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Bogata Rivercest Rebels: 2013 football preview

txhshelmetproject.com

Rivercrest High School's football team will rely on a pair of juniors to lead the way in 2012.

Meredith to Hayes. Staubach to Pearson. Aikman to Irvin. Those quarterback-wideout tandems from Dallas Cowboys history helped their team to victory and in some cases, glory.

No one expects a middle-of-the-pack 2A high school team to field talent like that, but Rivercrest fans know that there's a local, all-district duo that will be every bit as important to the Rebels' success this fall.

Signal-caller Erik Richards has passed for more than 3,400 yards and 31 touchdowns over the past two season. More than a few of those tosses connected with wide receiver Markevius Traylor, who hauled down seven of Richards' 19 touchdowns in 2012.

Richards needs to cut down on last year's interceptions (11). Traylor, a two-way player, just needs to stay healthy - he logged 43 tackles for Rivercrest as a defensive lineman in 2012.

To take heat off the Richards-Traylor connection, Rivercest will try to balance the offense by handing the ball to senior Aaron Whitney and sophomore Caleb Walton. 

The defense should benefit from the instruction of first-year head coach Michael Pointer, who was the defensive line coach at 4A Canyon Randall last season.

If some of the underclassmen in starting defensive roles can surprise, the Rebels could break into the top tier of the district. But if Rivercrest struggles to stop opposing offenses, the Richards-to-Traylor express won't be enough to get the Rebels into the playoffs.

Head Coach: Michael Pointer. 2012 Record: 4-6, 3-3 in District 8-2A Division 2. Top Players: QB Erik Richards, Jr., 6-1, 185; passing 1,926  yds., 16 TDs; rushing 730 yds., 12 TDs. WR Markevius Traylor, Jr., 6-2, 180; 43-720, 7 TDs.

Mark Haslett has served at KETR since 2013. Since then, the station's news operation has enjoyed an increase in listener engagement and audience metrics, as well recognition in the Texas AP Broadcasters awards.