photo by Steve Doll

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. If Lake Travis takes a step back, is Killeen the team to overtake the 25-4A throne?

2. After a 6-4 regular season, Killeen got hot (3-1) in the playoffs. Which will we get in 2009?

3. Will star QB Michael Cummings be as effective behind a rebuilt offensive line?

ENCORE FOR CUMMINGS

Cummings had quite the debut last year, earning Central Texas newcomer of the year honors. He had a combined 30 passing and rushing touchdowns. But his sophomore success didn't stop there; after football, he led the basketball team to the regional quarterfinals and qualified for the state track meet in the discus.

THE KINGS OF KILLEEN?

Killeen may have been one of the best teams in Class 4A last year, but the Kangaroos have been unable to claim dominance over the city of Killeen. In the past three years, Killeen is 4-2 against Class 5A city rivals Ellison and Shoemaker. Ellison also is 4-2 in those common games. Shoemaker is 1-5. Oh, and guess who Killeen plays in its first couple of games?

BIG HOLES TO FILL, CREATE

Killeen's stacked running game will operate behind a rebuilt offensive line that returns only one starter, senior guard Iraunce Ellis. The biggest loss up front was mammoth Rhontae Scales, the tackle who signed with Texas A&M.

KANGAROOS' KEY GAME

Hendrickson, Nov. 6

Lake Travis is the heavy favorite in District 25-4A, so this could be for runner-up bragging rights. Both Hendrickson and Killeen were state quarterfinalists in 2008 and boast arguably the district's top offensive players in Cummings and Hendrickson tailback Kenny Williams.

OUR TAKE

• With Garrett Gilbert gone, is Michael Cummings the best quarterback in District 25-4A?

Rick Cantu: Yes. His leadership is one reason Killeen went four rounds deep in the playoffs.

Danny Davis: Michael Brewer has a high ceiling, but experience gives Cummings the nod.

GO FIGURE

2 Starting defensive backs returning from last year, including All-District cornerback Brandon Howard.

7 Games in which Killeen is listed as the home team, as compared to seven road games last year.

121 Points that Lake Travis scored against Killeen in two games last year, outscoring the Kangaroos 121-18.