VYPE Football Preview Class 4A

District 10-4A Highland Park Scots Coach: Randy Allen 2007 Record: 15-1, DII state finalists Returning Lettermen: 25 Returning Starters: 1 Off./2 Def. Players to watch: QB Luke Woodley, QB Jake Howeth, QB Dillon Zweifel, CB Matt Bonano, SS Jeffrey Howeth, OL Chris Calandro, WR Austin Mai, OL Mac Purvin, OL Matt Gibson, RB Brookes McIlhenny, WR Cort Svendson, DB Charlie Burford, WR Morgan Stringer, FS Stephen Bailey, LB Charlie Foose, LB Cody Walker, LB Will Andrews, LB Hunter Matthews, OL Josh Volk, RB Bryan Dickenson, OL Jeff Robertson Outlook: If a program can lose 50 seniors and 19 starters and still keep a district title in sight, it's Highland Park. The Scots only return one starter on offense, and lost quarterback Winston Gamso to SMU, so they'll need a new man under center. Coach Allen will pick from among junior Woodley (6-2, 185, 4.9), senior Zweifel and sophomore Jake Howeth. The Scots defense will also depend on a swarm of new defensive starters. Jeffrey Howeth (6-0, 205) and Bonano (6-0, 175, 4.5) combined for nine interceptions in 2007. Newman Smith Trojans Coach: Paul Ressa 2007 Coach: 1-9 Returning Lettermen: 33 Returning Starters: 9 Off./10 Def. Players to watch: QB Aldo Quiroga, RB Randall Joyner, WR/DB Al Lasker, OL David Hernandez, DE Jacori Greer, OLB Rob Brown, DB Tommy Jehli, OL Nick Hawkins, DE Dontrely Beckham, RB Terrell Wilson, RB Braxton Bearden, WR Matthew Agnew, DE Aundrey Barr, WR Josh Cravens, DB Zain Dhanani, WR Charles Estes, DL Tanner Ivie, OL Deric Lair, DL Darren Lee, LB Adrian Lopez, OL John Thornhill Outlook: Nineteen returning starters and a drop down from Class 5A has the Trojans expecting better days in 2008. Quiroga (6-0, 180) returns at quarterback and will be joined in the backfield by Joyner (5-9, 180). Lasker (6-0, 167) earned all-district honors by catching six TD passes last season. Hernandez (6-1, 279) provides good size on the O-line. Key defensive returners include Greer (6-3, 213, 4.9) who recorded six sacks in 2007, Brown (5-10, 172, 4.6) and Jehli (5-10, 165, 4.7) Richardson Pearce Mustangs Coach: Randy Robertson 2007 Record: 8-3, bi-district qualifier Returning Lettermen: 38 Returning Starters: 2 Off./2 Def. Players to watch: QB Michael Webb, RB Madison Kvapil, WR Brad Wegner, DT Derek Boyd, LB Biran Motsenbocker, OL Sean Grove, WR Jake Allen, DB Tanner Cobbs, DB Hunter Harrington, LB Tyler Barrett, DB Daverick Moody, DT Kolby Dickerson Outlook: The Mustangs face a challenge in returning to the playoffs with just four returning starters and a new district realignment. The offensive will depend on skill players looking to take on new responsibilities. Webb (5-10, 185, 4.5) attempted just 19 passes last season, while the speedy Kvapil (5-9, 175, 4.5) had less than 40 carries, but caught 18 passes. Look for Motsenbocker (6-2, 200, 4.9) to be strong against the run and Cobbs and Harrington to anchor the secondary. R.L. Turner Lions Coach: Tyrone Larkins 2007 Record: 0-10 Returning Lettermen: 19 Returning Starters: 5 Off./5 Def. Players to watch: QB Matt Bernal, RB Brent Bilger, WR Ismael Solis, WR Sergio Tamayo, NG Alejandro Jasso, DE Corey Hall, RB/S Charles Moore, DL Steven Lopez, DB Brandon Moore, OL Edwin Flores, DB Ruben Rodriguez, LB Denzel Green, DB Brian Salcedo, RB Raul Marques, OLB Dakota Whitehead Outlook: Larkins