The 2007 Cross Creek team recorded many firsts.

The Razorbacks set school records for longest winning streak and number of victories. They also defeated Washington County for the first time and advanced to the postseason for the second time in three years.

Still, senior quarterback Keenan Grissett said, the Razorbacks are fighting for respect.

"We did good last year," he said. "We just have to prove to everybody that it wasn't a fluke."

Grissett and his teammates will seek to improve on last season's 8-3 record, which included a first-round playoff loss to Monroe (Albany).

"We've got the talent," said coach Scott Tate, who added there has been no turnover on the coaching staff. "We just have to gain the experience. We're working hard to get there."

Grissett provides valuable senior leadership for the team's spread offense. Despite missing two games last season with a shoulder injury, Grissett threw for 1,260 yards. He will have a familiar target in Pat White and will play behind a new offensive line made up mainly of juniors. But Tate said the spread offense should help out the line.

"When you spread, the defense has to spread," he said. "It kind of helps out sometimes."

Juniors Sheldon Counts and Marcus Thomas are battling for the starting running back position. They will replace the graduated Patrick Province, who rushed for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns.

On defense, White is the lone returner. Despite the addition of 10 new starters, White said he doesn't believe there will be a significant drop off.

"It doesn't matter," he said. "We're still going to do our thing."