2004 DISTRICT 3-5A PREVIEW

The Abilene Eagles will return 12 starters (five on offense and seven on defense) for the upcoming district run.  Running back Kobey Lewis will return at running back.  The strength of the Eagles will be their defense.  Robert Beebe, Marcus Brooks, Adam Patterson, and Lane Miller will make life tough for opponent offenses across the line.  Aaron Thompson and Chase Churchill will watch the middle of the field, with Travis Walding and Daven Mallard protecting the long ball.
The district may witness a slower Eagle team than last year's squad.

The Lee Rebels will return 52 seniors to an experienced team.  Junior running back Trent Hines could be the spark the Rebel offense needs in 2004's running game.  Senior QB Jamie McCoy will lead the offensive attack, with Aaron Powell in the backfield.  The defense returns five of its starters.  Joe Brito will lead a stout defensive line.  Linebacking duties will ride on the shoulders of Mike Cast, Randall Brockinton and Anthony Reasno.  The secondary will give the district a handful, powered by Chevar Bryson and Josh Walker.  Lee will be returning six starters on offense and five on defense.
Questionables:  The receiving corp.

The Midland Bulldogs have the tools to unleash a powerful pass and catch in returning QB Jordan Melugin, WR Conner Wood, and WR J.W. Wilson.  RB Baron Batch will be implemented to keep the opposing linebackers near the line of scrimmage.  Could be a good year for the Bulldogs to use the option set.  MHS will have a pretty salty defense in DL Austin Burns, DL Justin Hamilton, DL Jeremy Ruiz, and DE Mike Garza across the front line.  Linebackers Kelvin Williams, Matt Garza, and Jake Cswaykus will back them up.  Jeremy Burns and Michael Zant will guard against the pass.
Questionables:  Inexperience of returning varsity starters.

The Cooper Cougars not only deal with changing coaches, but will also face inexperience on the offensive side of the ball.  The Cougars return nine starters (five on offense and four on defense).  As with the Eagles, Cooper will rely a lot on their strength... defense.  Linebackers Quenton Brown and Willie Kenshaw will threaten most of the running games, with Shane Zen and Rodney Lewis helping out on the defensive line.
Questionables:  The Cougars will have to deal with the inexperienced good handed receivers and defensive backs.

Odessa Bronchos will be returning four offensive and two defensive starters from last year.  Trent Golden will be the bulk of the offensive attack.  The OHS strength comes from its offensive and defensive linemen Matt Lange, Scott Lange, E.J. Cannon, Marcus Cannon, and Shane Brady.  Matt Stuart will anchor the linebacking duties.  The Bronchos should field a quicker team, but may lack possession of enough key position players.

The Permian Panthers have plenty of weapons to attack the district, but will they be in sync come October?  The Panthers will return starters QB Shea Smith, WR Adam Podzemny, and RB Bradley McDaniel on offense... added to offensive arsenal is TE Rayford Wright, RB Donavon Earl, WR Josh Stephens, and WR/DB Daniel Durell.  Wright will probably double on the defensive side, where his intimidating attitude will mojovate fellow teammates.  In the Friday Night Lights movie, Boobie Miles took on the name Terminator-X.  Come district time, expect Wright to carry the nickname 'The Intimidator'.  DL Arvin Medlock, LB Ray Gamboa, DB Tyler Melton, and DB Ryan Barcena will strengthen the defense.
Questionable:  The Panthers will need to concentrate on elevating its offensive line's blocking abilities through the non-district schedule.  Will Mojo develop a second receiving choice for Smith?