When traditionally successful high school football teams find many juniors and sophomores in the lineup, it can signal that the program is struggling or that the youngsters are special.

It meant both for A&M Consolidated last year.

The Tigers lost their first two games before promoting sophomore running backs Chris Nutall and Clinton Banks from the junior varsity. The new kids joined a lineup that included five juniors, helping Consol recover from the bad start to win seven of its next nine games while reaching the state playoffs.

Consol lost its playoff opener for the third consecutive season. However, with more experience and talent returning than in several years, the Tigers expect to compete for the District 12-5A championship and end their first-round struggles.

"I don't think there's any doubt that we've got a little more talent coming back," Consol coach Jim Slaughter said. "I feel like we've got a much better football team. The kids from previous years did a great job for me. I don't want to put them down. But because we've got more returning starters, these kids know what we expect and what we're trying to do. Our expectations are a little higher."

Consol reached the Class 5A state semifinals in 2005. Since then, the Tigers have lost two playoff games to Round Rock and last year fell to Tyler Lee, 13-3.

"I would say that right now, throughout our program, if you were to ask coaches and kids, they would tell you that one of our goals is to win that first playoff game," Slaughter said. "There are some goals that have got to be accomplished before we can do that, but we need to get that done."

The first-round struggles drove the Tigers during offseason workouts.

"Our saying is step up or step aside," senior receiver Rickey Smith said. "If you're not willing to work, then you don't belong on the team.

"The past couple of [Consol] teams kind of slacked off as the season went along. We're not going to do that. I remember when we were freshmen, our coach told us we were the hardest-working team he'd ever had."

Slaughter calls this one of his most talent Consol teams, with several college football prospects.

Consol should have a dangerous offense if the Tigers find a productive quarterback. Nutall and Banks combined to rush for 1,534 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, giving Consol a rare combination of speed and power.

Slaughter has high hopes for the offensive line, led by senior center Shawn Dunham and tackles Jacob Rae and Weston Chenault.

The Tigers look strong at tight end, with experienced seniors in Kyle Doll, Earl Burrell and Patrick Bettiol. The 210-pound Bettiol started at guard last season because Consol needed help there. He could be used as an H-back this year and line up in the backfield to block and catch passes.

Smith, a major college prospect, leads a receiving corps that includes Shea Sikes and Matt Wilkins.

"We have a lot of weapons on offense," Smith said.

Consol began preseason workouts with two candidates to take over at quarterback, seniors Dillen Ashton and Parris Colbert. Ashton played sparingly last year as backup to Patrick O'Quinn. Colbert switched to defensive back last season in an effort to earn playing time.

Colbert showed himself a real candidate for the starting job with an impressive performance in spring drills, which Ashton missed because he played baseball. Ashton made a good impression during 7-on-7 action in the summer.

"I feel like I definitely have two quarterbacks that can play," Slaughter said. "It wouldn't be a problem to play both guys. One of the greatest teams I had [at Corpus Christi Carroll] had two quarterbacks that both played consistently."

Slaughter has wanted a more effective passing attack for several years, but the Tigers completed just one pass in the loss to Tyler Lee. Balance remains a goal, although the ability of Nutall and Banks could make it hard not to rely on the ground game.

"I think we've got be careful about settling on what we're going to do offensively," Slaughter said. "With two great running backs, the running game looks good. That opens up the pass."

On defense, the Tigers return only one starter from the front seven and must replace their entire linebacker corps. However, a couple of proven veterans anchor the secondary and Slaughter has confidence in the replacements up front.

Senior Nelson Devin should lead the linebackers. Devin made a believer of Slaughter with his performance on special teams last season. He likely will be joined in the starting lineup by senior Harley York at outside linebacker.

"There's no doubt Nelson Devin is tough and he's smart," Slaughter said. "He's not a returning starter on defense, but he knows what he's doing. Harley York is a tough kid, a fast kid. In nearly every camp he's gone to, he's been in their top five athletes."

The line's only returning starter will be 265-pound senior Darian Johnson, who made 23 tackles last season.

There is a wealth of experience in the secondary, with cornerback Andrew Fletcher in his third season as a starter and strong safety Xavier Nelson in his second.

"Xavier coming back is very important," Slaughter said. "He plays a position that is hard to learn. Fletcher is a very, very talented cover corner. He had probably a better sophomore year than his junior. He already had a better spring training than he had after his sophomore year."

The other projected starting defensive backs, corner Michael Todaro and free safety Carson Kieschnick have some experience. Kieschnick started as a sophomore against Tyler Lee when Nelson was ineligible.

Slaughter said seniors Paul McVay and Jace McNeill probably will be two of the better kickers he's had, which is high praise since Consol sent two kickers to major college programs in recent years.

"Both of them are excellent," Slaughter said. "I think we'll continue to be good there."

Consol will open the season by playing host to Round Rock McNeil on Aug. 28.