EA 20 Days 'Till Texas Football: Next five 1A Dark Horses

Team

Noteworthy

Groveton

Losing seven starters is usually the formula for a dead horse team, not a dark horse. But Groveton returns a lot of quality from the eight starters back from last year's 10-2 team. Lane Johnson, the 6-6 quarterback who surpassed 2,000 yards in the air, headlines that group. There will be new personnel all around, but expect Groveton to challenge district favorite West Sabine for the league title.

Munday

Several teams in this district could take Munday's position here, but we like the Moguls because of 16 starters back and the way they challenged playoff teams in 2006 (while coming up short themselves). While losing to perennial favorite Windthorst, Munday beat the district's other two qualifiers, Electra and Archer City. Losses to Seymour and Petrolia, however, hurt. With an older and more seasoned team, Munday will make the jump this season.

Sabinal

In one of the toughest districts in the state, picking the three playoff teams is challenge. We're pretty confident in our selections. Having said that, it wouldn't surprise us to see Sabinal, picked fourth, prove us wrong. The offensive returnees might have the flashier numbers (QB Stevie Rodriguez passed for 2,148 yards, 16 TDs, while RB Aniseto Alejandro had over 600 yards of offense), but seven returning starters make the defense the better unit.

Winters

If the Blizzards can make it to the playoffs, watch out. We know by saying "if" we're not giving a ringing endorsement of to this dark horse candidate, but with Roscoe and Albany both fielding experienced teams in this district, finishing higher than third will be a challenge. But once the playoffs start, a tough schedule will weather Winters and its 15 returning starters and have them primed for a long postseason run.

Wellington

We wanted to step out on at least one long limb, and is most definitely it. Wellington is coming off a 2-8 season and 1-4 district mark. So what gives us the courage with this pick? Try 10 returning starters on each side of the ball. Plus, Wellington is only two years removed now from an 8-win season, so many of these players have experienced good times and know what it takes to win.