2014 ETSN.fm Preseason Poll

The 2013 season was a bittersweet one for the Athens Hornets. On one hand, the town witnessed history -- the program's first-ever 10-0 regular season. But the positive vibes could not carry over to the playoffs.

The positive momentum surrounding Whitehouse's football program had been building for a decade, and last season it culminated into the greatest season in school history.

Every once in a while the UIL throws Tatum out of its comfort zone. Following their 2005 Class 3A Division II state championship, the Eagles were dropped down a classification. Two years later, they were back in 3A.

Prior to last season, Nacogdoches had reached the playoffs only one time in 20 years. The 2013 Dragons weren't interested in the past. Instead, they were busy setting the foundation in the present for an exciting future.

Head coach Greg Owens has turned Sulphur Springs into one of East Texas' most consistent winners in recent years. In Owens' eight years in charge, the Wildcats have won a state championship and are currently on a seven-year streak of at least eight wins.

From 2001-04, there weren't too many programs on par with Jasper, which produced s record of 47-11 during those four seasons. Ever since, the Bulldogs have been trying to recapture the magic.

The Palestine Wildcats lost quite a bit of talent off last year's team, not to mention their head coach. But first-year coach Jay Brown, an East Texas coaching veteran, takes over a roster still plush with playmakers.

Still considered one of the very best programs in all of East Texas, the Marshall Mavericks are convinced they're headed in the right direction following a couple of dreadful seasons.

Hallsville came within two minutes of capturing its first playoff win since 2003 last November, and the Bobcats are hopeful that the 2014 season brings another opportunity to close the door on more than a decade of close calls.

You won't find too many football programs in East Texas more respected than Liberty-Eylau, but the Leopards have struggled to find consistent success the last several seasons.