When last season began, the Roughriders were given little chance to make the playoffs for the first time in history.

But that’s what they did, thanks to a late-season surge and a fortunate break when White Deer upset Bovina in the final district game.

With quarterback James Murphy returning along with huge two-way linemen LaQuan McGowan and Rob Phipps, the Roughriders should get plenty of respect this season.

Head coach Mike Lozano said good skill-position players and an experienced line on both sides of the ball will be his team’s strengths. If the Roughriders can stay healthy up front — they lack overall depth — they could begin district play with some confidence.

Team Stats

2008 Record: 6-5 overall, 3-2 in District 3-1A. Lost to Wellington, 28-12, in Class 1A Division I bidistrict.

Returning Experience: 14 lettermen, seven offensive and seven defensive starters.

Player To Watch: LaQuan McGowan, OL-DL; James Murphy, QB-DB; DeJon Haye, TE-DL; Jansen Timmons, RB-DB; Chris Butler, WR-DB.

Promising Newcomers: Jacob Burnett, OL-DL; Tanner Lively, OL-DL; William Longstreth, OL-DL; Sayvon Munnerlyn, OL-DL; Geraldo Padilla, RB-LB.

Basic Offense: Pro I.

Basic Defense: 50.

Keys To Success: The Roughriders need to have another good start and capitalize on the number of quality returning starters on both sides of the ball.

High School Enrollment: 172.

2008 JV Record: 4-4.

Playoff History: 2008.