Need a peek behind enemy lines ahead of the UIL football state championships? The Dallas Morning News’ Joseph Hoyt dishes on Katy’s opponent, Cedar Hill, in a Q and A session with the Houston Chronicle.
Katy faces Cedar Hill in the Class 6A Division II title game at 1 p.m. Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Katy and Cedar Hill are meeting in a state title game for the fourth time in nine seasons.
How does this Cedar Hill team compare to the program’s best, especially the 2012-2014 teams Katy played against?
I think this Cedar Hill team has carved a place of its own in program history. Think back to the team’s 2006 state championship and William Cole, their electric quarterback and one of the best players in the area’s history, comes to mind. The three teams that went up against Katy three straight seasons didn’t have Cole, but they had a stout defense and some key playmakers on the outside.
This Longhorns team has a combination of both. Kaidon Salter, a Tennessee signee, transferred to Cedar Hill his junior season, took the starting quarterback job and has seemingly elevated his game with each passing week. He probably would’ve led Cedar Hill to a state title appearance last season if it wasn’t for an improbable Denton Guyer comeback in the second round. There were three onside kicks that game.
In addition, the Longhorns defense has shown plenty of ability this season, highlighted by Texas Tech-bound pass rushers Charles Esters and junior corner Jalon Peoples, a highly-touted recruit.
How does Kaidon Salter compare to the state’s best Class of 2021 QBs?
Salter deserves to be in the conversation for the state’s best. DeSoto head coach Claude Mathis told The Dallas Morning News this about Salter: “He’s a phenomenal athlete, and he has the mentality that states he’s not going to let you lose. You have to control that kid in order to win the ball game, but I love his grit because he doesn’t let you lose.”
That’s been the case all season, a testament to his impact that goes beyond his numbers. In a zone championship against rival DeSoto, he decided on 4th and 1, late in the game, that instead of running an option to the right, like the play was designed, he would simply take it up the middle instead. He saw Texas A&M signee Shemar Turner waiting for him and decided against it. The result: a long touchdown run that sealed the game.
Last week, Denton Guyer had a great gameplan against him and forced him to fumble twice as he attempted to extend the play, an element of his game that’s been lethal over the past two years. Salter responded with a performance that could be described as gritty. He took big hits and ran the ball often. He also caught a touchdown pass, ran for a touchdown and threw for a touchdown.
His numbers are pretty good, too: he’s thrown for 2,599 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s also rushed for 1,044 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Who are the other key players to watch on this Cedar Hill team?
Salter is the headliner, but he has a lot of talented pass-catchers in his arsenal.
Senior Javien Clemmer, a New Mexico State signee, leads the team with 592 yards and eight touchdowns. He also had the game-winning touchdown catch against Rockwall-Heath in the regional final.
Jayden Moore is right behind him. He also had a spectacular, leaping touchdown catch against DeSoto that was very popular on social media. Brian Rainey, Anthony Thomas IV and Julian Austin are also receivers to watch.
Defensively, I already told you about Esters and Peoples, but also keep an eye on linebackers Jaheim Lowe and Joey Johnson. Lowe had a pivotal interception last week, and Johnson replaced an injured starter and had two big-time sacks against Guyer.
Amarian Williams, a Liberty signee, also had two interceptions last week.
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January 15, 2021 at 07:00PM
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Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with The Dallas Morning News’ Joseph Hoyt on Cedar Hill - Houston Chronicle
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