ETSN.fm 2013 Preseason Class 5A/4A Poll: No. 8 Texas High

Texas High has won only one playoff game in the last six seasons, but the Tigers hope to start changing that trend in 2013.

Longtime head coach Barry Norton, who has been at the helm since 1999 and guided Texas High to a 2002 Class 4A Division I state championship, brings back nine offensive starters and six defensive starters from last year's 3-7 team, which lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Senior tailback Treveon Walker ran for 1,006 yards and five touchdowns last season, while quarterback Clete Norton is back after throwing for 578 yards, four scores, and eight interceptions.

SMU-committed linebacker Anthony Rhone will lead the defense after recording almost 150 tackles as a junior. Cornerback Kevin Harris could have a big year after impressing during track season, when he qualified for the 4A state meet in the 100-meter dash.

Despite having three road games and two home dates, Texas High's 14-4A schedule is more favorable than a year ago. The Tigers get Sulphur Springs and Hallsville at home as opposed to 2012, when they lost to both of those teams on the road. Another key game could be the Tigers' Oct. 25 trip to Mount Pleasant.

ETSN.fm believes Texas High will make its 13th consecutive playoff appearance and 14th in Norton's 15-year tenure, but the Tigers may not have the firepower to win their district or buck their recent trend of short-lived playoff runs.