ETSN.fm Class 3A Preseason Poll: No. 3 Atlanta Rabbits

The Atlanta Rabbits were going to be a problem for opponents in 2018 anyway. But when Atlanta's enrollment caused its drop to Class 3A, a whole new cross-section of teams in the state entered the Rabbits' path.

Atlanta was a modest 5-6 in 2017, falling in the 4A Division II bi-district round of the playoffs to Jasper.

But the win-loss record was misleading; four of the Rabbits' other five losses came to Henderson (4A Division I quarterfinalist), Liberty-Eylau (4A Division I regional semifinalist), Gilmer (4A Division II regional semifinalist), and Pleasant Grove (4A Division II champion).

Atlanta has 14 starters returning, including nine on offense, and is ranked No. 3 in ETSN.fm's Preseason Class 3A Poll.

The Rabbits will be led on offense by its duo of quarterback Andrew Samples and running back Jawan King. Samples accounted for almost 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2017. And King, who has committed to Rice, put up more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage and scored 16 touchdowns.

Atlanta was re-located into the tough District 7-3A Division I, which also includes Jefferson and Mount Vernon, which were a combined 21-3 a season ago. Hughes Springs, which won nine games and reached the area round of the playoffs in 2017, is also a new district opponent for Atlanta.

The Region II field won't be an easy one to navigate, either. Atlanta will have to contend with the likes of Kemp, Malakoff, West Rusk, and Tatum in the playoffs.