Projected Playoff Teams:
Monterey, San Angelo Central, Lubbock Coronado, Amarillo

Vitals:

    
     Once again, the favorites to claim the 2-5A district championship are the Plainsmen of Lubbock Monterey.  No matter how many players they do or don’t have returning, it seems that Monterey always fields quality, competitive teams.  Last year, despite returning just 15 lettermen, the Plainsmen went three rounds deep and gave Colleyville Heritage all they could handle.  This year’s squad returns just 11 lettermen from last year’s team, but 5 of those 11 played significant roles last fall.  WR Patrick McNamara (6’4 185), DT Kendall Lily (6’1 280), DL Chris Penick (6’1 235), K/WR Trey Cdebaca (5’7 165), and DB J.C. Deleon give the Plainsmen a very strong foundation heading into the new season.

   Although Monterey seems like a pretty safe pick for the top spot, there are several teams capable of challenging them.  Including among those capable teams are the San Angelo Central Bobcats.  Injuries plagued the ‘Cats last fall but they still managed to make the second round of the playoffs before losing a tight game with Odessa Permian.  The one positive that came out of all of the injuries is the fact that many underclassmen were able to gain valuable starting experience.  With 7 other full-time starters returning, the Bobcats appear to be in good shape to challenge for the district title.

    Another team that could challenge for the district’s top spot is the Lubbock Coronado Mustangs.  Coronado had an up and down 2006 campaign in which they beat Lubbock Monterey and nearly beat Amarillo, but ended up just 2-3 in district play and just 4-6 overall.  The Mustangs return more key players than any other team in the district with 5 All-District players returning.  QB Austin Zouzalik and WR’s Landon Quigley and Kholbye Walker all return to lead what should be a very explosive offense.  Coronado will have to improve the defense if they are to contend.  Last year’s D gave up 28.6 ppg.

    Not to be forgotten in the district race is Amarillo.  The Sandies had a great 2006 in which they made it 3 rounds deep in the playoffs before losing to eventual state champion, Cedar Hill.  21 lettermen return for second year coach Brad Thiessen including backfield mates RB Josh Cates (5’11 160) and Blake Morrison (5’7 160).  Both Cates and Morrison saw significant action last fall and figure to be the key players in Amarillo’s attack this fall.  In 3 of their 4 losses last year, the Sandies surrendered 45 points or more.  Their ability to shore up the defense could go a long way to determine just how good they’ll be this fall.

    Tascosa and Lubbock High appear to be well behind the rest of the district in terms of returning talent and playoff hopes.  Tascosa, although they went two rounds deep last fall, will have some significant rebuilding to do and considering that they went just 2-3 in district with last year’s team, things may be considerably more difficult this year.  Lubbock High is in, basically, the same boat except that they were winless in district last year and really weren’t competitive in any of the games.