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District 8-3A Division I

OUR PICKS

1. Tatum 2. Jefferson 3. Atlanta 4. Liberty-Eylau 5. Gladewater 6. Sabine 7. White Oak

Tatum Eagles

COACH: Whitney Keeling (3rd season, 12-10 at Tatum, 125-50/126-50

ALL-TIME: 499-363-26

STADIUM: Eagle Stadium, 483 Hill Street, Tatum, 75691

2023 RESULTS: 6-5 area round finalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/14

LETTERMEN LOST: 16

OFFENSE: Flexbone

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Luke Sigler, Sr., 6-2, 175 … QB Jacorie Bradley, Sr. 6-1, 190 … WR Quincy Davis, So., 160 … RB Cayden Tatum, Sr., 5-6, 150 … OL Taylor Rutherford, Sr., 6-0, 240 … WR Jordan Chambers, Sr., 6-5, 200

DEFENSE: 4-3

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Xavior Moore, Sr., 5-11, 190 … LB Dameon Pippins, Jr., 5-8, 170 … LB Qwardai Peoples, Jr., 6-2, 190 … DB ZaQuaylon Smith, Sr., 5-10, 150 … DL Kenneton Harrison, Sr., 6-2, 180

2024 Outlook: Tatum has a long and storied playoff history, so it didn’t let a 1-3 start to the 2023 season prevent its 39th postseason berth since 1940. The Eagles rallied for a 5-2 finish to last year’s campaign to win the District 6-3A Division I title, advance to the area round of the postseason, and earn a 6-5 season record. The battle-tested Eagles now have their sights on a special 40th playoff trip in 2024. They will benefit from the play of senior defensive lineman Xavior Moore (56 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, 230 rushing yards, and five touchdowns), senior receiver Luke Sigler (13 catches, 213 yards and three touchdowns), senior quarterback Jacorie Bradley (241 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, nine completions, 112 passing yards, and two passing touchdowns), junior linebackers Dameon Pippins and Qwardi Peoples (47 tackles and 11 tackles for loss), and sophomore receiver Quincy Davis in 2024. Their flight back to another district crown and postseason appearance will also come down to the deep senior class that also features running back Cayden Tatum (298 rushing yards and four touchdowns), defensive back ZaQuaylon Smith (eight pass breakups and three interceptions), offensive lineman Taylor Rutherford, receiver Jordan Chambers (13 catches, 198 yards and three touchdowns), and defensive lineman Kenneton Harrison (56 tackles, eight tackles for loss and seven sacks).

Jefferson Bulldogs

COACH: Ty Taylor (1st season, 0-0 at Jefferson)

ALL-TIME: 554-426-31

STADIUM: W.F. Lockett Stadium, #1 Bulldog Drive, Jefferson, 75657

2023 RESULTS: 7-4 bi-district finalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 27/15

LETTERMEN LOST: 10

OFFENSE: Spread (10, 11, 29 personnel)

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Kamran Williams, Sr., 5-10, 185 … WR Chris Love, Sr., 6-4, 175 … QB Tihmyus Taylor, Sr., 5-10, 170 … WR Jermaine Hopkins, So., 5-9, 155 … QB Kobin Tomlinson, So., 5-10, 185 … OL Hayden Ray, Jr., 6-3, 275 … OL Keiland Williams, Jr., 6-0, 275 … WR Travis Gray, So, 5-11, 160 … WR Jakyrie Johnson, Sr., 5-9, 155 … OL Devonte Marshall, Sr., 6-4, 285 … OL Zack Hulscher, Sr., 6-4, 208 … RB Ameron Bruce, Sr., 6-0, 185 … OL Kingston Nelson, So., 6-1, 287

DEFENSE: Even Front

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Kobin Tomlinson, So., 5-10, 185 … DE Keshawn Whitaker, Sr., 6-0, 195 … DB Travis Gray, So, 5-11, 160 … DL Devonte Marshall, Sr., 6-4, 285 … CB Daniel Smith, Sr., 6-0, 165 … LB Ameron Bruce, Sr., 6-0, 185 … NG Alexzavieor Pryor, Sr., 5-10, 250 … CB Dallas Lewis, Sr., 6-1, 165 … DL Kingston Nelson, So., 6-1, 287

