Brownwood, Big Spring to battle in competitive district for title
District 2-4A Division I Prediction
1. Brownwood
2. Lubbock Estacado
3. Big Spring
4. Andrews
5. San Angelo Lake View
Big Spring stayed put in the newest realignment, remaining in District 2-4A Division I with Andrews and San Angelo Lake View. But the district went from four to five teams, as it swapped Fort Stockton for Brownwood and Lubbock Estacado.
That means one team will not make the playoffs, ramping up the competitiveness.
There will be considerable driving involved for Brownwood. It's about 235 miles one-way to Andrews and Lubbock for the Lions, who play at Andrews this fall.
Brownwood previously played in District 5-4A Division I with Stephenville, Waco La Vega and others. A year ago, the Lions went 4-7 and made it to the playoffs.
They come into their new district as a legitimate district title contender. Brownwood returns eight starters on offense and 10 on defense.
With veteran running back Konlyn Anderson, an incoming senior, and versatile junior quarterback Ike Hall, the Lions could take a large step in 2022.
Big Spring went forward in 2021, finishing 6-5. The Steers don’t return too much talent from that team, but athletic players like wide receiver Eli Cobos and running back Kavien Ford give them a good chance to reach the playoffs again.
Lubbock Estacado went 4-0 in district play last year, but Monahans bounced the Matadors in the first round of playoffs. Sophomore running back Bobby Ross will lead their offense in 2022 after surpassing 1,000 rushing yards as a freshman.
Andrews also comes into the year with a high chance of returning to the playoffs after a 5-7 campaign last year. The Mustangs surged toward the end of the season in 2021, thanks largely to the production of quarterback E.J. Lopez, who will be a senior this year.
Lake View went 3-8 and the Chiefs’ highlight was beating Big Spring 49-35 in the final week of the regular season. They replace talent at almost every key position, so they will need immediate production from their new players to avoid District 2-4A Division I’s cellar.
Big Spring Steers
Head coach: Cannon McWilliams
Last year’s record: 6-5 overall, 1-2 district
Last playoff appearance/last district title: 2021/1990
Returning lettermen: 9
Returning off./def. starters: 4/5
Players to watch: Eli Cobos, WR/FS/K, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Kavien Ford, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Keyshaun Woodruff, DE, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Ricky Escovedo, LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Rahlei Eddington, DT, 6-0, 240, Sr.; Nick Garcia, RT, 6-4, 240, Sr.
2022 schedule
Aug. 26 - Pampa
Sept. 2 - Lubbock High
Sept. 9 - Monahans
Sept. 16 at Sweetwater
Sept. 23 - Snyder
Sept. 30 at Seminole
Oct. 7 at Brownwood*
Oct. 21 - San Angelo Lake View*
Oct. 27 at Lubbock Estacado*
Nov. 4 - Andrews*
*District
2021 results
Vernon W 31-22
Lubbock High W 49-10
Monahans L 28-13
Brownfield W 7-6
Clint W 42-16
Littlefield W 47-29
Pampa L 58-7
Andrews W 48-19*
Fort Stockton L 29-28*
San Angelo Lake View L 49-35*
Brownwood Lions
Head coach: Sammy Burnett
Last year’s record: 4-7 overall, 2-3 district
Last district title/last playoff appearance: 2010/2021
Returning lettermen: 21
Returning off./def. starters: 8/10
Players to watch: Ike Hall, QB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Quinten McCarty, OL/DL, 6-1, 265, Jr.; Konlyn Anderson, RB/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Jason Jackson, WR/CB, Sr.; Issac Gray, OL, Sr.; Dryden Anderson, RB/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Chance Jones, QB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Sam Kallman, RB/LB, 6-0, 200, Jr.
2022 schedule
Oct. 26 - Abilene Wylie
Sept. 2 at Marble Falls
Sept. 9 at Burnet
Sept. 16 - Glen Rose
Sept. 23 at Waco Connally
Sept. 30 at Stephenville
Oct. 7 - Big Spring*
Oct. 13 at San Angelo Lake View*
Oct. 21 - Lubbock Estacado*
Oct. 28 at Andrews*
*District
2021 results
Lampasas W 58-55
Greenwood L 21-20
China Spring L 57-21
Burnet W 31-26
Abilene Wylie L 49-21
Midlothian Heritage L 43-25*
Waco La Vega L 49-33*
Alvarado W 56-35*
Waxahachie Life W 49-13*
Stephenville L 63-7*
Kennedale L 37-7
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Brownwood, Big Spring to battle in competitive district for title
