3A countdown

Last season’s 35-34 double overtime loss to Argyle in a Class 3A Division II Region II semifinal left a bitter taste in Carthage’s mouth. With a loaded 2014 class ready to take over leadership roles, the Bulldogs appear to be primed for another state title run.

If you want a good idea what Gilmer has returning for 2012 and is dealing with entering the new year, take a look at Henderson, the No. 4 team in the East Texas Sports Network’s Class 3A countdown.

For those who thought there was no way District 16-3A could get any deeper than the last two years, the UIL produced a day of reckoning last February.

The defense is deep and fast. The offensive line may be better than any Henderson has had in the Dickey Meeks era. The backs and receivers are a mix of proven veterans and promising players with a lot to prove. But who plays quarterback?

The Chapel Hill Bulldogs delivered on all the preseason promise in 2011, winning the school’s second state championship with 20-19 victory over Alvarado in the Class 3A Division I final.

Last season’s district runner-up finish may only be the start of big things for head coach Lance Angel and the Palestine Wildcats.

Atlanta followed its 2003 state championship with only one playoff appearance in the following seven seasons, but the Rabbits hope a stellar backfield that led them to their second postseason berth since that crowning moment in ‘03 can get them further in 2012.

The Vandals may have lost all-American linebacker Dalton Santos (now at Texas) to graduation, but there cupboard certainly isn’t bare in Van where head coach Jared Moffatt welcomes 13 starters back to the fold in 2012.

The Jasper Bulldogs enter the 2012 season having endured their fifth coaching change in seven seasons, but they have the skill position players to force opposing defenses into tough situations.

Rusk’s 4-8 record from 2011 is a little misleading. The Eagles began the year 0-5, but four of the losses were by four points or less.