2024 Outlook: Jefferson will bring some momentum to the first year of the Ty Taylor head coaching era because it qualified for all last three postseasons since 2021, and produced 34 playoff appearances since 1939. The Bulldogs plan to lean on those experiences, and receive a boost from a tone-setting senior class that includes running back Kamran Williams (1,983 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns), receiver Chris Love (31 receptions, 641 yards and seven touchdowns), quarterback Tihmyus Taylor (1,914 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns), and defensive end Keshawn Whitaker (80 tackles and four sacks). They will play alongside important 2026 prospects and offensive linemen Hayden Ray and Keiland Williams. Jefferson’s continued success will also depend on other 2025 prospects like receiver Jakyrie Johnson and two-way lineman Devonte Marshall. Offensive lineman Zack Hulsscher, cornerback Daniel Smith, running back and linebacker Ameron Bruce, nose guard Alexzavieor Pryor (92 tackles) and cornerback Dallas Lewis are others that will play big roles this year. The Bulldogs’ future is also bright due to the talented 2027 Class that features receiver Jeramaine Hopkins (573 yards and seven touchdowns), linebacker and quarterback Kobin Tomlinson (116 tackles and one interception), wide receiver and defensive back Travis Gray (382 receiving yards and five touchdowns), and two-way lineman Kingston Nelson.

Atlanta Rabbits

COACH: Tyler Morton (3rd season, 12-10 at Atlanta)

ALL-TIME: 584-428-33

STADIUM: Rabbit Stadium, 705 Rabbit Boulevard, Atlanta, 75551

2023 RESULTS: 5-6 bi-district finalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 22/18

LETTERMEN LOST: 5

OFFENSE: Multiple

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Markeylin Bratton, Sr., 5-11, 185 … WR Jayden Riley, Jr., 5-7, 175 … QB Peyton Harrison, Sr., 6-2, 181 … RB Landon Johnson, Sr. 5-8, 190 … RB Jamarion Austin, Sr. 6-0, 200 … TE Kameron Williams, So., 6-3, 230 … RB Marshawn Woodberry, Jr., 5-9, 185 … WR Kayden Linwood, Jr., 5-9, 175 … OL Jaylen Finley, So., 5-9, 280 … OL Ty Waldon, Sr., 6-0, 230 … OL Chris Hale, Sr., 6-0, 225 … WR Sy Stroman, Sr., 5-11, 150 … OL Marcellous Kirk, Sr., 6-3, 255 … RB Eli Mitchell, Jr. 5-9, 180 … WR Asher Wells, Sr., 6-1, 190

DEFENSE: Multiple

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Markeylin Bratton, Sr., 5-11, 185 … DB Jayden Riley, Jr., 5-7, 175 … FS Peyton Harrison, Sr., 6-2, 181 … LB Landon Johnson, Sr. 5-8, 190 … DE Kameron Williams, So., 6-3, 230 … LB Marshawn Woodberry, Jr., 5-9, 185 … Star Kayden Linwood, Jr., 5-9, 175 … DL Jaylen Finley, So., 5-9, 280 … DL Ty Waldon, Sr., 6-0, 230 … DL Chris Hale, Sr., 6-0, 225 … DB Sy Stroman, Sr., 5-11, 150 … DL Marcellous Kirk, Sr., 6-3, 255 … DT Kheaton Kinney, Sr., 6-3, 327 … NG Zamarion Ivery, Sr., 5-9, 270 … LB Eli Mitchell, Jr. 5-9, 180 … Star Asher Wells, Sr., 6-1, 190

