Organization news and notes

Pearland head coach Tony Heath begins his ninth season at the helm of the Oilers football program and was greeted by over 350 players that will fill the varsity, junior varsity, and freshman teams for the 2005 football campaign.

Heath will have 80 players on the varsity roster this year as the Oilers began their preparation at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, August 8. The players and coaches got in two workouts for the first three days before classes began on Thursday, August 11.

The Oilers are a pre-season pick to win the District 24-5A crown after sharing the title last year with Clear Lake, who advanced to the Class 5A Division II state semifinals.

"This is one of the toughest districts that anyone could play in," Heath said at the annual Rotary Club luncheon that hosts the league coaches for a pre-season preview by each coach. "Clear Lake had a great run last year and represented our district with a lot of class and success."

Clear Lake was hit hard by graduation from last year's team and are a pre-season pick to finish fourth in the league while Clear Brook and Ball High were a consensus pick to finish second and third with Alvin, Brazoswood, and Clear Creek taking the bottom three spots behind Clear Lake.

"Every Friday night will be a battle and no one can take a team for granted," Heath said. "We have to prepare for every game and give our best effort if we are to be successful."

Alvin proved that no team is immune from upset as the Yellowjackets thumped Clear Lake last year in dominating fashion to hand them their only league loss.

Pearland opens up the season on Friday, August 26 at The Rig against the Fort Bend Kempner Cougars. Both teams played in the Dave Campbell Texas Football Classic in San Antonio at the Alamodome as the Oilers blanked the Cougars 14-0 to get the monumental victory.

Kempner will be looking to avenge that loss from a year ago when the two teams begin the 2005 season.

"Our kids came into practice in pretty good physical shape," Heath said. "We have 59 seniors on this year's squad and will be looking for them to step up to continue the winning tradition at Pearland. We are excited about the season and look forward to the outstanding support from our fans this year."