ETSN.fm Class 3A Preseason Poll: No. 9, Malakoff

Malakoff enjoyed its best season in school history last year, reaching the state semifinal round for the first time. The dream season was cut short with a heartbreaking 28-24 loss to Yoakum.

The Tigers are hoping to finish the job this season.

Malakoff will begin the year ranked No. 9 in our preseason Class 3A poll.

Graduation leaves the Tigers searching for 13 new starters. The two biggest losses are the two-way tandem of QT Barker and Tyler Russell, who combined for 2,378 receiving yards and 38 TD catches on offense and 17 interceptions defensively in 2016.

Fortunately for ninth-year head coach Jamie Driskell, quarterback Judd Miller returns for his senior season. Last year, he piloted an offense that averaged almost 45 points per game.

Miller passed for 3,527 yards and 48 touchdowns while adding 660 yards and eight TD's on the ground.

Jaquaylon Hart will take on a starring role at receiver this season, while linebacker Zee Bailey is expected to anchor the defense.