The Elks were supposed to make a deep playoff run last year after returning to Class 1A following a two-year stint in Class 2A. Stratford didn’t disappoint anyone as they claimed their third state championship of the decade by rolling through the playoffs and defeating Cayuga in the Division II championship game.

Stratford enters the season with 11 straight wins and is again primed to make a deep foray into the playoffs.

Junior Kyle Horsford takes over at quarterback for his brother, Kaleb, who was outstanding on both sides of the ball a year ago as a senior.

Klinton Keener, who rushed for more than 800 yards last year, figures to be the Elks’ featured back and could put up big numbers.

The strength of this year’s team appears to be its offensive and defensive line, where Byron Saloga, Tyler Wright, Cody Carter, Elias Terrazas, Victor Carrera and Braden Hamilton return.

Unlike many teams that have gone to the spread offense, Stratford does it the old-fashioned way. The Elks line up and run between the tackles and throw effectively when needed.

On defense, they control the line of scrimmage, making it tough for the opposition to score.

Last season’s team handed Class 1A Division I state champion Canadian — a district opponent — its only loss, 17-7.

This year, these two defending state champions meet Oct. 16 in Stratford, and again the district title likely will be on the line. Both teams again will be looking to win state titles, making District 1-1A perhaps the toughest district in the state.

Stats

2008 Record: 14-1 overall, 5-0 in District 1-1A. Defeated Nazareth, 41-7, in area; defeated Sundown, 48-30, in regional; defeated Iraan, 55-15, in quarterfinals; defeated Albany, 28-0, in state semifinals; defeated Cayuga, 24-13, in state finals.

Returning Experience: 12 lettermen, six offensive and five defensive starters.

Players To Watch: Cody Carter, OL-DL; Braden Hamilton, OL-DL; Tyler Wright, OL-LB; Bryce Cummings, WR-LB; Klinton Keener, RB-LB; Kyle Horsford, QB-LB; Elias Terrazas, OL-DL.

Promising Newcomers: Michael Ortega, WR-DB; Trevor Christian, WR-DB; Christian Alcala, WR-LB; Justin Mungia, RB-DB; Chris Hart, OL-LB; Chandler Henderson, RB-LB.

Basic Offense: Split Back.

Basic Defense: 3-5-3.

Keys To Success: Replacing QB Kaleb Horsford, running back Jesse Lopez, and defensive back Manuel Chavoya, the district’s most valuable player, will be key factors if another deep playoff run is in the cards.

High School Enrollment: 173.

2008 JV Record: 5-4.

Playoff History: 1963 (regional), 1964 (quarterfinals), 1976, 1978 (quarterfinals), 1979 (regional), 1982, 1983 (area), 1991, 1992, 1993 (area), 1994 (area), 1995, 1999 (Division II semifinals), 2000 (Class 1A state champion), 2001 (state semifinals), 2002 (area), 2003 (quarterfinals), 2004 (state runnerup), 2005 (Class 1A state champion), 2006 (Class 2A state semifinals), 2007 (Class 2A area), 2008 (Class 1A Division II state champion).