Top 25 Games of 2018: No. 17 Tatum at West Rusk

If recent history has taught us anything, it's that the Tatum Eagles are a force to be reckoned with when playing at the 3A level.

Playing in 4A the past four seasons, it's been a struggle for Tatum, as it has compiled just a 17-28 record. The four years before that, while Tatum was a classification lower, the Eagles were a combined 44-7.

Tatum is back in 3A following realignment, and when the Eagles face West Rusk in District 8-3A Division I action on Oct. 26, there could be a lot on the line.

Tatum QB OB Jones. (© Mark Martin, ETSN.fm)

The Week 9 battle from New London's Bruce Bradshaw Stadium checks in at No. 17 on ETSN,fm's list of the top 25 games of 2018.

West Rusk, which was 10-2 and reached the regional semifinals last year, is moving up from 3A Division II. The Raiders lost a few heavy hitters on defense, but the bulk of their offensive starters return.

Quarterback Lajavius Harper, running back Jaylon Garland, and receiver DJ Hart could be the district's best offensive trio.

New Tatum head coach Darren Hylander welcomes back nine starters from last year's 4A Division II bi-district finalist, including talented senior quarterback OB Jones.

The new district is loaded with playoff veterans, but West Rusk and Tatum might well be the top two teams.