I’ll be the first to admit that last year’s season was not a good representation of how good the Tiger football program is. And looking at this year’s schedule, our team should have much more success than last year.

The first three games scheduled are in town (even though Arkansas High is an away game), which should ease the guys into the season and allow for the younger guys to establish a routine. I expect a strong 3-0 start, including victories against the Razorbacks, Liberty Eylau Leopards and the Lee High School Raiders. Our seniors are familiar with the two in-city rivals and should remember the Raiders from last year’s loss (23-7).

The only potential losses I can figure are Kennedale, Natchitoches Central, Sulphur Springs and Mt. Pleasant. I give the Tigers an edge over N.C. and Sulphur Springs, mainly due to those being home games (Natchitoches being Homecoming). Mt. Pleasant might also be a close game, considering senior quarterback Dakota Hunter’s last quarter success against them last season. A few of these will be hotly contested, but don’t be surprised if the boys drop a couple.

The season closes with two district foes– Marshall and Hallsville, both of which should be clear victories. Marshall is coming off an abysmal season (1-9), during which the Tigers beat them handily (20-6). Hallsville edged the Tigers out last year (19-7), but the game is at Grim, so expect a Tiger victory.

Last season wasn’t a great one, but it had it’s moments. The senior class (last year’s juniors) is probably one of the deepest in school history, including wide receiver Taylor Jackson, linebacker Anthony Rhone and running back Treveon Walker. Probably even more unnoticed was the success at home. The Tigers were 3-1 at home last year, but didn’t win at all on the road. If they build on the success at home and bring a new intensity to away games, they’ll be in good shape.

My Prediction:

Overall Record: 7-3

@ Arkansas High: W 20-13

Liberty Eylau: W 17-14

Tyler Lee: W 21-10

(At Royce City) Kennedale: L 10-20

Natchitoches Central (Homecoming): L 13-17

@ Pine Tree: W 35-10

Sulphur Springs: L 17-28

@ Mt. Pleasant: W 28-27

@Marshall: W 28-7

Hallsville: W 24-10