takes over a program looking to pick itself off the mat in 2008. The Lions return key skill positions in quarterback Bernal, running back Bilger (6-1, 188, 4.8) and wide receivers Tamayo and Solis. Jasso (6-0, 238), Hall (6-1, 207, 4.9) and Lopez (5-11, 203, 4.9) will anchor the defensive line. Rockwall Yellow Jackets Coach: Scott Smith 2007 Record: 6-5, 5A bi-district qualifiers Returning Lettermen: 24 Returning Starters: 5 Off./5 Def. Players to watch: QB Adam Dingwell, RB Jarron White OLB/TE Aaron Arterburn, OL John Noble, FS Grant Gunderson, WR Mark Ulbik, Outlook: Despite graduating the core of their offensive skill players, the Yellow Jackets have their sights set on a playoff berth after dropping down from Class 5A. Dingwell (6-3, 182, 4.8) is tasked with replacing Braden Smith who is learning June James' offense at SMU. Ulbik (6-0, 178, 4.5) returns as an experienced target having produced 515 receiving yards last season. The offense should also benefit from the return of Arterburn (6-2, 225, 4.6) who was injured last season. On defense, Gunderson (6-0, 175) returns as Rockwall's leading tackler. Rockwall-Heath Hawks Coach: Mickey Moss 2007 Record: 7-3 Returning Lettermen: 38 Returning Starters: 6 Off./6 Def. Players to watch: RB Kendial Lawrence, QB Drew Hollingshead, LB Austin Moss, WR Everett Gilbert, OL Austin Woods, DB Darius Jones, OLB Ryan Mosby, RB Jesse Irokwe, LB Justin Powers, LB David Tanner, OL Alex Young, OL Brian Foster, WR Cameron Wilson, DE Cole Abston Outlook: The Hawks are hungry for postseason play after falling only a game shy of the playoffs last season. The school is fielding its first full senior class and will benefit from returning six starters on offense and defense, respectively. Lawrence (5-10, 180, 4.4) returns as the Hawks' workhorse, having rushed for more than 1,700 yards and 20 TDs in 2007. Hollingshead (6-4, 195, 4.8) returns at quarterback having passed for 1,350 yards and 13 TDs. The Hawks' defense will receive a boost from Moss (6-3, 218, 4.6), a South Garland transfer who was District 10-5A's defensive player of the year. Royse City Bulldogs Coach: Greg Strahm 2007 Record: 11-1, 3A DI regional finalists Returning Lettermen: 26 Returning Starters: 7 Off./8 Def. Players to watch: QB Richard Morrison, OT Brock Wempa, K Kolin Padon, CB Justin Rogers, ILB Oscar Hernandez, OLB Ryon Phillips, CB B.J. Farrar, SS Cameron Nichols, WR J.T. Thompson, OLB Scotty Arterberry, OG Gabriel Martinez, OT Cody Cantwell, DE Ernesto Vargas Outlook: The move up from Class 3A isn't putting a damper on Strahm's first season as the Bulldogs' head coach. Royse City returns one of the state's best dual-threat quarterbacks in Morrison (6-0, 174, 4.4) who passed for 3,350 yards and 33 TDs, and rushed for another 11 TDs in 2007. All-district receiver Thompson also returns, having hauled in 53 receptions. Martinez and Wempa (6-3, 274, 4.9) are all-district O-line anchors. The Bulldogs' defense is equally impressive with all-district performers Farrar, Nichols, Arterberry back for more. VYPE Predicts 10-4A 1. Highland Park 2. Rockwall 3. Rockwall-Heath 4. Royse City 5. Richardson Pearce 6. Carrollton Newman Smith 7. Greenville 8. R. L. Turner District 11-4A Adamson Leopards Coach: Andy Guiterrez 2007 Record: 6-4 Returning Lettermen: 18 Returning Starters: 7 Off./6 Def. Players to watch: