Perhaps one of the more competitive districts in 2A this season we find 2 of the State’s Top 15. Both of the teams reside in Wise County as the Paradise Panthers check in at #7, and the Boyd Yellow Jackets check in at #13 in the States Preseason Top 25.

Paradise comes back this season returning 16 starters most of which were skill positions last year. The Panthers showed last year behind the arm of QB Josh Erwin and the legs of Bradley Bryant and Zach Bruton they could do it through the air or on the ground. The Panthers will look to avenge a heartbreaking loss in overtime to Crawford in the playoffs last season. There road will not be easy as The Battle of 114 this season showcases another Top team in the State, the Boyd Yellow Jackets.

The Boyd Yellow Jackets Dynamic Duo of Ogle to Clement proved to be too much for most teams down the stretch last season. Ogle has a strong arm and I expect that he will be much improved this season. Look for the Ogle-Clement combination to be one of the best in the county this season. The Jackets have more then two players returning, like the Panthers Boyd has 16 starters returning. The defense is anchored by big Bradon Ritchey (143 Tackles). Boyd’s youth from last season will prove to be there best asset this season, as they will contend for the district title.

While Paradise and Boyd will have big red targets on their backs because of the preseason polls, the Eastland Mavericks and the Cisco Loboes will try to use that to their advantage. Eastland returns the district MVP on offense from last season in Kerry Huitt. Huitt is an impact player on offense and defense. Eastland rode Huitt to the Regional final last season. If Eastland can provide a supporting cast around Huitt, this team will be capable of sneaking up on anybody.

The Cisco Loboes will be looking to make another playoff appearance this year after finishing last season 8-3. Revenge will be on their minds as Paradise ended their season last year with a thrilling 27-24 win in the bi district championship. If the Loboes are even to make the playoffs in this tough district they will need several underclassmen to rise to the occasion as they only return 9 starters and have a very small senior class.

The Godley Wildcats and the Millsap Bulldogs will bring up the back of this district. Millsap was hoping the realignment did them a favor, but I think they will quickly find out that their 0-10 season last year may be a repeat this season. Godley last season finished the year 5-5 and don’t look for them do much better this season. Depth will be an issue for this team in this tough district.

Scooter’s Prediction – Boyd, Paradise, Eastland, Cisco, Godley, Millsap

Bear’s Prediction – Paradise, Boyd, Eastland, Cisco, Godley, Millsap

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