ETSN.fm Class 3A Preseason Poll: No. 9 Garrison

The Bulldogs have a first-year head coach, but he's been a familiar face in Garrison's hallways the past five years.

Lance Bernard left the principal's office and has moved to the football suite. He replaces a very good coach in Craig Baker and had a lot of success in offensive coordinator stints with Alto, Atlanta and Hemphill.

Baker left the program to become the head coach at Kaufman in the spring.

What a team Principal, we mean, Coach Bernard has.

The Bulldogs wrapped up their 2013 season with an 11-2 record and an appearance in Class 2A Division II area round. Garrison returns 12 starters from that team.

Defense in the name of the squad's game. The six returning defensive starters were part of a unit that averaged seven points against in district play.

Linebacker Michael Feaster recorded an incredible 153 tackles last season with 24 of those being tackles for loss. The returning defensive linemen, Robert Bryant and Collin Carrel combined for another 125 stops.

There's lots of talent on offense as well.

Quarterback Andrew Russell threw for 1,417 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. Running back Demetrius Bennett was eight yards shy of the 1,000-yard threshold and scored seven touchdowns on the ground.

Garrison's district is very tough, especially at the top with Newton and Corrigan-Camden, but this team looks like it can go toe-to-toe with the best.

Don't be surprised to see the Bulldogs reach the area round or further this season.

ETSN.fm 2013 Preseason Class 3A Poll

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