Top 25 Games of 2017: No. 3, Jefferson At White Oak

There a ton of big games across East Texas during Week 10, but none may be bigger or more fun that the District 8-3A Division I showdown between Jefferson and White Oak.

The Nov. 3 meeting in White Oak checks in at No. 3 on ETSN.fm's list of the top 25 regular-season games of 2017.

Jefferson and White Oak finished first and second, respectively, in the district last year. Yet, both schools probably feel as though they have something to prove.

White Oak came into last season's matchup a perfect 8-0, seemingly poised for a lengthy run in the upcoming playoffs. But a shoulder injury to star quarterback Heath Hood, who was well on his way to an all-state campaign, eventually quelled those aspirations.

Jefferson WR T.Q. Jackson. (© Rob Graham, ETSN.fm)

Hood missed the Jefferson game, which White Oak lost, and the remainder of the year. The Roughnecks rebounded with wins in their regular-season finale and the first round of the playoffs, but fell flat in a area-round loss to Pottsboro.

But the 'Necks star quarterback returns after putting up 3,647 yards (2,990 passing, 657 rushing) and accounting for 45 touchdowns in only eight games.

Jefferson, on the other hand, wants to prove last season's win over White Oak and subsequent district championship was no fluke.

With 13 returning starters, including eight on offense, Jefferson will be one of East Texas’ most explosive 3A units.

Quarterback Trey Hodge and receiver T.Q. Jackson are back after enjoying monster sophomore seasons. Hodge only passed for a little more than 1,200 yards, but more than 1,000 of that went to Jackson, who averaged almost 27 yards per catch.

We're expected better seasons from fellow district foes Hughes Springs, Redwater, Sabine, and New Boston, but Jefferson-White Oak appears destined to be for all the marbles in 8-3A.