ETSN.fm Class 3A Preseason Poll: No. 7 Jefferson Bulldogs

The Jefferson Bulldogs enjoyed their best two-year stretch in a decade the previous two seasons, but both campaigns ended with them wanting more.

Jefferson were 8-2 and 9-1, respectively, in the regular season and have just a combined two playoff wins to show for it. The Bulldogs are hoping for bigger and better things in 2018.

With a strong senior class and 12 starters back from last year's 10-2 area finalist, Jefferson believes this is the year for a breakout.

The Bulldogs are ranked No. 7 in ETSN.fm's Preseason Class 3A Poll.

Among Jefferson's seven returning offensive starters are a couple of three-year starters at quarterback in Trey Hodge and receiver T.Q. Jackson. Hodge accounted for 30 touchdowns last year, while Jackson (Arkansas commit) is arguably the most explosive wide receiver in all of East Texas.

On the defensive side, Eric Gipson, Trace Smith, and Brennan Varnell will lead the way.

Realignment will make the task of winning a district title more difficult for Jefferson. Atlanta, which is dropping from Class 4A, and Mount Vernon (11-1 in 2017) will provide the Bulldogs with stiff competition.

The rest of Region II is loaded with heavyweights, including Kemp, Malakoff, West Rusk, and Tatum.