Gridiron Guide 07- The Darkhorses

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* These are the teams we feel are flying below the radar, but could possibly emerge as threats in the region and beyond in the playoffs.  Don't underestimate these teams. 

Odessa Permian- The Panthers reached the third round last year, and are making progress under the new coaching staff.  This will be year three with the new staff in place.  Permian returns a talented nucleus of players from last year to build the 2007 effort around.

Grapevine – The Mustangs return plenty of firepower from last year’s squad that took DeSoto to the brink.  Matt Harbin and Kale Gelles lead a potent offense.  If they can improve on defense, they are capable of making a run at the region.

Coppell – The Cowboys were as hot as any team in Texas at the start of last year and they return a ton of talent.  With new coach Bob Shipley at the helm, the future is very bright for Coppell.  If the offense can simply take care of the ball, Coppell can play with anyone.
 

Lewisville- If the Farmers can find some offense, they will be a dangerous team to play because their defense is one of the state's best.  Patrick Bonenberger and Jason Miner lead an outstanding LB corps.

Arlington Bowie- Bowie surprised by making the playoffs last year, and return many players from that successful team.  Bowie's always had talent, and if that's the first taste of what is to come under the new coaching staff then we should see Bowie continue to rise.

South Grand Prairie – The Warriors have a great junior class who may be a year away from contending statewide, but depending on how the youngsters are able to come together, they could really turn some heads.

Plano East-  East must reload a defense that featured several talented seniors a year ago.  If the Panthers can overcome what they lost on defense, they will be a very good team who can progress a few rounds or more in the post-season.  The offense should be in good shape.

Plano – This year’s Plano team looks somewhat similar to their 2005 squad that followed a 4-6 season with a 13-1 explosion.  Plano returns 13 starters including stud RB Rex Burkhead and 7 starters from one of the areas top defenses.

South Garland – Mickey Moss’ crew has a ton of talent as usual and they have a three-year starter at QB and 12 returning starters overall.  The junior class is very strong and depending on how quickly they adjust, the Colonels could really surprise.

Tyler Lee-  Lee's dissapeared a little since winning state in 2004, but this is probably the most talented team they've had since they won it all . The Raiders have one of the state's best OLs, and the talented around that unit is very good.

Cy Fair – Of all the unranked teams, the Bobcats are by far the most likely to emerge as a powerhouse.  Led by legendary RB Sam McGuffie, the Bobcats will be very tough to beat.  Their only question mark is on defense, where they have to replace nearly everyone.  If the defense turns out to be anything like last year’s, Cy Fair could win Region 3

Cy Ridge- The Rams return most of their starting line up on offense, and could emerge in the Region 3 playoffs if new starters step up on defense.  This team will not be an easy out come playoff time with Russell Shepard at QB.

Houston Stratford- Stratford returns one of the top quarterbacks in the country, Andrew Luck, and could make a run in Region 3.  If the Spartans are at least average defensively, they have a chance to win two or more playoff games.

Houston Westside- Westside returns quite a bit of talent from their playoff team a year ago.  The Wolves are adjusting to a new coach, but have the talent to cause problems for opponents.
 

San Antonio O'Connor- The Panthers pushed state ranked SA Reagan to the brink in the playoffs last year, and return enough experience to mount a strong challenge in 2006. 

San Antonio Warren- Warren didn't finish far behind O'Connor in district, and return a similar amount of players.