB Onyx Ortiz, junior; OL Hezekiah Renteria, senior; OT Abraham Salazar, senior; DB Orlando Torres, junior; LB Josef Tijerina, senior; QB Chris Vasquez, senior; OL Justin Vasquez, senior.

Season opener: vs. Pleasanton, Aug. 30, Alamo Stadium

District 13-5A / Division I opener: vs. Burbank, Sept. 13, SAISD Sports Complex

Outlook: The Golden Bears finished 3-7 last year and have finished with losing records each of the past two seasons. But a good offseason and summer have Edison feeling optimistic about 2019. The Bears went 7-3 in 2016, but did not advance to the postseason. Edison hasn't made the playoffs since 2014 (5-6) and hasn't won a district title since 2010 (8-3). Offensive lineman Rodolfo Barboza, Jose Cortez and Abraham Salazar headline the list of Edison's 11 returning starters. The big boys up front will block for senior quarterback Chris Vasquez and junior running backs Luke Converse and Onyx Ortiz. The ringleaders on defense are junior lineman Michael Bryan and linebacker Angel Carvajal. The Golden Bears are starting their third season under coach Jesse Monreal, who was Edison's defensive coordinator for five seasons before getting promoted when Albert Torres resigned to become head coach at Harlandale.

9. JEFFERSON MUSTANGS

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Senior defensive tackle Justin Amesquita, left, and junior linebacker Abraham Guadiano are the leaders of a Jefferson defense that returns six starters.

Coach: Edward Cardenas, 8-22 in two seasons at Jefferson

2018 records: 2-8 overall, 1-7 in District 13-5A / Division I (two-way tie for eighth)

Last playoff appearance: 2012, lost to Kerrville Tivy 63-28 in 4A Division II bidistrict

Starters returning (O/D): 4/6

Players to watch: DT Justin Amesquita, senior; DE Dylan Banda, junior; WR  Aiden Correa, junior; WR Vector Fernandez, senior; OT Liam Fillmore, sophomore; DT Felipe Flores, junior; RB/DB Isaac Gonzalez, senior; LB Abraham Guadiano, junior; OL Julian Martinez, junior; S Itler Mbula, junior; C Manuel Perez, senior; RB Ryan Villarreal, junior.

Season opener: vs. Harlandale, Aug. 31, Alamo Stadium

District 13-5A / Division I opener: vs. Brackenridge, Sept. 13, Alamo Stadium

Outlook: Jefferson coach Edward Cardenas will rely on a defense that returns six starters to carry the Mustangs while their inexperienced offense finds its groove. With senior defensive back Isaac Gonzalez and junior safety Itler Mbula returning, the Jeff secondary will be a strength. Mbula had 70 tackles and two interceptions last season, and Gonzalez recorded 63 stops. Senior tackle Justin Amesquita and end Dylan Banda are the standouts on the defensive line and Abraham Guadiano leads the linebacker corps. The offense returns only four starters, so there's some rebuilding to do on that side of the ball. Gonzalez, who will play both ways, and junior Ryan Villarreal will line up at running back. Senior Manuel Perez will anchor the offensive line. The Mustangs fell short of the playoffs for the sixth year in a row last season. Jeff advanced to the postseason for five consecutive years before starting its slide in 2013, and hasn't finished with a winning record since going 6-5 in 2009. 

MORE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEWS:

DISTRICT 12-5A / DI PREVIEW: Seguin looking to build on last year's playoff season

DISTRICT 14-5A / DII PREVIEW: Defending champ Kerrville Tivy expected to win title again

DISTRICT 14-5A / DI PREVIEW: Harlan, Southwest top picks in league that includes Laredo, Eagle Pass schools

DISTRICT 26-6A PREVIEW: Judson solid pick to repeat as champ of S.A. area's toughest district

DISTRICT 27-6A PREVIEW: Reagan picked to return to throne room after finishing second last two seasons

DISTRICT 28-6A PREVIEW: Brandeis, defending champ O'Connor top picks in Northside ISD league

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