The Happy Cowboys did well in nondistrict last season with a 4-1 mark, but they struggled in Six-Man Division II District 2I (2-2) under first-year coach Tye Keith.

Keith said he thinks the team can make a rebound under senior quarterback Brent Johnson and his twin brother, Braden, at running back.

“We went 6-3 last year,” Keith said. “We just kept getting better as the season went on. At the beginning of the season we beat teams we weren’t supposed to. We are growing on that. All of our kids are bigger, faster and stronger, and they have another year under me. We expect everything to gel and have a really good year.”

To be successful, the Cowboys will need to play a quick-style game as their size won’t intimidate anybody. The Cowboys are seeking to make the playoffs for the fourth time in five years after failing to make the postseason last year.

Team Stats

2008 Record: 6-3 overall, 2-2 in Six-Man Division II District 2.

Returning Experience: Twelve returning lettermen and five returning starters on each side of the ball.

Players To Watch: Brent Johnson, QB-LB; Braden Johnson, RB-DB; Chad Pearson, RB-LB.

Promising Newcomers: Steven Miller, RB-LB, Jake Harris, QB-LB.

Basic Offense: Unbalanced.

Basic Defense: 32.

Keys To Success: Happy has quite a few players with decent speed. If the Cowboys can capitalize on their overall speed, they should be able to have success. With another year under Keith’s system, and the most returning starters in the district, the Cowboys should challenge for a playoff spot.

High School Enrollment: 81.

2008 JV Record: 4-3.

Playoff History: 1947, 1948 (regional champion), 1950 (regional champion), 1951 (regional), 1956 (regional), 1957, 1958, 1959 (regional champion), 1962 (regional champion), 1972, 1982 (zone), 1986 (zone), 1987 (zone), 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998 (area), 2005, 2006 (regional), 2007 (regional).