Arp Tigers. (Michel Alfaro/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Arp went 8-4 in 2023, recording its most wins and first playoff victory since going 12-3 with a trip to the state semifinals in 2016.

In just their second playoff appearance since 2017, the Tigers defeated DeKalb, which eliminated Arp in its other postseason appearance in 2021, before falling to Harmony in the second round.

The Tigers scored 426 points in 2023, which is the most since that 2016 season. They graduated their starting quarterback, Frank Smith, but still return 16 starters overall and are equipped to have a strong 2024 campaign.

“We have high expectations,” Arp head football coach Wes Schminkey said. “We have a lot of returning starters, a lot of returning experience. We’ve still got a bunch of hard-working kids who don’t mind working. They’re all working right now, doing exactly what we ask them to do. We tell them to show up every day with a great attitude ready to work and let the rest take care of itself.”

Zane Borque is back at receiver after having 61 catches for 1,287 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Demarcus Wade had 31 catches for 583 yards and six touchdowns last season and will play running back.

“The goal is to do better than we did last year,” Wade said. “We’ve been progressing, and we’ve been practicing hard. A district championship is where we’re trying to get. The key is just working hard every day and just giving 100 percent on everything.”

Arp will compete in District 11-3A Division II with Troup, Buffalo, New Diana, Elkhart, West Rusk and Winona.

The Tigers will host Harleton in the season opener on Aug. 30.