Football Preview - Wise County Messenger

6 WISE COUNTY MESSENGER, Decatur, Texas, Thursday, August 28, 2008DISTRICT 5-3A PREDICTIONSBurkbunett and Vernon are the early favorites to rule the roostBy ROBERT MORGANThe road to the district championshipappears to run through Burkburnettthis year. The Bulldogs, whomade an impressive run through thestate playoffs last year, are the preseasonfavorite of nearly every prognosticator.They are on the top of my list, too.Burkburnett has 14 starters backfrom a team that was very good lastyear. Even though it was the team’sfi rst trip to the playoffs in eight years,the Bulldogs have been a small fishin a big Class 4A pond. Now they arewhere they belong and will continueto win.Bridgeport could possibly have itsbest team since Burkburnett’s playoffdrought started. Led by quarterbackCameron Green, a stable of receivers,a huge front line and linebackerZach Bracken. the Bulls could easilywin eight games this year.However, I have two questions:Can they win early? That alwaysseems to be a problem regardless ofthe strength of the schedule.And, can Bridgeport snap a six-yearlosing streak to Decatur? Even whenthe Bulls have had more talent theyhave found a way not to win.Bridgeport is going to win early. Thisteam is too good to not get off to a faststart. They have to get over the Eaglehump before I think they are ready toturn the tide, but Decatur is thin ondepth again this year.The Eagles always fi nd a win. TherePreseason predictionsDistrict 5-3ATexas Football ........................................Coaches poll .............................Robert Morgan1. Burkburnett (936).................................Burkburnett.................................Burkburnett2. Vernon (603) ........................................Vernon........................................Decatur3. Bridgeport (661)...................................Decatur.......................................Bridgeport4. Decatur (855).......................................Bridgeport...................................Vernon5. Iowa Park (600)....................................Iowa Park ....................................Iowa Park6. WF Hirschi (764)..................................WF Hirschi ..................................WF Hirschi( ) is high school enrollment. The largest enrollment to make the playoffs will go to the D-Iplayoffs, while the other two qualifi ers from each district will play in the D-II bracket.were times last season they alternatedquarterbacks and they oftenplayed with just one roster linebacker,but coach Kyle Story’s teams alwaysput the pieces of the puzzle togetherlong enough to keep things in order.If Decatur is to earn it’s seventhconsecutive playoff appearance it willcome as a surprise to some. DaveCampbell’s Football Magazine saysthe Eagles are staying home this seasonafter district play.I’ll believe it when I see it. I’m afan of tradition, hard work and goodcoaching.I have heard a lot of chatter aboutVernon being the team to beat. I justdon’t believe the hype. Sure, the Lionssqueezed one out against Decaturlast year, but the group also lost severalstuds. Those lost to graduationwill be replaced by subvarsity teamsthat were not very good.What the Lions do provide is a veryinteresting playoff race. Three teamswill make the playoffs and there arefour quality programs in District 5-3Athis year. One upset loss among thetop four and someone will be stayinghome. I think that team is Vernon.The Iowa Park Hawks and WichitaFalls Hirschi Huskies are expectedto occupy the bottom of the standings.Both groups have struggled forvictories the last two years in weakerdistricts. The only district win betweenthe two teams will be determined Saturday,Oct. 25, when they square offin Wichita Falls.A Ray ofFlowers“Your Local Shop for All ofYour Homecoming Needs”Serving Wise CountyFLOWERS • GIFTS • BALLOONSLocal Delivery Available940-627-1208411 E. Walnut • Decatur, TXGO EAGLES!www.Arayofflowers.com