Campbell’s TF seeds Dobie fourth

      "Could the Dobie varsity football team be headed for a fifth consecutive Class 6A Division I bidistrict playoff round matchup against North Shore? If the annual Dave Campbell’s Texas Football publication is accurate, the Longhorns will indeed meet the Mustangs again, with the locals still seeking their first win after four straight losses.

        According to the Campbell’s Texas Football rankings in District 22- 6A, defending Region III Division II finalist Manvel is slated to win the 22-6A championship. The Mavericks, featuring Texas Christian University signee D’Eric King at quarterback in addition to a host of other major college recruits, are also ranked fifth in the Class 6A poll, according to Campbell’s.

        Pearland is projected to lose to Manvel in league play, therefore finishing second yet grabbing the top seed in the Division I playoff bracket. The Oilers were state finalists two seasons ago but fell in the area round to Dickinson a season ago.

        Dawson finished fourth in the 22-6A ranks a season ago after losing to Dobie in the regular season. However, the Eagles won two playoff games before falling to Katy in a Division II regional quarterfinal matchup. This season, Campbell’s Texas Football has Dawson edging Dobie for third place overall in the 22-6A ranks. It would also send Dawson to the Division II playoff bracket.

        So then there is Dobie. With a 23-21 record over the past four seasons, the program is still seeking its first playoff win since 2004. A fourth-place finish in District 22-6A would almost assuredly mean the Longhorns will take on North Shore for a fifth straight season. And via the University Interscholastic League’s ruling, the higher-seeded team hosts the game from this point forward.

        An early view of Dobie says JFD first-year head coach Mike Norman has committed to utilizing the passing game this season, and he and his staff identified playmakers during the 7-on-7 summer league at The Rig in Pearland and during an appearance in College Station. Offensively, the Longhorns’ biggest offseason need was along the offensive line, where all five starters exited after graduation. On the defensive side, Dobie should be solid along the front seven – Dedrick Simpson is great – but there are vacancies in the secondary that need to be addressed as well. Since Dobie did not take part in spring football workouts near the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the Longhorns will take to the field for preseason football workouts beginning Monday, Aug. 3. That’s when Norman’s Dobie program begins preparation for the 2015 season opener against Deer Park, set for Friday, Aug. 28, at Abshire Stadium in Deer Park." 

Article by the Southbelt Ellington Leader July 9th addition