August 4, 2009
When college recruiters have made their way to the Houston area -- they have a list of players from schools that have been long established and have gained certain notoriety on the football field.
With only one year of varsity competition under their belt - the Dawson Eagles have had recruiters visit this past spring based on more word of mouth than reputation.
"Our kids are getting looks from the recruiters, but many of them came based on the recommendation of area coaches," head coach Eric Wells said. "We are so new that some of the recruiters came to the area to look at other playes, but they were eventually directed to see our players."
Even though upstart Eagles are so new -- it hasn't taken long for recruiters to see the outstanding coaching of Wells and his dedicated staff and to find some players who can play at the next level.
Senior quarterback Darian Lazard has given a non-binding verbal commitment to play for the Utah Utes -- which was the only Division I team that finished undefeated last season with a 13-0 mark and ranked No. 2 in the nation. Lazard will join All-State free safety Jarrad Stewart for the Pearland Oilers last season.
Lazard proved he is one of the top young players in the Houston area after he put up some record-setting numbers for others to aim towards in the future. Lazard was 75-of-145 passing for 1,030 yards and 8 TDs and 5 INTs. The duel threat QB also led the team in rusing with 905 yards on 127 carries while crossing the goal line 12 times giving him 1,935 total yards and 20 TDs.
In his final game of the 2008 season (Dawson beat Santa Fe 51-14) Lazard posted some mind-boggling numbers as he had 241 yards rushing and 260 yards passing for 501 total yards - both of which are Dawson HS records that may take years to break. He scored on runs of 6, 42, and 97 yards while tossing two scoring passes.
Also making a verbal commitment is tailback Xavier Brown who will stay closer to home to play for the University of Houston Cougars.
Wells also has another power back in senior Akeem Blackshire who was named to the All-District first-team after gaining 508 yards on 78 carries and 9 TDs.
Dawson had two offensive lineman who were named to the All-District first-team last season. Seniors Derrick Axtell and Aaron Davis (6-1, 270) will help anchor the offensive line to provide running lanes for the ground attack and pass protection for the aerial show, but they certainly won't be alone. Left guard Jarret Hill, center Kameron Decoteau, right guard Chris Stansbury, tight end Max Brown, right guard Nicholas Chapa, and center/guard Tyler Freeze will be battling in the trenches.
Wide Receiver Micah Tillotson and Piaget Gauthier will also play important roles on the offense.
With all 52 letterman return - the Eagles also have some talented players on defense led by defensive tackle Michael Proctor, inside linebacker Jordan Rose, outside linebacker Alex Burton, defensive back Marcus Vaughn, defensive end Robert Seals, free safety Jarrel Crenshaw, defensive end Bobby Deneke, inside linebacker Lawrence Alanis, and corner back David Farris.
Because the Eagles are so new -- most don't consider them one of the top four teams to make the playoffs this season...but Dawson was the only team to hand District 24-4A co-champion Angleton with their only league loss last season.
The Eagles are biggner, stronger, and faster entering their second varsity season. They play in one of the toughest districts in the state and the 4A Region III champion could very come out of 24-4A just like they did with Friendswood sharing the district crown and advancing to the 4A state semifinals.
Dawson has five exciting home games including a non-district game against Baytown Sterling while hosting district foes Manvel, Angleton, Friendswood, and Texas City.
The Eagles open up the 2009 campaign at Stallworth Stadium in Baytown against another new school, Goose Creek Memorial.
The Dawson Football Booster Club invites the community to come out and support the second annual Eagle Fest on Saturday,
August 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Rig. Dawson will host Atascosita in a football scrimmage.Here is the pre-season prediction for District 24-4A:
1. Angleton
2. Friendswood
3. Texas City
4. Dawson
5. Brazosport
6. La Marque
7. Manvel
8. Santa Fe