OVERVIEW

Mojo came storming back into state and national prominence last season with a 12-0 start before losing to eventual state champ Euless Trinity. The comeback was the Permian way _ lots of good players but not many great ones. A Permian grad, Allman seems to have revitalized a program and community that wilted in the last 15 years with the spotlight of a NY Times bestseller (Friday Night Lights) on the 1988 season.

OFFENSE

New QB Trevor Adams takes over after a stellar season by last year's first-year starter Taylor Byrd. Senior and super versatile Alan Castillejos (6-1, 215) will move in from WR to take some snaps primarily in short-yardage situations. Look for some Tim Tebow-Florida like jump passes. Permian coaches spent the '07 spring break at the University of Florida.

The yards will come by a committee of solid, if not spectacular, skill players. Castillejos is a big target at wide receiver and Ryan Rumbaugh is back after 44 catches for 710 yards. Running back Sherard Ray provides a little speed and sophomore DeAnthony Fay can push the piles.

Other than Texas commit Garrett Porter at left tackle, the Permian line is developing.

DEFENSE

You gotta like a defense led by Samson. Nose tackle Samson McClane, linebacker Jerome Leija , cornerback Anthony McDowell and his cousin Ryan McDowell will lead a defense that looks to start having as many formations as its offense.

Permian will use a lot 4-3 alignments along with its traditional 3-4. The ability of junior Lambert Riley to play both linebacker and defensive tackle has created a lot of options to change formations quickly.

McClane will lead a front rotation that includes seniors Tyler McCann, Adedayo Balogun, William Ritter and Riley. Linebackers Joey Mendez and Romeo Maldonado return with a lot of experience.

SHOES TO FILL

Permian's precision spread offense was ignited by the accuracy of quarterback Taylor Byrd (Hardin-Simmons) last year. It'll be hard for Trevor Adams to duplicate but offensive whizzes Allman and OC Brandon Faircloth are great at using formations and personnel packages to find ways for their players to do what they do best.

WHO MUST STEP UP

Defensive lineman Samson McClane needs to create a lot of havoc for the rest of an undersized, but fast and aggressive defense to work.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

The storied program of more than three decades appears out of its doldrums. Permian's seven state titles were starting to become more history than tradition. The last title came 17 years ago. That means this year's juniors and seniors had just been born when Mojo last dominated.

*All-Time Playoff history (appearances, district championships, including shared titles; and; state championships)

SEASON PREDICTION

Mojo is much better. But Mojo isn't back. Not in the sense of winning a bunch of state titles.

The oil boom rejuvenating West Texas is helping bring in some participation numbers which should result in a good talent base. But coaching around the state has caught up to the past Permian standards that led to so many state championships.

Permian, Midland Lee and Lubbock Monterey will roll through the 10-team District 2-5A and the District 1 qualifiers. It'll be how Permian does in rounds three and four that will determine how much Mojo remains.

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