Class 2A preview: 5 predictions, observations entering 2024 football season in Lubbock area

Class 2A football saw the area's biggest overhaul from realignment. That created three all-South Plains districts, two of which are in Division II.

Here's a look at the local landscape entering the 2024 season.

Most likely to make a deep run: Ropes

"Deep" in this context is relative. Region I in both divisions is loaded. I consider this a run to at least the third round, which will be more than an accomplishment, given the competition. The path through the playoffs was a major factor.

Three teams were at the forefront before a final decision. If this were an awards podium, Farwell would nab silver and Abernathy bronze.

Ropes got a slight edge, but Farwell was close behind because I foresee them meeting in the area round.

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The Eagles are loaded with returning experience and head into their second season under Beau Riker. It's not far-fetched to think the coach familiarity will pay dividends. It never hurts to bring back a quarterback like Kade Franklin, either.

The defensive front, especially the line, should be something to watch. A district title would set up Ropes with a manageable road to the region semifinals, then competition really ramps up in a likely matchup against Gruver or Wink.

Most likely to surprise: Morton

No team had a bigger turnaround than Morton last season. That's cause enough for me to believe more is on the horizon.

Morton had a four-win improvement to finish 6-6. The highlight was a 31-22 win over No. 1 seed Lockney in the opening round. All but one letterman from that playoff-winning squad is back.

So you may understand my surprise to see Morton picked by Dave Campbell's Texas Football to miss the postseason. A less-experienced Lockney team is slotted second in their shared district.

Like Ropes, Morton enters Year 2 under its coach. Keith Mauldin overhauled the offense to an Air Raid, which was a stark transition. The team made the 7-on-7 state tournament in the summer. You think it's grasping the scheme even better now?

Even with a district title, a playoff win will be a challenge for Morton because of the neighboring district. But if there's a team that can defy outside projections, that's my pick.

Best luck in realignment: Tahoka

Throw this in the same category as a relative prediction. There wasn't a team with an overwhelming case of "good luck" in the South Plains.

However, Tahoka moved down to D-II and increased its chances of a district championship. The veteran group, led by quarterback Brogan Stone and receiver Ruben Arguello, should battle Ropes at the top. Plains, Seagraves, Smyer and Sundown round out the group.

The Bulldogs duked it out with New Deal and Olton the past two seasons. If I'm Tahoka, I like my odds better in this alignment.

Toughest luck in realignment: Farwell

Farwell is used to tough competition, but there was a thought that might lessen with a move to D-II. Then the Steers got grouped with Stratford again. The Elks begin the season ranked No. 1 in the state.

Instead of a grouping with Sudan and the like, Farwell remained in the region's best district. No. 13 Gruver is also part of the competition.

The Steers garnered the No. 22 ranking themselves, but they're still projected to finish third. That's rough.

Bold prediction: No South Plains team will finish district undefeated

Class 2A is almost a battle to be king of the Lubbock area.

Not a lot of travel is needed for South Plains teams, and that comes with a level of familiarity. If they weren't in shared districts before, a lot of local 2A teams have recently seen each other outside of league play. That should make for competitive races.

The coach cliche of "anybody can beat anybody" could hold true. I'm especially looking at the trio of Abernathy, New Deal and New Home sharing a district. The other two Lubbock-centric leagues are just as capable of producing chaos.

I can't wait.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Class 2A preview: 5 predictions, observations entering 2024 football season in Lubbock area