The Valley Patriots have created a dynasty since the turn of the century.

The Patriots have missed the playoffs only once since 2000 and have reached the state finals twice. And if preseason predictions are anywhere near accurate, Valley again will be playing into the holiday season.

There is good and bad news for Patriots 10-year veteran coach Bret Tyler.

The good news is Valley returns its offensive backfield, including three-time all-stater Jacob Hancock at running back. Hancock had 2,389 yards rushing last season and is regarded as one of the top players in Texas six-man football.

The bad news is the Patriots return zero players on their interior line.

“We lost all our lineman from last season, first and second string, you name it,” said Tyler, whose team is ranked No. 6 in the state in Six-Man Division I by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine. “We will miss those guys. We have some kids coming from the JV that we are excited about.”

Valley faces a tough schedule, beginning with its annual trek to Hico for Six-Man Super Saturday on Aug. 29, when the Patriots take on defending state champion and top-ranked Strawn. The regular season schedule also includes No. 2-ranked Follett, No. 4-ranked Meadow and No. 9-ranked Paducah.

Team Stats

2008 Record: 7-4 overall; 4-0 in Six-Man Division I, District 1; lost to Meadow, 97-59, in regional playoff.

Returning Experience: 12 lettermen; three offensive and two defensive starters.

Players to Watch: Jacob Hancock, RB-LB; Isaac Smith, QB-S; Jose Galvan, NG-FB.

Promising Newcomers: Adan Alanis, RB-LB.

Basic Offense: Unbalanced I.

Basic Defense: 3-2.

Keys To Success: Hancock is expected to have another great season for Valley. However, the line is a big question mark. The Patriots play arguably the toughest regular-season schedule in the state, so if they again make the postseason, the line should be battle tested.

High School Enrollment: 76.

JV record: 7-3.

Playoff history: 1978, 1979, 1980 (quarterfinals), 1983 (quarterfinals), 1984, 1985 (zone), 1986 (regionals), 1990, 1991 (quarterfinals), 1992 (regionals), 1993 (regionals), 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 (quarterfinals), 2003 (quarterfinals), 2004 (state finals), 2005 (state finals), 2007 (regional finals), 2008 (regional).