Every year when the summer edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football comes out, fans and media alike look at the teams we have at the top of the pre-season rankings to get an idea of who likely makes the trip to Arlington to play for a state title at AT&T Stadium in December.

While the teams ranked highly in the pre-season are there for good reason, we all know there are always a few “mystery guests” that pop up with deep playoff runs and sometimes state titles when the season wraps up.  Who are those teams you need to keep an eye on in 2018? We’ve got you covered at DCTF as we bring you our 2018 “Hipster Picks” to keep in your back pocket as you casually drop them into conversation with your friends from time to time, so once they make that deep run, you can look like a TXHSFB genius!

Spearman: The Spearman Lynx are the classic “hipster” team — they have a bit of playoff experience (6-6 a year ago, lost in the area playoffs) and they bring back a large number of starters, with eight on offense and nine on defense. The Lynx also have the distinction of being in a district with two of the top teams in the state in Class 3A Division II, as Canadian and Childress will dominate the conversation. That could lead what is a very good team could fly under the radar. There’s not much that versatile Reid Harrell can’t do, so don’t be surprised if coach Aaron Witten lines him up at RB, WR, DB and has him returning kicks as well; he totaled 17 touchdowns a year ago. QB Reece Shields brings veteran leadership to the offense as well. Don’t be surprised if Spearman, even with a possible third place finish in district play, ends up making a lot of noise come playoff time.

Edgewood: After a strong 9-3 campaign a year ago, third-year coach Kevin Bachtel feels his Bulldogs can go toe-to-toe with anyone in a wide-open Region II, including new district rival Buffalo. Edgewood returns thirteen total starters, including six starters on the offensive side of the ball led by 2,000-yard rusher Carter Bates. Jordan Davison had nearly 600 yards receiving a year ago and will be the primary target for QB Brayden Allen. Bachtel welcomes back seven defensive starters led by hard-hitting LBs Jayden Morgan and Efrain Muniz. Gunter, Buffalo and Lexington look like the Region II favorites, but don’t count Edgewood out; they have the makings of a team that can make a long playoff run.

Winona: After a surprise run to the third round of the playoffs in 2016, Winona had their share of struggles in 2017 as coach Keylon Kincaide’s squad was 4-7 and fell in the first round of the playoffs. Seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters return for WHS and that bodes well for a turnaround season if they can navigate an always tough East Texas district that includes Harmony, Troup and Arp. The Wildcats have one of the most versatile playmakers in East Texas in Keylon Kincaide, Jr. who accounted for more than 1,500 yards, 12 touchdowns, 39 tackles and a pair of interceptions as a sophomore. Depending on how things shake out, he could play QB, but if Keenan Crawford plays well under center, that could allow Kincaide to roam the field and be a nightmare for defenses. Dakota Pullu (16 receiving touchdowns) and Quindarius Johnson (1,299 rushing, 12 touchdowns) are back to pace what should be an explosive attack. Winona’s defense will be the key to a turn in 2018 — they struggled at times with health and consistency a year ago. If that unit —which brings back eight starters — makes strides, this is a team that will be in the 10-3A Division II title mix.

Natalia: Once a doormat in South Texas, the Mustangs have erased that image in a big way, including a district title a year ago and a 9-2 record. NHS will have to get it done under a new coach in 2018 after Chad Graves left to take over at Palacios, but a familiar face will lead them as former defensive coordinator Ilyan Martinez looks to build on the Mustangs success. The defense, which brings back eight starters, will have to carry the load early as Natalia has plenty of experience at all three levels. The big question mark will be replacing nearly all of their skill talent on offense as only WR Jeremiah Castro returns with significant experience. The positive is there are three starters back on the offensive line. The playoff road could be workable at least early on as Natalia lines up in 15-3A Division II, so there is potentially a manageable first-round matchup potentially on the horizon.