The Friona Chieftains will try to reach postseason play for the sixth time this decade and for the second straight time under head coach Mike Herbert.

Last season, they lost their first two games and three of their opening four but still reached the playoffs. Friona put together a three-game winning streak to start district play.

If they are able to overcome the loss of five offensive starters and six on defense, they should again be able to finish strong.

Joey Dickson returns at quarterback, and Zack Fair and Jonathan Licerio return to lead the running attack that accounted for more than 2,500 yards on the ground.

"We have some outstanding skill players that we will rely on to lead us," Herbert said. "If we can find adequate replacements for the linemen that graduated, we should be fine."

Team Stats

2008 Record: 6-6 overall, 3-2 in District 2-2A. Defeated Panhandle, 21-20, in OT in bidistrict; lost to Idalou, 47-6, in area.

Returning Experience: 15 lettermen; six offensive and five defensive starters.

Players To Watch: Clayton Smiley, OL-DL; Noe Saenz, RB-LB; Zack Fair, RB-DB; Steven Mendoza, RB-LB; Jonathan Licerio, RB-LB.

Promising Newcomers: Raul Anchondo, WR-DB; Chris Garcia, RB-LB; Dominique Kellum, WR-DB; Caleb Moore, QB-DB.

Basic Offense: Wishbone.

Basic Defense: 3-4.

Keys To Success: Zack Fair returns as a starter at running back and Joey Dickson at quarterback. The two need to improve on last season’s totals when Fair rushed for 485 yards while Dickson threw for 618. Matthew Stanberry caught 11 passes and intercepted three on defense. The Chieftains’ strength should be their skill position players, while the main task will be to find solid replacements in the offensive and defensive line.

High School Enrollment: 328.

Playoff History: 1952, 1957, 1965, 1982, 1986 (area), 1994, 1996 (state semifinals), 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008 (area).