WEEK 1 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Editor's Note: The devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey are still being felt in a significant portion of the state. Please see TexasFootball.com/Hurricane for the latest cancelations and information on how you can help the victims.Mart at Lexington A year ago, Lexington served notice to the state that it’d be a team to watch as it nearly upset Mart, 22-20. The Eagles continued to improve as the season progressed and advanced all the way to the state semi-finals. A veteran squad, they’re led by prolific quarterback Walker Hess and come in this year as the slight home favorite. Mart brings back 19 starters from a team that went 12-1, led by quarterback Jace Terry and running back Tyrek Horne. Both teams run fast-paced high-flying offensive attacks. Mart is going to have an overall edge with speed at the skill positions, but Lexington’s got the depth and size advantage up front and just enough speed to contain the Panthers. Look for a much higher scoring game this time around, but I like Lexington to win a thriller. Stepp’s Pick: Lexington by 3 Greg’s Pick: Lexington Max’s Pick: Mart Ishmael’s Pick: Lexington Brady’s Pick: MartSan Angelo Central at Abilene Abilene went to the Concho Valley a year ago and flat out got hammered by a Bobcats team that put together one of their best seasons in school history. Abilene got things together winning its next 11 games and if not for a late fumble against DeSoto in the regional semi-finals, the Warbirds may have played for a state title. Graduation has greatly depleted the ranks for both sides so this year’s matchup looks much different. Central brings back some experience in 6-foot-5-inch wide receiver Henry Teeter who takes over as the top receiver and junior quarterback Maverick McIvor who made major strides this summer. The Angry Orange defense will be a bit younger but much quicker in the secondary. Abilene lost nearly all of its production on offense and the majority of its defense as well, so the Eagles be reliant on new faces as well. Two-way standout Raekwon Millsap and linebacker Terrell Franklin are key returners for the Eagles. Abilene no doubt remembers the blowout loss a year ago and with this one back home at Shotwell Stadium, the team will be fired up. But San Angelo’s new faces saw a lot of action last year in many blowouts the Bobcats had on the slate. I think early on that extra experience will pay off in a hard-fought win on the road. Stepp’s Pick: San Angelo Central by 7 Greg’s Pick: San Angelo Central Max’s Pick: San Angelo Central Ishmael’s Pick: Abilene Brady’s Pick: AbileneNavasota at Franklin If there’s any team that wants to put 2016 behind them it’s the Navasota Rattlers. Their season-opening 38-22 loss to Franklin was a precursor to a disaster of a season. Second-year head coach Patrick Goodman expects major improvement as the Rattlers return a lot of experience led by quarterback Jeb Malek and wide receiver Ronnie Jackson. Defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson is a monster up front and he’ll need a big night as the Navasota defense tries to contain a physical and brutally efficient ground-oriented attack from Franklin. The Lions are led by Baylor pledge offensive lineman Casey Phillips who joins three other returning big guys up front who helped FHS rush for over 5,000 yards a year ago. Most of the skill talent is gone as only two-way standout Jared Pedraza returns. Experience and depth will be a big factor in this game and that advantage lies with the Rattlers in both areas who I believe will win a tightly contested game. Stepp’s Pick: Navasota by 2 Greg’s Pick: Navasota Max’s Pick: Franklin Ishmael’s Pick: Franklin Brady’s Pick: FranklinShiner at Goliad It’s another matchup of powers from different classes as 2A Shiner visits 3A Goliad in a crossroads battle. Goliad put together an outstanding debut season under first-year head coach Bobby Nicholson going 9-4 and with 17 starters returning, there’s a lot of optimism about the Tigers. The trio of quarterback Rocky Morris, wideout/defensive back Trevor Parr and running back/defensive end Logan Bland is one of the most prolific in South Texas and will be hard for a lot of 3A teams to slow down. That’s a tall order for a Shiner defense that returns six starters, but with heavy graduation losses on offense, that returning experience might be counted on for a much heavier two-way workload. Shiner’s veer offense is tough to stop, but Goliad’s veteran defense should be up to the task and that high-powered offense could make this a game that doesn’t fit Shiner’s style of play. Stepp’s Pick: Goliad by 9 Greg’s Pick: Goliad Max’s Pick: Goliad Ishmael’s Pick: Goliad Brady’s Pick: GoliadMonahans at Wall Who says everyone runs the same old boring spread offense? If you want some old school smash-mouth football, Wall, Texas might be your spot Friday night. There will be a lot of green in the stands and a lot of running on the field as Monahans takes its Wing-T