New Boston came close in 2014 to winning it all. The window opportunity is still there.

The Lions are the No. 1 team in ETSN.fm's Class 3A Preseason Poll.

Head coach Jamey Thomas' 2014 squad returns 12 starters and most of its headliners from last season, including do-it-all athlete and TCU verbal commitment Jeff Gladney.

It's a good time to be a New Boston fan.

In addition to being an all-state defensive back, Gladney recorded 570 receiving yards and nine touchdowns a year ago. He'll likely play some quarterback this season to maximize the opportunities the ball is in his hands.

Talent in the offensive backfield doesn't end with Gladney though.

Quinn Dedmon is an explosive running back that ran for 1,105 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 126 carries. That's an average of 8.8 yards per rushing attempt.

The defense has a lot of size and speed, headlined by defensive end Phillip Pyle, Dylan Martin and Gladney.

The supporting cast is more than capable and a small majority of the team has at least 15 games worth of experience.

There are going to be challenges holding onto this ranking, of course.

Daingerfield, the No. 4 team in the poll, would love nothing more than to steal the District 7-3A Division I crown from the Lions after seeing its own season end against New Boston in the playoffs last year. The two teams will meet Nob. 7 in the regular season finale.

Pittsburg could be another team in the way of a perfect swing through East Texas.

As it is now, things are looking very good for the Lions.

 

New Boston's 2014 Football Schedule

DateOpponentTime/Result
Aug. 29at AtlantaL 41-7
Sept. 5Pleasant GroveW 17-14
Sept. 12PittsburgW 35-20
Sept. 19Paul PewittW 35-7
Sept. 26at DeKalbW 38-6
Oct. 3OPEN
Oct. 10*at Mount VernonW 46-19
Oct. 17*RedwaterW 42-20
Oct. 24*at Pattonville PrairilandW 31-21
Oct. 31*at WinnsboroW 35-6
Nov. 7*DaingerfieldW 47-21
Nov. 15vs. Jefferson (at Mount Pleasant)W 28-21
Nov. 20-22vs. Pilot Point (at TBD)L 35-13

 

ETSN.fm Class 3A Preseason Poll

 

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