When Newton and Tatum open the season against one another Aug. 29 in Tatum, there may be some pent-up frustration let loose between the two teams.

Each came into the 2013 season with high expectations, but exited the playoffs sooner than most anticipated. The Week 1 clash between perennial state powers Newton and Tatum comes in at No. 5 on ETSN.fm's list of the top 25 games of 2014.

Newton began last season ranked No. 1 in Class 2A, and while it rolled through the regular season, fell to short White Oak in the third round of the playoffs -- a year removed from reaching the state semifinals.

Tatum started No. 9 in 2A, won its district and was 11-0 before dropping a stunning second-round decision to Godley, 40-15.

Needless to say, both proud programs likely feel they have something to prove this fall. And what better way to set the tone than with the season opener?

Newton brings back seven starters on each side of the ball, including quarterback/defensive back Roney Elam, who has committed to Texas A&M.

Tatum, as always, will field one of the most athletic teams in the region. Receiver Deyanta Roberson, linebacker Kyshaun Smith and do-everything athlete Chaston Brooks highlight what figures to be a team loaded with playmakers in 2014.

ETSN.fm's Top 25 Games of 2014

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