ETSN.fm Preseason Class/2A Private Schools Poll: No. 5, Bishop Gorman

Bishop Gorman's method of winning ballgames the past few years has been airing it out between a great quarterback and some explosive receivers. Then forcing a few stops on defense.

Is the party over with Michael Goodwin, that decorated quarterback, taking his talents to Trinity University in San Antonio? He reached well beyond 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons.

We don't think it has to be. Despite the fact eight other offensive starters graduated in May. 

The Crusaders will begin the year ranked fifth in ETSN.fm's Class 2A/Private Schools Poll. They are the first of potentially four local TAPPS schools to be named in the poll.

Gorman checks in higher than No. 6 San Augustine, No. 7 Shelbyville, No. 8 Groveton, No. 9 Joaquin and No. 10 Big Sandy.

For those aforementioned 2A schools, that means they will all begin the year better than top 10 teams among local schools from the classification.

Head coach Coby Gipson does have some questions to answer, however, if his team is going to reach the postseason for a third consecutive season.

It all starts with quarterback.

But whoever wins the quarterback battle will be paired up with one of the area's best receivers -- Navy commitment Judah Bell.

Bell caught 60 passes in 11 games last year as a junior for 1,360 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Isaiah Haggerty, a junior, is another receiver just on the cusp of breaking out within the system. The same can be said for universal athlete Daniel Schmitt.

Those receivers should benefit from an athletic offensive line. Robbie Chiasson and Andrew Culpepper headline that group of players as seniors.

Four starters are back on defense, led by linebacker Reed Navara and defensive back Sean Riley Cunningham.

Of course there is serious competition for the four playoff spots out of TAPPS Division II, District II this season.

Tyler Grace Community had the best season among the East Texas schools last year. Bullard Brook Hill, the standard bearer among the local private schools, might be poised for a bounce back year. Tyler All Saints might turn into a contender with new head coach Drew Starnes sooner than later.

Then, of course, there's Dallas Christian. That school reached the state championship game of a second consecutive year last season and more or less reloaded.

Cedar Hill Trinity Christian also joined the league off a state championship appearance game in the Division III game.

But, if Gorman can find the right pieces, they are right in the mix for a playoff berth.

2016 Bishop Gorman Football Schedule

ETSN.fm Preseason Class 2A/Private Schools Poll

• No. 5: Tyler Bishop Gorman
• No. 6: San Augustine
• No. 7: Shelbyville
• No. 8: Groveton
• No. 9: Joaquin
• No. 10: Big Sandy