Division I
District 1-1A
1. Miami: A year ago the Warriors gave Follett fits and grabbed second in the district. Another year of experience plus a bigger, stronger Haiden Thompson and menacing fullback Luke Wheeler should propel the Warriors to a district title.
2. Follett: The Panthers lost some major talent but David Meeks and Osiel Ventura will lead a retooled offense under new head coach John Anderson. Miami appears to have the upper hand in this district but Follett won’t relinquish the district title without a fight.
3. McLean: Speaking of fight, the Tigers have plenty of that as they play hard under head coach David Donnell. The never give up attitude in this squad could surprise teams and don’t be shocked if they grab a playoff spot in what will be a very competitive district.
4. White Deer: For many years the Bucks had some of the best Six-Man teams in the area, but times are tough right now. With only 12 players in the system White Deer will need someone to step up and give Brodie Weathers help if they want to stay out of the cellar.
Best Game
Follett at Miami, 7 p.m. Oct. 20
This game will likely determine the district champion and Miami is looking for revenge after falling 60-46 on the road last year. Follett will want to control the tempo in this game and not let Thompson run wild. Warrior Field is one of the best backdrops in the Texas Panhandle for a football game and this will be one of the best games to go see.
District 2-1A
1. Happy: Despite losing four seniors who grabbed All-State honors the Cowboys will simply be reloading, not rebuilding. Quay Hodges defines the style of play Happy likes as the two-time All-Stater. Hodges is tough as a boot who likes to get physical in the trenches. This squad will look to grab another district title but that will just be the first step in what they hope will be another deep run.
2. Nazareth: Like Happy, the Swifts lost a ton of talent to graduation. However, last year’s deep run allowed Tyler Goodwin to get valuable experience for many players. With Kayle Rogers upfront and Will Young directing the offense Nazareth is in good shape for another playoff appearance, but they have to be careful to not overlook Claude on the road.
3. Claude: The Mustangs surprised many last year with a strong start to the season but injuries and a tough district was too much to overcome. There’s a quiet confidence in Claude that this year could be different. Look for the Mustangs to be a tough out behind Jayden Blandford who is a load to bring down.
4. Wildorado: Injuries hurt coach Rance Barnett’s squad last year as they found the road tough all season long. Unfortunately, despite fielding a better squad than last year, this is a solid district to try and get wins in. Aden Woodard will have to be a one-man show to give the Mustangs a shot at surprising other teams.
Best Game
Nazareth at Claude, 7 p.m. Oct. 27
For Claude to grab a playoff spot they will have to take out the Swifts at home. The size of the Naz front may be too much for the Mustangs to overcome but Brantlee Lemons’ squad will be up for this game looking to pull the upset in the friendly confines of Mustang Stadium.
District 4-1A
1. Knox City: Expectations are sky-high in Knox County as the Greyhounds return all six starters amidst a top ten ranking in the state. A year of experience will do wonders for the Hounds as they look to stake a claim as the best team in Region I and would love to exact a measure of revenge down the road on Happy in the area round.
2. Valley: Injuries a year ago decimated a team that was poised to go far. Those injuries allowed the Patriots to play a lot of younger guys and gain valuable experience. With Tucker Schlueter anchoring both lines this team will be much better than prognosticators expect and is my dark horse candidate in Region I.
3. Spur: Only one starter on the defensive side of the ball returns so the Bulldogs will look totally different from prior years. How quickly a whole host of new starters gel will determine their success and this district may be too much for them to find the playoffs.
4. Northside: The Indians would likely be contenders in some other districts across the state but the road to the playoffs in this loaded league is littered with quality teams.
Best Game
Knox City at Valley, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27
The two best teams in the district will square off for the district title. On paper, Knox City will be the heavy favorites, but the Patriots are tough at home and could be sporting a wave of confidence heading into this one. Both teams will be tough outs during the playoffs.
Division II
District 1-1A
1. Silverton: A year ago the Owls lost at home, 54-52, on a final minute touchdown by the Groom Tigers. Expectations are high again for Silverton and Groom. Sawyer Francis is one of the best players in the Amarillo-area and that will make the difference in deciding the district winner.
2. Groom: How quickly the Tigers adjust without Stephen Kuehler will determine this season. Last year they surprised Silverton at home and went two rounds deep in the playoffs. On paper, the Owls are the favorites but never count out Tory Peet and his crew. Look for Groom to be a dark horse team no one wants to play by mid-season.
3. Lefors: Cameron Armstrong’s crew will play hard and should be competitive in most games this year. Five starters on both sides of the ball return and if they can get on a roll and build some confidence, they could surprise the pundits in the playoffs.
4. Hedley: This looks to be a rebuilding year for the green and white. Josh Booth has graduated so the Owls will need to find a playmaker quickly to compete in the district.
5. Darrouzett: Last year was another tough season for the Longhorns but hope springs eternal as seven lettermen return. A late October home game against Hedley will be the focus as they look to grab a district win and avoid the cellar.
Best Game
Silverton at Groom, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13
A year ago, Groom went to Owl territory and walked away with a big district win. Silverton will want to return the favor, but the Tigers are tough competitors at home. Sawyer Francis will be the key in this game. If the Owls can break him loose consistently it could be a fun bus ride home.