QB Victor Garcia, TE/FS Roderick Goodlow, OL Vincent Williams, OT Chris Ruiz, DT Kelvin Palmer, NG Kevaughn Williams, OL Frank May, OL Joseph Pelton, DB Arthur Smith Outlook: The Leopards are on a roll, having improved by six victories from 2006. Guiterrez hopes that an experienced crew will help maintain Adamson's momentum. Garcia (5-9, 170, 4.8) returns at quarterback having passed for more than 900 yards and 10 TDs in 2007. He'll be joined in the backfield by Valentine who rushed for seven TDs. Goodlow (6-2, 200, 4.7) is a prized recruit who will see action on both sides of scrimmage. Carter Cowboys Coach: Allen Wilson 2007 Record: 7-6, 5A DII region finalists Returning Lettermen: 27 Returning Starters: 7 Off./4 Def. Players to watch: QB Jarvis Phillips, RB Anthony Miller, DT Chris Henderson, DE Darren Robinson, TE Darrin Polk, TE, Xavier Chism, OL Aaron Stewart, QB Russell Polk, OL Davlin Glass Outlook: The drop down from Class 5A and seven returning starters from a region finalist team could send the Cowboys on another playoff run. Phillips (6-0, 190, 4.5) returns to lead the offense and Miller (6-0, 220, 4.5) should increase last season's production (739 yards, seven TDs). Henderson (6-3, 251, 4.8) and Robinson (6-1, 219, 4.6) will anchor the Cowboys defense. Kimball Knights Coach: Tommy Bonds 2007 Record: 5-6, DI bi-district finalists Returning Lettermen: 16 Returning Starters: 5 Off./5 Def. Players to watch: TE Davion Green, OLB Chris Moten, LB Dontay Livingston, QB Austin Franklin, DE Jomo McDuff, OL Montquan People, WR Tremon Robinson, WR/DB Kendrick Hampton, C Jeremy Caranza, Outlook: Kimball is missing a significant cast of starters from last year's playoff team, but the Knights are still eyeing the postseason. The offensive line will be a strength with three-year letterman People (6-0, 270) and all-district performer Shadid returning up front. Green (6-1, 210, 4.6) will be a target after catching four TDs last season. The Knights speedy linebacker corps of Livingston (5-10, 190, 4.7) and Moten (6-0, 180, 4.6) will anchor the defense. North Dallas Bulldogs Coach: Jamie McGee 2007 Record: 0-10 Players to watch: TE/LB Alvin Knox, DT Anh Luu, RB Geremy Alridge, ILB Mark Medina, LB Damian Murillo, CB Damian Mills Outlook: The Bulldogs are hoping that another season of experience will help them forget 2007 Alridge (5-8, 160, 4.7) returns as the team's main offensive weapon after rushing for 191 yards and a TD as a freshman. Knox (6-1, 180, 4.6) earned all-district honors at tight end. Knox will see double duty as one of the Bulldogs best defenders. Pinkston Vikings Coach: James Argenti 2007 Record: 6-4 Returning Lettermen: 10 Returning Starters: 2 Off./3 Def. Players to watch: RB Aaron Spikes, QB Rickey White, DE Shonquille Dorsey, OT Denzell Gillespie, DL Ron Pruitt, LB Jhoree Smith, LB Demario Powell, WR Janarius Haskins, OL Antwaun Williams Outlook: The young Vikings may be a year away from becoming playoff contenders. The offense will center around Spikes (5-10, 185, 4.5) who rushed for almost 1,300 yards and 10 TDs last season. Spikes' talents will help White ease into the starting quarterback role. Dorsey (6-1, 240, 4.7) is the quick leader of the defense, having amassed 90 tackles in 2007. Seagoville Dragons Coach: Norman Thompson 2007 Record: 7-4, DI bi-district qualifier Returning Lettermen: 