Stratford became the first area team in more than 70 years to win three state football championships in a decade, while Canadian became the first area team to win back-to-back titles in 46 years.

Needless to say, the Elks and Wildcats were the story of area Class 1A football in 2008.

However, they weren't the entire story. Wellington went undefeated in the regular season for the first time since 1991, while Boys Ranch and Vega ended lengthy playoff droughts. Boys Ranch made history by reaching the postseason for the first time since it began University Interscholastic League competition in 1963. Vega ended an 18-year drought by advancing to the playoffs for the first time since 1989.

But when the season ended Dec. 20, it was Stratford and Canadian that made the biggest impact. The District 1-1A champion Elks and the second-place Wildcats became the first 1A district mates to win state championships in the same year since the UIL created two 1A divisions after the 2005 season.

Stratford became the first area team since Amarillo High (1934-36) to capture three state titles in the same decade. Canadian became the area's first back-to-back champion since Dumas (1961-62).

Best Teams

Stratford and Canadian top the list, but Wellington went 11-1 under first-year head coach Wade Williams, losing only to Canadian in the second round of the playoffs. Clarendon had a solid team, going 9-3 despite losing three-year quarterback Nathan Gribble at midseason. Nazareth extended its playoff streak to 10 straight years under second-year head coach Rocky Smart, finishing 9-3 with loses to playoff teams Sunray, New Deal and Stratford.

Best Game

It's difficult not to pick the season opener between Sunray and Nazareth at Dick Bivins Stadium. The Bobcats and Swifts moved the ball up and down the field, with big plays on both sides. Sunray emerged from this thrilling slugfest with a 42-41 win when Colton Wilson scored on a two-point conversion run with just more than a minute remaining. It was perhaps the wildest and most entertaining game of the season.

Top Individual Efforts

There were so many good ones in Class 1A it would be easy to overlook someone. But a discussion of the topic has to include Canadian's two sets of twins (Danny and Alex Reyes and Clint and Clay Cockrell) who played an integral part in the state titles, along with QB Brandon Robinson, offensive lineman Derek Lovvorn and defensive standout Jed Rankin.

Stratford's state title run was keyed by running back Jesse Lopez, quarterback Kaleb Horsford, wide receiver Angel Resendes and the versatile Manuel Chavoya, who was named the 1-1A's overall most valuable player.

Wellington QB Westin Williams accounted for more than 2,500 yards total offense.

Clarendon's Alton Gaines rushed for more than 1,400 yards.

Wilson had 1,535 yards rushing and 20 TDs, giving him more than 3,400 yards in two seasons.

Nazareth's Nicky Rowland threw for 2,192 yards and rushed for 1,280 to give him 3,472 overall. In two years, he had more than 7,400 yards total offense.

Quanah's Tevin Mitchell ran for more than 2,000 yards for the second year in a row.

All-State Honorees

Rankin and Lovvorn made the Associated Press Sports Editors all-state first team, with Rankin named defensive player of the year. Mitchell was a first-team selection, as was Bovina wide receiver Oscar Rodriguez and Vega defensive back Trey Galbraith.