Predicting the TAPPS Division II / District 3 race
1. Holy Cross
2. Austin Regents
3. Austin St. Michael’s
4. San Antonio Christian
5. Austin Hyde Park
6. Cornerstone
7. Saint Mary’s Hall
Here is a breakdown of the San Antonio-area teams in the district:
1. Holy Cross Knights
Coach: Mike Harrison, 49-19 in five seasons at Holy Cross
2015 records: 7-3 overall, 4-1 in TAPPS Division I / District 2 (three-way tie for first)
Last playoff appearance: 2015, lost to Dallas Parish Episcopal 34-20 in TAPPS Division II bi-district
Starters returning (O/D): 9/9
Season opener: vs. Lanier, Aug. 25, Alamo Stadium
TAPPS Division II / District 3 opener: vs. Saint Mary’s Hall, Sept. 24
Outlook: Veteran coach Mike Harrison has built a highly competitive program at Holy Cross, which dropped to Division II this year. With 18 starters back, including center Joseph Pena and safety James Ramirez, both All-State selections last year, the Knights are well stocked to make a run at the district title. Pena is the linchpin of an offensive line that will block for running back Robert Adame, who rushed for 898 yards and 17 TDs last season. Ramirez is coming off a season in which he recorded 84 tackles, including four for a loss, eight pass break-ups and three interceptions. Linebackers Raymond Casarez and Josh Centeno are two other standouts on defense.
4. San Antonio Christian Lions
Coach: Carl Gustafson, first season at San Antonio Christian
2015 records: 3-7 overall, 2-3 in TAPPS Division I/District 2
Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Plano Prestonwood Christian 51-7 in TAPPS Division I first round
Starters returning (O/D): 9/9
Season opener: vs. Cole, Aug. 26
TAPPS Division II / District 3 opener: at Cornerstone, Sept. 23
Outlook: Carl Gustafson is the new head coach at Holy Cross, which dropped to Division II this year. Gustafson was an assistant coach at Texas Lutheran for two seasons before returning to the high school ranks. He has been a head coach at Churchill and New Braunfels, and also was an assistant athletic director with the North East ISD. Gustafson takes over a program that returns 18 starters. The headliner is running back Zach Zinsmeyer, who rushed for 855 yards and 12 TDs last year. Quarterback Holden Phillipus and wide receiver Landon Specia are also among the group of returning starters. Linebackers Garrett Knight and Brandon Trevino will spearhead the defense. Knight finished the 2015 season with 102 tackles and two interceptions.
6. Cornerstone Warriors
Coach: Bryan Marmion, 9-11 in two seasons at Cornerstone
2015 records: 4-6 overall, 2-3 in TAPPS Division II/District 3
Last playoff appearance: Lost to Grapevine Faith Christian 52-0 in TAPPS Division II bi-district
Starters returning (O/D): 6/5
Season opener: vs. La Pryor, Sept. 26
TAPPS Division II / District 3 opener: vs. San Antonio Christian, Sept. 23
Outlook: The Cornerstone offense will be led by quarterback Ryan Huerta, who started last season. Elijah Villarreal is the best of the Warriors’ receivers, and Michael Trevino will anchor the offensive line. The defensive standout is safety Justin Johnson, who had four interceptions last year.
7. Saint Mary’s Hall Barons
Coach: Ivan Mason,
2015 records: 6-2 as SPC independent
Starters returning (O/D): 8/9
Season opener: at Austin St. Andrew’s, Aug. 26
TAPPS Division II / District 3 opener: vs. Holy Cross, Sept. 24, Harlandale Memorial Stadium
Outlook: Running back Jesse Llamas, the team’s top rusher last year, returns to help lead the Barons’ offense. Llamas will get help from Deon Locklear, another dependable running back. Nick Cione, the team’s leading receiver in 2015, is also back. He'll be catching passes from quarterback Dominique DeBerardino, a transfer from Connecticut. Center Nico Lamanna anchors the offensive line. The defense is headed by linebackers Joe Heath and Charles McNeil and Cione at free safety.