20 Returning Starters: 7 Off./8 Def. Players to watch: QB Dunston Owens, RB James Parker, WR Ron Howard, DB Ezedrick Evans, OL Christian Dominguez, LB Rico Alexander, OL Cameron Weems, OL Ken Martin, LB Johnathan Bailey, LB Garret Anders, DL Scott Drummond, DL Bryan Timmons, DL Clayton Parish, DB Colton Wright Outlook: The Dragons have their sights set on another playoff trip. Owens (5-10, 170, 4.6) returns as a multiple threat having passed for more than 1,000 yards and 13 TDs, and rushing for 1,100 yards and 19 TDs. Dominguez, Weems and Martin bring experience to the offensive line. Seagoville's trio of linebackers, Alexander (6-3, 204, 4.8), Bailey and Anders will lead the defense. Smith Falcons Coach: Elzie Barnett 2007 Record: 2-8 Returning Lettermen: 11 Returning Starters: 4 Off./6 Def. Players to watch: QB Shun Beachum, RB Deowine Washington, WR Jimmy Proctor, SS Jonathan Crystal, FS Marquis MacCormick, QB Brian Roberts, CB Terry Baker, TE Chris Barnett, LB J.D. Barnett Outlook: The Falcons will be working with new offensive and defensive sets in Barnett's first year as head coach. Beachum (6-2, 250, 4.6) passed for 960 yards and three TDs, and rushed for 369 yards and four TDs as last year's starter. The Falcons will showcase more speed on offense in Washington (5-9, 170, 4.5) and Proctor (5-9, 185, 4.4). Crystal returns with all-district honors in the secondary. South Oak Cliff Bears Coach: Chris Gilbert 2007 Record: 9-4, DII region finalists Returning Lettermen: 19 Returning Starters: 4 Off./1 Def. Players to watch: QB Kevin Adams, RB Baron Perry, RB Kenneth Douglas, WR Quincy Watson, S Kevin Brent, TE James Phillips, FS Kenneth Pinkard, LB Anthony Garner, OL Tevodrick Turner, CB Darius Davis, OL Darius Robinson, DT Robert Smith, DE Marquis Winston, WR Rufus Wright Outlook: The Bears will have to rely on newcomers if they are to make another deep run through the playoffs. Returning skills players include Adams, Douglas and Watson, who all saw spot duty during last year's region finalists. Returning defensive starters include coveted recruit Brent (6-0, 205, 4.4), who totaled 85 tackles and three INTs last season. VYPE Predicts 11-4A 1. Carter 2. South Oak Cliff 3. Seagoville 4. Kimball 5. Pinkston 6. Adamson 7. Smith 8. North Dallas District 12-4A Bryan Adams Cougars Coach: Derick Roberson 2007 Record: 1-9 Returning Lettermen: 12 Returning Starters: 7 Off./5 Def. Players to watch: QB Pierre Shires, FS Thomas Carper, G Jordan Claiborne, DE Chris Mayfield, SS Daniel Rodriguez, DE Tajh Fite, CB Courntey Jackson, LB/RB Kamron Johnson Outlook: Roberson takes over the Bryan Adams program after serving as an assistant at Skyline. The Cougars should show improvement after dropping down from Class 5A. Shires (6-2, 225, 4.9)) returns at quarterback after passing for more than 1,000 yards and eight TDs. Carper (6-0, 195, 4.6) will lead the defense. Conrad Chargers Coach: Darren Duke 2007 Record: first varsity season Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: N/A Players to watch: WR Corie Moss, QB/DB Shafton Carter, RB Damion Sims, LB Michael Blackshire, OL Freddie Brookins, DE Xavier Anderson, DE Isaiah Cooper, OL Aaron Hall, S Tommie Anderson, CB Sam Ismail Outlook: The first year of varsity play is rough for any program but the Chargers will feature several seniors on offense and