The Harvesters are looking forward to a season of new beginnings under a new coach while playing on a new turf field.

Pampa started last season strong with convincing wins in its first two games but then fell into a slide it was unable to crawl out of, losing its final eight games to miss the postseason for the fourth consecutive year.

New coach Heath Parker, who is back at the helm for the Harvesters after six years at Tascosa, has spent his limited time in Pampa getting to know his players and coaching staff.

“We have the talent to be a really good football team this year, and we expect to be one,” Parker said. “The roadblock I would see is if we don’t get on the same page with each other and think the same way. So that’s what I’ve focused on in my time here so far.”

Despite returning just 16 lettermen, Pampa is returning some key talent such as defensive end Travis Hagerman and linebacker Trent Carter along with standout quarterback Alex Clendening who could be on the brink of a outstanding senior year.

“Alex overwhelms you with his intelligence when you meet him and I know he’s going to be a solid player for us that makes good decisions. I feel like his arm strength is superior for the high school level, so it’s our job to simplify what we’re doing with him and get him throwing the ball hard and accurate without clouding his mind with the decisions he has to make.”

2008 Record: 2-8, 0-5 in District 3-4A.

Returning Experience: 16 lettermen.

Players to Watch: Travis Hagarman, DE. Alex Clendening, QB. Trent Carter, RB. Reid Bradley, DL. Jon Romo, OL/DL.

Promising Newcomers: Kendrick Alexander. Kendon Horst. Erick Ramirez. Zack Organ, RB/DE.

Basic Offense: Spread.

Basic Defense: Even.

Keys to Success: It’s no secret that Parker likes to throw the ball around the field, and with Clendening taking the snaps, expect the Harvesters to go to the air often. In order for that to work, the Nathan Webb/Kendrick Alexander combination at running back needs to deliver when called on and the massive offensive line will need to play up to its potential.

High School Enrollment: 1,030.

2008 JV Record: 6-2-2.

Playoff History: 1922, 1924 (second round), 1933 (quarterfinals), 1943, 1949, 1950, 1971, 1990, 1991 (quarterfinals), 1993 (quarterfinals), 1995 (regionals), 1996 (semifinals), 1998 (Division II regional), 1999, 2000, 2002 (Division II regional), 2003 (Division II regional semifinals), 2004 (Division II regional semifinals).