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.
Mesquite Horn and Longview have had some great battles over the last several years, but the 2013 installment of this budding rivalry could be one of the best yet.
Once upon a time, John Tyler and Lufkin shared the same district. Then, Lufkin was sent south to join a Houston-area district. After that, JT dropped in classification to 4A, creating further separation between the longtime rivals.
The Woodlands traveled to Abe Martin Stadium last fall and pushed around the Lufkin Panthers, but a year stronger and wiser could have the Pack primed for payback.