defense. Duke is expected to start Carter (5-8, 150, 4.6), a sophomore, at quarterback. Moss (6-1, 175, 4.5) will be a weapon in the passing game. Sims will run behind Brookins (6-1, 220, 4.9) and Hall. Hillcrest Panthers Coach: Andy Todd 2007 Record: 5-5 Returning Lettermen: 10 Returning Starters: 4 Off./4 Def. Players to watch: QB Michael Harrison, WR Brice Johnson, DB Stefan Nelson, LB Ryan Callender, LB Carrington Brown, S Marketih Smith, OL Jose Castillo, OL Kevan Montgomery, LB Jimmy Rayo, S Cameron Richards Outlook: Experience and talent have the Panthers eyeing a playoff berth in 2007. Harrison (6-2, 195, 4.6) returns at quarterback having produced almost 1,000 yards of offense in just seven starts in 2007. Johnson (5-8, 155, 4.7) will be a favorite target. The defense will be led by leading tackler Callender (6-2, 207, 4.7) and Morrow (5-9, 190, 4.8) Thomas Jefferson Patriots Coach: Mario DeSantiago 2007 Record: 1-9 Returning Lettermen: 15 Returning Starters: 5 Off./5 Def. Players to watch: QB Gilbert Briones, RB Luis Mares, WR Jorge Lira, FB Daniel Lopez, OL Alex Maya, OL Manuel Moreno, DL Miguel Pintor Outlook: The Patriots will need to have a breakout season if they're going to end a five-year playoff drought. Briones returns to run the Patriots' wing-T offense. He'll get the ball to Mares (5-7, 160, 4.6) who rushed for more than 700 yards and six TDs last season. Lincoln Tigers Coach: Jerry Sands 2007 Record: 7-4, DI bi-district qualifiers Returning Lettermen: 6 Returning Starters: 1 Off./5 Def. Players to watch: QB Don Canyon, RB Mason Hayes, WR Floyd Gaston, DB Ramaria Thompson, OL/DL Joey Holbert, OL Desmond Hilliard, WR Tori Rose, WR Steven Davis, DE Tony Battie, LB LaKeem Wilson, DB Andrew Taylor Outlook: The Tigers are a heavy contender for the district title and another playoff berth in 2008, especially if several Spruce players transfer in. Canyon enters his first season as starting quarterback, but he'll have help in the backfield. Veteran Hayes (5-9, 200, 4.5) amassed more than 1,000 yards and 14 TDs last season. Battie (6-0, 215, 4.6), Wilson (6-2, 205, 4.8), Thompson (5-9, 185, 4.6) and Taylor (6-0, 185, 4.6) Samuell Spartans Coach: Steve Pierce 2007 Record: 8-4, DI regional semifinalists Returning Lettermen: 9 Returning Starters: 6 Off./2 Def. Players to watch: QB Jalen Richardson, RB Randy Gipson, WR Robert Thompson, C Eric Killman, OL Kristian Graves, DL Mark Jones, DB Evyn Branch Outlook: The Spartans lost quite a few starters off last year's playoff team, but several key offensive starters should keep another playoff berth within reach. Richardson steps in at quarterback as a sophomore. Gipson will run behind a big offensive line anchored by Killman (6-3, 305) and Graves (6-2, 280). Thompson caught five TD passes last season. Woodrow Wilson Wildcats Coach: Bobby Estes 2007 Record: 4-6 Returning Lettermen: 18 Returning Starters: 4 Off./6 Def. Players to watch: QB Jackson Crawley, WR Patrick O'Toole, WR/FS Jonathon Sharpless, OL Gonzo Meza, C Abner Anaya, LB Hank Hlavaty, LB Everette Lee, LB Chad Polk Outlook: The Wildcats will rely on quarterback Crawley (6-3, 190, 4.9) who passed for almost 1,000 yards and nine TDs in 2007. O'Toole (5-11, 175, 4.6) will make a difference as a possession receiver. Sharpless will also see action on both side of scrimmage. VYPE Predicts 12-4A 1. Lincoln 