ETSN.fm Class 4A Preseason Poll: No. 4 Kilgore Bulldogs

There's another familiar face among the top five.

Kilgore, which has had only one losing season since 2011, comes in at No. 4 in the ETSN.fm 4A preseason poll.

The Bulldogs have a new quarterback, as Gus Witt is set to take the reigns. They also must replace receiver Jonathan Shepherd, who is now at Oklahoma State. Nick Hooper will play running back, and has shown some flashes of potential in the preseason. Overall, there is a lot of ambiguity regarding the offense in 2018.

Kilgore LB/WR Nesba Brown. (© Clint Buckley, ETSN.fm)

The defense, however, should be solid.

Nesba Brown is back at linebacker after recording 154 tackles this past season. Deiontrae Wheat returns at defensive back and will get help from Damien Parker in the secondary. Deundre Blanton was a main cog on the defensive line last season, and returns following a four-sack campaign.

As the adage goes, defense wins championships. Although it might be a bit bold to declare Kilgore a championship contender yet, the Bulldogs certainly have the talent to turn in another winning season and playoff appearance in 2018.