Abilene High Eagles

The second game of the 2011 Action Sports Medicine Champions Classic features a couple a perennial playoff power and an up-and-coming program – the Abilene High Eagles, regional semi-finalist last season from District 3-5A, host the El Paso Hanks Knights, predicted to be in the running for one of the District 1-5A playoff spots.

Coach Steve Warren’s team of Eagles includes 17 returning lettermen and six starters (3 each on both offense and defense). The Eagles lost some big-name stars to graduation and Division I universities. They will be a young team 2011, but they are expected to be quick and eager to keep the Warbird tradition strong.

Running back Paxton Grayer (5-10, 185) likely won’t be worried about filling Herschel Sims’ shoes this season, because he was in them last season as well, when he picked up almost 800 yards on 87 carries and scored 17 touchdowns.  He’ll be running behind Lorenzo Martinez (5-10, 240), center Chantz Anderson (6-0, 245) and others.

Others to watch on defense include Top Sophomore of the Year candidate Jake McMillion, a 6-2, 225-pound defensive lineman, fellow DL Tyler Cagle (5-11, 215) and linebacker Shaq Sims (5-1, 185).

Nate Kittley and Evan Abbe will vie for the starting quarterback position this season. Both saw very little action last year. Kittley was 8-of-11 for 124 yards and one INT, while Abbe was 2-of-3 for 30 yards.

More Soon: Including pre-season stories from the Abilene Reporter-News.