The Guard made a decent turnaround last season under head coach Scott Ryle and the team is tied for the most returning starters with Tyler Bishop Gorman among the four TAPPS Division II, District 2 squads that made the postseason in 2016.

Those factors could be big this season.

Bullard Brook Hill will begin the campaign ranked eighth in our Class 2A/Private Schools poll. There's a lot to like beyond the aforementioned numbers.

The Guard's returning starters are evenly distributed on both sides of the ball -- six on offense and six on defense.

Quarterback Hood Taylor is back and could be one of the district's best. He threw for nine touchdowns and 1,376 yards last season while primary back Jeremiah McGowen rushed for a team-best 860 yards and 11 scores as part of a platoon.

Brook Hill demonstrated a good distribution of tackles last season at all levels of its defense.

Campbell Fletcher recorded 75 takedowns at a linebacker spot. Carson Ezell added another 60 tackles as a linebacker and may move to defensive back. Defensive lineman Andrew Brooks recorded eight sacks. All of those guys are returning.

Decent non-district games against Houston St. John's and Katy St. John XXIII should have the Guard ready to go when ultra-competitive District 2 action begins the first week of October.

Of course, Tyler Grace Community checked into the poll at the No. 9 spot, and Gorman is No. 8.

Dallas Christian has been the district's premiere team since 2012. It has never done worse than achieving a co-championship in the span.

Brook Hill is in good early position to compete thanks its experience factor.

ETSN.fm Preseason Class 2A/Private Schools Poll

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