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By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor

One of the key observations of this district last season was that it was going to take a step down after G.J. Kinne vacated for Gilmer the previous off-season. As it turned out, the district was actually a district that was much improved and surprised many with their stand in the playoff road map. And as it turned out, Brownsboro won the district title outright with one loss to their credit. Alongside Brownsboro, Chapel Hill and Canton went deeper into the playoffs than anyone anticipated them going.

This year, the favorite should be the Canton Eagles. But counting out Chapel Hill at the top could be costly. Returning to Canton for his senior season will be QB Casey Bell, who threw over 1,200 yards and rushed for 500 more in 2006. The Eagles will also be counting on junior rusher Zach Cummings to provide some of the fireworks out of the backfield as the other inexperienced skill players get accustomed to the varsity level. Defensively, look for Cody Yarboorough, Keavon Milton and Destry Heskew to have very big seasons ahead of them. And expect LB John Harris to make a repeat performance of last season's superb season.

Chapel Hill, after being ousted in the second round last season is expecting to build on the late season surge and compete for the district title. A good mix of experience in the skill areas of both sides of the field should provide a big boost to the Bulldogs expectations. Chris Mass at QB1 and Mathew Tucker in the running back slot should help on the offensive side while DeKerrian Cooper, Tucker and sophomore LB Jordan Antley are expected to contribute defensively. The Bulldogs will have to shore up the holes on the defensive front if they expect to make another mid-round playoff push.

Brownsboro will be out to defend its district title and they will be counting on DB Ryan Epperson to provide the leadership and firepower to do just that. Outside of Epperson and the holdovers from the trenches off last year's squad, the majority of the Bears roster will be filled with youth and inexperience at the varsity level. Offensively, a pair of sophomores in quarterback Zach Bailey and rusher Cameron Warren are expected to be the headliners and lead the way. If the younger players can get accustomed to the full time grind, the Bears could be a sleeper as a defending district champion.

Van and Athens could factor into the playoff picture if one of the top three teams in the district fails to live up to their expectations and adapt to their surroundings. Van has stud rusher Jermie Calhoun back in the fold after a 1,600 yard and 20 touchdown season last year. Just what Calhoun can do for a repeat of last year and just how far Calhoun can carry an entire team's hope on his shoulders remains to be seen. Aside from Calhoun, the Vandals have junior Blake Pennington at quarterback and Zach Harrison at linebacker that possess plenty of potential and talent that is just scratching the surface.

Projected Finish
1	Canton
2	Chapel Hill
3	Brownsboro
4	Van
5	Athens
6	Bullard

2006 Records
Athens	4-6
Chapel Hill	6-6
Brownsboro	10-4
Van	6-4
Canton	8-5
Bullard	4-6

Recruiting Key

THSF Top 200 Player

Top 2008 Prospect

Top 2009 Prospect

Top 2010 Prospect