High School Sports

Coach: John Settle (sixth year)

2007 Record: 5-5 (1-4)

Returning Starters

Offense: 8

Defense: 7

The System

Offense: Multiple

Defense: 3-4

What to expect

The Bears appear primed to return to the postseason after a one-year absence. The return of 15 starters gives Settle good reason to feel optimistic.

Junior quarterback Zach Bailey will pilot the offense after completing 158 of 294 passes for 2,034 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. He will look to improve on his touchdown-to-interception ratio after throwing 14 picks in '07.

The X-Factor

Receiver and defensive back Tristain Warren is hoping for a big senior season -- and so are Bears fans. As a junior, Warren caught 20 passes for 450 yards and five touchdowns.

On offense, Warren is expected to provide the Bears with big plays on offense. On defense, he is expected to shut down big plays by opposing receivers.

Coach: Paul Parsons

2007 Record: 8-4 (3-2)

Returning Starters

Offense: 8

Defense: 5

What to expect

The Bulldogs appear to be the league favorites heading in. Running back Tyler Tabor enters his third season in the backfield after rushing for 1,046 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

Coach: Darrell Piske

2007 Record: 1-9 (1-4)

Returning Starters

Offense: 7

Defense: 8

What to expect

The Eagles have fallen on hard times recently, but will be more experienced this season.

Coach: Booker T. Bowie (first year)

2007 Record: 5-5 (3-2)

Returning Starters

Offense: 4

Defense: 3

What to expect

Bowie takes over one of the area's most successful 3A teams, which missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2001. Though the Wildcats will be inexperienced during their attempt to rebound, the return of a starting quarterback is usually a good point at which to begin.

The X-Factor

Quarterback Olin Terry will provide leadership after rushing for 1,120 yards and 12 touchdowns, plus completing 56 of 123 passes for 784 yards and nine touchdowns with eight interceptions.

Coach: Kevin Anderson (second year)

2007 Record: 7-5 (3-2)

Returning Starters

Offense: 6

Defense: 6

The System

Offense: Spread

Defense: Multiple 50

What to expect

The Panthers have climbed out of the shadow of cross-town rival Palestine, reaching the playoffs for only the third time since beginning football in 1961. Most bets are on them repeating the feat, thanks to return of several key players.

The X-Factor

George White gives the Panthers a big target at receiver. Whitehouse (6-2, 168, 4.7 in the 40-yard dash) caught 41 passes for 624 yards and four touchdowns last season.

This season, he hopes to catch more than 40 passes again. He wants to up his receiving yardage to more than 1,000.