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 a 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 2019? We’ve got you covered at DCTF as we bring you our 2019 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 Texas high school football genius!

Andrews

The Mustangs failed to take home the district title but still managed a first-round playoff win before falling in the area round to eventual state semifinalist Decatur in a hard fought game. Coach Mason expects Andrews to take a step forward with fourteen returning starters and experience in key spots. QB Brett Leach who threw 40 touchdowns passes a year ago is back to lead the Mustangs high powered attack and his top target Markeese Lawrence, who hauled in 18 touchdown passes is back as well. The defense, which at times struggled a year ago will need to improve if Andrews wants to emerge as a contender in Region I. Eight starters are back so the coaches are confident improvement can be had. Andrews will look to surpass Seminole in district play and earning that top seed could be key to an extended playoff run in 2019.

Lake Worth

Tracy Welch took over in early May last year and didn’t have much of an off-season but the Bullfrogs were able to manage a 5-6 mark and a playoff appearance. Lake Worth showed major progress this summer in 7-on-7 play and with a full off-season a major step forward could be at hand. QB Caleb Welch showed he’s more than capable of leading the multiple offense for LWHS and RB Tremaine Forrest thrived in his first year at his new position. The Bullfrogs likely won’t compete for a district title with powerful Kennedale leading the way, but don’t be surprised if they push as high as second in district play as Benbrook took heavy graduation losses and LWHS played Dunbar to near even terms a year ago. Getting as high of a seed as possible is vital in this district as the bi-district matchup with 5-4A Division I is as tough as it gets.

Livingston

Livingston has lost 17 straight games, so how in the heck can they be a “hipster pick?” Well don’t be surprised if the Lions take a major step forward and into playoff contention in Finis Vanover’s second season at the helm. LHS returns seven starters on both sides of the ball and they should feature a stout rushing attack with DeBrian Rains, Cody Dupas and Coldspring transfer Keon Perkins giving the Lions an outstanding trio. Add in the fact aside from that experience and 28 total letterman returning, the Lions are loading up with some strong younger groups as their sub-varsity teams combined to go 16-4 a year ago. Don’t expect Livingston to contend for a district title in 2019, but most coaches in the district are telling us that they’ll be very surprised if Livingston isn’t in the playoffs and simply making the playoffs after 17 straight losses is a major step forward.

Beeville Jones

In Chris Soza’s first stint at Beeville Jones the Trojans were in the state’s second largest classification and in 2007 they advanced all the way to the fourth round of the playoffs and went toe to toe with eventual state champion Lake Travis. He’ll look to replicate that success in a smaller classification as he returns to Beeville. The Trojans have experience in droves returning from last year’s 6-5 squad as ten offensive starters are back led by gun slinging QB Seth Gomez and a bevy of experienced skill players and a veteran offensive line. The big key will be how Beeville transitions from a spread offense to a Slot-T attack, Soza’s version of the Slot-T does throw the ball a lot but it will still be a major transition. However, Soza’s reputation and ability is second to none in South Texas and with 4A-Division I Region I being up for grabs with Liberty Hill taking heavy graduation losses, its possible Beeville has an outside shot to contend for the regional title as a dark horse.