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Five of the district’s seven teams made the playoffs last season, so at least two won’t have a repeat trip.

And Bruceville-Eddy and Jarrell — the two that didn’t make it last year — hope to make an appearance of their own this fall.

Lexington and Franklin appear to be the early favorites for the district title.

Sophomore quarterback Kogan Garrett and six other starters return for the Lexington offense.

Franklin also returns its quarterback and 25 lettermen from an 8-3 team a year ago.

Rogers will look to pound the ball and rely on a defense that gave up less than 14 points a game a season ago.

Rosebud-Lott will need to improve its defense if it wants to make a return to the playoffs.

Bruceville-Eddy Eagles

Head coach: Chris Lancaster (2nd season: 3-7)

All-time: 266-450-29 since 1926

Playoff history: 3-4-1 in 5 trips, most recently 1985; 0 state championships

Returning: 14 lettermen; offensive, defensive starters NA

Outlook: The Eagles won two district games to end the season last year, and Lancaster believes that catapulted the team into a great offseason.

All-district defensive back Tanner Smith (top) will now take the snaps on offense to go along with his defensive responsibilities. Smith is a good athlete, great leader and is well-respected by his teammates, Lancaster said.

His main target will be Mark Alvear, a tall, athletic wide receiver, but a strong running game will be the main offensive game plan.

The Eagles run a 3-4 defense. Lancaster said the strength of the unit is Chris Sawyer, Reylando Salazar, Justin Hawkins and Jordan Hawkins (right), who was all-district and 2009 team MVP.

**at Corsicana

Rosebud-Lott Cougars

Head coach: Robby Edwards (2nd season: 5-6)

All-time: 221-203-5 since 1970

Playoff history: 17-12-1 in 13 trips, most recently 2009; 1 state championship (2002)

Returning: 14 lettermen; 7 offensive, 7 defensive starters

Outlook: The Cougars will need to shore up their defensive woes if they want a return trip to the playoffs. Seven starters return from that unit, which allowed at least 40 points on four occasions.

Rosebud-Lott's (from left) Shawn Bell, Hunter Neumann and Jared Hodges want to help the Cougars return to the postseason.
Duane A. Laverty / Waco Tribune-Herald

Rosebud-Lott has a pair of building blocks with all-district players in free safety Hunter Neumann and linebacker Shawn Bell.

Seven starters also return on the offensive side of the ball, but the Cougars must find a way to replace do-it-all quarterback Ernesto Flores.

Whoever takes over under center will have a pair of standout returning linemen in Neil Rabroker and Jared Hoelscher, while running back Deandre Thompson is expected to carry a heavy load of the offense.

— Text by Ash and Orts
Predictions by Ash