Both the George West Longhorns and Three Rivers Bulldogs are expected to battle for the District 31-2A top spots again this year, according to the recently released Dave Campbell’s 2009 Texas Football Magazine.

The Longhorns are the favorites to take the district title while the Bulldogs get into the postseason with a possible third place finish behind second place Dilley. The ‘Horns broke into the preseason state rankings at No. 25, according to the prognosticators at the magazine.

Both Live Oak County teams will have five starters returning on offense and will return a few starters on defense as well.

The Longhorns went to the Division I quarterfinals last year and ended up with an 11-1 overall record. The Bulldogs co mpleted their season as a Division II finalist and finished at 9-2 for the 2008 season.

The Longhorns will have good size and speed this year and coach Tim Holt is looking for his senior class to provide plenty of leadership and experience.

New Three Rivers coach Randy Palmer also will have some size and speed to match up with about anyone on any given Friday night. Defense will be a key as it always is, and the Bulldogs expect to provide a strong offensive attack with experienced skill position players back for another year.

The remainder of the district race is thought to line up with Freer coming in fourth, followed by the Jourdanton Indians, Cotulla Cowboys and Natalia Mustangs in order of proposed finish.

As in any 2A district race, injuries or the lack thereof can change a season around; hopefully every team will bypass the injury bug and compete on an even playing field this upcoming football season.

Texas high school football returns in a little more than two months. Week zero games are scheduled to begin at the end of August.