Editor's Note: "Inside The 25" counts down the '08 preseason top 25 rankings in all five 11-man classifications, taking a closer look at each team in the rankings, starting from No. 25 and working down to the No. 1 teams in each classification.
CLASS 5A's #6: Westfield
2007 Preseason Ranking/Final Ranking: 5/15
2007 Final Record/Playoff Finish: 10-3/DI regional semifinalists
Why They're Ranked: Perhaps the truest sign of a good coaching staff is its ability to adapt to personnel. Yes, there are rumors about the underground recruitment of area players, but for the most part, high school coaches don't share the luxury college coaches do -- they can't pick their players. They must play with the hand they're dealt. in recent years, Westfield's staff has shown it can turn any cards into aces. The past couple years, the team has been loaded with running backs, so the Mustangs relied on the ground game. This year, Westfield boasts perhaps the best trio of receivers in the state in Ja-Mes Logan, Adam Watson and Barry Ford. The trio had 890 yards and 19 TDs receiving -- nothing too astounding -- but again, Westfield relied on the ground game last year. Especially with the emergence of junior QB Jacoby Walker (1,286 yards, 20 TDs passing), that receiving unit is due for takeoff. Doubling their numbers is well within reach. Defensively, coach Corby Meekins is concerned about replacing a strong defensive line, and losing 40 lettermen overall shows the team must improve its depth.
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