By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor

Looking through the overall outlook of the District 28-5A race, it is safe to say two things. The district championship picture boils down to two teams at the top. And the race for the final two playoff spots will be a three team race at the top.

Looking through the top of the ladder, there is no true slam dunk when it comes to who will finish first between the Warren Warriors and O'Connor Panthers. Starting with Warren, the Warriors wil be banking on its large amount of experience in several keys areas including its offensive and defensive lines. Size and speed are the name of the game when it comes down to the Warrior trenches. Look for players such as Tristan Woodus, Jared Ellis, Calvin Howell and Marcus Waddell to play a big role in giving Warren's skill players on both sides the protection and support they need to make their jobs easier. For the defensive skill players, look no further than Tyler Smith if you are looking for a big time playmaker and leader. In 2006, on 94 tackles, Smith earned first team All-District honors as a junior. Expect Thomas Long and Jeremy Hinojosa to become key contributors alongside Smith. On the opposite side, the return of Ross Dausin at quarterback and a pair of talented rushers right behind the 6'3 senior quarterback should give some leverage. Keith Lawson and Marquis Hollie are both quick off their feet and could provide a few mismatches. Among Dausin's top receiving targets includes Darryl Morris, Anthony Johnson and Martell Moore.

O'Connor's main strength will be felt on the offensive side of the ball and in the skill positions at that. Quarterback Bruno Reno returns with one of the region's top receivers in Sean Luchnick and a tested rusher in Aaron Casanova. And like Warren, the key for the Panther offense will be the offensive line where Brady Brown and Mike Slayden make their home during the course of the game. Depth and the ability to pancake the opposition for Danny Padron's offensive line will be the determining factor between Warren and O'Connor at the top of the district. With that said, do not underestimate O'Connor's defense to make a very big splash. The top contributors for Padron's defense will be Erik Salinas up front and Ricky Anderson in the linebacker area. While O'Connor has some experience up front, it will be important that they can shore up the holes in the backfield. If they can improve defensively and take care business where they should, then look for O'Connor to be at the top of the district.

The favorite to grab the third place position in the district may be the Marshall Rams despite facing a very challenging rebuilding scene early on in the season. The top player on the Ram roster could be tight end Trey Anderson. Anderson, with solid hands and size, should be the the key between Marshall contending and pretending for a playoff spot. Alongisde Anderson up front, Kayl Richter and Josh Miller will assume the vital bells and whistles to the production of the younger Ram offensive skill players. Despite only returning one starter off last year's squad, defense will be the side of the ball where the Rams are the most dangerous and have best chance to make a return to the post-season. The Rams will rely on youth to get them in that position and its very talented youth. Russell Schaefer, who is one of the talented juniors to watch, is the lone returnee on the defensive side of the ball.

Clark, like that of Marshall, faces a rebuilding season, but unlike the Rams, the Cougars will see the biggest rebuilding effort take place on the offensive side of the ball. If the young offensive players can work through the inexperience and work together as a cohesive unit, then job for the defense may just become become just a little easier. But things are never easy as they look when you are in the middle of a playoff chase. The top player on the defensive side of the ball is DB Barry Pillow, who made over 50 tackles and two interceptions in 2006. And if the score is close with the Cougars within striking distance, Michael McCarroll will be the one counted on to provide the clutch kicking duties.

With a new coach, the interesting thing to watch this season is how the Jay Mustangs not only react to the new coach, but the loss of players such as Myron Brew and Derrick Thoimas. On top of a new coach, the Mustangs will also see a brand new quarterback making the rounds of the new John Jay offense. On the defensive side, Roy Branch is the top returning player with 51 tackles and two interceptions to his credit. Branch will also be the one taking over quarterback spot for the Mustangs. The crucial point for Jay's success will be what type of uniter Branch becomes and how well the skill players are willing to learn the ways of the system.