Organization news and notes

College coaches all across America circle the first Wednesday of February as the most important date of the new year because that is the time that high school student-athletes sign their letters-of-intent. It is like a delayed present arriving after Christmas.

Coaches wait by the fax machines at their respective schools ready to receive the official document that a particular athlete has kept their non-binding verbal commitment made prior to the official signing date which was Wednesday, February 1. When the document is received, it allows the coaches to breathe a little easier knowing that all of their recruiting efforts paid off in building a future for their football program.

It is also a time of relief for student-athletes who have gone through the rigorous recruiting process and hearing the pitch of various recruiters regarding their particular education and football programs. Now that the papers have been signed and delivered, student-athletes can focus on the rest of their senior year to concentrate on their studies and spring sports before it will be time to head to their respective colleges to begin their education and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

For the past nine years, Pearland head coach Tony Heath has seen dozens of players sign letters-of-intent to continue their education and playing careers.

During the 2005 football campaign, Pearland had several players playing in the national spotlight including: running back Anthony Evans (UH), running back Brandon Roberson (Northwestern), defensive back Johnny White (Wisconsin), linebacker Scott Derry (Texas) and defensive end Cyril Obiozor (Texas A&M). Derry was injured all season and will be a sophomore next year to compete for playing time for the 2005 National Champion Longhorns. Trevor Rees, who missed the 2005 season at Northwestern, will return for his junior year to claim his starting center spot where he was named to the Freshman All-American team his first year.

Of course, there are other former Oilers who are playing at the Division II and Division III levels who helped turnaround one of the worst football programs in the state to become one of the winningest teams in the state. Prior to the arrival of head coach Tony Heath in 1997, football signings were far and few between. The players who did move on to the next level had outstanding collegiate careers, but there would always be several years between signings. Because of the incredible turnaround - Pearland has become a hotbed for college recruiters because they know that the players are receiving college level coaching that prepares the players to compete at the next level.

The 2005 season saw the Oilers complete their third 10-0 regular season in school history with two of those coming under coach Heath. The 2001 squad also went 10-0 and then continued their season to reach the 5A Division I state semifinals before falling to San Antonio Taft to set a new school mark at 13-1.

The success of the Pearland football program also feeds down to the sub-varsity levels. In 2005, the Oilers were 40-0-2 overall including two Junior Varsity and two Freshman teams.

Pearland had five players signing letters-of-intent on National Signing Day with Texavier Henry (Eastern New Mexico), Alan Pelc (North Carolina), Michael Speciale (Navy), Justan Vaughn (Northwestern), and David Webster (McNeese State) all making commitments to continue their education and playing careers at the next level.

Texavier Henry was an All-District 24-5A first-team selection after leading the Pearland defense with 58 solo tackles, 29 assisted stops, two sacks, three quarterback hurries, and one caused fumble. Henry decided to continue his education and playing career at the next level for the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds and he will no doubt be a great addition to their football program. Speed and a fearless attitude helps Henry compensate for his lack of size. Henry was also named to the District 24-5A All-Academic first-team.

Alan Pelc began his senior season without any varsity experience, but established himself as one of the top lineman in the Houston area after recording 48 pancakes, 32 knockdowns, and allowing no sacks. Pelc decided to continue his education and playing career at North Carolina. Pelc anchored an offensive line that produced a 1,700-yard running back and a perfect 10-0 regular season mark. Pelc was named to the All-District 24-5A first-team. He has size, speed, and strength that should allow him to excel at the next level. Pelc was also a first-team All-District Academic pick and was named to the Class 5A All-State third-team selected by the Texas Sports Writers Association.

Michael Speciale was selected as District 24-5A “Offensive MVP” for guiding the Oilers’ offensive machine as the No. 1 offense in the league. Speciale had 107 carries for 778 yards and 11 touchdowns while hitting 45-of-90 passing for 660 yards and six scores with only four interceptions. Speciale has been a valuable asset to the Pearland football program and has epitomized the term “team player.” Speciale played fullback and quarterback his sophomore year and then did double time as a fullback and linebacker during his junior season. Navy will get a talented and unselfish player who knows how to lead by example.

David Webster will continue his education and playing career for the McNeese State Cowboys. At 6-4, 285, the three-year starter helped anchor an offensive line that produced one of the top offensive units in the Houston area including a 1,700 yard rusher. Webster was vicious against defensive lineman producing 42 pancakes, 28 knockdowns, allowing no sacks. He was an All-District 24-5A first-team pick for two straight years.

Pearland has become a recruiting ground for Northwestern as Justan Vaughn will join former Oiler standouts All-State center Trevor Rees and All-State running back Brandon Roberson who finished as the No. 8 all-time leading 5A rusher in Texas football history. Vaughn was a three-year starter for the Oilers and was an All-District 24-5A first-team pick. Possessing 4.3 speed and an aggressive hitting style, Vaughn will make an immediate impression on the Northwestern defensive coaches next season.

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