Top 25 Games of 2018: No. 14 West Rusk at Waskom

West Rusk and Waskom have a recent history.

Since 2006, the Raiders and Wildcats have met seven times, with Waskom holding a narrow 4-3 lead in the series. When the teams met in 2017, West Rusk won in a 21-0 shutout.

This season, they will meet on Sept. 7 in Waskom in a non-district matchup. The game is ranked No. 14 in ETSN.fm's list of the top 25 area games of 2018.

West Rusk LB/OL Orlando Cortez. (© Clint Buckley, ETSN.fm)

Waskom is ready to improve upon its regional final finish in 2017. The Wildcats return 15 starters, including running back T.K. Hamilton, who led the team with 1,815 rushing yards. He's joined by Jacob Reeves and Dayln Hill in the backfield.

West Rusk loses a lot from a team that took the title of best defense in 2017. The Raiders gave up only nine points per contest this past season. Linebacker Tyree Wilson graduated and moved on to Texas A&M, as did sack leader Darrien Johnson.

However, the Raiders return Diego Molina and Orlando Cortez, as well as running back Jaylon Garland. Quarterback L.J. Harper is also back to lead the offense.

Expect another close game as West Rusk looks to even the series since 2006.