ETSN.fm Class 2A/Private Schools Preseason Poll: No. 3, Bullard Brook Hill

Bullard Brook Hill spent a lot of months thinking about what could have been last season.

Fully healthy for the first time since October, the Guard check into the ETSN.fm Class 2A/Private Schools Preseason Poll as the No. 3 team. They're the second private school to crack the list, ahead of No. 4 Tyler Grace Community.

There's a lot to like about head coach Bobby Brasher's current squad. It's an experienced group that just needs to catch a break in the injury department.

Seth Brasher, the coach's senior son, is back after an ACL tear sustained in the seventh game of the season. The key receiver recorded 868 yards and 15 touchdowns through six and a half games and was one of three critical injuries the Guard had to work against.

The offense does need to work in a new signal caller to help Seth Brasher keep pace with last year's numbers, but passing has not been a problem in recent years. McCray Fletcher will replace school record-setting quarterback Grant Hanks and is expected to fit in just fine with a strong TAPPS offensive line in front of him, a solid running game next to him and capable guys at the other receiver spots.

Defensive secondary also is a clear strength against the high-flying offenses in the district while Brook Hill's front seven will enjoy a handful of returning starters.

District II is right there with East Texas' most competitive districts. In fact, the league cannibalized itself in the final weeks of the playoffs.

Brook Hill fell to Tyler Bishop Gorman in the state quarterfinals and Dallas Christian edged Gorman in the semifinal round before losing in the Division II state championship game. Each of those teams enters 2015 in good standing.

Tyler Grace Community and Tyler All Saints also are in the preseason running for just four playoff spots.

The Guard have an outstanding non-district schedule to prepare for their run. It features Class 2A powers Alto and No. 6 Tenaha in addition to a high-profile opening game at home against St. Bernard's Catholic from Eureka, Calif.

2015 Brook Hill Guard Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Time/Result
Aug. 27	St. Bernard's (Eureka, Calif.)	L 43-40
Sept. 4	at Tenaha	W 33-32
Sept. 11	Alto	L 33-20
Sept. 18	OPEN
Sept. 25	*Dallas Christian	L 55-7
Oct. 2	*at Dallas Shelton	W 53-20
Oct. 9	*Tyler Grace	L 31-21
Oct. 16	*at Tyler Bishop Gorman	L 21-19
Oct. 24	*at Frisco Legacy Christian	L 16-14
Oct. 30	*Carrollton Prince of Peace	W 38-20
Nov. 6	*at Tyler All Saints	W 28-7