Abilene won its first state championship in 53 years and the chance for a repeat is a definite possibility. Replacing starters on the offensive line will be a priority. The Sims’ cousins are back for their senior seasons after leading the Eagles’ offense during their title run. Herschel was the 5A Offensive MVP last season after rushing for 2,352 yards and 33 scores and led the team in receiving with 436 yards on 27 receptions and five TDs. He also had two kickoff returns for TDs and is agruable the top running back in Texas. He committed to Oklahoma State in April. Ronnell was outstanding in his first season as the starting quarterback, passing for 1,742 yards and 18 TDs while rushing for 1,181 yards and 17 scores. He was the state title game Offensive MVP. Tony Curtis is a nice change-of-pace at running back and rushed for around 1,000 yards. Darius Joseph and Tyler McGary at receiver provide deep threats in the play-action passing game. Ben Kittley will be the leader on the offensive line after earning all-state honors. A good nucleus returns on defense with Anthony Carriola and Sawyer Tallent back as starting linebackers. Chris Horton and Josh Jones will compete for the other starting spot and Jake Brooks returns at free safety.

The Bronchos won the district title last season but must replace a three-year starter at quarterback. Bradley Marquez returns at running back after a torn elbow ligament ended his season in the fifth game. He rushed for 418 yards and 6 TDs in those five games but added for 1,742 yards and 21 TDs as a sophomore. He should be in top form entering his senior season and has verbally commited to Texas Tech.. Ivan Subia filled in during his absence and rushed for 452 yards and two scores as a sophomore. Johnny Campos and Jon Lara bring experience at wide receiver. Andrew Lopez enters his third year starting at left tackle, and Cody Dykstra enters his second year on the right side. Ben Cline started 12 games at guard but will take over duties at center. Dejion Rangel and DarriusSamuels return defensively after all-district seasons. Rangel posted 44 tackles, five sacks and nine TFL from defensive end while Samuels recorded 72 tackles, one INT and seven passes defended. Alex Salgado will be counted on at linebacker to provide stability. Three-fourths of the secondary is back in Samuels, Quintela and Mirajez.

Defeated Dumas 52-14 in 4A Div. I bi-district. Improved to 8-3. Advances to face EP Del Valle (9-2) at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland.

Finished the season 10-3 and advanced three rounds deep in the playoffs, losing to Everman for the second consecutive year. Started the season 7-0 and defeated then-No. 2 ranked Denison in pre-district.

Defeated Midland Lee 49-27 in 5A Div. II bi-district. Improved to 11-0. Advances to Area Round to face Abilene (10-0) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland.

Defeated Pampa 41-9 in 4A Div. II bi-district. Improved to 10-1. Advances to Area Round to face EP Irvin (6-5) at 2 p.m. Saturday in Andrews.

The Panthers lost three of their first five games in 2009 but won six consecutive games before falling in the playoffs, and Coach Gaines hopes that momentum can be carried into the 2010 season. Tommey Morris had a breakout year as a junior and proved to be clutch player who could make the big play. He caught 30 passes for 532 yards and four TDs and rushed for 225 yards on 47 carries and 10 TDs. DeAnthonay Fay continues the Mojo tradition of big, physical tailbacks. He rushed for 862 yards and five TDs, averaging 6.2 ypc. Talon Smith led the team in every receiving category with 38 catches for 566 yards and seven TDs. The Panthers have had success with senior QBs in its spread offense the last two seasons, and it will be Landry Serrano’s turn to command the huddle. In limited duty he passed for 53 yards and one score and added 91 rushing yards on 21 carries. Developing offensive line depth is a concern, with Erric Bilbrey and Damon Rose the most experienced. Rogers will lead the defensive line after earning second team all-district honors, along with Washington at linebacker. The Panthers offense will have to carry the team until the younger defensive players have a chance to get their feet wet.

Defeated Amarillo 19-14 in 5A Div. II bi-district. Improved to 8-3. Advances to face Arlington Bowie (9-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ratliff Stadium in Odessa.

The Sandies are under new leadership after Mel Maxfield was hired from Burleson to replace now-AD Brad Theissan. The defending district runner-up returns a strong defense from last year’s playoff team. James Castleman was named the District 2-5A Defensive Player of the Year and has committed to Texas Tech. He tallied 81 tackles, 21 TFL and three sacks in earning second team all-state honors. Johnny Mote adds depth along the defensive line and Spencer Hodges will anchor the linebacker corps. Offensively, John Hernandez will be in the mix to start at quarterback after learning in the back-up role last season. Derek Dzik and Trey Smith were solid contributors at running back, and Nolan David is a big-play threat at wide receiver. Replacing its top rusher and passer could hamper the Sandies’ offense early in the season, but a very strong defense that was tops in the district last season can carry the load.

Lost Big Spring 21-13 in 4A Div. II bi-district. Ends its season at 8-3.