2016 ETSN.fm Preseason Poll

Being part of the John Tyler football team goes beyond enjoying a passionate fan base, a real connection to current NFLers and college football players that still care about the program and winning consistently. It takes grit to survive in this program.

Carthage has established itself as one of the state's premier powers at the Class 4A level over the last decade. Since 2007, the Bulldogs are an impressive 105-25 (.808) with four state championships to their name. Following an uncharacteristic second-round exit in the playoffs in 2014, Carthage roared back to reach the state semifinal round for the sixth time in the last eight years...

Lufkin almost always gets ranked when writers explore high school football culture around the nation. If the town doesn't get ranked, it's a bad oversight. Panthers fans fill the home side of their 11,000-seat Abe Martin Stadium and spill over into designated seating on the away side. Whether it's getting riled up about a bad call or bad execution, the assuredly deserving offenders get to hear it

The Gilmer Buckeyes have been one of the state's most dominant programs over the past several seasons. Since 2003, Gilmer has compiled a record of 167-17 (.908), and won three state championships. Gilmer enters the 2016 season having won 31 of its last 32 games, coming off a state title in 2014 and an appearance in the semifinals a season go...

Marshall began last season ranked fifth in the ETSN.fm Class 6A/5A Poll and definitely over delivered with a nearly flawless regular season, a share of the district crown and a trip three rounds deep into the Class 5A Division II playoffs...

It was a disappointing finish to the 2015 season for the Henderson Lions. Despite going 7-3, Henderson missed out on the playoffs because of a district tie-breaking rule. With 13 returning starters coming back, the Lions believe this is their year to make some serious noise...

Longview has a long streak of winning districts or at least managing to claw back late and take a share of the league crown. We're banking on the Lobos' history to guide the 2016 team. It's short on known quantities but not on talent, which could keep the program's district streak alive against the odds in District 11-6A. Longview will begin the season ranked fourth in ETSN.fm's Class 6A/5A poll.

The Kilgore Bulldogs rebounded from a tough 2014 with a district championship last season. And with 13 starters coming back, the expectations remain high in Kilgore. The Bulldogs begin the year ranked No. 4 in the ETSN.fm Class 4A Preseason Poll...

Liberty-Eylau has re-emerged as a power player in East Texas over the last couple of seasons, having reached the state quarterfinals in each of the previous two years. The Leopards will have some work to do in trying to accomplish that feat for a third straight campaign, but L-E does have several returning letterman in 2016...

New Tyler Lee head coach Clayton George has enjoyed a successful preseason. His team seems to have bought into his theories of discipline while South Tyler residents are beginning to believe their Red Raiders, with time, can again be what they once were. Lee will begin the 2016 season ranked fifth in ETSN.fm's Class 6A/5A Poll. It is ahead of No. 6 Texas High, No. 7 Nacogdoches, No. 8 Hallsville,