Seven Lakes Spartans Preview

Posted by KT2000 at October 14, 2008

Record (2-3, 0-1)

* District

Seven Lakes 51  FB Dulles 14
Morton Ranch 21  Seven Lakes 20 (non-district)
Seven Lakes 24  Baytown Lee 20
Conroe 31  Seven Lakes 7
Mayde Creek 35  Seven Lakes 28*

 

PPG 26.0, PAPG 24.2

 

Seven Lakes moved up from Class 4A in this year’s realignment.  The Spartans played in one of the toughest 4A districts in the state last year, featuring state champions Lamar Consolidated, and went 1-9 overall.  The first program win came against Richmond Foster (35-27).  Seven Lakes went 0-10 in 2006 (inaugural varsity season). 

 

Coach O’Keefe was Hightower’s first coach when it started varsity play in 2000, so he has previous experience as far as building a program is concerned.  He led Hightower to consecutive playoff appearances in their first years as a program. 

 

Expectations were elevated going into this season because the Spartans returned experienced skill talent.  Senior DB-WR Anthony Kendrick is one of the state’s most gifted athletes.  Kendrick is committed to the University of Kentucky.  Kendrick uses his 6’4, 200+ pound frame to overmatch defenders.  His previous experience as a basketball player has clearly helped his hand-eye coordination, and also ability to go up and make catches in traffic.

 

Senior quarterback Dalton Livingston (6’1) started as a junior last year.  Livingston has 11 touchdown passes to three interceptions so far this season.  In addition to Kendrick, Livingston has two other talented receivers at his disposal in junior Christian Duda (6’1) and senior Steven McCormack (5’10).  McCormack is also the Spartans’ kicker.  Senior Domonique Harris and junior Ellix Rome are the primary running threats.  Harris has been out injured since the Baytown Lee game, and Rome has picked up those carries along with Livingston.  Harris is the team’s leading rusher.  The Spartans have size on the offensive line led by senior all-district starter OT Devin Shaw (6’5 315).

Scott Joseph, previously at Houston Westbury and Hightower, is Seven Lakes’ defensive coordinator.  Former Katy team captain (2000) and state champion Jeff Joseph is the Spartans’ secondary coach.  Senior inside linebacker Zach Voss is the most experienced player for the Spartans on this side of the ball.

Overall, the Spartans are currently having the best season in their young history.  Seven Lakes still has a shot making the playoffs for the first time ever, but their chances took a hit against Mayde Creek.  Creek was one of the teams they needed to beat in order to have a good chance at securing a spot, but they are not eliminated yet.  The Spartans have an experienced coaching staff, and are enjoying their most competitive season to date thanks to fielding the most experienced group of players they’ve had so far.