Top 25 Games of 2017: No. 17, West Rusk At Arp

Once again, there appears to be very little separation between the perennial powers in District 9-3A Division II.

So when West Rusk travels to Arp on Oct. 20, there could major playoff and/or district championship implications involved.

Last season, Arp and West Rusk finished second and third, respectively, in the league standings behind Elysian Fields.

West Rusk will have the edge in experience coming into the year as the Raiders are welcoming back a total of 16 starters from last year's 7-5 bi-district finalist.

Arp, on the other hand, is replacing 15 players with starting experience from the Tigers' 2016 state semifinalist squad.

Each team possesses a major Division I recruit.

West Rusk features defensive end/linebacker and Texas A&M commit Tyree Wilson, while Arp counters with receiver/safety and Texas Longhorns pledge DeMarvion Overshown.

Arp narrowly escaped New London with a 21-20 win over West Rusk last season.

Expect another tightly contested clash of regional heavyweights this year.

ETSN.fm’s Top 25 Games of 2017

• No. 17: West Rusk at Arp
• No. 18: Hallsville at Pine Tree
• No. 19: Silsbee at Newton
• No. 20: Gladewater at Pleasant Grove
• No. 21: Henderson at Kilgore
• No. 22: Marshall at Longview
• No. 23: Tatum at Arp
• No. 24: Bullard Brook Hill at Tyler Grace
• No. 25: Gilmer at Liberty-Eylau