2024 Outlook: Atlanta finished with a losing record in 2023, but it still showed its determination when it qualified for its third postseason appearance in the four seasons since 2020. This shouldn’t have been no surprise because the Rabbits have a long history of late season success and 38 playoff berths since 1941. The program will now aim for first winning record since 2022 and its first playoff victory since 2018. Atlanta’s season-long attack for 2024 will feature senior running back and defensive back Markeylin Batton (81 carries, 610 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 16 receptions, 255 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns), junior receiver and defensive back Jayden Riley (55 receptions, 1,012 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns, 24 carries, 131 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns), senior quarterback and free safety Peyton Harrison (105 completions, 2,039 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 57 carries, 101 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns), senior linebacker and running back Landon Johnson, senior running back Jamarion Austin (57 carries, 421 rushing yards and three touchdowns), defensive end and tight end Kameron Williams (40 tackles and six tackles for loss), junior running back and linebacker Marshawn Woodberry (29 carries, 130 rushing yards and 39 tackles), junior star and receiver Kayden Linwood (24 tackles, four tackles for loss and one interception), and sophomore two-way linemen Jaylen Finley.

Liberty-Eylau Leopards

COACH: Brad Willard (1st season, 0-0 at Liberty-Eylau)

ALL-TIME: 86-110

STADIUM: Harris Field, 2901 Leopard Drive, Texarkana, 75501

2023 RESULTS: 3-7 bi-district finalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 21/11

LETTERMEN LOST: 15

OFFENSE: Multiple

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Jaquan Johnson, Sr. … OL Meckhi Chatman, Sr. … RB Kavion Hall, Sr. … WR JaShun Weatherall, Sr. … WR Dequane Prevo, Jr. … WR Victor Shaw, Jr. … RB Arian Taylor, So … OL Zamanthyre Haire, Jr. … OL Keston Griffith, So. … QB Byron Sanders, Jr.

DEFENSE: Multiple

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Jaquan Johnson, Sr. … DB JaShun Weatherall, Sr. … DL Selerio Creer, Sr. … LB Britain Pipes, Sr. … DL Avion Golston, Sr. … DL Zamanthyre Haire, Jr. … DB Zabrien Hawkins, Sr. … DL Deauntra Martin, Jr. … DB Trayden Bragg, So. … DB Malachi Lowery, So. … DB Byron Sanders, Jr.

2024 Outlook: Liberty-Eylau’s move from District 7-4A Division II to 8-3A Division I will add some intrigue to an already competitive playoff race in 2024 because it will bring playoff experience from the past four seasons since 2020. The Leopards have the track record of catching a couple opponents off guard each season. That was evident in 2023, when they finished with both a 3-7 record and a bi-district berth. Liberty-Eylau claimed its first three playoff trips between 1959 and 1974 and followed an 18-year drought with the most recent 22 appearances between 1992 and 2023. The Leopards expect a lot out of a senior class that will feature running back/linebacker Jaquan Johnson, running back Kavion Hall, wide receiver/defensive back JaShun Weatherall, offensive lineman Mecki Chatman, defensive lineman Serleio Creer, and linebacker Britain Pipes. Their junior class will continue the upperclassmen trend with a pair of receivers in Dequane Prevo and Victor Shaw. Sophomore running back Arian Taylor, junior two-way lineman Zamanthyre Haire, senior defensive lineman Avion Golston, senior defensive back, Zabrien Hawkins, junior defensive lineman Deauntra Martin, sophomore defensive back Trayden Bragg, sophomore offensive lineman Keston Griffith, sophomore defensive back Malachi Lowery, and junior quarterback and defensive back Byron Sanders are expected to extend the team’s depth.

