District 3-1A Forecast

Predictions

1. Nazareth: The Swifts have a new coach, but many of the same players.
2. Vega: The Longhorns reached the playoffs for the first time in 19 years last season.
3. Bovina: The Mustangs just missed out on a playoff berth a year ago.
4. Boys Ranch: The Roughriders made history last season by making the playoffs for the first time.
5. White Deer: The Bucks will be young but could make some noise.
6. Claude: The Mustangs have won only one game in the past two seasons.

Superlatives

Best Back: Cameron Gruhlkey, Vega. Threw for more than 1,700 yards last season.
Best Lineman: LaQuan McGowan, Boys Ranch. At 6-6 and 340 pounds, the junior is a force on both sides of the ball.
Best Defender: Brady Harwell, Vega. Linebacker was the district’s MVP on defense last season.
Best Game: Boys Ranch at Vega, Oct. 23. A playoff berth could hang in the balance.