Grand Saline OL Gabe Lewis. (Audrey Blaschke/Henderson News)

District 9-3A Division II

OUR PICKS

1. Harmony 2. Edgewood 3. Grand Saline 4. Lone Oak 5. Quitman 6. Prairiland 7. Chisum

Harmony Eagles

COACH: Brian Mauk (1st season, 0-0 at Harmony)

ALL-TIME: 364-368-18

STADIUM: Eagle Stadium, 9788 Texas State Highway 154 West, Gilmer, 75644

2023 RESULTS: 10-3 regional semifinalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 6/9

LETTERMEN LOST: 11

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Casen Cox, Sr., 6-1, 260 … WR Amare Jones, So., 5-10, 170 … OL Konner Ellison, Sr., 6-0, 225 … RB Victor Rodriguez, Sr., 5-7, 180 … QB Jordan Escalante, Sr., 6-2, 185 … RB Sammar Jones, Jr., 5-10, 170 … WR/C Blayne Hart, Jr., 6-5, 210 … QB Cy Stracener, So., 6-0 … WR Amare Jones, So., 5-10, 170 … OL Tegan Wise, So. … OL Ethan Pool, So. … RB Reese Ellison, Jr. … TE Jake Rider, Jr., 6-5, 235 … RB Wesley Sweaney, Sr., 5-9, 170 … WR Ryan Wagner, Sr., 6-0, 160 … OL Christian Rendon, Sr., 5-10, 190 … C/WR Kaleb Potter, Jr., 6-0, 165

DEFENSE: 4-2-5

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Casen Cox, Sr., 6-1, 260 … DL Keelan Coleman, Sr., 6-5, 300 … DL Konner Ellison, Sr., 6-0, 225 … S Sammar Jones, Jr., 5-10, 170 … LB Cy Stracener, So., 6-0 … DL Tegan Wise, So. … Ethan Pool, So. … LB Reese Ellison, Jr. … DE Jake Rider, Jr., 6-5, 235 … DE Wesley Sweaney, Sr., 5-9, 170 … S Ryan Wagner, Sr., 6-0, 160 … LB Christian Rendon, Sr., 5-10, 190

2024 Outlook: Harmony hadn’t qualified for a UIL playoff berth until the 1986 season, but it has reached the point of 19 postseason appearances, and is in the middle of its longest playoff streak in program history. It has claimed nine straight UIL postseason berths since 2015, and produced its deepest drive to date when it advanced all the way to the 2022 state semifinal. It followed that up with another solid stretch to the 2023 Class 3A Division II Region III semifinal, and now enters the 2024 season as the clear favorite in the District 9-3A Division II race. Offensive and defensive linemen Konner Ellison (29 tackles) and Casen Cox will set the tone for the Eagles as two-way players, and Keelan Coleman will line up alongside them on the defensive line. The team’s offensive attack will also feature quarterback Jordan Escalante, running back Victor Rodriguez and receiver Amare Jones (25 receptions, 450 yards and five touchdowns). Harmony will also lean on versatile prospects like junior safety and running back Sammar Jones (40 tackles), junior receiver and center Blayne Hart, and sophomore quarterback and linebacker Cy Stacener. The roster depth will also be on display in sophomore two-way linemen Tegan Wise and Ethan Pool, junior running back and linebacker Reese Ellison, junior tight end and defensive end Jake Rider, senior running back and defensive end Wesley Sweaney, senior safety and receiver Ryan Wagner, senior offensive lineman and linebacker Christian Rendon, junior center and reciever Kaleb Potter.

Edgewood Bulldogs

COACH: Alex Guerra (4th season, 19-14 at Edgewood)

ALL-TIME: 456-465-28

STADIUM: I.T. James Memorial Stadium, 804 East Pine Street, Edgewood, 75117

2023 RESULTS: 4-7 bi-district finalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 15/10

LETTERMEN LOST: 19

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Trevor Golightly, So., 6-0, 185 … WR Tony Smith, Jr., 6-4, 185 … WR Brayden Trlica, Sr., 6-3, 195 … WR Jathen Johnson, Jr., 5-10, 165 … RB Lucas Pippen, Jr., 5-11, 190 … WR Aiden Fincher, So., 175 … OL Triston Linzy, So., 6-0, 220 … OL Terry Thompson, Jr., 6-4, 210 … RB Bryan Paniagua, Jr., 5-9, 180 … OL Dylan Jones, Sr., 6-0, 305 … RB Jayden Koller, Sr., 6-1, 215 … OL Preston Sluder, Jr. 6-1, 205

