After reaching the Class AAAAA semifinals a year ago, Brookwood's baseball team is off to another hot start. Coach Rick Howard gives his reasons why his Broncos could contend for a title:

1. Chemistry: "Our kids know each other and have played together for several years. They know what buttons to push and how to motivate each other."

2. Challenging schedule: "We have been very fortunate to have played, and will play, against some very competitive programs. The reward is gaining confidence in your ability to play with some of the best teams in the state."

3. Depth: "While we are no different than any other team in terms of having shortcomings, we are very blessed to have versatility among our players. We have experienced setbacks the last two years in terms of losing a player to an injury, and in each of those years, we were able to call on someone who could help us compete."

4. Experience: "While we have several seniors who have a minimum of two years' varsity playing experience, coming up short in 2007 has really been the driving force behind our kids wanting to attain that ultimate goal of a state championship."

5. Senior leadership: "I cannot imagine that there are nine other individuals who are as devoted to each other and this team as are our nine seniors."