Denton RC High School

Anytime I blog about Lake Dallas, I run the risk of getting in trouble with Tyler Floyd over some mundane detail or for not giving the Falcons enough credit. I'm choosing to run that risk today though, setting up a possible fight-to-the-death with the fastest-rising middle school coach in all of east Southlake.

The Falcons have done well making the transition between 3A and 4A over the past five years. Under the guidance of Randy Patzkowski and Michael Young, Lake Dallas is a perennial playoff contender.

But 2008 will be a telling year. The Falcons are in a tougher district for the next two years in 5-4A, and the team has big holes to fill with the losses of quarterback Zach Waggoner, receiver Alvin Blackmon and defensive tackle Isaac Tauaefa.

Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine has Lake Dallas outside of the playoff picture at No. 5 in the district. Luckily I can adhere to my journalistic integrity and appease T-Floyd at the same time by saying I believe the Falcons will finish at least fourth and make the playoffs.

That prediction is based on one thing and one thing only - James Franklin. Lake Dallas' new quarterback is a transcendent athlete who can take over a game. Couple that with enough at the skill positions and what stands to be another solid defense and I think you have playoff team.

What do the masses think of that prediction? Will Lake Dallas be able to hang with Rider, Ryan and Ole High? Is T-Floyd too pretty to be involved in coaching?