2. Randall: Randall’s stellar 11-2 season was overshadowed by Canyon ISD neighbor West Plains, but the Raiders will again make people take notice, Quarterback Kaison Benton will lead a strong aerial attack with Tayren Combs as his preferred receiver. Linebacker Drayven Patton anchors what might be the district’s best defense. What could determine if the Raiders can surpass West Plains is if they can develop a strong running game and a physical offensive line to fit coach Dan Sherwood’s style and take some heat off Benton and the passing game.

3. Dumas: If there’s a sleeper in the district who could break the CISD grip on the top two spots, it’s the Demons. In a district full of strong quarterbacks, junior Colton Mills has the most football ahead of him, and could turn out to be the most accomplished of the group before he graduates. Wide receiver Blake Robinson and running back Zhastian Jara are reliable weapons. The question is how coach Aaron Dunnam will retool a defense which returns only three starters from last season.

4. Canyon: The Eagles have something to prove after missing the playoffs last year, and that should provide enough incentive for the returning players this year following a .500 season. They have good size up front on both sides of the ball, especially in two-way lineman Zach Garcia. However, finding a starting quarterback and developing some depth before district play will determine whether or not the Eagles soar into the postseason.

5. Hereford: After losing a lot of seniors to graduation, it will be a challenge for the Whitefaces to repeat last year’s success of reaching the area round of the playoffs. Kalub Ramirez is the district’s most experienced quarterback this side of Macon, but he’s going to need some help with only two other starters returning on offense. The defense will need to step up early while the offense develops.

6. Pampa: The Harvesters showed signs of being a more physical team last season and that trend should continue in coach Floyd White’s second year leading the program. Running back Max Neff is looking to complete a stellar four-year career and lead the offense. The defense should be better as well, but experience and depth over the long haul are the question marks in district.

Best game

Oct. 24: West Plains vs. Randall

West Plains beat Randall 43-21 last season for a historic win which propelled the Wolves to their titanic run, and when they meet again on Oct. 24 at Happy State Bank Stadium, a district title could be on the line.

Division II

1. Lubbock Estacado: The Matadors were unbeaten in winning the district last season and they return the talent necessary to repeat. With skill players such as wide receiver Cedric Ross, who has committed to Colorado State, and running back James Bozeman, Estacado will beat a lot of teams with sheer speed offensively. The defense will be just as fast and capable of making plays. Estacado returns 14 starters, which should be enough raise expectations that the Matadors can make it further than last year’s area round playoff run.

2. Perryton: In their second year under coach Josh Hernandez, the Rangers look primed to improve on last season’s trip to the playoffs. Junior Cooper Schilling might be the district’s best returning passer after throwing for 2,000 yards last season, and he only figures to get better, especially throwing to 1,200-yard receiver Gordo Estrada. Linebacker Cash Wheeler headlines the defense, which will likely have to step up a bit for Perryton to be better and perhaps even threaten Estacado for the district’s top spot.

3. Lubbock-Cooper Liberty: As a new program last season, Liberty returns just about everybody from a team which finished 2-8 and barely missed the playoffs. Colton Richard appears to be a capable quarterback and Isaac Rodriguez was a force up front on defense, along with defensive back Jaxon Thomas. The Patriots should show improvement as the season progresses, and perhaps enough so to challenge for one of the district’s top two playoff spots.

4. Levelland: The Lobos finished second in the district last season and return half of their starting lineup. It helps that quarterback Ethan Salazar returns to lead the offense and has a solid group of receivers. Levelland has a lot of two-way starters which shows the team has a lot of grit, but how they hold up on the season, especially defensively, may determine how high the Lobos will ascend up the district standings this season.

5. Borger: Coach Dane Hamrick got the Bulldogs into the playoffs his first season but repeating that feat will be a challenge in his second season. Borger only returns seven starters from last year and will be the least experienced team in the district. Quarterback Hunter Randles should be improved and will get some help from running back Dyllon Yankee. The Bulldogs will have to grow up quick to have an impact.

Best game

Oct. 16: Perryton at Lubbock Estacado

These two teams meet at Lubbock on Oct. 16, a Thursday night (one of two Thursday games for Perryton) in the second week of district play, with the winner getting an upper hand on a title.