Stony Point football team primed for another state championship run

To call Round Rock Stony Point poised for another deep run into the state tournament this fall is hardly the type of statement to stretch a writer's credibility. Ranked as the best team in Central Texas by the Austin American-Statesman (ahead of 2008 state champion Lake Travis), if sixth-year coach Craig Chessher's team can avoid the almost inevitable injuries of a tough and rugged football season, the talent of junior all-purpose back Stephen Williams, senior tight end Gerard Shillow, senior safety Desmond Martin, junior linebacker PL Lindley, and junior defensive tackle Jordan Wade, a veritable bevy of playmakers surrounded by other players with Division I talent, will shine through.

Sure, Stony Point lost several major contributors from 2008, the most successful season in the school's relatively short history, notably Jackson State quarterback Nyck McKissic, Baylor running back Glasco Martin and Texas defensive end Tevin Mims, among 11 departing starters. After winning only 12 games in the program’s first seven years, the outgoing seniors won 22 in their junior and senior seasons and reached the state semifinals before losing to Allen.

But, like injuries, graduation is an inevitable and unavoidable aspect of high school football – young players from last season must become the stars this season. PL Lindley and Jordan Wade fit that bill for the Tigers – Wade added 30 pounds to his 240-pound frame during the off-season and after coming to football late in life, the proverbial light switch should come on this season. A slugging first baseman on the baseball diamond, Wade’s collegiate future is probably in the middle of the trenches.

Lindley will attempt to ride the momentum of his impressive performance in coverage against talented Dallas Skyline slot receivers in the state tournament and even more impressive work at camps and in coverage during 7-on-7 competition this summer. One of the rising stars on that summer camp circuit, Lindley is a long, lean athlete at 6-3, 210 pounds and needs to improve at the point of attack, but his ability in coverage ranks among the best in the state at the linebacker position. In an interview with Burnt Orange Nation, Lindley admitted that he hopes to greatly increase his interceptions after letting several slip through his hands last season.

While Wade and Lindley are impressive defensive talents, it’s Stephen Williams, the cousin of Texas sophomore defensive back Aaron Williams, who will make the Tigers roar offensively. A diminutive scat-back in the mold of former Kansas State star Darren Sproles, the 5-9 Williams is a home-run threat in the return game, from the running back position, and as a wide receiver. In fact, another apt comparison might be to former Florida star Percy Harvin, whose versatility as a running back/receiver hybrid caused college teams across the country to scramble to find their own hybrid offensive star. Craig Chessher won’t have to scramble to identify his version, as Williams caught 50 passes for nearly 700 yards last season, as well as returning three kick-offs for touchdowns.

With Williams as the overall tournament MVP, the Tigers won the state 7-on-7 championship this summer and hope to build on that success. However, 7-on-7 success doesn’t necessarily guarantee a successful season – only three teams have won both the state championship and 7-on-7 championship. To make a deep tournament run, Stony Point must overcome more than major attrition from graduation – the Tigers must also avoid the damaging penalties that helped Allen knock them from the playoffs last season. The quarterback position is another pressing concern, as fellow juniors Aaryn Sharp and Gus Barrera battle to replace the productive McKissic.

Stony Point must also make it through the tough District 16-5A, especially a deep Cedar Park team on October 23rd, as well as trying to avenge the only regular-season loss in 2008 against Waco High. To start the season Stony Point travels to Alamo Heights before a match up against Pflugerville Connally. Alamo Heights must replace departed dual-threat quarterback Drew Allen, as well four other offensive starters and five defensive starters. The leading rusher and receiver both return for the Mules, as well as a strong secondary. After beating Alamo Heights 58-17 last season, Stony Point will be a heavy favorite in the Zero Week match up on August 28th.