Well, the 07 football season is over for most teams and will be over for the rest of the Region in a few weeks.

Basketball season is almost here. I think practice starts for most teams around Nov 12.

So, some thoughts...

I know there are a couple of coaching changes for this year, and a few roster changes due to transfers and injuries. Of course, the biggest changes are the new CMD district and the change to Div I and Div II teams.

If Gate City makes it through the football playoffs injury-free, they should be considered a favorite to contend for the Region D Championship in Div II and possibly a return to the state championship game.

In the LPD, the loss of Coleman is going to be a big setback for JI Burton who I think would have been considered a strong contender for the Div I title and a return to the Region D playoffs. I think the Raiders are still going to be a very good team, but that's a tough loss to overcome.

I expect Castlewood to be strong again in the Cumberland District with some new competition from Coeburn. St Paul should have another good team this year. It looks to be a tough year for Twin Springs unless there are some roster changes ahead.

I haven't heard much about the Black Diamond teams this year.

On the girls side, expectations are high at JJ Kelly for the Lady Indians to have good year and return to the Region D playoffs. Clintwood should have another good team in the Lady Waves. Looks to be a re-building year for the Gate City Lady Devils.