From underneath a straw hat, with arms crossed, Garland Naaman Forest coach Bill Patterson means business.

His goal: Change the attitude and change the results.

After a disappointing 2005 and 2006, Naaman Forest is the biggest surprise in District 10-5A, surging to a 4-0 start behind a tough coach and an experienced offense.

In the last two seasons, Naaman Forest finished a combined 4-16, including 3-7 last season. As a result, senior quarterback Levi Keffer said, Patterson cracked the proverbial whip.

"It's kind of a newer thing for this year," Keffer said. "He expects a lot out of us. He expects perfection, and that's what we're going to give him."

Conditioning is a big part of Patterson's discipline. During one practice, the team ran four 200-yard sprints, with a fifth added after one player failed to finish in time. At another practice, it was 100-yard sprints across the field for half of the team, while the offense ran a two-minute drill at a grueling pace.

But senior outside linebacker Chris Shinault, covered in sweat after a practice, said he doesn't mind the work.

"He's a lot more strict on bad behavior and not helping each other out," Shinault said. "He's changed too, as well as us. I feel like that's good on his half. I feel like when he changes, we follow the leader."

Patterson smiles when asked if he's toughened up on his team.

"Well, a little bit more," Patterson said. "I haven't changed much in my eyes. I think they just notice it more. I've been the same person coaching for 28 years."

Patterson's squad has had plenty of time to get to know him. He's known Shinault since the senior was in seventh grade, and this is Keffer's fourth season on Patterson's varsity.

"We've been around each other a lot," Patterson said. "Maybe they're more aware of what I'm saying."

Patterson's coaching has sunk in for Keffer and the Naaman Forest offense. Keffer, triggering the offense for a third season, has seen the squad improve, from averaging 9 points per game in 2005 to 38.5 points this season.

"The offensive line is pretty strong, and we have a good amount of skill players," Keffer said. "We've got good running backs, good wide receivers, and it's working right now."

MILTON HINNANT/DMN

Coach Bill Patterson instructs quarterback Levi Keffer during practice. Keffer's experience has been key this season. 'He's seen everything you can throw at him,' Patterson said.

Naaman Forest's statistical leader is junior running back Jonathon Miller, who ranks 11th in the area with 571 yards rushing and eight touchdowns, but Patterson said that Keffer is also a catalyst.

"He's seen everything you can throw at him," Patterson said. "He's been in quite a few high school football games, so he understands everything you can do, both to try to stop the run and in the secondary. He's got so much experience, and he's played against a lot of good teams. That's helped a bunch."

The defense has also improved. After giving up more than 32 points per game the last two seasons, Naaman Forest is giving up the least yardage among area teams and allowed its first offensive touchdown during last week's 41-9 win over Sachse.

Shinault said that the team's attitude has shifted.

"You can't get used to losing," Shinault said. "This year, we're a winning team. We feel like we can win against anybody, and we've got the attitude that we can beat anybody."

POWER RANGERS

A look at how Garland Naaman Forest has improved the last three seasons:

Garland Naaman Forest (4-0, 1-0 10-5A) vs. South Garland (3-1, 1-0), 7 p.m. today, Garland's Homer B. Johnson Stadium