ETSN.fm Class 2A/Private Schools Preseason Poll: No. 7, Carlisle Indians

Head coach Rocky Baker has turned in strong year after strong year at Carlisle.

This year appears no different. Carlisle is in ETSN.fm's Class 2A/Private Schools Preseason Poll at the No. 7 spot.

It takes more than a proven head coach, however. The 2015 version of the Indians team has more than its fair share of playmakers on a team returning 11 starters from last season's Class 2A Division I regional quarterfinals appearance.

Rico Pereles is back for his senior campaign after getting it done on both sides of the ball in 2014. He amassed 658 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 28 receptions and added another 272 rushing yards while also holding down the defense as a key linebacker.

Things always look better when you have an experienced quarterback. Carlisle has that as well.

Senior signal caller Collin Gray will get his 14th start when the Indians visit Union Grove on Aug. 28. He already has 2,100 total yards of offense in his career.

Dalton Sanders, Michael Savalla and Cainan Wimberly are other names that could pop up this season behind strength in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

There are some rough waters to navigate this season, however. Especially in District 11-2A Division I.

Do you think Alto is somewhere in this poll?

Kerens and Cayuga are historically problematic. Don't rule out Grapeland or Cross Roads of making a surprise run either.

Aside from Union Grove, the Indians will tune up for those challenges with marquee games at Overton and Big Sandy just before hopping into district play on Oct. 9.

2015 Carlisle Indians Football Schedule

ETSN.fm Preseason Class 2A/Private Schools Poll

• No. 7: Carlisle
• No. 8: Harleton
• No. 9: Union Grove
• No. 10: Joaquin