HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW DISTRICT 15-6A

Five storylines to watch

The cherry on top: Having 13 returning starters and a handful of additions from last year’s 9-1 junior varsity squad only strengthens Klein Collins, the defending 15-6A champion. With the roster falling into place this well, the rest of the district will struggle getting past the Tigers.

All about leadership: Memorial has some key first-team all-district returners who will make the process toward creating a solid foundation that much easier, but the key for the Mustangs’ success is in the hands of sophomore Jared Trozzo, a quarterback who had limited touches last season.

Setting a foundation: Klein Forest will be trying to bounce back from a 1-9 season with the help of new coach Ajani Sanders. This may not be the season the Eagles suddenly have a winning record, but this will be a key year to laying down strong roots for the program.

Breaking the mold: Spring Woods hasn’t had a winning season since 1997, but things are looking up. The Tigers return the most starters in the district — seven on both offense and defense. That consistency could be key for a team that went winless in district last year.

The underdogs: Klein has had a combined five wins the past two seasons, but this new district realignment shakes out nicely for the Bearkats, who should compete for a playoff spot.

Players to watch

OL Dante Bivens, Klein Collins: After receiving seven college offers, the 6-4, 300-pound senior committed to the University of Tulsa and will be a force in his senior season. ATH Odessa Thurman, Klein Oak: Thurman can do a little bit of everything, so he’ll play on both sides of the ball and is expected to be a playmaker wherever he lines up. QB/WR Brandon Blair, Klein Oak: Blair is versatile. After playing QB last season, he could see time at receiver, and he’ll be expected to make plays when he touches the ball. DL Sam Miller, Stratford: The 6-3, 270-pounder has committed to play at Northwestern and will anchor the Spartans’ defense.

Must-see games

Klein Oak at Spring Woods, Sept. 22: Spring Woods hasn’t had recent success, but this is the district opener and it will be the Tigers’ chance to make an early statement. Northbrook at Klein, Sept. 22: In another statement game, Northbrook, after going 3-7, is back with a new coach and a chance to do something big in this district opener. Klein Oak at Klein Collins, Sept. 30: Klein Collins won this rivalry game in a 53-7 rout last season, but both Collins and Oak should be playoff contenders again this season, and Oak desperately wants this rematch. Stratford at Klein Collins, Oct. 21: The Tigers, who went 9-2 last year, and the Spartans (10-2) should spark a rivalry in this new district. This could determine the district champion.

District predictions

1. Klein Collins; 2. Stratford; 3. Klein Oak; 4. Klein; 5. Memorial; 6. Spring Woods; 7. Northbrook; 8. Klein Forest.