The Dumas Demons finished third and made the playoffs in District 3-4A last season, and they are ready to make a run at a third consecutive playoff berth.

Dumas picked up wins in its first three district games last year but lost its final three games, including its bidistrict playoff against San Angelo Lake View.

The Demons graduated the majority of their starters, but they have several key players returning, including quarterback Aaron Thomas, receiver Aaron Cortez and defensive lineman Charlie Jaegar.

Dumas also returns senior running back Valentin Arellanes, who missed almost all of last season with an injury. Also back is last season’s surprise player in district in running back Alexio Phothisene, who carried the ball 73 times for 329 yards and will provide his team with a solid one-two punch in the backfield.

Last season, the Demons went to the air early and often after losing several runners to injury. Head coach Mike Burt is determined to run a more balanced attack this season.

“We have got to re-establish the running game, and that’s something we got away from last year because of injuries,” Burt said. “We have a couple running backs this year, and I think that will help. And then we have Aaron back under center, and he put up some solid numbers for us last year.”

2008 Record: 6-5, 3-2 in District 3-4A; lost to San Angelo Lake View, 32-25, in bidistrict.

Returning Experience: 24 lettermen; five offensive and four defensive.

Players to Watch: Aaron Cortez, WR; Aaron Thomas, QB; Edward Holguin, LB; Dillon Johnson, WR; Charlie Jaegar, DE.

Promising Newcomers: Andres Baskin, WR; Armondo Lopez, K; Aaron Mendoza, WR; Joe Dawkins, DT; Billy Neuroth, OL.

Basic Offense: Spread.

Basic Defense: 4-3.

Keys to Success: The defense is a source of concern for Burt, who says he will be looking for new faces to step up and contribute on the line and in the secondary, which is in rebuilding mode. The linebacking corps is the defense’s strength with Ed Holguin, Deejay Hernandez and Isaac Moran patrolling the middle. If Dumas can continue to build during the preseason and nondistrict, the Demons could capture another playoff berth.

High School Enrollment: 1,063.

2008 JV Record: 1-9.

Playoff History: 1933, 1961 (state champions), 1962 (state champions), 1963 (quarterfinals), 1966, 1967 (quarterfinals), 1969, 1970, 1972 (quarterfinals), 1996 (regional), 1997 (Division II area), 2007, 2008.