12 Mustangs named to District 24-4A teams

January 4, 2010

FRIENDSWOOD — Friendswood head coach Steve Van Meter knew at the start of the 2009 football season that it was going to be a challenge competing in District 24-4A -- which is considered one of the toughest districts in the state.

The Class 4A Region III Division I defending champion Mustangs were coming off a first-ever trip to the 4A state semifinals under Van Meter. Repeating for the region crown is always a tough task for any team in the Houston area.

After opening the season with a 3-1 record and a win over Texas City to begin district action - the Mustangs lost two straight league games to Angleton and Santa Fe to fall to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in district.

Knowing that every district game would be important - Van Meter rallied his gridiron warriors to win out in league play to advance to the post-season with an opportunity to defend their region title.

Despite having to replace three-year starting quarterback Jacob Karam (TT) and a stable of talented receivers -- Van Meter saw his new field general emerge as one of the top signal-callers in the Houston area and there were new receivers who stepped up to make the Friendswood offense one of the most prolific weapons in the Houston area.

The Mustangs made their way through the playoffs with wins over Lamar Consolidated, Houston Watrip, and Beaumont Central before falling to district rival Pearland Dawson in the the Region III finals.

Friendswood finished with a 10-4 mark and were one game short of returning to the 4A state semifinals.

As a result of another deep playoff run - 12 Mustangs were named to the All-District 24-4A teams with some of these players returning for another season for Van Meter.

The biggest question being asked to begin the 2009 campaign was who was going to replace Karam who finished his career as the top passer in Friendswood history.

That task was placed on junior quarterback Peter Maetzold who stepped up and completed 207-of-351 for 2,802 yards, 30TDs, 11INTs and was named to the District 24-4A first-team. The 6-3, 190 pound Maetzold now has a year under his belt and should be one of the top quarterbacks in the state next season.

Sophomore Jonathan Johnson also made his presence known as he was named District 24-4A "Newcomer of the Year" after being the favorite target of Maetzold. The versatile Johnson caught 46 passes for 705 yards and 8TDs to lead the Mustangs in that category. He will more than likely be moved to running back next season while also being a threat catching the ball out of the backfield.

Friendswood also had senior center Hunter Ratcliff and junior offensive tackle Ben Compton named to the All-District first-team. Ratcliff and Compton anchored an offensive line that provided protection to pass the ball and they helped create running lanes for the ground attack.

The Mustangs had two players named to the All-District first-team defensive unit. They were senior outside linebacker Beau Barnes and junior defensive back Matt Kennemer. Kennermer had two interceptions. Both played big roles on that side of the ball in Friendswood's deep playoff run.

Kennemer was also a big force on the offensive side as a wide receiver as he finished with 14 catches for 372 yards and five TDs.

Friendswood had four players named to the second-team All-District offensive squad which included senior offesive guard Travis Batts, junior wide receiver Keith Canada, senior wide receiver Chris O'Bryan, and junior placekicker Zach Hardy.

Canada had 23 catches for 340 yards and three scores while O'Bryan had six catches for 94 yards and two TDs.

Named to the All-District second-team was senior defensive tackle Sam Giamfortone and senior outside linebacker Brant Liufau. Both were instrumental in the strong showing by Friendswood's defense this past season.

Sean Golz, Hunter McAfee, Travis Manning, and Tanner Chidester were named as All-District honorable mention.

McAfee, Barnes, Hunter Ratcliff, and Austin Ratcliff were named to the Academic All-District team for their excellent showing in the classroom.

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