Three new head coaches have their respective teams eyeing the District 16-5A crown and the playoffs in 2017.Claude Mathis has taken over at Marshall, coming from Southern Methodist University after a successful run at DeSoto. Defending champion Texas High is expected to challenge again despite the departure of veteran coach Barry Norton, who didn't have a losing season during his 18 years on the Texas side of stateline.
The Tigers may have hit the jackpot with the hiring of Gerry Stanford, who was at Flower Mound Marcus the past three season.
Pine Tree's Kerry Lane is actually in his second year with the Pirates. His team finished strong in 2016, and Lane's peers expect the Bucs to be in contention.
Hallsville has new leadership in former Liberty-Eylau and Mineola coach Joe Drennon.
The elder stateman in 16-5A is Sulphur Springs' Greg Owens, who has the Wildcats primed for a title run.
MARSHALL
Mathis has 34 lettermen and 13 starters returning from a team that finished 5-1 in district a year ago.
Marshall arguably will have the best offensive lineman in the league in Chasen Hines (6-3, 345). Hines has verbally committed to LSU.
DeMarco Alexander (5-10, 175) is expected to be a workhorse for the Mavericks. He used his 4.4 speed to score nine touchdowns last season.
TEXAS HIGH
THS was a perfect 10-0 during the regular season last fall, but suffered a humbling bi-district setback to West Mesquite.
The Tigers lost quarterback Cade Pearson to North Texas, but junior Coltin Clack (6-3, 210) is already drawing interest from major colleges. Wide receiver Tevailance Hunt has committed to TCU and lineman Leonard Parks (6-4, 240) is also getting a lot of attention.
Texas High has eight starters back on defense, including linebacker Davon Williams (5-11, 225).
SULPHUR SPRINGS
Owens' Wildcats were only 4-7 last season, but finished strong to make the playoffs.
He has 16 starters back this fall, eight on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Ryan Humphries (5-10, 175) is the coach on the field, with running back Colton Allen and wide receiver Landry Tyson expecting big years.
PINE TREE
The Pirates were 2-8 in Lane's first season, but the return of 20 lettermen, 11 starters and a crop of talented young players, Pine Tree expects to make a serious run at the playoffs.
Offensive lineman Mose Jeffery (6-4, 330) will be blocking for quarterback Keshon Williams (6-3, 220). Sophomore J.J. Sparkman (6-4, 195) will be a big-play threat for the Bucs.
Lanes likes his team's chances as long as the players continue to be tough, and get senior leadership.
HALLSVILLE
Drennon is not as fortunate as Mathis or Stanford in that he inherits a team that was 2-8.
The Bobcats defense will have a difference-maker in Drennon's son, Mike, an all-state linebacker at Mineola last year.
Running back Jamall Davis figures to be Hallsville's workhorse on offense.
MOUNT PLEASANT
Coach Corey Homer led his hometown Tigers to the playoffs last season. However, Mount Pleasant returns only 11 lettermen and eight starters from that 3-8 squad.
Running back Dorian Glinton (6-3, 185) gives the Tigers a dangerous weapon on offense.
It could be a long season for the Tigers.
GREENVILLE
One glance at the numbers indicates the Lions will surely improved on last year's 1-9 campaign, including a winless run in district.
Greenville has several outstanding athletes, including Jakwan Allen, Christian Dunson, JaQuon Lyons, Nakia Wilson and Nick Mapps. The Lions will be huge up front on both sides of the ball.
Coach Darren Duke has 32 lettermen back, including 14 starters.