If this year's clash between District 16-4A rivals John Tyler and Whitehouse is anything like last season's classic, it would be hard to argue with its preseason billing as game of the year in East Texas.
The general feeling was that the Gilmer Buckeyes were a year ahead of schedule in 2012. Gilmer began the year with several new faces on the offensive side of the ball, but ended up playing for its fourth state title since 2004.
Never before have preseason expectations been so high for Whitehouse. The Wildcats are ranked No. 6 in Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine, which also predicts Whitehouse to reach the 4A Division II state title game.