Projected Playoff Teams:
Stratford, Aldine, Eisenhower, Nimitz

Vitals:

    
     Stratford swept through this district last season with a perfect 7-0 record, and start 2007 as the favorite to repeat despite losing a number of senior starters.  The Spartans start at number one in our projections because seniors QB Andrew Luck and DL Jimmy Burge are two key senior leaders that Stratford can build this team around.  Both players earned first team all-district honors last season.  Luck was named district MVP, and is an obvious favorite to claim that award again this season.  Stratford didn’t have many underclassmen at all on their team last year, but the ones who do return will be expect to make big contributions.  For example, junior RB Tim Graves was the only sophomore on the varsity roster in 2006, and now he’ll be expected to be the man in the backfield.

    Each Aldine school returns some key experience, and one of them could emerge to challenge Stratford’s place atop the district.  Aldine High finished two games back of first place in 06, and they’ll look to push for the title this season with Daron Thomas returning at quarterback.  Leading rusher Otis Wiley also returns.  Senior linebacker Denarious Marshall anchors the defense. 

    Eisenhower fielded a very young team overall last season, and should be improved this season with added experience.  Junior defensive back and punter Craig Loston leads the crop of returning talent.  Loston has been a varsity starter since his freshman season.  Junior backfield Kenneth Guiton and Curtis McGregor are two of the best on offense for the Golden Eagles.  Junior WR Greg Timmons made 1^st team all-district in 2006.  Senior defensive lineman Roderick Davis is one of the best players in the district along with senior LB Ed Wright.  Keep an eye on this Ike team.

    Nimitz is another who can finish anywhere from first through fourth.  The top half of this district could get very crowded.  Senior LB Wilmaron Mosquera is the Cougars’ top player.  Fellow all-district LB senior Cedric Norwood adds more experience..  Senior QB Michael Thomas is another returning starter.  Macarthur doesn’t return as much as Nimitz and Eisenhower, but they can definitely contend for a playoff spot.  Senior RB Anthony Conner gives the Generals a definite chance to claim a playoff spot.

    Memorial started a very senior heavy line-up last season, and will take the field with many new faces this season.  Look for junior DB Michael Ratterree to have a strong season.  Ratterree started as a sophomore in 06, and could be the next top defensive back for the Mustangs.    Spring Woods and Northbrook will likely be on the bottom looking up again this season.  Stratford is the favorite, but this race could get very entertaining.  The Aldine schools look well positioned to pick up the majority of the playoff spots.