Breakdown: Plano football 2009

Plano

Coach: Jim Green.

Conference: Interstate Eight Small Division.

2008 record: 5-5.

Postseason advancement: Reapers lost 41-0 to Aurora Christian in 3A playoffs.

Returning starters: Seniors Johnny Mendez (QB), J.J. Cannon (RB-LB), Justin O'Hara (RB-LB), Cesar Ocon (TE-CB), Nick Blasing (OL-DL), Aldo Rodriguez (OL), Geraldo Garcia (DL-FB), Brandon Grote (LB-FB); Junior Vance Schmidt (LB).

Key newcomers: Senior Ryan Lee (TE), Devante Parchman (OL); junior Ryan Smith (OL), Jason Contreras (DB); Sophomores Joseph Jones (RB-DB), Andy Christensen (OL).

What to watch for: A return to form for senior running back J.J. Cannon, who rushed for 788 yards as a sophomore in the Reapers' 2007 state title run. He had just 462 last season when he was hampered by an ankle injury. Most of the players manning the skill positions return after gaining valuable experience last year, led by QB Johnny Mendez. Keep an eye on sophomore speedster Joseph Jones (RB).

Coach says: "This group has a lot of speed, from tight ends to fullbacks to wingbacks. I think we're every bit as fast as that (state champion) '06 team. If we execute like the (state champion) '07 team, we'll be in good shape. I think we'll feel a little more comfortable throwing the ball when we want to. Defensively, our secondary is a question mark."

Key games: The rivalry game with Sandwich (Sept. 11) and the Reapers' other two I-8 crossover games - Herscher and Coal City. All three were 4A playoff teams. Green thinks the Oct. 16th Wilmington contest could again decide the league's small division title.

Schedule:

8/28 Peotone, 7:30

9/4 at Herscher, 7:30

9/11 Sandwich, 7:30

9/18 Dwight, 7:30

9/25 at Lisle (Benedictine U.), 7:15

10/3 Westmont, 1:30

10/9 at Seneca, 7:30

10/16 Wilmington, 7:30

10/23 at Coal City, 7:30