When John Tyler travels to Cedar Hill for the season opener Aug. 31, it will be a clash of two proud programs with annually some of the most talent-packed rosters in the state.

There will be no shortage of playmakers on the field as the Lions and Longhorns have a combined 16 players on their teams with at one Division I scholarship offer.

John Tyler vs. Cedar Hill ranks No. 11 on ETSN.fm's list of the top 25 games of 2018.

Both programs are in search of redemption seasons.

John Tyler was 5-5 in 2017, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Cedar Hill, meanwhile, stumbled to a 4-6 finish last year and missed out on the postseason for the first time since 2004.

In the five years prior, Cedar Hill compiled an overall record of 39-9, won two state titles and played for another. Injuries played a big part in the Longhorns' first season under Carlos Lynn, who took over for longtime head coach Joey McGuire after he took an assistant coaching position at Baylor.

Cedar Hill, which returns 10 starters, will be led on defense by lineman Xavier Ross (6-3, 285), an Oklahoma State commit, and cornerback and TCU commit Donavann Collins (5-11, 170).

Offensively, the Longhorns are led by quarterback Shayne Lawrence (6-3, 190), receiver Zakhari Franklin (5-10, 165), athletes T'Mar White (6-0, 180), Quin Bright (5-9, 161) and Kevin Young (5-9, 170), and lineman Courtland Ford (6-6, 305).

John Tyler has 14 returning starters, and will be led by a deep stable of running backs that include Cam Grant (5-9, 183), Rod Hawkins (5-7, 180), and Kitan Crawford (5-7, 180).

Quarterback Devlen Woods (5-9, 170) and receiver Ke'Andre Street (6-3, 200), a Houston commit, will be protected by lineman and Louisiana-Monroe pledge Chance Billington (6-3, 300).

Ja'Bralen Yarber (6-1, 280), who has committed to Northwestern State, will anchor the defense up front. He'll be backed up by linebacker Kameron Mayfield (6-0, 220).

Both teams have tough non-district games to follow. Cedar Hill faces Denton Guyer and Mesquite Horn prior to 7-6A action, while John Tyler takes on Tyler Lee, Longview, and Euless Trinity before beginning play in District 7-5A Division I.

ETSN.fm's Top 25 Games of 2018

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