 Conference: 7A-West Head coach: Daryl Patton Record last year: 9-3, 5-2 Points scored, points allowed: 406-269 Playoff appearances since 1968: 14 Last playoff appearance: 2006 Playoff record: 9-14 Key returning starters: OG Adam Brown, OT Colby Berna, WR Gionni Harris, WR Weston Harbaugh, RB Cody Hammer, CB Justin Ternes, CB Alex Miller, LB James Bornhoft, LB Collin Sanders, DE David Tovar, NM Addison Ginnavan, DE David Nefzger. Outlook: The Purple Bulldogs have huffed and puffed, but haven't been able to blow the door down. Could 2007 be the year? Fayetteville has been to the playoff semifinals four times, including last year, but have no state championship game appearances on their resume'. With five returning starters on offense, six on defense and not one, but two quality kickers, the Bulldogs certainly hope so. Gionni Harris is one of the most electrifying players not only in the conference, but in the state as well. He has 2,800 yards of total offense and 25 touchdowns in his first two years for the Bulldogs. He also will help make Blake McDonald's transition into the starting quarterback role more comfortable. Weston Harbaugh is also a quality receiver. Up front, Adam Brown and Colby Berna are back. Cody Hammer returns at running back. Linebacker James Bornhoft and noseman Addison Ginnavan are the only two defensive players that actually started all 12 of Fayetteville's games last year. But cornerbacks Justin Ternes and Alex Miller also had starts as did David Tovar and David Nefzger, who split time at one of the end positions. Collin Sanders, who is a college prospect, started a couple of games as well. Jose Gonzales booted 32 of 35 extra points last year and added three field goals in six attempts. Junior Adam Baker was good on 10 of 11 extra points and made all three of his field goal attempts. Both could end up kicking in college. Comments from Patton: "We have great depth at receivers. Gionni gives us big play capabilities. A lot depends on Blake McDonald staying healthy and performing. We have great depth and experience at defensive back. All the top defensive linemen return, and are bigger and faster. The linebackers; no experience from last year returning but will be talented, just not very deep."
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