DEFENSE: 3-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: FS Tony Smith, Jr., 6-4, 185 … FS Brayden Trlica, Sr., 6-3, 195 … DB Jathen Johnson, Jr., 5-10, 165 … OLB Lucas Pippen, Jr., 5-11, 190 … DB Aiden Fincher, So., 175 … DL Mason Riddle, So., 6-4, 210 … DL Triston Linzy, So., 6-0, 220 … DL Terry Thompson, Jr., 6-4, 210 … OLB Bryan Paniagua, Jr., 5-9, 180 … LB Jayden Koller, Sr., 6-1, 215 … DL Preston Sluder, Jr. 6-1, 205

2024 Outlook: Edgewood is one of two District 9-3A Division II programs that return UIL playoff experience from the 2023 season, so it expects to clinch another postseason berth in 2024. The Bulldogs have produced 27 playoff teams since 1933, and are riding a wave of 12 straight appearances, so all the necessary momentum is on their side. They also plan to lean on an impactful roster that will navigate all the challenges that come with a football campaign during the fall. The many talents include sophomore quarterback Trevor Golightly (1,762 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns, 225 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns), junior free safety and receiver Tony Smith (600 receiving yards, five touchdowns, 65 tackles, and three interceptions), senior receiver and free safety Brayden Trilica and junior receiver and defensive back Jathen Johnson. The team’s roster depth will also be displayed by junior outside lienbacker and running back Lucas Pippin, sophomore receiver and defensive back Aiden Fincher, junior two-way offensive and defensive linemen Terry Thompson and Preston Sluder, sophomore two-way lineman Triston Linzy, sophomore defensive lineman Mason Riddle, sophomore kicker Adam Luna, junior outside lienbacker and running back Bryan Paniagua, senior offensive lineman Dylan Jones, senior linebacker and running back Jayden Koller.

Grand Saline Indians

COACH: Joe Drennon (4th season, 17-22 at Grand Saline, 145-112 overall)

ALL-TIME: 475-532-33

STADIUM: Carter Elliott Field at Indian Memorial Stadium, 500 Stadium Drive, Grand Saline, 75140

2023 RESULTS: 4-6

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 15/15

LETTERMEN LOST: 11

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Colt Byrd, Sr., 6-0, 215 … OT Carson Brown, Sr., 6-3, 255 … QB Jett Taylor, Jr., 6-2, 175 … WR Kolton Prox, So., 6-3, 160 … OG Gabe Lewis, Jr. 6-0, 245 … WR Blane Thompson, Jr., 6-0, 245 … C Eric Rios, Jr., 5-10, 220 … TE Gavin Rodriguez, So., 6-5, 220

DEFENSE: 4-3

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Colt Byrd, Sr., 6-0, 215 … LB Carson Brown, Sr., 6-3, 255 … DB Jett Taylor, Jr., 6-2, 175 … DB Kolton Prox, So., 6-3, 160 … DL Gabe Lewis, Jr. 6-0, 245 … DE Francisco Elizalde, Sr., 6-0, 210 … DB Blane Thompson, Jr., 6-0, 245 … DL Eric Rios, Jr., 5-10, 220 … DE Gavin Rodriguez, So., 6-5, 220

2024 Outlook: Grand Saline has recent postseason experience from its four playoff appearances in the five-season stretch between 2018 and 2022, so it is expected to return to the dance in 2024 after a one-year absence. The Indians will be guided by junior quarterback and defensive back Jett Taylor (1,375 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, 167 carries, 1,466 rushing yards, 8.8 yards per carry, 17 rushing touchdowns, 23 tackles, and two interceptions), sophomore receiver and defensive back Colton Prox (28 receptions, 594 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns, 21.2 yards per reception, 6 carries, 62 yards, 40 tackles, six pass breakups, two interceptions and one forced fumble), senior running back and linebacker Colt Prox (53 carries, 440 yards, nine touchdowns, 13 receptions, 211 yards, two touchdowns, 89 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one defensive touchdown), junior receiver and defensive back Blane Thompson (nine receptions, 233 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, 51 tackles, 11 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one interception, and one extra point block for a two-point return) senior offensive tackle and linebacker Carson Brown (27 pancake blocks, 81 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two pass breakups), offensive guard and defensive lineman Gabe Lewis (31 pancake blocks, 16 tackles), senior defensive end Francisco Elizalade (82 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles), sophomore tight end and defensive end Gavin Rodriguez (23 tackles and four tackles for loss).

