Constant scoring threat makes Rising
Star look for playoffs
DISTRICT 12-A
By
Troy Shockley
Reporter-News Staff Writer
August 24, 2003
Loaded with offensive talent, if Rising
Star’s defense plays tough, the Wildcats may just roar into
the postseason for the first time since 1995.
Third-year head coach Joel Hood is supremely confident with
his offense’s ability to score and thinks if his defense
adds a little grit to their play, the ’Cats could be a top
District 12-A team.
“We can be a very dangerous team on offense, capable of
scoring at any time,” Hood said. “We must play a tougher
brand of defense to move into playoff contention.”
Topping the list of consistent offensive threats is Michael
Young. Honored as the 2001 Newcomer of the Year as a freshman,
the 5-10, 190-pound junior followed up with the Offensive MVP
award for his efforts last season.
As a sophomore, Young totaled 2,531 yards on offense for Rising
Star, 2,081 were rushing yards and 450 came from passing. Young
will attempt to translate his all-district, Abilene Reporter-News
All-Big Country and all-state nominations at running back to matched
success at his new position of quarterback.
Senior Dustin Smith, while relinquishing the quarterback position,
will remain an offensive threat for opposing teams at wide receiver.
Smith, 5-9, 150 pounds, was a selection as a second-team all-district
player at defensive back where he will roam this season.
David Evans returns for 2003 after missing 2002 because of
an injury. Evans, a 6-1, 265-pound senior, was a second-team all-district
selection as an offensive lineman in 2001.
Junior Seth Simmons will be back to lead the defense.
Simmons was a second-team selection to the all-district squad
and was the second Wildcat to be named an All-Big Country player
last season. The 5-11, 165-pound linebacker tallied 141 tackles
last season, and will play both ways again in 2003, seeing time
on offense as a wide receiver.
The Wildcats, who open their season Friday at home against
Rotan, will begin their quest for their first district title since
1995 on Sept. 26 at Baird.
SCHEDULE
August
29 Rotan 7:30 p.m.
September
5 at Roby 7:30 p.m.
12 Santo 7:30 p.m.
19 at Cisco 7:30 p.m.
26 at Baird* 7:30 p.m.
October
3 Gorman* 7:30 p.m.
17 at Cross Plains* 7:30 p.m.
24 May* 7:30 p.m.
31 at Ranger* 7:30 p.m.
November
7 Tolar* 7:30 p.m.
* District games
Rising Star Wildcats
- School colors: blue and gold
- District: 12-A
- Last year’s record: 4-6 (2-4, fifth place)
- Last playoff appearance: 1995
- Last district championship: 1995
- Head coach: Joel Hood
- Career record: 9-11
- Years at current school: third
- Assistant coaches: Coby Yowell, Todd Law
- Returning and/or probable starters: QB-CB Michael Young,
5-10, 190, Jr.; WR-CB Dustin Smith, 5-9, 150, Sr.; WR-LB Seth
Simmons, 5-11, 165, Jr.; SB Joel Massey, 5-10, 155, Sr.; SB-FS
Kelby Johnson, 6-0, 160, Jr.; OT-DT David Evans, 6-1, 265, Sr.;
C-LB Landon Westerman, 6-0, 185, Sr.; OT Dusty Goldston, 6-2,
185, Jr.; OG-DL Erick Robbins, 5-9, 160, Jr.; OG-DT Zach Morgan,
6-0, 240, Fr.; RB-LB Daniel Young, 5-11, 165, Fr.; C-DT Seth
Lankford, 5-10, 180, Jr.; WR-LB Cory Griffith, 6-0, 160, Jr.
- Position changes: RB-QB Young, QB-WR Smith, LB-S Johnson
- Returning all-district players: DB Young (first team/offensive
MVP), LB Simmons (second team), DB Smith (second team)
- Returning All-Big Country players: Young, Simmons
- Returning all-state players: RB Young (first team)
- Top new players: Griffith; Morgan; Young
- Transfers: none listed
- Team strengths: skill positions, speed
- Team weaknesses: size, inexperience on line
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