The Rangers’ 11-year streak of reaching the playoffs ended last season because they lost to Lubbock Estacado (28-24) and Lubbock Cooper (14-10) to open district play on the road.

This year they will have those teams at home to begin their district schedule and if they are able to revers that trend a new playoff run could begin.

Senior running back Shane Hodge, who has rushed for more than 1,100 yards the last two years, returns to lead the offense along with Quarterback C.J. Swift who threw for 1,115 yards and Jake Holguin, who rushed for 550 yards and caught 16 passes.

Center Jesse Rodriguez returns to anchor a young offensive line that needs to mature quickly if the Rangers are to move the ball consistently against a tough schedule that features playoff teams such as Randall, Bushland and Canadian.

The defense will be led by linebacker Danny Escarcega who had 24 solo tackles last season including four quarterback sacks.

If the Rangers can have some early season success they should be a playoff contender when district play arrives.

Stats

2008 Record: 4-6 overall, 2-3 in District 1-3A.

Returning Experience: 10 lettermen, four offensive and five defensive starters.

Players To Watch: Shane Hodge, RB-DB; Jake Holguin, RB-LB; Jesse Rodriguez, OL-LB; C.J. Swift, QB-DB; Danny Escarcega, TE-LB.

Promising Newcomers: Samuel Gutierrez, RB-LB; Braiden Vernor, TE-DB; Colby McKinley, RB-DL; Trenton Merkel, OL-DL; Josh Garcia, RB-LB.

Basic Offense: Pro I.

Basic Defense: 4-3.

Keys To Success: The Rangers play perhaps the toughest nondistrict schedule including games against Class 4A Dumas, Randall and Pampa along with Class 2A Bushland and defending Class 1A Division I state champion Canadian. They have an outstanding running back in Shane Hodge and QB C.J. Swift and it will be important for those two to stay healthy.

High School Enrollment: 622.

Playoff History: 1939 (regional champion), 1947 (regional champion), 1956, 1957, 1958, 1960, 1973, 1975, 1976 (state semifinals), 1977 (quarterfinals), 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1985 (regional), 1986, 1987, 1992, 1993 (quarterfinals), 1997 (regional), 1998 (area), 1999, 2000, 2001 (state semifinals), 2002 (area), 2003 (area), 2004, 2005 (area), 2006, 2007.