2014 ETSN.fm Preseason Poll

Expectations are always high at programs like Longview, but they seem more elevated than usual this season. For the first time since 2009, the Lobos will be competing at the second-highest classification.

Since 2008, there has been no more accomplished program in all of East Texas than Carthage, which captured its fourth state title in six years last December with a 34-23 victory over new district rival Kilgore in the Class 3A Division I final.

John Tyler carried an uncomfortable and unusual weight into the offseason. For the first time since 2008, the Lions failed to reach at least the state quarterfinals and lost their first opening-round playoff game since 2006.

Kilgore came within 48 minutes of winning its second state championship. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, fellow East Texas powerhouse Carthage stood in their way. Turning the page to this season, Kilgore has the chance to right two wrongs: exact revenge on defending state champion Carthage in District 9-4A Division I play, and then get back to AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the state title game

Despite playing with a heavy dose of underclassmen last year, the Tyler Lee Red Raiders were a much-improved product on the field in head coach Darrell Piske's second season at the helm.

The Gilmer Buckeyes should be state championship contenders. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

It's been a while since the Texas High Tigers have been a force deep in the playoffs. In fact, they only have two postseason wins since 2007.

In coach Thomas Sitton's five years at Chapel Hill, the Bulldogs' program has soared to new heights. Since 2009, Chapel Hill has played for a state championship, won a state title and advanced to the state quarterfinals.

At the beginning of last season, everyone in East Texas knew about Daylon Mack, the five-star defensive tackle committed to Texas A&M. But by the end of 2014, several Gladewater Bears could become household names around the area.

The Lufkin Panthers had high expectations entering last season. With one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the entire state and a defense full of proven playmakers coming off a trip to the regional semifinals, Lufkin appeared primed for big-time success in 2013.