ETSN.fm 2013 Preseason Class A/Private Poll: No. 2 Tenaha

If Tenaha is able to do what many across the state believe it will, the Tigers will make Class A history. Tenaha can become the first Class A school to reach three consecutive title games since the 1969-71 Sonora teams.

And with 20 starters back -- 10 on each side of the ball -- there's no doubt Tenaha enters 2013 as a favorite not only to get back but win the 1A Division II championship.

Tenaha started 2012 slow at 2-4, but won eight consecutive games before a loss to Munday in the title game. The inauspicious start wasn't all because of youth; a brutal non-district that featured the likes of Joaquin, Garrison, Alto, West Sabine and San Augustine also played a part.

The Tigers may not win out in non-district, but once district play and the postseason begins, Tenaha should be in line for another run at state.

Senior running back Chavis Gregory is a three-year starter and rushed for 1,581 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2012. Quarterback J.R. Hill got better as the season went along and finished with almost 1,600 yards and 19 TDs through the air. Receiver/defensive back Keontas Davis (6-1, 160) may be the Tigers' most athletic player. Last season, he had 993 yards receiving with 13 touchdowns and picked off eight passes on defense.

On defense, it all begins with defensive end Denzelle Williams (5-11, 190), who racked up 95 tackles and 13 sacks a season ago.