Coach Smith isn't content to let his team rest on its laurels though. Following a coaching change and a 2-8 season in 2005 that featured a host of off-field problems, Smith is determined to build the Stratford program into a consistent playoff contender in one of the state's toughest Class 4A regions.

The main weapon for the Spartans this year will be first-team preseason All-Region 5-4A.com running back Stevie Shelton. The shifty Shelton (6-0, 185) is one of only five seniors on this year's young team, but he returns almost 1,000 yards on the ground and should be focus of the Spartans' offense, especially early.

Quarterback is a position that Smith's staff must fill in order to be in the playoff hunt by season's end. If a solid signal-caller is found though, he will have a talented trio of receivers in Quinton Patton, TeAndre Fisher, and Keith Buford. D'Angelo Bohannon is another skill position prospect who should see the field on both sides of the ball.

Up front Stratford does not return much starting experience. The line will be led by big Josh Maxwell (6-4, 320), another preseason all-region selection. Maxwell will need some help though, and on paper the Spartans don't list a very large selection to choose from.

The Spartans' schedule will be extremely tough, with non-region foes David Lipscomb, Pearl-Cohn, and CPA all headed for potential deep playoff runs in their respective classifications. Stratford also must travel to rugged region foes Hillsboro, Tullahoma, and Maplewood in the final game of the regular season.