ETSN.fm 2013 Preseason Class A/Private Poll: No. 3 West Sabine

West Sabine enjoyed breakout success in 2012, finishing third in a rough district and advancing two rounds deep in the playoffs. And the expectations are even higher for the Tigers this fall.

With 17 returning starters -- the most of any team in District 10-A Division I -- West Sabine is expected to battle with preseason favorite Alto and last season's district champ San Augustine for league supremacy in 2013.

West Sabine did graduate quarterback Desmond Lacey, but most everyone else is back off a team that finished 9-3 a year ago. Chief among the returners is running back Nick Williams, who eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark and had 12 TDs in 2012. The Tigers also bring back decent size along the offensive front with Jeremy Williams (6-1, 280), Dakota Dew (5-10, 250) and Dustin Bragg (5-9, 260).

On defense, the man anchoring it all will be senior linebacker Hunter Cabral (5-10, 180), who racked up a team-best 170 tackles a season ago. He is one of nine defensive starters returning.

The district title figures to go through Alto, which hosts West Sabine the second week of district. West Sabine plays host to San Augustine a week later in a crucial two-game stretch for the Tigers.