ETSN.fm Class 2A Preseason Poll: No. 7 Grapeland Sandies

There's not much to dislike about Grapeland this season.

The Sandies look to be one of the better teams in 2A after a trip to the regional semifinals this past season. Quarterback Rick Frauenberger returns after setting the school record with 2,904 passing yards. He'll get his favorite target back in sophomore receiver er B.J. Howard. Howard could be one of the better players in the history of the program when all is said and done. He broke the school record for receiving yards as a freshman despite playing only eight games in 2017.

The momentum from those two players alone would be enough to carry Grapeland to a district title. However, Josh "Bear" Ackley also returns and will make an impact on offense and defense. He led the defense with 174 tackles a season ago and served as the secondary weapon in the passing attack with 612 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Sandies will need a few more players to step up on defense. Aaron Davis, Tanner Keith and Ahston Henry all graduate after giving major contributions in 2017. Linebacker Dylan Duhon and defensive lineman Chanellor Francis will need to fill bigger roles this year for the defense to play at the same level.

In all, Grapeland should be one of the better teams in 2A and has potential to be among the best. It will largely depend on how the defense responds to losing key pieces, as the offense should be set with Frauenberger, Howard and Ackley.

ETSN.fm Preseason Class 2A Poll

• No. 7: Grapeland Sandies
• No. 8: Alto Yellowjackets
• No. 9: Groveton Indians
• No. 10: Linden-Kildare Tigers