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!

Ballinger

The Bearcats veteran offense showed plenty of promise this summer tearing it up in the 7-on-7 season and there’s a good chance that success translates to the fall. Nine offensive starters are back led by Edgar Nunez who literally has the ability to do it all. Ballinger’s success come playoff time will depend on their defense which returns seven starters. 4-3A Division II got swept by 3-3A Division II in the first round of the playoffs, so the odds are it won’t happen again, but Ballinger definitely wants to avoid a possible bi-district matchup with powerful Canadian or Childress.

Wichita Falls City View

Another team that showed plenty of promise on the summer circuit was Wichita Falls City View, the Mustangs experience and sheer athleticism is a big advantage in their district. They return eight starters on both sides of the ball and could leap to as high as third in the district standings. That would be a big step forward after last season’s 4-6 mark and a fifth place finish in the district standings.

Omaha Paul Pewitt

The Brahmas under second year head coach Triston Abron lose just five letterman from a squad that finished 8-3 a year ago. Pewitt is a physical ground oriented team and they’ve got a bevy of backs and experience in the trenches to rely on as they look to shorten games and wear opponents down late. Expect Paul Pewitt to be much improved but there’s a good chance everyone else in this loaded district is improved as well, that means the battle to avoid fourth place and a first round date with Newton will be vital.

Taft

It’s a new day in Greyhound country and folks in Taft are excited about the arrival of new head JR Castellano, Taft fans are confident a return to the playoffs is in order after missing out on the playoffs a year ago due to tiebreakers. Expect the defense to lead the way early, while a young offense finds its footing. Taft has a chance to compete right off the bat in District 16-3A Division II and could open some eyes in 2019.