Top 25 Games of 2017: No. 13, Jasper At Tatum

Given the fact that the three teams not named Jasper or Tatum in District 8-4A Division II were a collective 8-24 last season, it's safe to assume the league championship will once again come down to the Week 9 meeting between the Bulldogs and Eagles.

When Jasper comes to Tatum on Oct. 27, we expect the district's No. 1 seed for the playoffs to be on the line. Also to be expected: a really good game.

It checks in at No. 13 on our list of the top 25 games of 2017.

Jasper DB Reece Durand. (© Rob Graham, ETSN.fm)

Jasper won last year's game quite handily, 41-17. But it could be a different story in 2017.

Tatum was on the heels of a disappointingly shocking 0-10 season, had first-year coach Craig Barker patrolling the sidelines, and a vast collection of newcomers to the varsity level.

This season, Tatum welcomes back 10 starters and 17 lettermen, including a standout pair of offensive linemen in Texas State commit Drake Centers and fellow senior Bryan Jackson.

Quarterback OB Jones and running back Cedric White, a 1,300-yard rusher from a season ago, are back as well.

Jasper is coming off a 10-3 season that ultimately reached the regional semifinals where it fell to eventual state semifinalist Gilmer.

The Bulldogs are brining back 13 starters, including 1,000-yard rusher Jerkarion Simmons, and playmaking defensive back Reece Durand.