The Pettus Eagles have several talented and experienced skill players among their junior class this year and they will be counted on to help the varsity to an improved 2010 season over last year’s 4-6 season.

The Eagles failed to make the playoffs last year and injuries played a big role. If the Eagles can stay healthy, Pettus will challenge for a playoff spot in the new 16-1A DII district.

The offense will be in the hands of junior quarterback Ryan Beck. Running backs and receivers abound with Hunter Tomlin, Andrew Parker, Tim Gill, Grayson Huskey, Ulises Juarez, Dominque Robards and Taylor Yeoman at Beck’s disposal to use in head coach Steve Marbach’s offensive schemes.

The Eagles will employ multiple formations but most often will be in the spread to take advantage of Beck’s athleticism and arm.

The depth of any 1A team is always a problem and the same goes for the Eagles. Pettus has some size up front with Dylan Gisler, A.B. Escamilla, James Constante and Alex Dumont all tipping the scales at more than 200 pounds.

Many of the Eagles will see double duty on offense and defense. The conditioning of the squad will also be a factor and Marbach will have his team ready to go.

The new district has a few familiar foes and a couple of new adversaries. It has expanded to seven teams with the front-runner being the Falls City Beavers. Newcomers Bruni, Benavides and Agua Dulce take the place of departed Yorktown and Charlotte.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has the Beavers continuing their reign as district champs with the Woodsboro Eagles, Bruni Badgers and Pettus boys fighting for the remaining two postseason spots.

The key games of the district race for the Eagles will come in their first two district encounters. The Eagles travel to meet the Bruni Badgers on Sept. 24 and then host the Falls City Beavers the following week.

If the Eagles can split or even win both contests, a playoff spot will definitely be in the works.