Since head coach Jamie Driskell's arrival in 2009, the Malakoff Tigers have transformed from a downtrodden program to a perennial playoff participant.

And with several key pieces coming back in 2016, Malakoff has its sights set on a big season.

The Tigers check in at No. 5 in the ETSN.fm Preseason Class 3A Poll.

Malakoff has made the postseason in all seven seasons under Driskell, while posting an impressive 64-18 record (.780).

Last season, the Tigers put a scare into defending state champion Cameron Yoe in the area round of the playoffs before coming up short in a 45-44 loss.

Malakoff has some heavy hitters returning to the field in 2016, including quarterback Judd Miller, who produced more than 3,000 yards offense with 46 touchdowns last year. Receiver Q.T. Barker, who had more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2015, returns as well.

2016 Malakoff Tigers Schedule

DateOpponentTime/Result
Aug. 26BullardW 46-7
Sept. 2at RuskW 45-19
Sept. 9OPEN
Sept. 16Tyler GraceW 46-14
Sept. 23*WhitneyW 68-7
Sept. 30*at GroesbeckW 62-28
Oct. 7*EustaceW 49-6
Oct. 14*Palestine WestwoodW 46-14
Oct. 21*at WestW 42-0
Oct. 28*TeagueW 40-36
Nov. 4*at ElkhartW 42-7
Nov. 11(BI-DISTRICT): vs. TroyW 47-14
Nov. 18(AREA): vs. KirbyvilleW 49-6
Nov. 25(REGIONAL SEMIFINAL): vs. RockdaleW 27-14
Dec. 2(QUARTERFINAL): vs. Cameron YoeW 37-34 (OT)
Dec. 9(SEMIFINAL): vs. YoakumL 28-24

ETSN.fm Preseason Class 3A Poll

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