Predicted Order of Finish (Division I teams all CAPS)
1. Brenham
2. HUNTSVILLE
3. MAGNOLIA
4. Montgomery
5. Waller
6. Willis
7. Caney Creek 
8. Magnolia West

District overview
Looking at the numbers, it seems as though Brenham is clearly in the driver’s seat for another district title. Sure some talent was lost, but plenty remains. Look for both Huntsville and Magnolia to make some noise as well. Early on, it looks as like Montgomery may slide in to the fourth playoff spot, but Waller and Willis both came too close to the playoffs in 2008 to just roll over. Magnolia West and Caney Creek look for improvement from last year’s results, but playoffs is a stretch.

Team Capsules

Brenham Cubs
2008 finish: 8-5 (lost to Dayton in regional finals 42-21)
Breakdown – Lots of weapons return, more so with experience. The quarterback, Ty Schlottmann led this team all the way to the eventual state runner-up team. He, along with proven target Terrell Reese could be one the district’s most lethal combos. Defensively, the Cubs will be in good hands with Michael Walker and youngster Troy Green, who got plenty snaps as a freshman last year.

Huntsville Hornets
2008 finish: 7-2 (lost in bi-district to Lockhart 35-28)
Breakdown –Last year’s district champions are no coming with a big group of starters returning back, but have a all-state caliber leader in Justin Gilbert, who can play any skilled position. He and running back Joe Maxey will be the primary guys on offense until more show up in 2009. Linebacker Shaquille Ross will hold down the defense. No question as to the Hornets getting into the playoffs, but how deep can they go?

Magnolia Bulldogs
2008 finish: 8-4 (lost in the regional semifinals to Friendswood 49-21)
Breakdown – The Bulldogs wishbone offense proved to still be a strong suit of theirs and last years results have shown their muscle. Eleven total guys return, but their success starts with quarterback Dennis Dunbar, who had a little over 900 yards in total offense. Also look for Easton Hohensee to play a big role on the team, playing both sides of the ball.

Montgomery Bears
2008 finish: 5-4 (lost in bi-district to Elgin 28-15)
Breakdown – As many programs are faced with, plenty of youth will man teams in 2009 and the Bears are no different. Tyler Bolfing returns as the team’s quarterback and will look to guys like Leroy Dobbins and Devon Gasaway to make plays. With 13 starters coming back for the Bears, mainly underclassman, the future looks bright.

Waller Bulldogs
2008 finish: 4-6
It’s clear that coach Jason Morley and crew want to get back to the way things are usually done around Waller, which is bring in the wins. Lots of confidence is being put in Miller Pierce, who will be the Bulldogs’ primary signal caller. There are some tough guys on the defensive line as well, but the Bulldogs will have to knock off one of the Big 3 to make something happen in this district. Maybe those off-season talks from alums have set in.

Willis Wildcats
2008 finish: 5-4
Now that he has a full year under his belt with his boys and coaching staff, Audie Jackson can see what the Wildcats are really made of. He has talent and it starts with Brent Walters who is a household name amongst recruitniks. Damian Bishop and Fred Nixon will battle for the starting quarterback job, but they should be in good hands either way. Like Waller, a strong statement out the gate will set the tone for the Wildcats.

Caney Creek Panthers
2008 finish: 2-7
The Panther’s only district win last season was to West, but new coach Dan Burk will bring a new attitude after coaching at Yoakum. He should see some movement in the program from both the offensive and defensive side as nine players bring experience. 

Magnolia West
2008 finish: 2-7
Still looking to establish itself, the West football team returns to this deep, talented district. Defensively, the Mustangs are strong and because the school has no senior class as of yet, all return. Loom for these guys to pull out at least one more win from last season, which would be an improvement from this hungry team.