Converse Judson and Smithson Valley carried the banner for Region 4 yet again last year.  Judson and Smithson Valley have represented Region 4 in four state championship games since 2002.  Will anything change this year? 

    Judson returns enough experience to maintain their status as Region 4 favorites going into the season.  Senior QB Carl Bouldin directs the offense and senior LB Isaiah Carter leads the defense.  The Rockets need a running back to step up, and help keep the offense consistent.  Smithson Valley must replace a talented senior class, but a few key parts are back to aid the reloading process.  Senior QB Bryan Hill, junior RB Trent Rios and senior DE Matt Phister are the top returning players.  The biggest areas of need are WR, LB and DB.  The Rangers lost nearly all of their production at those positions and need new players to step up in order to stay in contention come playoff time.  As always, keep an eye on all of 26-5A.

    Two programs that return a considerable amount of experience, and could be ready to step up if either Judson or Smithson Valley don’t pan out, are San Antonio Jay and San Antonio O’Connor.  O’Connor played a close game against Judson in the second round last year, but lost 30-28.  Senior QB T.J. Horny is very talented, and has a chance to lead the Panthers into late November or possibly December.  Jay returns one of the city’s top rushers in Myron Brew, and also have key players back in the secondary.  Jay and O’Connor are both teams to really keep an eye on.

    Also, Westlake is back in Region 4 for the first time in four years.  The Chaps return a lot of firepower on offense and should definitely be a threat to advance from the region later in the season.  Senior QB Nick Foles and RB Max Minor will be tough to stop.  Seguin will also be a dangerous team with the experience they have back.  The Matadors should be especially strong on defense, and can take the next step if the offense is improved.

     Clark and Marshall could cause some trouble out of 28-5A.  Like Jay, Clark returns a proven backfield stand out in Shawn Dickey.  Marshall will have an experienced team also, and have proven they can hang around the playoff bracket a long time when they have a strong team.

    La Joya (30-5A) looks like the strongest team in the Rio Grande Valley this year.  Senior RB Juan Martinez earned all-state recognition last year.  Harlingen should also field another good team.  In Laredo, United and Nixon should be the top two teams again this year.

    Judson and Smithson Valley are the overall favorites here until someone proves otherwise.  Jay and O’Connor are two programs capable of stepping up and making a run at the region as is Clark.  The top half of 28-5A is strong this year, and it seems like anything could happen in 26-5A.