This is the 18th of The Athlete’s Connection’s 30 football previews in 30 days leading up to the season-opening games beginning Thursday, Aug. 28. Today, Dave Purpura takes a look at Houston ISD's District 20-5A:

BELLAIRE
Nickname: Cardinals.
Colors: Red and white.
Enrollment: 3,360.
2007 record: 4-6 overall, 3-4 district.
Coach: Jeff Walker.

The biggest question for the Cardinals is whether their defense can be strong enough for long enough to let a relatively inexperienced offense catch up. The defense returns seven starters, including surefire Division I end Joe Okafor, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound junior who could be the talk of Texas if he lives up to expectations. Linebacker Will Trumble will anchor that unit, with speedy SS Brooks Creasey securing the backfield with CB Emmanuel Ojo and FS Ryan Kelly.

Now to the offense: QB Adrian Nelson is entering his second year as a starter; he started all 10 games as a sophomore. He completed 74 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing for 26 scores. He probably will split the offensive headlines with RB Eric Deveaux, a sophomore. They’ll depend big-time on an equally young offensive line, led by senior center John Dean.

The Cardinals open with Booker T. Washington Sept. 6 before a Week Two visit to Southlake Carroll.

CHAVEZ
Nickname: Lobos.
Colors: Red and black.
Enrollment: 2,293.
2007 record: 6-5 (Division II bi-district finalists), 5-2.
Coach: Mike Jackson.

Most of the headlines go to 6-foot-6, 260-pound DE Michael Brockers, one of the state’s finest who verbally committed to LSU in February. But he’s only part of the story that could portend a strong year for the Lobos. They return 13 starters – seven on offense and six on defense – and have depth to the sophomore level.

As good as he was last year, Brockers – rated the No. 8 DE in the country by Rivals.com and No. 13 by Scout.com - wasn’t even the top tackler on defense. Safety Roland Veal had a huge year, recording 120 tackles with four interceptions. James Johnson added 110 stops at LB. The defense needs to shore up; it allowed 21 or more points five times.

With a year under its belt, this offense should put up points. QB Andre Kelly had 12 touchdowns in 11 starts a year ago and TB Mark Cole ran for 800 yards and seven scores.

The schedule isn’t nearly as tough as last year – the Lobos get 4A playoff contenders Jones and Sharpstown, 3A Splendora and 5A newbie New Caney before 20-5A play begins.

LAMAR
Nickname: Redskins.
Colors: Red and blue.
Enrollment: 3,302.
2007 record: 10-2 (Division I area finalists), 7-0.
Coach: Tom Nolen.

Like their coach, Redskins players are tight-lipped, modest and quick quotes, so exactly how the Redskins are reloading after their 21st playoff appearance in 22 seasons isn’t totally clear. They lost QB Alvin Johnson – two players are fighting for that starting spot – but return RB Kalvin Guyton (723 yards, 13 TDs). WR Josh Gordon, highly-touted nearly anywhere you look, will be expected to build on his four-touchdown season of a year ago and succeed Eric Lair and Tracy Robertson as potent receiving threats.

Exactly half of last year’s starters graduated – the Redskins return six starters on offense and five on defense. Plenty of juniors and maybe even sophomores will crack the lineup, including defensive backs Nieko Conway, Earl Foster and running back Patrick Andrews.

Even with all the losses, Lamar is still the prohibitive favorite to win 20-5A. Next, then, is getting beyond the second round of the playoffs, where the Redskins have lost to Cy-Fair each of the past two years.

MADISON
Nickname: Marlins.
Colors: Red, white and columbia blue.
Enrollment: 2,347.
2007 record: 7-5 (Division II area finalists), 5-2.
Coach: Ray Seals.

An offseason filled with questions was settled somewhat recently when the UIL allowed transfer Broderick Thomas to play this season, meaning he’ll more than likely be the starting quarterback. He played in the spring game, but senior Jeffrey Lewis and junior Terrance Smith will provide stiff competition. Either would be a strong backup given their amount of preparation and can be used in other areas; Lewis accounted for 1,500 total yards and 25 touchdowns at QB and RB in 2007.

The defense, however, likely will be the headliner. Three starters – end Jeremy Kirt, tackle Mertroy Harris and James Washington – return on the line, which will operate this year in a 4-3. Washington, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound senior, had a team-high 80 tackles last year with a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown. Tackle Michael Ware had 42 tackles and eight sacks.

MILBY
Nickname: Buffaloes.
Colors: Blue and gold.
Enrollment: 2,189.
2007 record: 2-8, 1-6.
Coach: Philip Camp.

All the signs are there for some improvement, but how much upward movement the Buffaloes make will depend somewhat on whether any of the teams above them slump. Six starters return and the senior class is as deep as any Camp has had. One position doesn’t seem to stand out especially, but the interior is strong both ways.

Linebacker David Wilson, a 6-foot, 210-pound junior who runs a 4.5 40, is drawing interest from UCLA, Texas A&M and Houston among other major schools in large part because of his 120 tackles, three interceptions and five fumble recoveries in 2007. Linebackers Leroy Seals and Edder Moreno combined for more than 170 tackles last year. Mark Jackson will start at QB for the third straight year, but doesn’t a lot of have at experienced targets at the skill positions.

With a little help, Milby could be a surprise.

WESTSIDE
Nickname: Wolves.
Colors: Blue, black and silver.
Enrollment: 2,987.
2007 record: 6-5 (Division I bi-district finalists), 4-3.
Coach: Mark Byrd.

Just 16 letterwinners and four starters on both sides return from a team that slumped the second half of last year, but Byrd is hopeful a slew of talented, fast underclassmen can secure the Wolves’ seventh straight appearance. Westside, however, never has advanced past the second round.

Senior wide receiver Kevin Brooks should pace the offense – he has 4.5 speed and had 600 yards receiving and eight touchdowns last year. He is already generating a buzz among some college recruiters, according to Byrd; Rice is interested. Junior RB Frank Williams is poised to better his 1,300-yard performance from last year. The offensive line will have five new starters.

The defense should be quick. End Eric Dago had 95 tackles last year, and the linebackers are headlined by junior Stephen Thompson. Defensive back Chris Redman is an excellent closing back and should have a strong year.

Chad Washington contributed. 

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