Football is here and this season is looking as wild as ever.

From new programs in Katy ISD rising up the crop to the old powers trying to stay atop District 19-6A, things are intriguing from top to bottom with a number of teams competing to be a part of the playoff chase.

Katy remain the front runners in the district. The Tigers come off a second straight season where they reached the state semifinals and won a district title. There will be a number of new faces that need to step up for the Tigers, but they are in prime position to go on another strong run in the postseason.

But Katy is far from the only contender in Katy ISD. Another team that will be at the top of the pack is Tompkins. The Falcons bring back dominant pieces on both sides of the ball and should have one of the strongest run games and defenses in the district, after coming off a fifth straight playoff appearance and will be hungrier than ever to get back to a deep playoff push.

Cinco Ranch will try to push for a playoff spot again after back to back regional semifinal appearances, but with a huge amount of turnover in the program, younger players will need to step up to make that happen.

The two newest members o the district both have chances to have big years as well. Jordan will have one of the most explosive offenses in the district and brings back a number of huge players. The Warriors are shooting for their first ever playoff appearance and have been determined all offseason to push one step further than they got last year.

Paetow will also be out to make history for the school and make their first playoff appearance since hitting Class 6A last year and narrowly missing out on the playoffs last year.

You can’t forget about Morton Ranch coming off a playoff season, the Mavericks lose some key players but still have talent returning, they will hope that the experience of getting over the finish line and to bi-district will propel them to another successful season.

Taylor could be in store for a bounce back year as well. The Mustangs return talent all over the ball and bring back over half their starters on defense, and should boast a strong running game. Seven Lakes will try and bounce back after missing the playoffs for the first time in three years last season, the Spartans bring back two talented running backs and some strong defensive players, which they will be able to build off of this year. Mayde Creek meanwhile will continue to try and rebuild and compete and may take a step forward this year with talented up and comers at both quarterback and running back.

Overall it’s shaping up to be another exciting year where anyone could rise to the top, I hope you keep up with us at the Katy Times all season as we bring you the most up to date coverage of the district, I know I’m looking forward to it.