No. 4 McHi loaded with experience and talent

McALLEN - The McAllen High Bulldogs have laid out a simple plan of action that, if followed, should lead to a memorable season.

"We have our team goals set," said Bulldogs coach Tony Harris, whose team is ranked No. 4 to start the season. "They are real simple goals: win our first game, win our first district game, win a championship and make the community proud. It's just four goals and then you build on it from there. Obviously, we want to win the district and we want to get into the playoffs and make a run and be better than any team in McHi history."

There is reason to be optimistic. The Bulldogs return a bevy of players with experience from a District 30-5A playoff team one season ago.

Quarterback Adrian Leal comes in with solid numbers (1,981 yards passing, 18 touchdown passes). Aaron Correa, who most remember as a receiver last season, will handle the ball-carrying duties.

Offensive tackles Tino Hong (6-3, 295) and Scott Inskeep (6-4, 285), center Horacio Barrera (5-9, 200) and offensive guard Donnie Muniz (5-10, 245) compose a solid line that should give Correa room to operate.

The defense returns six starters from '07 led by senior corner Brandon Rock and senior linebacker James Franz.

The talent and experience has Harris comparing the team to his 2000 squad that went 11-2.

"We had a lot of kids coming back that year as well," Harris said. "We had our quarterback back, we had a big offensive line like we do now and we had a bunch of skill kids. We ended up going 11-2 with that bunch. There are some comparisons to draw with that team."

Harris also knows being considered preseason district favorites plants a bull's-eye on his team, especially in a tough district.

"It may be a cliché but in any given Friday night, you better come ready to play in District 30-5A," Donna coach Manny Moreno said. "Obviously, McAllen High has a lot of experience coming back but I feel that every other team has a shot of beating anybody else."

Peter Rasmussen covers District 30-5A for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448 or via e-mail at prasmussen@themonitor.com.

2008  McAllen High Bulldogs at a glance

Coach: , 13th season

Last Year's Record: 8-4, area finalists

Top Returners: Some of the top returners fro the Bulldogs on offense are , offensive tackle Tino Hong and running back . On defensive McHi returns linebacker James Franz, defensive lineman Chris Kyle and corner Brandon Rock.

Of Note: McAllen High returns eight players on offense, six players on defense and 25 lettermen, which gives the Bulldogs plenty of experience. The offensive line is one hard to come by in the Rio Grande Valley. Despite having few carries, should be productive in the backfield.

2008 Schedule

Aug. 29 vs. Harlingen High, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 4 at Edinburg High, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 vs. PSJA High, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Rio Grande City, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 vs. Sharyland, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Donna, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 vs. La Joya, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 at McAllen Memorial, 7:30 p.m

Oct 31 vs. La Joya Palmview, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 7 at McAllen Rowe, 7:30 p.m.