2. Samuell 3. Hillcrest 4. Bryan Adams 5. Woodrow Wilson 6. Conrad 7. Thomas Jefferson District 15-4A Forney Jackrabbits Coach: Kevin Rush 2007 Record: 3-7 Returning Lettermen: 30 Returning Starters: 4 Off./5 Def. Players to watch: RB Peter Smith, QB Blake Branton, C Taylor Gideon, DE Preston Gale, DE Lawson Hartwick, K Tucker Burke, OL Ezra Roberson, Outlook: Forney fans think Smith (5-9, 180, 4.5) is one of the area's most underrated running backs. He's back after rushing for more than 1,500 yards and 20 TDs in 2007. He'll run behind an accomplished offensive line anchored by Gideon (6-2, 255, 4.9) and Roberson (6-1, 250). The Jackrabbits' defense will be led by Gale (6-3, 230, 4.6), Hartwick (6-1, 240, 4.7) and Kopper. Lancaster Tigers Coach: Andrew Jackson 2007 Record: 6-4 Returning Lettermen: 29 Returning Starters: 6 Off./11 Def. Players to watch: DB Demontre Hurst, RB Phillip Harvey, DB Josh Brown, LB Cordarius Golston, WR Freeman Kelley, QB Thedford Rodes, DB Quinten Hayes Outlook: The district favorites return all 11 defensive starters from a squad that barely missed the 2007 playoffs. The defense will feature seniors Hurst (6-0, 170, 4.4), Brown (6-0, 185, 4.5) and Golston 6-2, 215, 4.7), Hayes (6-1, 180). The Lancaster offense will depend on Rodes (5-11, 210, 4.7), a junior, and the one-two rushing punch of Harvey (5-9, 165, 4.5) and Hunt. Mesquite Poteet Pirates Coach: Charles Hesse 2007 Record: 4-6 Returning Lettermen: 22 Returning Starters: 6 Off./6 Def. Players to watch: DB Corey Graham, OL Jay Hogue, WR Skye Dawson, K Jason Fowler, OL Noah Vasquez, TE Josh Slater, QB Jake Sutton, QB Courtland Crumby Outlook: The Pirates hope of challenging for a playoff berth likely will lie on both front lines. Hogue (6-3, 270) and Vasquez (6-2, 290) lead an experienced offensive line. They'll be charged with giving time to a new quarterback, either Sutton (5-10, 175, 4.8) or possibly Crumby. Dawson (5-11, 175, 4.6) should live up to his name as one of the Pirates' top receivers. Red Oak Hawks Coach: Mike Shields 2007 Record: 10-3, DII regional finalists Returning Lettermen: 16 Returning Starters: 5 Off./6 Def. Players to watch: RB Nick Boyd, QB Grady Latimer, WR Seth Rushing, WR Ishmael Harrison, DE Chris Ellison, FS Victor Cooper, CB Dominique Richardson Outlook: The Hawks produced a breakthrough season in 2007 - winning their first district game in four years and ending a 23-year playoff drought - and hope to keep the momentum going this season. Graduating 27 seniors will present a challenge. Boyd (5-9, 185, 4.5) is a playmaking rusher who gained more than 1,700 yards and scored 22 TDs. Latimer gained good experience in the playoffs. Ellison (6-3, 225) recorded five sacks and earned first-team All-District honors, as did Cooper (5-10, 150, 4.6). Terrell Tigers Coach: Pete Gee 2007 Record: 1-9 Returning Lettermen: 18 Returning Starters: 4 Off./2 Def. Players to watch: QB Logan Smith, OL Marquee Johnson, TE James Husband, LB Melvin Lee, DB Joel Wren, DL Kelly Williams, DL Colton Bodine, DL Dwight Kennedy Outlook: The Tigers welcome back Smith (5-10, 170, 4.5), Kennedy (6-0, 240, 4.8) and Husband (6-1, 220, 4.8) on offense. The defense will be led by Lee (5-10, 185, 4.5), Williams (6-0, 200, 4.6), Bodine (6-0, 260, 4.9) and Kennedy, the district's Newcomer of the Year. West Mesquite Wranglers Coach: