ETSN.fm Class 2A/Private Schools Poll: No. 4, San Augustine

San Augustine found its stride late in the 2016 season after scraping into the postseason as District 11-2A Division I's fourth-place team.

The humble regular season finish turned into a push past Thanksgiving.

With 16 starters back, we think the Wolves have potential to push beyond the third round of the Division I state playoffs. They will begin the year ranked fourth in our Class 2A/Private Schools Poll, one spot ahead of district foe Carlisle.

San Augustine should be one of the best offensive powerhouses of Class 2A at large. The leading passer, leading receiver and leading rusher are three of the eight returning starters on the offensive side of the ball.

Gavin Murr, head coach Marty Murr's son, is back for his senior season on the heels of 3,007 passing yards and 32 touchdowns a season ago.

QuenTyvian Borders, a senior Stephen F. Austin commit, caught 16 touchdown passes and recorded 1,396 receiving yards.

And don't think the Wolves are just a passing team. K.J. Davis is back for his senior season after putting up a staggering 1,878 yards and 27 touchdowns through 13 games.

Experience also works in San Augustine's favor defensively.

Borders can play defensive back -- he recorded 93 tackles in 2016 -- and the defensive backfield returners combined for seven interceptions a season ago. Furthermore, experience probably will help the Wolves get beyond last season's net point total of just plus-48 points.

But there are district challenges ahead of the big picture.

The team is simply tied for the most returning starters alongside Alto, Cushing and Shelbyville. Carlisle has already been unveiled in the preseason rankings, and fellow defending district co-champion Joaquin has a simple majority of its starters back.

Kirbyville in Week 4 is probably the team best suited to help San Augustine prepare for district play, but the Wolves have a second early-season loss to avenge against Garrison and could stand to improve on one-digit wins against Hemphill and Groveton.