One of the most spread out districts when realignment came around, District 8-4A will prove to be a tough one.  For years and years West Texans and Central Texans have had a war of words trying to prove who plays better football.  Central Texas will not have the upper hand in this one as they are not exactly sending their best dog to the fight, but the North West part of this area will be strong in this district as Stephenville is no stranger to grid iron success. 
 

Stephenville Yellowjackets

Coach: Joseph Gillespie

2009: 9-3/7-0 and advanced to the DII area finals

Players to watch:
RB: James Myles
C: DJ Vandenberge
QB: Connor Washington

Stephenville lost half of its roster, but return seven offensive and eight defensive starters from a team that won an undefeated district championship in 2009.  With so much starting talent returning, Stephenville has to be the preseason favorite to win District 8, but Midway and Killeen both poses significant hurdles to overcome if Stephenville hopes to put together another undefeated district run.

Midway Panthers

Coach: Terry Gambill  

2009: Went 9-3/5-2 and advanced to the DI area finals.

Players to watch:
RB/LB: Marc Martinez
OL: Christian Berry
DL: Beau Blackshear

Killeen Kangaroos

Coach: Sam Jones

2009: Went 9-3/5-1 and advanced to the DI area finals.

Players to watch:
QB: Michael Cummings
RB: Jaquail Haskins
LB: Royce Asi

Killeen returns seven offensive and eight defensive starters from a 2009 playoff team, and many people project them to be title contenders in District 8.  With talent on both sides of the ball, this team will be a threat in the postseason, but expect them to finish behind Stephenville and Midway.

University Trojans

Coach: Matt Carroll

2009: 7-5/4-3 and advanced to DII area finals

Players to watch:
CB: Katron Marshall
WR: AJ Montgomery
QB: Gerrell Griffin

With Coach Matt Carroll at the reigns we feel that this Trojan team will keep rising but they return very few of the players that led them to the playoffs for the first time in five years. Most notable one of Supercentex.com's favorite players Randy Price a 4 year starter at QB.  2009 All-District running back Gerrell Griffin will be the starting quarterback and try and lead a young team back to the playoffs.  With a young team, they won’t be expected to contend with Killeen, Midway or Stephenville for a district title, but they seem to have a legitimate shot at claiming the fourth and final playoff spot out of District 8.

Waco Lions

Coach: Danny Ramsey

2009: 2-8/2-5 in District

Players to watch:
OL: Landon Boffman
LB: Tristan Eche
RB: Dennis Green

The Waco Lions had a difficult year in coach Danny Ramsey’s first year, and return just 14 players, while losing 27 to graduation.  However, with a defense anchored by Tristan Eche, and speed on offense led by Darrell Harris and Dennis Green, the Lions have pieces to build around.  Though they are not projected to compete for a playoff spot, it would not surprise me if they are in the mix to claim the fourth playoff spot out of District 8.

San Angelo Lake View Chiefs

Coach: Sterlin Giblert

2009: Went 2-8/1-4 in District

Players to watch:

WR: JD Smith
RB: John Brown
SS: Myles Wheeler

 Lake View has a challenging season on the horizon, being the only school from San Angelo in a district with schools from Waco, Killen and Stephenville.  On the football field, they will be challenged to establish a quarterback, but do have the benefit of a solid offensive line and two skill players with a lot of upside.  On defense, they have a promising corps of young players, including juniors like Myles Wheeler, Victor Saucedo and Dominic Howard.