They were so close to some of the best.

Now the Rockdale Tigers are not just envisioning themselves in the reflection of their opponents. They are working hard to follow in their footsteps.

The 2007 Tigers seemed headed for a disappointing season at 1-5. Then they put district opponent Liberty Hill on the ropes before falling 37-25. Liberty Hill went on to win the Class 3A Division I state championship, and that loss to Rockdale was the closest game Liberty Hill played.

Rockdale, meanwhile, used the close contest against Liberty Hill to kick-start a three-game winning streak that pushed the Tigers into the playoffs.

"Everything started gelling," Rockdale coach Jeff Miller said of the late-season turnaround. "We found our identity and started doing things the right way."

Some players returned from injuries, and Rockdale's starting sophomores began to mature.

Then in the playoffs, the Tigers got a chance to show off their improvement in a rematch against the China Spring Cougars. Rockdale lost 43-18 in the schools' first meeting during nondistrict play, but the Tigers almost knocked off the Cougars in the bi-district round of the Class 3A Division II playoffs. China Spring needed a late field goal to win 30-27, and the Cougars eventually reached the state championship game.

"It's a testament to our kids that they still believed we had a chance to be a good football team," Miller said. "We had had an ugly loss to Robinson, but we went over there to Liberty Hill and played them pretty good. We were up 19-16 at halftime. We don't like to count moral victories, but we felt better about ourselves."

And in this case, maybe close did count.

"The offseason was the best we've ever had, and we had great summer participation," Miller said. "In two-a-days, you can tell that finally we are coming into a season with expectations, internal expectations. This is the first time in my three years that I've walked out and you can see the confidence."

One key to Rockdale's turnaround came when the Tiger coaches settled on one quarterback, ditching what had been a rotation between Mark Drake and Joe Sanders. Drake is calling signals this year, which has allowed the versatile and talented Sanders to focus on catching passes. A year ago, Sanders caught 27 passes for 497 yards (18.4 per catch) with five touchdown receptions.

Drake, meanwhile, completed 85 of 165 passes for 1,324 yards and 11 TDs.

"Sanders didn't lose the job," the Rockdale head coach said of the quarterback decision. "We just felt like moving him to receiver was going to make us a better football team. Using two kids at quarterback, you never get in a rhythm. You can alternate guards, alternate linebackers, sub DBs, receivers, but when the kids don't know who the leader is in the offensive huddle, they are a little apprehensive."

Miller plans to put more on Sanders' plate this season. Rockdale's go-to receiver may also be used at running back.

Cois Walker played a portion of his junior year as a receiver but saw ample time carrying the ball when the now-graduated Kortlin White went out with an injury. Walker responded with 96 carries for 552 yards and three touchdowns and will be Rockdale's main running back this season. Skylar David and Gregory Chelf also will be key running back contributors.

Linebacker Nic Hammett (6-4, 225), who has orally committed to play at Rice, leads the defense. The big-hitting senior had 80 tackles, including 17 for a loss. He also starts at tight end and is one of three two-way starters for the Tigers.

"Nic's the guy they all turn to if they have any questions," Miller said. "He keeps them in line and keeps them motivated and leads by example."

Junior defensive tackle Logan David (6-4, 300) heads the defensive line after producing 47 tackles (14 for a loss) last season. Nose guard Shane Barcack is back after proving to be a disruptive force on the line.