Sports
Tigers move into Region 1 this fall
Monday, 20 February 2012 by Chuck Kelly
The University Interscholastic League has announced its reclassification and realignment of Texas school districts and some changes were expected while others came as a complete surprise.
Most District 12-5A coaches expected to say "goodbye" to Bryan and A&M Consolidated --- and that happened. The pair of rivals will be replaced for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years by two up-from-4A schools, Killeen and Waco Midway.
"We're obviously excited", BISD athletic director and head football coach Rodney Southern said. "It's a big break for us. They are both-Quote- local teams. Now all traveling should be a lot less. It's a lot more 'regional' district so it's probably going to help us in the officiating a lot because all the teams are within a 23-25 mile radius. Killeen and Bryan are very similar athletically and the Kangeroos usually go into the playoffs several rounds and Waco Midway is similar to A&M Consolidated and has been successful playing in the state final and all. We won't have to make those long trips to Bryan and College Station. It's going to be a very good football district. We are going to try to keep Midway on our non-district football schedule."
That news was expected by most but here's the shocker --- Belton won't be in District 12-5A anymore.
The Tigers have been placed in District 8-5A of Region One! That will take some getting used to.
"I like the realignment in terms of district but I'm not jumping up and down about being in Region I," he stated. "Our region will be kinda crazy because now we will head west, so it will be an issue travel-wise. For instance, for us in football, we're the biggest school in this new district and we'll be facing potential playoff opponents like Duncanville, De Soto and further up the line Trinity Euless and Denton Ryan. And, we'll have to drive to Lubbock (over 300 miles west) for regional track competition."
So, the district and bi-district stuff is fine but the region I move is rough. That seems to be the consensus among those who talk high school competition. Poor old sports writers will have to get used to 8-5A instead of 12-5A and Region I in place of Region II.
Belton, Temple, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Killeen, Ellison, Shoemaker and Waco Midway --- This is going to be one of the tougher districts in Texas next school year.
"I am happy with the district. Midway will make it more competitive and they will bring fans to the games. It will be nice not getting back from roads games at 2 a.m. in district. We added two quality teams. Midway played for a state championship last year. Being on the road in several key games will help us once we get in the playoffs. It teaches your kids how to travel," said offensive coordinator David Brewer.
Midway will be an early season favorite to win the district title. As one of the most physically talented teams in Texas last year with three Rivals100 players the Panthers made the state finals and soundly defeated Denton Ryan in the playoffs in 2011.
