Top 25 Games of 2014: No. 4, Carthage Vs. Gilmer

We're getting very deep into ETSN.fm's top 25 games of 2014 list.

Game No. 4 on our countdown is one available to a large audience. Carthage -- the defending Class 3A Division I champion -- and powerhouse Gilmer will battle it out at Longview's Lobo Stadium on Sept. 27.

It's a tune-up game before both teams move on to their respective Class 4A districts, and it's on a Saturday night for virtually all otherwise committed high school football fans to watch without ditching another team's game.

What can you say about the two sides?

Carthage quarterback Jarod Blissett will get an opportunity to show what he can do against future Division I football players in Gilmer defensive backs Kris Boyd and Blake Lynch. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)

The Bulldogs' recent tradition is very rich. Some Texas high school football experts have pegged the team to win District 9-4A Division I ahead of Kilgore, Chapel Hill, Palestine, Henderson and Brownsboro.

Gilmer is the front runner in District 5-4A Division II with a wide array of talented players.

Carthage returns five starters from its championship team.

Linebacker James Marshall recorded 134 tackles last season and heads up a nice defensive front with defensive ends Chris Howard and Jarod McLin.

The Bulldogs' offense will lean on a good line and first-year starting quarterback Jarod Blissett. Junior tight end Marquise Guinn is a player many casual fans should become aware of by season's end. Jakeldric Jackson and Kriston Ingram give the team a good threats on the outside.

Gilmer has more star power at the top though.

If you name a school in the SEC or Big 12, Buckeye Kris Boyd probably has an offer from it. He'll play some defensive back and be aided by Baylor verbal commitment Blake Lynch, a well-known transfer from Troup.

Lynch can also play receiver and should be a welcomed sight for quarterback McLane Carter. Likewise, Boyd will star offensively at running back.

Carter is another player that could turn heads this season.

Demarco Boyd, a linebacker, had a great summer and should be capable of leading Gilmer's front seven.

Will Gilmer's star power lead it to a win in Longview or will the sure hand of Surratt land Carthage a minor upset?

Lobo Stadium is the place to be Sept. 27.