GAMES
RANKINGS
Aldine ISD Magazine Feature: Back in the Conversation
BIG MAC STUNNED THE CITY OF HOUSTON A YEAR AGO, GETTING BACK INTO THE PLAYOFFS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2007. THEIR FIVE WINS WERE ALSO THE MOST FOR THE PROGRAM IN A SEASON SINCE 2013.
So, what will they do for an encore? "That was a great run with some kids who had been in the program for four years," coach Wayne Crawford said. "They wanted to do something special, and they did it. "This senior group and the ones after are trying to build on what the 2020 team did and improve on it.
Several returners were instrumental to our success last year who are back. They have a great class of sophomores and juniors who they can lead to get the program over the hump in the future." First-team quarterback RaShaun Jackson returns after passing for 1,192 yards and eight scores. Jackson needs to take care of the ball better in 2020 after tossing up seven picks a year ago.
The offensive line is led by De'monta Missouri, Jeremiah Vargas and Saul Quintero. Running Back Avante Reed will carry the load in the backfield and receiver Gabrial Haggerty is the primary target. "I don't think you can say MacArthur is going to win because of X, Y or Z," Crawford said. "We can run the ball with some great backs and our offensive line is solid. I feel like our quarterback is one of the best in the district."
Defensively, MacArthur will have to replace Oklahoma-signee Josh Eaton in the secondary. Linebacker Maurice Woods (83 tackles, 7 sacks) and DT Missouria will be looked towards to be the leaders of that group. Paul Newman will move from the DL to LB this year, he had 76 tackles a year ago. "Our defensive line will be decent and our linebacking unit is solid," Crawford said. "Our secondary is very young, but they are a group that works hard. "Overall, our strength is our team unity. They are a close-knit group, who really like each other. They allow us to coach them hard.
Dual-Sport Starnes - Aldine ISD Magazine
It's no secret that this has been a special class for MacArthur Athletics.
The football team reached the postseason for the first time in more than a decade and the track squad is looking to build on a solid 2019 season.
"It's been big-time to change the culture here," Broderick Starnes Jr. said. "We've been the class to have turned it around and that's pretty special. It's been hard, but it's been a mindset of never giving up. We live by the saying here, 'Mac Pride Never Dies'."
At the epicenter of the Generals' success is Starnes – a dual-sport star who has often been the undercard.
National recruit Joshua Eaton has stolen the headlines over the years, but now Starnes is making his name known. The 6-foot-2 receiver is also one of the more accomplished sprinters in Texas.
"It's a lot of training," he said of playing multiple sports. "You have to eat right. You have to stay in shape because once you are done with one season, you are on to the next. I love being a senior and seeing my name on Texas Milesplit. For a long time, I've been the undercard. Now, I'm at the top and showing everyone what I'm capable of."
Barnes has high hopes for track in 2020. "It's state or nothing," Starnes said. "We have great chemistry and are challenging each other during every practice."
Starnes signed with Southwest Minnesota State University and will be a Mustang come the fall. "The school really made me feel like home," he said. "I also love the fact that they want me to play both sports."