If it’s June, it’s time for Dave Campbell’s Texas Football to return as required summer reading for area football fans. DCTF managing editor Dennis Hall told me the summer preview editions should begin appearing at area bookstores and supermarkets in the June 14-18 window, although you might get lucky and see one before then.
Hall was tight-lipped about any insight as to where the magazine ranks Lake Highlands 
in the state, region and district. Based on the number of returning starters, which DCTF often uses as a barometer, you could make a case for the Wildcats being the favorite in District 9-5A.
Skyline, of course, will get a lot of attention because it will again have a number of talented college prospects, but this will be a younger, less-experienced version than last year’s. LH, on the other hand, will be more experienced in virtually every area except quarterback. If the Cats hit the jackpot at quarterback, and there are several promising candidates, the 2010 team could raise some eyebrows.
However, look for LH to start the season under the radar. So much of the prediction game for high school media is based on how teams did the previous year. In 2009, LH was overshadowed by Skyline in its own district, then made an early, second-round playoff exit in that titanic battle with Tyler John Tyler. LH is also hurt by being in Region II, when so many of the area’s 5A powerhouses are now in Region I. LH also hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase itself at Texas Stadium/Cowboys Stadium the last couple of seasons, despite having highly competitive teams.
So when you see early forecasts that leave Lake Highlands out of the area Top 10 rankings, remember it’s where you finish that matters.