Mike Overton 2007 Record: 10-4, DII state quarterfinalists Returning Lettermen: 18 Returning Starters: 5 Off./3 Def. Players to watch: WR Skylar Scott, QB Trevone Boykin, LB Brian Crawford, K Justin Stout, WR Gary Owens, RB Justin Limbrick, WR Cornell Ridge, OL Arthur Brooks, OL Dominique Coffer Outlook: The Wranglers will rely on a young quarterback if they are to return to the playoffs. Boykin, who transferred from Mesquite High, appears to be the choice, though Owens (5-8, 160, 4.7) could work his way into playing time at QB and other skill positions. Overton also welcomes another transfer in Scott (6-2, 190) who brings his receiving skills from Laredo United. VYPE Predicts 15-4A 1. Lancaster 2. Red Oak 3. West Mesquite 4. Mesquite Poteet 5. Forney 6. Terrell 7. Mabank District 16-4A Corsicana Tigers Coach: Dave Henigan 2007 Record: 5-5 Returning Lettermen: 20 Returning Starters: 0 Off./4 Def. Players to watch: LB/RB Cody Evans, OLB Tremaigne Dickson, RB/WR JaVonti Hines, DT Kevin Harris, DE Troy McAdams Outlook: With no offensive starters returning from last year's squad, the Tigers' strength will have to be defense. Evans (5-8, 175, 4.7) returns as the team's leading tackler and may play some offense. Other experienced defenders include McAdams, Dickson (5-8, 170, 4.6) and Harris. Ennis Lions Coach: Sam Harrell 2007 Record: 7-5, DI area finalists Returning Lettermen: 20 Returning Starters: 5 Off./4 Def. Players to watch: QB/RB Deonte McDade, WR Kyle Guinyard, QB D.J Betik, OL Micah Kemp, DB Jason Vavra, WR/OLB Jayson King, DL Rob Rose, LB Chonston Williams Outlook: The Lions are not expecting a drop off from last season's playoff team. McDade is a playmaker, producing more than 2,100 yards and 24 TDs in 2007. He'll be on the field running the ball either as a quarterback or running back. Betik will also see some snaps at quarterback. Midlothian Panthers Coach: Robby Clark 2007 Record: 5-5 Returning Lettermen: 29 Returning Starters: 5 Off./5 Def. Players to watch: QB Bryce Petty, WR Dylan Fowler, WR Eddie Johnson, RB Rob Gray, LB Landon Freeman, DB Dante Floyd, DE Alonzo Newton Outlook: The Panthers believe this is the year to challenge for a district title. They'll be led by Petty (6-3, 205, 4.8), a recruiting target who passed for 2,100 yards and 16 TDs in 2007. Fowler (5-11, 180, 4.6) and Johnson (6-2, 185, 4.6) should be Petty's favorite targets. The Panthers defense could be the difference with veterans Freeman (5-11, 210, 4.6) and Floyd (5-8, 160, 4.6). Waxahachie Indians Coach: David Ream 2007 Record: 9-2, DI bi-district qualifier Returning Lettermen: 15 Returning Starters: 4 Off./2 Def. Players to watch: TE Drew Harrison, WR Sam Gagliano, QB Venique Benton, LB LaJordan Easley, OLB Alexander Simmons, OLB Dexter Chandler, DE Relus Chance, OT Taylor McCulloch, DE Ryan White Outlook: The Indians are more than capable of making a run for the district title despite looking for young players to step up at the offensive skill positions. Benton (5-8, 158, 4.5) takes over at QB with little game experience. He'll look to Harrison (6-4, 255) and Gagliano (5-9, 160, 4.5) at receiver. The Indians return an experienced linebacking corps in Easley (6-1, 205, 4.5), Chandler and Simmons. VYPE Predicts 16-4A 1. Waxahachie 2. Waco 3. Ennis 4. Waco Midway 5. Midlothian 6. Corsicana 7. Cleburne 8. Waco University