Season Preview - District 2-5A

Winning records in 2007: 2

Playoff teams in 2007: 6

District playoff record: 6-6

And the winner is: Odessa Permian

Permian's mystique and reputation helped it win more games before kickoff than opponents gave it credit for back in the Panthers' heyday. A little of that Mojo magic may have to return for the Panthers to have another legitimate state-championship caliber season.

The Panthers are more than capable of winning playoff games, but after losing 15 starters to graduation - including a dozen to college programs - Permian's depth definitely took a hit. Yet the cupboard is anything but bare for coach Darren Allman.

Massive offensive tackle Garrett Porter, a Texas commit, should anchor a solid offensive line, while receiver Ryan Rumbaugh is more than capable of hurting opposing secondaries after totaling alomost 800 yards last season. On defense, all-district caliber linebacker Jerome Leija is the catalyst and he always has a knack for making the sure tackle.

Mojo's talent isn't what it was a year ago, but the uniform still says Permian and that alone makes the Panthers the team to beat west of Abilene.

Don't bet against: Amarillo

Amarillo lost 37 lettermen from its playoff team from a year ago, but the Sandies have high hopes for 2008 - and with good reason.

Receiver Benny Shepard doesn't have blazing speed, but he's a big target on the outside and could be the most dangerous offensive weapon in the district. A big season could propel Shepard into a Division I prospect and help running back Thomas Fraser find even more running room. Fraser rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and should be leaned on even more with just two other returning starters back on offense.

The question mark for the Sandies is on defense. The D wasn't a big strength last season and will be on a bigger learning curve with just two starters back. Linebacker Matt McKay is a strong tackler and a capable leader who will be counted on to get the group together.

Amarillo is considered to be a middle of the pack team by many, but we see those offensive weapons and think the Sandies could push for a spot near the top.

Show me something: Midland Lee

Lee fought its way into the playoffs and proved its worth by knocking out Tarrant County power Mansfield Summit in the first round. That stubborness will be needed once again.

Running back Austin jumper should carry on the tradition of excellent Lee runners after his solid postseason debut, but the rest of the offense is relatively unknown.Defensive back Adrian Petile is one of the best in the region and a true shutdown corner and safety Zach Starnes is a solid hitter, but the rest of the defense is young and untested.

It's been a long time since the Rebels were plowing through the playoffs en route to state titles, yet Lee's reputation as a West Texas power remains intact. To expect the Rebels to produce another deep playoff run may be a stretch, but Lee fans should want more than .500 records year after year.

At the finish line:

Odessa Permian
Amarillo
Midland
Lubbock Monterey
Midland Lee
Lubbock Coronado
San Angelo Central
Amarillo Tascosa
Odessa
Lubbock

Date of Article: Wed Aug 06, 2008 10:21 am

Related Content:
- Amarillo  - Tascosa  - Lubbock  - Lubbock Monterey  - Midland Lee  - Midland  - Odessa  - Odessa Permian  - San Angelo Central