ETSN.fm Class 2A/Private Schools Preseason Poll: No. 10 Joaquin

ETSN.fm’s Class 2A East Texas preseason poll begins with Joaquin in the No. 10 spot.

Things look promising for the Rams entering the 2015 season with 17 returning starters from a 5-5 team which missed the postseason by four points in their district finale. It should be a little different this time around.

For starters, the team has a heck of a running back tandem to work with under former offensive coordinator and now head coach Wade Lawson.

Nate Belrose is back for his junior season after back-to-back varsity seasons above 1,000 rushing yards, including an injury plagued sophomore campaign. Nathaniel Retamar also is back and is more than just a depth runner for the Slot-T offense.

Offensive line also appears to be a strong point. The Rams have three linemen above 275 pounds.

Eight players return to their starting spots on offense in total. That sounds great until you realize Joaquin returns nine on defense.

Allowing about 29 points per district game last year isn't exactly a feather in the Rams' hat, but it's a decent starting point after another offseason in the weight room.

Belrose will be a contributor on defense as well. He recorded 60 tackles last season.

Free safety Kase Yates is another big name, and he's just a sophomore. As a freshman, he started all 10 games .

Joaquin's District 10-2A Division I should be as competitive as ever. The Rams are not the only team returning a bevy of starters.

But, with experience and a fourth playoff spot now available for Class 2A teams, Joaquin is in great standing for a postseason berth.

2015 Joaquin Rams Schedule

ETSN.fm Preseason Class 2A/Private Schools Poll

No. 10: Joaquin