Odessa prepares for gridiron action

ODESSA - Coming off a state semifinal appearance, the Tiger football team is back at practice this week gearing up for what it hopes is a return trip to the state playoffs and championship contention.

And for the first time, Odessa will be seeking that contention status under rookie head coach Joe Schlomer, who said he'll be relying on three seniors and a bevy of juniors to carry the load for this year's squad.

"We're actually not looking too bad," Schlomer said after the team had completed three practices. "Team-wise, we're looking pretty darn good. They're my diamonds, so I have scuffs to pu...