Tompkins prepared for stiff district competition

By Tyler Tyre, Times Sports Editor
Posted 8/25/21

“This year’s seniors have done a really good job getting everyone prepared,” McVey said. “They know that ‘the crimson line’ has been set high and they want to continue to raise that bar. It’s not about how much you raise it, it’s if you raise it and they want to continue to do that. I just look forward to seeing them grow and continue what they’ve started.”

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Tompkins prepared for stiff district competition

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Tompkins may be losing some marquee players this season, but the expectation of success hasn’t changed in the program.

Head coach Todd McVey has built a program that expects to contend, as the Falcons have made the playoffs each of the past three years, reaching the regional round each season.

With an experienced squad returning things are no different this year, and the team wants to repeat as District 19-6A champions.

“The determination is there every year; it’s a new year and everyone wants that just as much,” McVey said. “But our biggest thing is to take it one game at a time and make sure we get better, we’re more interested in ourselves and seeing how we can improve than we’re interested with anyone else. We just have to focus on improving every day.”

Tompkins return eight starters offensively, but lose their starting backfield in Jalen Milroe, who is now at the University of Alabama, and Marquis Shoulders, who is now at the University of Tulsa.

McVey knows that it will be hard to replace what those two gave the team but hopes the returners can help along the younger players.

“The guys who were in the backfield were very talented, but we have some guys coming up who were on the varsity and were on the JV that have done good things,” McVey said. “We look forward to seeing those guys grow into their own roles. It’s going to be different and that’s ok. We want them to be themselves and be the best version of themselves, and that’s going to be the biggest part of their journey.

Cole Francis will step into the starting role at quarterback. The senior led Tompkins junior varsity to a district championship last season and McVey has seen good things from him over the summer.

“He’s done a great job of leading,” McVey said. “Cole just does a great job of helping the guys. He’s put himself out there and they respond to him. He’s here every day, he’s been at everything we do, and he leads by example. We are really excited about his leadership as well as his play on the field.”

The team also returns five starters on defense, and the front seven should be a big area of strength with players such as Sean Dubose, Eti-ini Bassey, Bryce Shaink, while cornerback Caleb Komolafe will help anchor the secondary.

“This year’s seniors have done a really good job getting everyone prepared,” McVey said. “They know that ‘the crimson line’ has been set high and they want to continue to raise that bar. It’s not about how much you raise it, it’s if you raise it and they want to continue to do that. I just look forward to seeing them grow and continue what they’ve started.”

Tompkins has big goals, but McVey is determined to take things day by day and not look too far ahead. A motto his players reiterate.

The Falcons will open the season Aug. 28 against Magnolia at Legacy Stadium and will open district play against Cinco Ranch on Sept. 23 at Rhodes Stadium.

“We want to get 1% better every day, no matter what,” McVey said. “We want to come out on the field and feel good about what we have done because every time you come out here you don’t get it back. The seniors especially are on a countdown and they have to understand and appreciate every time they get out here. We have gratitude for what we have gone through the past couple years. It’s great to be out here and have the opportunity for a full season again and we want to make the most of it.”