Projected Playoff Teams:
Abilene, Permian, Lee, Midland

Vitals:

    
     Abilene once again enters the year as the favorites to win the “Little SWC.”  Abilene has been one of the most consistent programs in the state over the past several years, but after their 0-4 start a year ago, most people wrote them off.  The Eagles got things turned around just in time for district play and battled their way to an undefeated district record.  This year Abilene figures to be even stronger.  The Eagles return 7 All-District players and at least 5 other starters who played key roles in their remarkable 2006 turnaround.  Abilene’s defense was uncharacteristically average last fall and they’ll have to get much better if they expect to go deeper in the playoffs.  However, Abilene’s offensive firepower and overall experience should give them more than enough to run through the district undefeated once again.

    Odessa Permian was the only district team to come within a touchdown of Abilene last year and they look to be the most well-equipped team to challenge the Eagles this fall.  Permian made it back to the postseason for the first time since 1998 and, for a half, put a scare in the mighty Dragons of Southlake Carroll.  Although they’ll have to replace many key players, Mojo returns 5 All-District players as well as QB Taylor Byrd, who performed very well in split time last fall.   The Panthers main need is to improve defensively after surrendering 24 ppg a year ago.  With DE Austin Schaeffer and LB’s Ross Forrest, Alex Lujan, and Andrew Amoyah all coming back, the Mojo defense has a great foundation on which to build.  Look for Amoyah to see time in the offensive backfield as well.

    Midland Lee is another team that will be in the mix this fall.  Like Permian, the Rebels return 5 All-District players, but Lee has a lot more ground to make up before they are contending for the district title; Lee defeated just one playoff team in 2006 and that was first-round opponent Burleson.  All-purpose athlete Corey Petro (QB, WR, KR) and RB Amuiel Carr return to lead the Rebel offense, while three-year starter Kyle Logsdon returns to lead the defense.  Lee should have no problem making the playoffs, but they’ll need to improve across the board if they expect to make any noise once they get there.

    Although both Odessa and Cooper return more players, Midland has to be the favorite to take the fourth and final playoff spot.  Coach Yenzer’s teams seem to be competitive regardless of how many players they lose from the previous year.  The Dawgs do return 6 starters and 3 All-District players, which is two more than they returned last year, but for the first time in awhile, they’ll be without a “Batch” at running back.  Jr. RB Darius Miller is a speedy young back who is likely to lead the Midland High offensive attack.

    Abilene Cooper returns several key offensive players including RB Joe Joe Jones and WR’s Timmy Dixon and Ricky Stevenson, but they’ll be without record-setting QB Zach Stewart and without a proven, reliable defense.  Cooper gave up 33 ppg last fall and that’s a recipe for disaster no matter how good your offense might be.  Without a major defensive improvement Cooper will likely find itself outside of the playoffs once again.

    Odessa High has the best returning QB in the district in David Camacho.  Camacho stepped up and did a great job filling in for Mason Munguia, who was lost for the season after an ACL tear in spring ball.  The Bronchos also return 33 other lettermen from last year’s 2-8 team and they are capable of springing an upset, but making the postseason could be very tough.