If Sulphur Springs has one thing going for it in District 16-5A, it's stability.

That's because three of the league's seven schools experienced head coaching changes during the offseason, and Sulphur Springs will be entering its 12th season with Greg Owens leading the program.

Oh, and also ... the Wildcats have more returning starters than any other team in 16-5A.

For those reasons, and a few others, Sulphur Springs is ranked No. 8 in ETSN.fm's Preseason Class 6A/5A Poll.

Following a disastrous 1-9 season in 2015, the Wildcats recovered by reaching the playoffs for the ninth time in 10 years.

Sulphur Springs only won four games a year ago, but there's enough playmakers coming back to increase that number in 2017.

It starts with quarterback Ryan Humphries, a dual-threat weapon who passed for almost 2,000 yards in 11 games as a junior.

Leading receiver Simeon Taylor, along with the backfield duo of Searn Rodgers and Colton Allen should make Sulphur Springs' offense one of the most exciting to watch in the area.

The defense will be led by pass-rushing specialist D'Idrec Dugan and versatile defensive back Terrell Turman.

Sulphur Springs closes non-district with a clash against arch-rival Whitehouse, and two of the Wildcats' first three district games come against league favorites Texas High and Marshall.

ETSN.fm Preseason Class 6A/5A Poll

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