Graduation losses from 2007 took their toll last year as the Cyclones won just three games and failed to win a district game.

As a result, their streak of reaching the playoffs ended at three years.

Senior running back Michael Henderson leads a group of seven returning starters, and he will be counted on heavily after rushing for more than 1,600 yards last year.

Two-way returning starters Jared Casas, Jazmarr Matthews, Jeremiah Torres and Konnor Clark will be counted on to provide leadership.

Third-year head coach Steve Cates is optimistic an excellent offseason program in which players worked especially hard in the weight room will pay off.

If the Cyclones are to reach the playoffs, they must defeat Shamrock and Quanah and one of the top three district teams (Wellington, Clarendon or Wheeler) from a year ago.

Team Stats

2008 Record: 3-7 overall, 0-5 in District 4-1A.

Returning Experience: 12 lettermen, seven offensive and seven defensive starters.

Players To Watch: Michael Henderson, RB-DB, Jared Casas, OL-DL, Konnor Clark, OL-DL, Junior Cruz, RB-LB, Juan Rodriguez, RB-LB.

Promising Newcomers: Walt Koepke, OL-DL, Tanner Gorman, QB-DL, Yancy Molloy, WR-DL, Josue Perez, OL-DL.

Basic Offense: Offset I.

Basic Defense: 3-5 Stack.

Keys To Success: The Cyclones need to have some early success with which to build on for a tough district season that features playoff teams Wellington, Wheeler and Clarendon. Henderson must again carry the brunt of the running attack.

High School Enrollment: 162.

2008 JV Record: 2-2-1.

Playoff History: 1925, 1934, 1953 (regional), 1966, 1971, 1974 (quarterfinals), 1976 (regional), 1977, 1984, 1985 (regional), 1991 (state champion), 1992 (area), 1994, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006 (regional quarterfinal), 2007 (area).