Regional Outlook

There’s no question Region II takes the cake as the most power-packed group in 3A-Division I as two-time defending state champion Grandview, last year’s runner-up Pottsboro and several powerful programs from East Texas makes this region a potential minefield come November.

5-3A Division I was a bit of a surprise when realignment came out as you’ve got several Texoma programs paired with some fringe East Texas programs. Pottsboro, who was the state runner-up a year ago expects to be the favorite with their returning playoff experience at the skill spots. Mount Vernon expects to be much-improved in year two under Art Briles, so expect the Tigers to hold off arch-rival Winnsboro for second place. Winnsboro is fresh off a trip to the regional semifinals last year under former Mount Vernon head coach Josh Finney. Mineola, Commerce, Emory Rains and what should be an improved Bonham squad will all be in the mix for fourth place.

Gladewater, who fell in an overtime heartbreaker to Pottsboro in the regional finals a year ago, returns a loaded squad that has their sights set on a state title in 2020 under new head coach and alum Jonny Louvier. The Bears are the favorites in 6-3A Division I, keep an eye on Tatum who is expected to be much improved and will take a major step forward in 2020. Sabine, fresh off a 10-2 season will still be a force as well. Jefferson and Atlanta are expected to contend for playoff honors, with Jefferson getting the pick for the fourth playoff slot.

Two-time defending champion Grandview still has plenty of pieces in place for a three-peat and will look to regain the district title after being upset by Whitney in the regular season a year ago. West, who brings back an incredible nineteen starters may have enough to slide past Whitney who after a banner 2019 season may fall back a bit with the loss of a great senior class. Dallas Madison has developed into a solid program under Marcus Gates and will be one of the state’s best fourth place teams.

Malakoff, who played for a state title in 2018 and fell in a close game to Pottsboro in the regional semifinals a year ago is primed for another deep run with veteran experience at the skill spots. The key concern will be replacing some of the depth at running back that the Tigers lost due to graduation. Fairfield, down from Class 4A has an outstanding group of sophomores and it could take the Eagles a while to get up to full speed, but late in the year they could be a real force. Teague and Groesbeck will hold off Kemp for the final playoff spots.

District Predictions

District 5-3A Division I

1. Pottsboro
2. Mount Vernon
3. Winnsboro
4. Mineola
5. Commerce
6. Emory Rains
7. Bonham
8. Howe

District 6-3A Division I

1. Gladewater
2. Tatum
3. Sabine
4. Jefferson
5. Atlanta
6. White Oak
7. New Boston

District 7-3A Division I

1. Grandview
2. West
3. Whitney
4. Dallas Madison
5. Maypearl
6. Dallas Life
7. Dallas A+ Academy

District 8-3A Division I

1. Malakoff
2. Fairfield
3. Teague
4. Groesbeck
5. Kemp
6. Eustace

Predicted Playoff Matchups

W5 Pottsboro vs F6 Jefferson

R8 Fairfield vs T7 Whitney

W6 Gladewater vs F5 Mineola

R7 West vs T8 Teague

W7 Grandview vs F8 Groesbeck

R6 Tatum vs T5 Winnsboro

W8 Malakoff vs F7 Dallas Madison

R5 Mount Vernon vs T6 Sabine

Playoff Sleeper

Mount Vernon: The Tigers are fully capable of pushing to Thanksgiving weekend, they bring back a wealth of offensive talent along with four returning on the offensive line. They’ll be in the second-year of the spread offense as well, the big key will be how their young defense that returns just four starters can mature.

Regional Winner

Grandview over Gladewater: Grandview gets a major test from a big and physical Gladewater squad, but the Zebras and their winning pedigree find a way in a classic regional final.