This is the eighth of The Athlete’s Connection’s 30 football previews in 30 days leading up to the season-opening games beginning Thursday, Aug. 28. Today, Athlete's Connection sportswriter Chad Washington takes a look at some Houston-area private schools.

After its 7-on-7 team qualified for the state tournament in July (one of only two private schools to qualify for state), there’s a lot of optimism for Second Baptist to break through and have a stellar season. Plus, by running the same offense that was successful in 7-on-7, the team got another chance to gel on the field.

“We do the same thing for 7-on-7 football that we do for the regular season,” head coach Mike Sneed said. “We take what we do and modify it, and it’s a great way for our quarterback and receivers to get their timing down and for our defensive backs to work on coverage.”

Second Baptist will be led by junior quarterback Connor Wood, who threw for 2,200 yards and eight touchdowns last year and had a particularly good 7-on-7 season. There are already several colleges interested in him, and another strong season could open more opportunities.

“Connor is the one that makes us go,” Sneed said.

Wood will have a bevy of receivers, including senior Brian Franshaw, senior John Doughtie and sophomore Nick Jones. Also, running back John Buckley will have good holes to run to with linemen like center Drew Sekaly and guard Harris Huguenard.

Defensively, the Eagles should be strong with returning linebackers Chris Duncan and Ryan Hendrick, along with a good secondary led by defensive backs Chris Brown, Trevor Hansen and Tom Peacock.

With 23 lettermen returning and 17 of them starters, the Eagles look like a favorite to win the TAPPS Division II District 4 championship.

Here are some capsules on other Houston-area private schools:

ST. PIUS X
Nickname: Panthers.

Colors: Orange and black.
2007 record: 11-2, Division II state champions.
Coach: Robin Kirk.
Returning lettermen: 15.
After another successful season and another state title, St. Pius X could be looking at a dynasty. There’s enough talent left over from last year to bring home another championship. Running back Trey Nelson will be the workhorse on offense, while the defense remains strong with returning starters in linebackers Paul Rodgers, Chance Taylor and Kyle Willard.

FORT BEND BAPTIST
Nickname: Eagles.
Colors: Green and gold.
2007 record: 3-7.
Coach: Bill Moore.
Returning lettermen: 10.
Fort Bend Baptist will have a nice mix of returning seniors and new players this year. The bulk of the offense will be in the hands of wide receiver/running back Wes Kennedy, who had 388 total yards in 2007. The defense has a good linebacking core led by Caleb McCrellis and Josh Wood.

EPISCOPAL
Nickname: Knights.
Colors: Blue and white.
2007 record: 5-4.
Coach: Steve Leisz.
Returning lettermen: 22.
Episcopal returns all but two starters on offense, including 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive tackle John Wooldridge, who has verbally committed to TCU. The defense is also returning a lot of players, including linebacker Khiron Woods and nose guard Richard Battle.

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