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Tiger 2002 Season Preview
The upcoming season is one filled with promise for
Tiger fans as an experienced and talented team will take the field for
Coach Berry in his third year as head coach. The defense could
be one of the best in the state with a talented and experienced
linebacking corps of Jeremy Castillo, David Hawthorne, and Jerry
Solomon. On offense, RB Clarence Robinson will lead the attack
and many fans have been waiting for Robinson's time to be the starter
since his first appearance in a Tiger uniform.
The Tigers road to a title will not be easy as
district realignment placed the Tigers in one of the toughest
districts in the state. Finally in the same district with I-45
rival Ennis will mean that a third consecutive district championship
would have to come at the expense of the two time defending state
champions. Graham Harrell who passed for almost 4000 yards last
season returns to lead the attack for the Lions. The Terrell
Tigers will be another tough foe. Shawn Ashley, who threw for
300 yards against the Tigers last year, returns to lead the Tigers
along with RB Adrian Turner who was one of the more dangerous runners
Corsicana faced all season last year. Lancaster had a rough
season last year while missing the playoffs but the always talented
Tigers will be looking to rebound under new coach Andrew Jackson.
Mabank returns 14 starters from a playoff team so the Panthers will be
gunning for a repeat appearance. The Red Oak Hawks have had a
rough couple of years but with 24 returning lettermen the Hawks will
be trying to surprise the 'experts' by making a playoff run.
Offense
Junior RB Clarence Robinson
The Tigers may be best known for their defense over
the past few years but this year the offense should make headlines as
well. To start junior RB Clarence Robinson is one of the most
exciting high school players in Texas. Every touch is a
touchdown waiting to happen and after playing WR as a freshman and the
first half of 2001, Robinson is firmly entrenched as the next great
Tiger running back. Handing him the ball will be Daniel Orr who
has played well this summer and looks to be a solid signal caller.
The Tigers lost Leonard Gibson and Antonio Houston to graduation but
sure handed Eric Wilkinson returns at the TE spot while the wideout
spots are seemingly up for grabs going into the season. There
are several talented players who will be looking to break out this
season at the wideout spot including sophomore Ray Sims (younger
brother of former standouts DaRay and Andre Sims). On the line
the Tigers lost three great players but the two returning starters are
two great anchors to have. James Jordan is a senior who will
anchor one side of the line and junior William Collins will man the
other.
Defense
Senior LB Jerry Solomon (#24)
makes the tackle
When you think Tiger football you think of defense
and this year's edition could be one of the best ever. Led by
the best linebacking corps in 4A the Tiger D will be as stingy as
ever. Seniors Jerry Solomon, Jeremy Castillo and David Hawthorne
are an imposing trio of linebackers who will be the centerpiece of the
Tiger D. Castillo was a first team all-state selection last year
and will be looking to repeat that honor this year. Hawthorne
played defensive end last season and was a disruptive force in the
opposing team's backfield every game. Solomon has been a starter
since his sophomore year and seems to make more plays than anyone on
the field. Incredibly quick there are few tackles he isn't in
on. Up front the Tigers return starter Jeff Watson who bookended
Hawthorne at DE and who was a second team all-district selection last
season. Junior Damien Steward also saw action and played
exceptionally well when in the game. In the secondary the Tigers
return several players who got valuable experience last season.
Jonte Manning who was last year's district defensive newcomer of the
year will return to anchor the middle of the secondary. At
corner, versatile Howard Miller will man one side. Miller was
far from just being a defensive back as he made several electrifying
punt returns and against Lancaster had one of the most impressive
offensive performances of the year at RB. Donnel Marshall and
Johnathan White both played extensive minutes to provide a seasoned
secondary for the Tiger D this season. |
