By David Jenkins
Staff Writer
[email protected]

Big things are expected out the varsity football teams at Plano East, Wylie, Sachse, and Wylie East High School, and Wylie Preparatory Academy in the coming 2017 season.

Sachse
The Mustangs, out of Garland ISD, will once again stampede their way to the 10-6A title, according to Dave Campbell’s Also making the postseason were Rowlett, Lakeview Centennial and Naaman Forest. Outside the top four were Garland, North Garland and South Garland.

In the statewide rankings for Class 6A, they were picked 16th in the Top 40. Converse Judson was first, Katy came in second and state semifinalist Allen was third.

Quarterback Jalen Mayden was tabbed as the preseason offensive MVP and defensive honors went to Naaman Forest lineman Nico Ezidore.

Head coach Mark Behrens brings back eight on defense and offense will feature six returning starters, and 30 lettermen overall.

Players to keep an eye on are Mayden, Drue Jackson, Isaiah Humphries, Tyler Lacey, Calvin Barkat, Hunter Spears, Bryce Robinson, Myles Nash, Christian Cole, Chase Davis, David Uwubanmwen, Zach Gilson, Cedric Johnson and Micah Buchanan.

The publication said about 2017, “With its nucleus coming back, the Mustangs have the potential to make a deeper run in the postseason this year. Mayden is the leader of the offense and can hurt defenses with his arms and legs. Jackson, who holds several FBS offers, will be Mayden’s go-to guy on the outside. The Mustangs are strong up front along the defensive line with Lacy and Spears. Humphries, a Penn State commit, is a ball hawk in the secondary.”

Sachse begins its season Sept. 1 with visiting Byron Nelson at Garland’s Williams Stadium. That is followed by at Plano West (Sept. 8 at Clark Stadium), with Mesquite (Sept. 14 at Williams Stadium) and at Copperas Cove (Sept. 22)

(To view the full article, check out the July 6 edition of The Sachse News)