Lone Oak Buffaloes

COACH: Logan Turner (4th season, 6-23 at Lone Oak)

ALL-TIME: 398-293-25

STADIUM: Buffalo Stadium, 8160 U.S. Highway 69, Lone Oak, 75453

2023 RESULTS: 4-5

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 15/15

LETTERMEN LOST: 7

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Tre Hubbard, Sr., 6-3, 195 … TE Brice Forgy, Sr., 6-1, 180 … OL Camden Norris, Sr., 6-1, 240 … OL Clayton Wallace, Sr., 5-11, 210 … QB Slayde Parnell, Jr., 6-1, 160 … WR Christian Morris, Jr., 6-0, 165 … OL Tyson Hampton, Jr., 6-0, 165 … WR Max Ramirez, Jr., 6-0, 185

DEFENSE: 3-4 Multiple

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: CB Tre Hubbard, Sr., 6-3, 195 … LB Brice Forgy, Sr., 6-1, 180 … DL Camden Norris, Sr., 6-1, 240 … DL Clayton Wallace, Sr., 5-11, 210 … DB Christian Morris, Jr., 6-0, 165 … LB Tyson Hampton, Jr., 6-0, 165 … DB Max Ramirez, Jr., 6-0, 185

2024 Outlook: Lone Oak has qualified for 26 postseasons since 1970, but it needs to snap a long drought that hasn’t produced a berth since the 2018 campaign. There’s some hope that the program can reemerge as a contender in 2024 because it showed some promise as a four-win squad during the 2023 season. The Buffalos were just below the .500 mark last fall, and can push past and top that mark over the next couple of months. They will need great efforts from the entire roster to chase after their dreams. That will start with senior receiver and cornerback Tre Hubbard (42 receptions, 538 yards, eight touchdowns, 12.81 yards per reception, and 60 yards per game), senior tight end and linebacker Brice Forgy, senior offensive and defensive linemen Camden Norris, Clayton Wallace amd Cason McBride, junior quarterback Slayde Parnell, junior receiver and defensive back Christian Morris, junior offensive lineman and linebacker Tyson Hampton, junior receiver and defensive back Max Ramirez, senior receiver and defensive back Corbin Johnson, senior receiver and defensive back Nick Counts, senior receiver and linebacker Brady Holder, junior two-way lineman Travis Scott, junior running back and linebacker Moises Perez, senior offensive lineman and linebacker Morgan Cruces, and junior running back and linebacker Sammy Rodriguez.

Quitman Bulldogs

COACH: Shane Webber (4th season, 12-16/12-18

ALL-TIME: 352-441-15

STADIUM: Bud Moody Stadium, Morris Avenue, Quitman, 75783

2023 RESULTS: 4-6

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 12/10

LETTERMEN LOST: 20

OFFENSE: Slot T

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Klayton Meadows, Jr., 6-1, 183 … OL Cade Papez, Jr., 6-2, 207 … WR Bryson Hobbs, Jr., 6-2, 171 … RB Jacob Breding, Jr., 5-10, 173 … RB Ben Boisclair, So., 5-8, 181 … WR Davis Watson, Jr., 5-10, 167 … TE Lane Harkins, Jr. 6-0, 163 … RB Preston Flores, Jr. 5-7, 173 … OL Fransisco Zurita, So., 5-8, 223

DEFENSE: 4-2-5

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Klayton Meadows, Jr., 6-1, 183 … DL Cade Papez, Jr., 6-2, 207 … DB Bryson Hobbs, Jr., 6-2, 171 … LB Jacob Breding, Jr., 5-10, 173 … LB Ben Boisclair, So., 5-8, 181 … DB Davis Watson, Jr., 5-10, 167 … LB Lane Harkins, Jr. 6-0, 163 … LB Preston Flores, Jr. 5-7, 173 … DL Fransisco Zurita, So., 5-8, 223

2024 Outlook: Quitman hasn’t advanced to the UIL postseason since 2010, but it will have its best opportunity in nearly a decade and a half to snap that long drought. The Bulldogs have only earned 12 program playoff appearances since 1974, and are coming off a 2023 four-win season, but they are still expected to be in the middle of the five-team race for District 9-3A Division II’s final two playoff spots in 2024. They can bulldoze to one of those positions because they have a number of quality playmakers at different positions across the field. Their boosts will come from junior quarterback and defensive back Klayton Meadows (830 rushing yards, 723 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns), junior offensive and defensive lineman Cade Papez, junior receiver and defensive back Bryson Hobbs (566 receiving yards and three touchdowns), junior running back and linebacker Jacob Breding (533 rushing yards, 230 receiving yards, 83 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and five sacks), sophomore running back and linebacker Ben Boisclair (73 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack), junior receiver and defensive back Davis Watson (35 tackles, two pass breakups, and one tackle for loss), junior tight end and linebacker Lane Harkins, junior running back and linebacker Preston Flores, and sophomore Fransisco Zurita.

