First-day reports for 4A/5A teams across the state
Euless Trinity coach Steve Lineweaver and Trojans senior defensive lineman Siosaia Tuipulotu had about the same assessment after each conducted Monday practices.
Lineweaver has led the Trojans to two state titles in the last three years and has the Trojans ranked No. 1 in the state by everyone and No. 1 in the nation by most.
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Tuipulotu leads the Trojans' trademark Haka dance before and after games.He had a mix of returnees and first timers after practice.
"It was OK," Tuipulotu said. "But it's the first day. It was about the same as the first day last year. We'll pick it up."
Trinity is loaded with skill position players in the offensive and defensive backfields. The Trojans are rebuilding their defensive front with Tuipulotu and his cousin Junior Pauni.
The Trojans offensive line is led by senior center Ben Johnson, who has played all along the front, but who was singled out by Lineweaver as having an excellent first day. Trinity also has Assistant Head/Offensive Line coach Craig Cansler ready to mold another trademark Trinity line.
For those true Trojans, the report from 8-year student manager Steven Morgan was good. The 2003 Trinity grad, who serves as Lineweaver's unofficial general manager, said the leadership of quarterback Denarius McGhee, running back Tray Robinson and receiver Stetson Smith has been very good this summer.
AROUND THE STATE
Across town in Hurst, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that L.D. Bell opened with an athletic eye-opener in senior Josh Mauro.
Mauro (6-6, 220) will line up on the Blue Raiders' defensive line, but could also see time on offense as a wideout. He should be a threat inside the 20-yard line, where his size and basketball experience. Mauro averaged 7.2 rebounds for the Blue Raiders.
Mauro is the younger brother of former Bell quarterback Joe Mauro now at Northwestern.
Houston to Mansfield
Mansfield coach Jeff Hulme arrives after building an ultra successful program at Fort Bend Clements, which was 13-1 last season.
"Being able to have spring ball let the kids have an idea of what we want to do," Hulme said. "Kids seem to be in good shape. I don't think anyone is in the perfect shape, ever, but that's why we have two to three weeks of practice. I am real pleased."
Next Angleton star
Texas is being wowed by last year's do-everything Angleton star D.J. Monroe, but Angleton has another superstar in the wings. Sophomore Quandre Diggs will play some quarterback, running back, defensive back and special teams just like Monroe.
Midland Lee needs RBs, QB to emerge
Midland Lee started without running back Austin Jumper, who tore an ACL during the offseason while playing in a 7-on-7 competition.
Lee coach Randy Quisenberry told the Midland Reporter News that if Jumper is able to make any kind of comeback, it wouldn't be until very late.
Jumper showed he had big play ability last season, rushing for 277 yards on only 28 carries and scoring six touchdowns after coming up from the junior varsity during the middle of the season.
"Somebody's going to have to step up," Quisenberry said. "He was one of the proven hands we had coming back."
Jarven Roberson is the only returning running back with proven experience for the Rebels. He carried the ball 56 times last season and gained 222 yards.
Quisenberry said they are going to look at two other players from the defensive side of the ball -- Arthur Halario and Jered Groner -- to come in and compete at the running back position.
There is also going to be heavy competition at quarterback. Jace Edwards and Tyler Wilke were both overcoming injuries during the spring, which left Andrew Houdyschell to take all of the reps.
Wilke played in 7-on-7 competitions during the summer, while Edwards recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.