Vitals:

    The Rangers were stunned in bi-district against San Marcos in 2006, and will be out to get rid of that sour taste in 2007.  This program has firmly established itself as one of the best in Class 5A since moving up from 4A in 2002.  This 2007 group returns proven talent, but also must fill sizeable holes left by graduation.

    Most of Smithson Valley's experience returns on the offensive side of the ball.  The offensive line will be one of the best in the state.  Seniors Thomas Parsons, James Fry and Shawn Wyatt anchor the Rangers up front.  They will be blocking for one of the state's top running backs, senior Trent Rios.  Rios has been a key contributor in the ground game since his sophomore year.  The main question is finding a new QB.  Most of the defense's experience returns in the secondary.

    The Rangers should definitely be expected to fight for the 26-5A championship, and it's never wise to put anything past them when it comes to the playoffs.  On paper, it looks like they have definite work to do in order to meet their usual high standards but this is a program that doesn't seem to miss a beat regardless of the voids left by graduation.  Keys for the Rangers will be shoring up the defense and also finding an  answer at QB.  The early season roadtrip against The Woodlands could be tricky, and the trip to Reagan, who gave the Rangers their only district loss last year, could prove to be the district decider.

The Bottom Line:

2007 Schedule

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Forecast:

One of state's best OLs,
Proven talent at RB and WR,
Consistently strong program

Inexperienced QB
Inexperienced Defense

Finish in 265 top three at least,
Contend in Region 4

Top Players: