This is the 20th of The Athlete's Connection's 30 football previews in 30 days leading up to the season-opening games Aug. 28. Today, Chad Washington visits with Mayde Creek and head coach Lance Carter.

The excitement for football is so high at Mayde Creek, head coach Lance Carter was a bit peeved when a thunderstorm rumbled near the school and forced his team off the practice field one recent afternoon.

“It’s our first day of pads, and we would love to be on the field instead of walking in the gym with flat tennis shoes on,” he said.

With a successful first season under his belt in 2007, Carter has created a new culture at Mayde Creek. After years of mediocre football, Carter turned the program around for a 6-5 record (its first winning record since 2000) and a playoff spot (its first since 1997).

But Carter and the Rams are not content with just one winning season. He and his staff have created a new winning attitude at the school, and according to Carter, the players are buying into it, even the newcomers to the program.

“We’ve have 50 more kids than we had last year at this time,” Carter said. “We have a good number of freshmen and they are extremely skilled. I’m looking for great things out of our freshman class.

“I love this team, and I love this team’s attitude. This is a special team. We got tremendous team speed right now and I’m ready to see this team in pads so we can see if we still look that fast.”

The speed will be in the backfield with returning running back Chris West, who ran for almost 700 yards and six touchdowns last year. Carter is also high with the other running backs, including Eli Bush and Devon Hines.  The receivers also have a lot of athleticism, including returning wideout Sherriff Thomas, who is 6-foot-3 and has great leaping ablility.

“We’re capable of throwing the ball at any time,” Carter said. “We got a tremendous receiver that I like up against anybody. I think Sheriff has patterned himself to be pretty special this year. He’s a great kid and had a great summer and spring.”

The quarterback job is up for grabs between Luke Leonard and Vaughn Miller, while the offensive line will be relatively new, but should be strong with returning starter Patrick Chamberlain.

The defense will revolve around a solid corps of linebackers, led by all-district selection Justin Roberson, who had 113 tackles last year. “He’s the playmaker, he’s the run-stopper in the middle,” Carter said. “He’s 230 pounds, and he’s going to go sideline to sideline making tackles.” Joining Roberson will be Devown Hines and Tony Pullings.

The secondary is also filled with good players, including defensive backs Lamar Coward and Mason Hooper, who combined for five interceptions in 2007. However, the defensive line is still developing and finding players that can get to the ball.

“We’re going to play chase-the-football (on defense). First guy to get there, let’s get them down,” Carter said.

The Rams will open the season with a tough game at Brenham, and an early-homecoming game against Foster. Alief Taylor, Cypress Springs and Terry round out the non-district schedule. The District 17-5A opener will be at Rice Stadium on Oct. 10 against Seven Lakes. The district should be competitive with all six Katy ISD teams battling for four playoff spots.

“Any of the six could be in the playoffs (this year),” Carter said. “The two big bulls in this district are Katy and Cinco Ranch. Until you beat them, you have to look from behind them. That’s our drive right now, just to stand eye-to-eye with them this year.”

This will be a pivotal year for Mayde Creek. A strong season would continue the makeover that Carter started and turn the Rams from also-ran to playoff contender. And he and his players know that.

“They know what our goals are and they are clearly stated,” Carter said. “Let’s make a statement when we get into the playoffs. It’s not just good enough for our program just to get (to the playoffs) like we did last year, but last year was a big year for us to get into the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. And getting there isn’t good enough.”

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