Texas High School Football 2007 Preview: La Marque

The La Marque Cougars won the Class 4a state championship last season, and after losing five key players to Division 1 schools the Cougars have the tough task of replacing a wealth of talent and match last season's success, all why ushering in a new coaching staff.

Chris Jones, former head coach of Refurgio, has taken the daunting task of replacing so much talent and implementing a new system at a historically successful school in stride. Even though the Cougars have lost some key players, they have always had the uncanny ability to reload their squad which has kept them at the top of the high school fottball ranks for sometime.

On the offensive side of the ball, La Marque returns quarterback Jairus Kerlegan. Kerlegan stepped up considerably in last learn playoffs, and his cerebral approach to the game, couple with his impressive ability to both run and pass, have had some saying he could easily be a Division 1 recruit when he graduates.

Kerlegan will have a more than capable target in returning wide receiver Desmond Haynes. Haynes also had considerable success and showcased his immense talent. He should be a consistent target all yearlong as Jones' wide open approach to the passing game should maximize Haynes' effectivness.

The offense should be further boosted by the Cougar's top prospect Brandon Garrett, who stands an impressive 6'6 on the offensive line. Garrett is however in the midst of eligibility issues regarding his age, which may prevent him from playing in 2007. This would obviously be quite a hit to the Cougar's offensive game plan as they plan to implant the talents of running back Alvin Taylor. Taylor is moving from the secondary to the backfield and would no doubt welcome Garrett's imposing frame to run behind.

While finding the right players to fill the holes left by last year's graduating class is the initial priority, the success of the La Marque squad my rest on how well Jones handles the team in his first year. Luckily, Jones was hired quickly enough to be well prepared entering the fall and bring a pedigree of winning to a team that has seen five state championship victories since 1995. If Jones is able to rally his troops to perform up to the standards of the previous La Marque teams, there is no reason to suspect the Cougars to fall off the map in '07.