ETSN.fm Class 3A Preseason Poll: No. 8 Malakoff

Malakoff put together an outstanding run last season, highlighted by a 5-1 performance in District 7-2A Division I.

Good news. The Tigers will return 11 starters this season for battle in District 11-3A Division I, will face two familiar district opponents in Eustace and Kemp, and there is some depth that has been waiting for an opportunity to shine. 

Quarterback Stephen Wolfe is back from an injury that sidelined him after the sixth game of the year. He threw for 1,172 yards and 14 touchdowns to just two interceptions prior to the injury.

Senior running back Marcus Dowell has a great combination of size and speed for Malakoff. He's 6-1, 205 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. The tailback broke the 1,000-yard rushing barrier and scored 22 touchdowns along the way.

Braylon Cable should be a good target for Wolfe and take some pressure off Dowell after recording five receiving touchdowns last season.

The Tigers' defense will be led by Colton Barker, a junior. He had 14 tackles for loss and 42 takedowns total in his sophomore season.

Jared Givens has good speed in the secondary and capped off his 2013 year with three interceptions.

The front end of Malakoff's district should make for some exciting games. Teague, Elkhart and Eustace all made playoff appearances last season as did the Tigers.

Things are looking good for a playoff spot. Kemp and Palestine Westwood round out the six-team district. Those teams combined for a 3-17 record last year and will have to start over after graduation hits.

Malakoff is in prime positioning for the playoffs. It's just a matter putting it all together in November.

ETSN.fm 2013 Preseason Class 3A Poll

• No. 8 -- Malakoff
• No. 9 -- Garrison
• No. 10 -- Hughes Springs