Attempting to top 2008 might be impossible, but the Muleshoe Mules are stubborn enough to think they have a chance to win a second consecutive state championship and equal last year’s accomplishment.

The state championship team was a family affair, led by Coach David Wood’s son, quarterback Wes Wood, and nephew, running back Lane Wood. The two graduated, but the bad news for opponents is they were only two of 11 players lost to graduation.

The Mules lost key skill players, but they return 13 players who understand the rigors of a deep playoff run, and 10 positions will be filled by returning starters.

Another playoff showdown with rising power Bushland could be on the West Texas horizon.

Team Stats

2008 Record: 15-0 overall, Class 2A Division I state champion; 5-0 in District 2-2A.

Returning Experience: 13 lettermen, four offensive and six defensive starters.

Players To Watch: Austin Bambert, OL-ILB; Cooper Washington, WR-DE; Adrian Muniz, WR-DB; Sergio Montejano, OL-DL; Jared Skipworth, QB-DB; Juan Sanchez, RB-LB; Juan Gonzales, OL-DT.

Promising Newcomers: Larry Richardson, WR-DB; Clay Pena, OL-DL; Saul Elizalde, WR-DB; Beau Avila, WR-DB.

Basic Offense: Spread.

Basic Defense: Split 6.

Keys To Success: The Mules play a difficult early schedule and may not go undefeated like last season as they find timing in the offense under new quarterback Jared Skipworth, but Coach Wood will have his ready to defend its district title even with Childress strong again and Floydada and Friona improved. This team has more returning lettermen and starters than last year’s state championship team had. If the Mules gel quickly, they could win the district undefeated for a third year in a row.

High School Enrollment: 358.

JV record: None.

Playoff history: 1938, 1962, 1963 (regional), 1978 (regional), 1979 (regional), 1983 (area), 1998 (Division II area), 1999 (Division I regional), 2000 (Division II semifinals), 2001 (Division II area), 2002 (Division II), 2004 (Division II area), 2005 (Division II), 2006 (2A Division I regional), 2007 (2A area), 2008 (2A Division I state champion).