Projected Playoff Teams:
Garland, Rockwall, South Garland, Rowlett

Vitals:

    
     A year ago, the 10-5A race was supposed to be nothing more than a coronation march for Garland, but a funny thing happened along the way.  Rockwall surprised just about everyone except themselves in beating heavily-favored Garland in the first district contest and went on to run the table, winning the district title outright.

     Though this year’s title could be claimed by any one of three teams, we’re going to go with Garland as our favorite to come out on top.  The Owls return 34 lettermen and 8 starters from one of their best teams in school history.  RB/FS Jacques Caldwell, DE Chancey Aghayere, LB Steven Baker, and WR/DB Jarrett Ben are but a few of the outstanding athletes Garland will put on the field this fall.  If the Owls can successfully replenish their offensive line and if Josh Mouse can be an efficient passer, the Owls are more than capable of winning the district and advancing several rounds deep in the playoffs.

     Last year’s district champs, Rockwall, are in great shape to contend again this year.  District Offensive MVP Braden Smith returns as the Yellowjackets’ QB and he’ll be joined by 9 other returning starters from last year’s 8-3 team.  The Yellowjackets’ biggest concern will be replacing the backfield tandem of Marcus Mathis and Tony Dabney, two of the area’s top players.  If the new backs step up, Rockwall will be a very tough team to beat.

     South Garland is a team to keep an eye on.  The Colonels had a disappointing 2006 season, finishing just 4-7, but the future is bright.  Star QB Nick Florence will be back for his third year as the Colonels’ starter.  Florence had a great 2006 season and with a bevy of weapons at his disposal, he’s primed for an even better 2007.  12 starters (6 off, 6 def) return for South Garland including RB Terry Asante, WR’s Cornelius Wilson and Courtney Osborne, LB Austin Moss, and blue-chip safety Joseph Ibiloye.  South is also loaded with talented underclassmen and depending on how well they come together, this team is actually good enough to contend for the district title.

     It’s unlikely than any of the rest of the district will break into the top three, but that’s not to say that there aren’t some good teams among them.  Rowlett and Naaman Forest appear to be the best bets to occupy the fourth playoff spot.  Rowlett returns 40 lettermen including their top 4 receivers, RB Austin Davis and a total of 3 All-District players.  Naaman Forest is an interesting team because of how incredibly young they were last fall.  42 of last year’s 56 varsity players return for the Rangers including 4 All-District players and a talented 2009 crop which features RB Jonathan Miller, WR Derrick Osborn, and DB Terrance Bullitt.

     Sachse, North Garland, and Lakeview Centennial appear to have had much better chances to compete for a playoff slot last year, as none of those teams return significant experience.  Sachse’s RB Brandon Mondy is one of the top players in the district, but he’ll need plenty of help in order to get the Mustangs to the postseason.  North Garland returns 4 All-District players but only returns 12 lettermen overall.  Last year’s team was very talented, but heavily senior-laden.  Finally, Lakeview Centennial returns star DB Corrigan Powell, but will be without QB Darren Dillard who was outstanding throughout a tough couple of seasons.  The Patriots will be very hard-pressed to replace Dillard and compete in this strong district.