Gladewater Bears

COACH: Johnny Louvier (5th season, 23-22 at Gladewater, 33-34 overall)

ALL-TIME: 558-430-33

STADIUM: Jack V. Murphy Stadium, 2406 Hendricks Street, Gladewater, 75647

2023 RESULTS: 3-8 bi-district finalist

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 24/16

LETTERMEN LOST: 8

OFFENSE: I Formation

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Brayson Woods, Jr., 6-2, 180 … RB Carsin Cooper, Jr. 6-0, 205 … QB Luke Brown, Jr., 6-0, 185 … TE Mason Budro, Jr., 6-1, 190 … OL Mason Thompson, Sr., 6-0, 215 … OL Corey Stanley, Sr., 6-0, 240 … TE Kayson Harris, Jr., 6-2, 205 … OL Aaron Chavarria, Jr., 5-10, 250 … RB Tray Watts, So., 5-11, 170

DEFENSE: 4-2-5

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Brayson Woods, Jr., 6-2, 180 … DE Carsin Cooper, Jr. 6-0, 205 … LB Mason Budro, Jr., 6-1, 190 … DL Kayson Harris, Jr., 6-2, 205

2024 Outlook: Gladewater have been a football playoff regular over the past five and half decades, and needs to bring its best to continue that trend this fall. The Bears have 31 postseason appearances since 1969, but they also face a strong 2024 version of District 8-3A Division I that features five programs with 2023 playoff experience. That’s why Gladewater coaches, players and fans can’t just assume that they’ll automatically advance to this year’s dance based on tradition. This year’s group is definitely capable of breaking through again, but all its members need to be in sync from the first practice through the final whistle of district play. Luckily, Gladewater has plenty of confidence from its six straight playoff appearances to grab one of the available spots this fall. The Bears plan to boost their chances with a lineup that includes versatile players like receiver and linebacker Brayson Woods (31 tackles and 268 receiving yards), running back and defensive end Carsin Cooper (1,263 rushing yards), and linebacker and tight end Mason Budro (66 tackles). Quarterback Luke Brown (452 passing yards) will also rely on strong offensive linemen like Mason Thompson and Corey Stanley. The team’s attack will also feature tight end and defensive lineman Kayson Harris (109 receiving yards), running back and free safety Tray Watts, and offensive lineman Aaron Chavarria.

Sabine Cardinals

COACH: Cody Gilbert (3rd season, 6-14 at Sabine)

ALL-TIME: 320-529-22

STADIUM: James Bamburg Stadium, 5424 Farm to Market 1252 West, Gladewater, 75647

2023 RESULTS: 4-6

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/14

LETTERMEN LOST: 8

OFFENSE: Multiple

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Colt Sparks, Sr., 6-5, 215 … RB Cason Patterson, Sr., 5-10, 180 … TE Zane Shearer, Sr., 6-5, 220 … OL Isaac Hubbard, Sr., 5-10, 220 … OL Mason Gatlin, Sr., 6-0, 225 … OL Hudson Coker, Sr., 5-11, 230 … WR Bryce Pobuda, Jr., 6-2, 170 … OL Kelton Lee, Jr., 5-11, 250 … K Jovany Jaimes, Sr. … TE Kadin Voss, Sr. … TE Myles Bradley, Sr. … RB Tyler May, Sr. … RB Rhyder Richardson, Sr. … WR Tyler Beebe, Sr.

DEFENSE: 3-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Colt Sparks, Sr., 6-5, 215 … LB Cason Patterson, Sr., 5-10, 180 … LB Zane Shearer, Sr., 6-5, 220 … DL Isaac Hubbard, Sr., 5-10, 220 … DL Mason Gatlin, Sr., 6-0, 225 … DL Hudson Coker, Sr., 5-11, 230 … DB Bryce Pobuda, Jr., 6-2, 170 … DL Kelton Lee, Jr., 5-11, 250 … LB Kadin Voss, Sr. … DL Myles Bradley, Sr. … Tyler May, Sr. LB … LB Rhyder Richardson, Sr. … DB Tyler Beebe, Sr.

