Farwell, which improved to 5-6 last year after going 1-9 in 2007, reached the playoffs for the first time sine 2003 but lost in the first round to New Deal.

Although only four seniors return, the Steers have six offensive and eight defensive starters back.

Junior Landry Actkinson returns for his second season at quarterback. He’ll receive some help from three-year starting center Aaron Warren.

Defensively, the Steers will be led by first-team all-district linebacker Zac Stancell and second-team safety pick Colton Christian, whom coach Mark Anglin calls a big hitter.

2008 Record: 5-6 overall, 3-2 in District 5-1A

Returning Experience: 11 lettermen; six offensive and eight defensive starters.

Players To Watch: Colton Christian, WR-DB; Landry Actkinson QB-DB; Caleb Christian, WR-DB; Jeremy Woodard, RB-DL; Colby Read, RB-DL.

Promising Newcomers: Ubaldo Trevizo, OL-DL; Edgar Cuevas, OL-DL; Beaux Martin, WR-DB.

Basic Offense: Spread.

Basic Defense: 4-2-5.

Keys to Success: Anglin expects the team’s overall quickness and football IQ to help lead them back to the playoffs and the school’s first winning record in seven years.

High School Enrollment: 128.

Playoff History: 1956 (regional), 1958 (regional), 1959, 1960 (regional), 1963, 1969, 1982, 1983 (area), 1984 (zone), 1989 (area), 1990 (regionals), 1995, 1998 (Division II), 1999 (Division II), 2003 (area), 2008.

Stadium: W.M. Roberts Stadium (1975)

Biggest Rival: Morton.

Bet You Didn’t Know: The stadium was named in honor of former school superintendent W.M. Roberts.