What appear to be the two best Class 1A teams east of the Trinity River clash in an Oct. 5 pre-district contest that may serve as a measuring stick as they set their sights on postseason hardware.
Former district rivals have become perennial non-district foes in a matchup of East Texas powerhouses. Daingerfield is the region's leader in state championships with six, while Gilmer alumnus Jeff Traylor has brought the Buckeyes to statewide prominence with two crowns and a runner-up finish since 2000.
It may not be the East Texas’ oldest rivalry -- that distinction belongs to Longview vs. Marshall. But John Tyler vs. Tyler Lee certainly carries the distinction of being among the most unique.