2024 Outlook: Sabine earned a 3-2 non-district record during the 2023 season, but its early year success was eventually countered by a 1-4 district stretch that served as the main two-game difference between it and the league’s fourth and final playoff participant. The Cardinals will need to finish stronger in 2024 to soar high enough against a deep District 8-3A Division I field. Sabine’s surge will start with a senior class that features quarterback and defensive back Colt Sparks (1,620 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, 960 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, and three receiving touchdowns), running back and linebacker Carson Patterson (63 total tackles and 10 rushing touchdowns), tight end and linebacker Zane Shearer (60 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss and six sacks), and two-way linemen Isaac Hubbard and Mason Gatlin and Hudson Coker. The leadership of the Class of 2025 will also continue with senior tight end and linebacker Kadin Voss, tight end and defensive lineman Myles Bradley, running back and linebacker Tyler May, running back and linebacker Rhyder Richardson, receiver and defensive back Tyler Beebe, and kicker Jovany Jaimes. The Cardinals will also be boosted by juniors like receiver and defensive back Bryce Pobuda (28 receptions, 400 yards and three touchdowns) and two-way lineman Kelton Lee.

White Oak Roughnecks

COACH: Michael Ludlow (2nd season, 0-10 at White Oak)

ALL-TIME: 578-336-26

STADIUM: Roughneck Stadium, 200 South White Oak Road, White Oak, 75693

2023 RESULTS: 0-10

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 19/18

LETTERMEN LOST: 9

OFFENSE: Power Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Jaxsen Ludlow, Jr., 6-0, 165 … TE Dillon Sanchez, Sr., 6-2, 215 … WR Logan Ladwig, Jr., 5-9, 155 … OL Dakota Greene, Jr., 6-2, 215 … WR Tysen McClain, So., 6-1, 160 … WR Levi Sipes, Jr., 6-0, 195 … WR Tyson McKinney, Jr., 5-9, 145 … OL Tanner Lappin, So., 6-2, 240 … OL Lucas Frazier, Sr. … OL Collin Wheat, Sr. … OL Gavin Meadows, Sr. … WR Scotty Breitenberg, Sr. … OL Caden Durham, Jr. … OL Dylan Anderson, Jr.

ATH Junior Allen, Jr., 6-1, 175

DEFENSE: Multiple Odd

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jaxsen Ludlow, Jr., 6-0, 165 … LB Dillon Sanchez, Sr., 6-2, 215 … DB Logan Ladwig, Jr., 5-9, 155 … DE Dakota Greene, Jr., 6-2, 215 … DB Tysen McClain, So., 6-1, 160 … S/LB Levi Sipes, Jr., 6-0, 195 … CB Tyson McKinney, Jr., 5-9, 145 … DL Tanner Lappin, So., 6-2, 240 … DE Lucas Frazier, Sr. … DE Collin Wheat, Sr. … DL Gavin Meadows, Sr. … CB Scotty Breitenberg, Sr. … DL Caden Durham, Jr. … ILB Kelton Cates, Sr. … DL Dylan Anderson, Jr. … OLB Bryce Morgan, Jr.

2024 Outlook: White Oak is coming off a winless season, but its loyal fanbase is patiently waiting for the program’s first return to the postseason since 2020. On the right night, the Roughnecks have the necessary tenacity and toughness to trip up any opponent. They have earned 38 playoff appearances since 1939, and are not far off from their combined 10-8 stretch between the 2020 and 2021 campaigns. White Oak’s comeback attempt in 2024 will start with a group of two-way players. Jaxsen Ludlow (2,486 passing yards) will suit up at quarterback and defensive back, Dillon Sanchez will be a tight end and linebacker, Logan Ladwig and Scotty Breitenberg will both be a wide receiver and defensive back, Dakota Greene will be a defensive end and offensive lineman, Tysen McClain will be a wide receiver and defensive back, Levi Sipes will be a safety, linebacker and receiver, Tyson McKinney will be a cornerback and receiver, Tanner Lappin, Lucas Frazier, Collin Wheat, Gavin Meadows, Caden Durham, and Dylan Anderson will serve as offensive and defensive lineman, and the roster’s versatility continues with athlete Junior Allen. The team’s defense will also receive important midfield play from inside linebacker Kelton Cates and outside linebacker Bryce Morgan.