After seven years of playoff drought (1999-2005), Permian has returned to form with back-to-back 13-game seasons.  The Panthers went 9-4 in 2006 and followed up with a stellar 12-1 effort in 2007.  Last year, Permian had one of the state’s most efficient teams and recorded an average victory margin of 27 points (43 ppg-16 papg).  Permian’s playoff losses in 2006 and 2007 came against the eventual state champions (Southlake Carroll and Euless Trinity).  This is year four under the direction of head coach Darren Allman and his staff.  The 2008 Panthers are led by 23 returning lettermen including seven starters (4 offense, 3 defense). 

          A first order of business this off-season is preparing Taylor Byrd’s replacement at quarterback.  Senior Trevor Adams (6’1 180) and senior Alan Castillejos (6’1 180) are the top candidates to lead Permian’s shotgun-based offense.  Castillejos is a versatile player who also handles kicking and punting duties.  He recorded an interception on defense last year as well (safety).  Adams went 13-23 for 180 yards in back-up action last year.  Permian won’t be void of experience at this position.

          Senior running back Sherard Ray will be a primary option in the running game this year after sharing the load in 2007.  Ray averaged just over 7 yards per carry on 58 carries last year (408 yards, 5 TDs).  Senior receiver Ryan Rumbaugh adds more big play ability to the offense.  Rumbaugh averaged 16 yards per catch as a junior (44 receptions, 710 yards and 4 TDs).  Seniors Andrew Bell (6’1 170) and Brian Nunez (5’10 170) are two more downfield options.  Senior TE Shai Biggerstaff (6’0 220) is also experienced.  

          The offense is helped by the return of three key players on the offensive line.  Senior OL Garrett Porter (6’6 300) is a favorite for All-State honors.  Porter committed to the University of Texas this off-season.  Along with Porter, Permian returns seniors Sam Brown (6’2 335) and Zach Smith (6’2 250).  The offense will miss the graduated talent, but Permian returns enough experienced players to field another strong unit in 2008.

          One of the strongest areas on Permian’s team last year was the defensive line.  Ross Forrest (TCU) and Austin Shaffer (UTEP) have left for the college ranks, but senior Samson McClane (5’10 220) gives the Panthers some experience to build around.  Senior DL Tyler McCann (6’0 230) will be a key player this season. 

          At linebacker, Permian returns one of its top performers from last season in senior Jerome Leija (6’0 190).  Leija recorded 101 tackles last season.  Senior DB Anthony McDowell (5’10 160) leads the secondary. Versatile players like Castillejos and Nunez will also contribute in the secondary. 

          Permian has taken steps in a positive direction the last three years, and will aim to continue that progression in 2008.  Permian is a clear favorite in the newly shaped West Texas district (no Abilene), but road trips are always tricky.  Permian will scrimmage El Paso Socorro before opening against a talented Duncanville team in Abilene on August 29^th.  The leadership of last year’s senior class will probably be the toughest thing for Permian to replace.  However, enough experienced players return to give the Panthers a solid foundation to build on this season and continue to move forward.  
 

2008  Team  Outlook

Pre-Season State Top 25:    20th Pre-Season Rank (Region):  8 (1) Pre-Season Rank (District):  1 (2) Returning Offensive Starters: 4 RB Sherard Ray (Sr.) WR Ryan Rumbaugh (Sr.) TE Shai Biggerstaff (Sr.) OL Garrett Porter (Sr.) Returning Defensive Starters: 3 LB Jerome Leija (Sr.) CB Anthony McDowell (Sr.) S Joey Mendez (Sr.) All-State Players (Team): OL Garrett Porter (1st) WR Ryan Rumbaugh (3rd) LB Jerome Leija (2nd) Returning All-District Players: WR Ryan Rumbaugh (Sr.) TE Shai BIggerstaff (Sr.) OL Garrett Porter (Sr.) LB Jerome Leija (Sr.) DB Anthony McDowell (Sr.) ATH Alan Castillejos (Sr.) Other Players to Watch: QB Trevor Adams (Sr.) OL Sam Brown (Sr.) OL Zach Smith (Sr.) WR Andrew Bell (Sr.) WR Brian Nunez (Sr.) DL Samson McClane (Sr.) DL Tyler McCann (Sr.) S Joey Mendez (Sr.)   2008 Schedule (Stadium): 8/29     Duncanville (Shotwell)                  TBA 9/5       San Angelo Central (Ratliff)          7:30 9/12     @ Lubbock Monterey (Lowery)  8:00 9/19     Amarillo (Ratliff)                              7:30 9/26     OPEN 10/3     @ Odessa (Ratliff)                           7:30 10/10   Midland Lee (Ratliff)                       7:30 10/17   @ Lubbock (Lowery)                     8:00 10/24   Lubbock Coronado (Ratliff)          7:30 10/31   @ Amarillo Tascosa (Bivins)        7:30 11/7     @ Midland (Grande Comm.)         7:30 Opponents Combined Record: 49-69 Projected 2008 Record: 10-0 Key Games (Rank): vs. Duncanville @ Lubbock Monterey @ Midland Strength of Schedule (Rank): 117.50 (133) Unit Rankings: #4 Offensive Line   The Bottom Line: Strengths: Key players back in most units Offensive Line Great coaching staff Weaknesses: Must replace very productive skill players Overall experience