For the previous two seasons, the district championship came down to the clash between traditional state powers John Tyler and Ennis.

No longer aligned in the same district, these two square off in an anticipated non-district matchup on Sept. 2.

It checks in at No. 14 on ETSN.fm's list of the top 25 games of 2016.

John Tyler is making the move up to Class 6A, and it has put together a challenging pre-district schedule to help prepare it for the challenge. Following its season opener with Plano West, JT travels to Ennis before finishing with Warren Easton of New Orleans in Shreveport in Sept. 10.

Ennis, the 2014 5A Division II state champion, is coming off an uncharacteristically average season. The Lions were just 6-5, eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

JT returns most of skill-position athletes, including quarterback and Houston commit Bryson Smith and receiver Damion Miller, who has pledged to Texas. Defensively, John Tyler is led by senior cornerback and UTSA commit Javonta Mosley.

Ennis returns just eight starters from 2015, but junior running back Tycen Thompson is a superstar in the making after rushing for more than 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore.

ETSN.fm’s Top 25 Games of 2016

More From East Texas Sports Network