Prairiland Patriots

COACH: Herb Smith (3rd season, 7-13 at Prairiland)

ALL-TIME: 187-320-2

STADIUM: Patriot Stadium, 446 FM 196 South, Pattonville, 75468

2023 RESULTS: 3-7

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/17

LETTERMEN LOST: 55

OFFENSE: Slot-T

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Aiden Youngblood, Jr., 6-0, 160 … OL Ty Shannon, Sr., 6-0, 275 … TE Fischer Morison, Sr., 6-1, 185 … RB Easton Newman, Jr., 5-11, 170 … TE Luke Rhoades, Jr., 6-1, 175 … RB Callan Bridges, Jr., 6-0, 175 … RB Jayden Whitaker, Jr., 5-10, 170 … QB Keeton Kinabrew, Jr., 6-1, 175 … OL Cayden McQueen, So., 6-2, 250

DEFENSE: 3-3 Stack

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Aiden Youngblood, Jr., 6-0, 160 … DL Ty Shannon, Sr., 6-0, 275 … DE Fischer Morison, Sr., 6-1, 185 … LB Easton Newman, Jr., 5-11, 170 … LB Luke Rhoades, Jr., 6-1, 175 … LB Callan Bridges, Jr., 6-0, 175 … LB Jayden Whitaker, Jr., 5-10, 170 … DB Keeton Kinabrew, Jr., 6-1, 175 … DL Cayden McQueen, So., 6-2, 250

2024 Outlook: Prairiland has gone nearly a decade without a playoff trip, but it can challenge for and clinch a postseason berth for the first time since 2015. The Patriots will succeed with junior running back and defensive back Aiden Youngblood (21 carries, 100 yards, two touchdowns, 36 tackles, and five interceptions), senior offensive and defensive lineman Ty Shannon (25 pancakes and 22 tackles), senior tight end and defensive end Fischer Morrison (31 tackles, 10 pancakes, and one forced fumble), junior running back and linebacker Easton Newman (94 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and one interception), junior tight end and linebacker Luke Rhoades (44 tackles and two tackles for loss), junior running back and linebacker combos Callan Bridges (56 carries, 220 yards, 28 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks) and Jayden Whitaker (57 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks), junior quarterback and defensive back Keeton Kinabrew (37 carries, 85 yards, one touchdowns, 21 completions, 306 yards, and two touchdowns), sophomore offensive and defensive lineman Cayden McQueen, senior running back and defensive back Mason Pusateri (98 carries, 424 yards, and four touchdowns), sophomore running back and defensive back Adam Anderson, and junior running back and linebacker Austen Gorden (22 tackles, three interceptions and two tackles for loss).

Chisum Mustangs

COACH: Zach Millsap (2nd season, 1-8 at Chisum)

ALL-TIME: 135-205-1

STADIUM: Mustang Stadium, 3250 South Church Street, Paris, 75460

2023 RESULTS: 1-8

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 10/11

LETTERMEN LOST: 9

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Gavin Johnson, Jr., 5-7, 150 … WR Ryan Urizar, Jr., 5-7, 165 … RB Tanner Spear, So., 5-9, 160 … QB/WR Kyle Kelley, Sr., 5-11, 150 … OL Matthew Rolen, Sr., 5-11, 250 … OL Carmen Chennault, Jr., 6-0, 240 … WR Zeke Baird, So., 5-8, 160

DEFENSE: Multiple

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DE Hunter Holland, Jr., 5-11, 200 … DB Gavin Johnson, Jr., 5-7, 150 … LB Ryan Urizar, Jr., 5-7, 165 … LB Tanner Spear, So., 5-9, 160 … LB Aiden Jones, Jr., 5-10, 165 … DB Zeke Baird, So., 5-8, 160

2024 Outlook: Chisum has a better season outlook for 2024 compared to other programs that are coming off a one-win year and only have six playoff appearances since 1998. That’s why it is expected to shoot its own shot during a wide-open District 9-3A Division II race this fall. The Mustangs don’t have much playoff experience or history to lean on, but luckily for them only two of their 2024 league counterparts are coming off a 2023 postseason appearance. Chisum plans to learn from all the previous coaches and players that guided it to the dance as recently as 2020. The Mustangs will also lean on junior receiver and linebacker Ryan Urizar (16 carries, 47 yards, 16 receptions, 140 yards, and 35 tackles), junior receiver and defensive back Gavin Johnson (51 tackles, 28 assisted tackles and 23 solo tackles), junior defensive end Hunter Holland, sophomore running back and linebacker Tanner Spear, senior quarterback and receiver Kyle Kelley, senior offensive lineman Matthew Rolen, junior offensive lineman Cannan Chennault, junior linebacker Aiden Jones, sophomore receiver and defensive back Zeke Baird, senior receiver Casen Bult, sophomore quarterback and defensive back Gunner Termin, sophomore linebacker and running back Luke Lamb, sophomore receiver and linebacker Hayes Chalaire, senior linebacker Ismael Thiessen, sophomore defensive lineman Lukaas Dickson, and sophomore offensive lineman Alex Tovar.