Oilers named to All-District 24-5A teams

Written by Dr David Davis

December 26, 2011

PEARLAND — While Pearland (6-1) didn't repeat as 24-5A champions in 2011, the Oilers did finish with the best record out of all the teams in the league at the end of the season. Clear Springs (8-4, 7-0) won the district title after nipping the Oilers 31-24 in the final minutes of the district showdown. The Chargers beat Dulles before falling to Port Arthur Memorial in the second round.

The Oilers were seeking to defend their 5A Div. I Region III and state championship titles. No one really expected Pearland to go too deep in the post-season this year, but head coach Tony Heath and his staff did an incredible job with such an inexperienced squad as the Oilers advanced to the region final before being eliminated by eventual state finalist Hightower who lost to Southlake Carroll in the championship game at Cowboys Stadium.

Pearland finished 11-3 overall after getting wins over Fort Bend Elkins (41-0), Deer Park (47-7), and Houston Lamar (35-14) before falling to Hightower (35-14).

Several Pearland players were named to the All-District 24-5A offensive and defensive teams for their outstanding performances on the field.

Offensively, there were seven players named to the All-District first-team and three players named to the second-team.

Junior quarterback Jake Garner (5-11, 175) was honored on the first-team after he hit 132-of-206 (64%) passing for 2,036 yards 20 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Garner also had 483 yards rushing on 110 carries for 12 scores giving him a total of 2,519  yards and 32 TDs.

Senior running back Jackie Robinson (5-9, 175) was a unanimous All-District first-team choice had 196 carries for 1,478 yards and 12 touchdowns while becoming only the seventh player in Pearland history to rush for more than a 1,000 yards in a season.

Junior fullback John Gibberman (6-1, 210) was selected to the first-team after gaining 206 yards rushing on 39 carries while scoreing nine times. Gibberman was also effective catching the ball with 13 receptions for 201 yards and one score. His greatest strengths are blocking for the running backs and picking up tough yards in short yardage situations.

Junior wide receiver Kevin Washington was a first-team pick after leading the Oilers in receiving with 28 catches for 572 yards (20.4 per catch) and seven touchdowns. Washington also had 13 carries for 99 yards and a pair of scores.

Senior tight end Cole Staudt (6-2, 230) was a unanimous choice for first-team honors for the second straight year. Staudt is a relentless blocker while also making some timely catches including 10 grabs for 110 yards and two TDs.

Sophomore offensive lineman Jacob Hollas (5-11, 265) was a unanimous pick after helping create holes for the ball carriers while also providing strong pass protection.

Senior offensive lineman Brayden Stockton (6-0, 230) was a first-team choice and also was a strong presence in the trenches for the Oilers.

Senior wide receiver Jared Mapps was named to the second-team after catching 25 passes for 374 yards and three scores and being an offensive threat against opposing defenses.

Senior offensive lineman Jonovan Jeffery was named to the second-team after having a strong senior season in the trenches.

One of the strengths for Pearland throughout the season was the defense, especially dealing with a young and inexperienced offense.

There were six Pearland players who made the All-District first-team while three players were named to the second-team squad.

Senior defensive end Turner Glasgow (6-2, 185) was a unanimous pick for first-team after recording six tackles, six assisted stops, one hurry, one caused fumble, three sacks, seven tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery.

Senior defensive tackle Chris Alexander (5-10, 235), who recently was named the Defensive Player of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Houston, was a first-team unanimous selection after he had 11 hurries, 24 unassisted tackles, five assisted stops, three caused fumbles, seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery.

Senior defensive tackle Ashton Duffy (5-11, 225) was also named to the first-team after he posted four hurries, three assisted tackles, 10 solo stopts, one caused fumble, three tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries.

Senior All-State linebacker Kendall Ehrlich (6-2, 215) was also a unanimous first-team pick after he had 32 solo stops, 23 assisted tackles, one caused fumble, and three tackles for loss.

Junior defensive back Devante Dotson (5-9, 160) was a first-team choice after he had six assisted tackles, 10 solo stops, and one pass break up.

Senior safety DyQuan Roberts (5-11, 180) was named to the first-team after an outstanding season with 11 assisted tackles, 40 unassisted stops, three pass break ups, one fumble recovery, three interceptions, and one touchdown.

Named to the All-District defensive second-team was Jr. defensive end Tyler Helaire, Sr. linebacker Juan Trujillo, and Sr. safety Derek Hutchinson.

Clear Springs coach Clint Hartman was named district "Coach of the Year." Clear Springs quarterback Jake Blackledge was named "Player of the Year." Tyrell Preston of Dickinson was named Offensive MVP. Clear Springs linebacker Dallas McClarty was named Defensive MVP.

Congratulations to all of the Pearland players for another outstanding season and 2012 looks to be another very promising season to make another deep run for a state championship.