offense to the Concho Valley to take on Wall who runs the flexbone offense to perfection. Wall returns a wealth of experience after a run to the state semi-finals last year. The Hawks have a trio of backs who can get the job done as Tymber Carr, Sutton Braden and Drake Holifield combined for over 2,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. Combine that with nine starters back on defense and Wall is a state title threat in 3A Division I. Monahans rolled through a very tough district last year, but were upset in the area round of the playoffs. Head coach Mickey Owens thinks his team has good skill talent back, but the Lobos do have some work to do in replacing some key players up front. That youth up front should develop but it’ll take some time and on the road and that favors the home team with the wealth of experience. Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 11 Greg’s Pick: Wall Max’s Pick: Wall Ishmael’s Pick: Wall Brady’s Pick: MonahansCedar Hill at Allen Cedar Hill opens the Carlos Lynn era with a very difficult road game against Allen in the Tom Landry Classic. Expect a large partisan crowd for this one as Allen always fills Eagle Stadium. Cedar Hill has a lot of questions on the offensive side of the ball as most of their skill talent is now playing their craft at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. They do return Baylor pledged speedster Josh Fleeks, so look for the new offensive staff to be creative in finding as many ways possible to put the ball in his hands. The Longhorns look to have a solid group up front, so expect them to lean on the run game as they break in a new quarterback. Allen is led by talented junior quarterback Grant Tisdale, who impressed as a sophomore, and talented junior wide receiver Theo Wease, both of whom are racking up the offers. Senior running back Brock Sturges, an Arizona State verbal, runs behind what is always a big, physical and deep offensive line. Allen’s defense has good speed across the board. The numbers game and depth, especially in the early season heat, will simply wear Cedar Hill down in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 14 Greg’s Pick: Allen Max’s Pick: Allen Ishmael’s Pick: Allen Brady’s Pick: AllenMineola at Van Last year Mineola hosted Van, took it on the chin, and for some reason there were folks out there who were worried about the ‘Jackets. Looking back, it was kind of silly to think that as Van put together a run to the 4A Division I quarterfinals, Mineola rebounded and rolled to the 3A Division I state title. Things have changed for the orange and white however, as their most decorated senior class in school history has moved on along with head coach Joe Drennon who is now at 5A Hallsville. Only two starters are back on offense, so look for Curtis London (Who was a backup running back and spent much of his time on defense) to be the primary ball carrier as MHS looks to retool on the fly. Van took a few hits from graduation but brings back 11 of 22 starters from a 12-2 squad a year ago. Most notably the team still has its triggerman in quarterback Garrett Moseley who accounted for over 4,400 yards of offense and 60 total touchdowns last year. He’ll have to develop a couple of new receivers, but he’s got a solid returning offensive line in front of him and a defense that should be solid once again. I expect Van to roll in this one as it’s going to take some time for a very young Mineola squad to put it together. Stepp’s Pick: Van by 17 Greg’s Pick: Van Max’s Pick: Van Ishmael’s Pick: Van Brady’s Pick: VanEl Paso Eastlake vs. El Paso El Dorado Two Socorro ISD powers who call the SAC home will meet up to determine 5A vs. 6A bragging rights in the Sun City. Last year’s game featured 80 combined points as El Dorado won 45-35. Don’t be surprised if this one approaches or exceeds 90 total points as both teams have potent offensive attacks. Eastlake is led by versatile athlete Ivan Avina and running back Ezekiel Jones who brings game breaking speed to the Falcons offensive attack. A pair of three-year starters in linebacker Chris Sepluveda and defensive back Andy Carmona anchor what should be an improved defense. For El Dorado, it starts and ends with the top player in El Paso, quarterback Cedarious Barefield who is a San Diego State commit. Barefield is a true game-breaker who accounted for over 4,600 yards of offense and 55 touchdowns in just 11 games last year. He’s got the ball in his hands every play and he’s a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. The Aztecs have plenty of other weapons like wide receiver Cameron Hill and running back Seth Davis. But where El Dorado could really make strides and become a playoff threat is on defense where eight starters return. With the opening of nearby Pebble Hills, enrollment at El Dorado has declined and there’s a good chance they drop to 5A next realignment so this could be a district game in 2018. Stepp’s Pick: El Paso El Dorado by 12 Greg’s Pick: El Paso El Dorado Max’s Pick: El Paso El Dorado Ishmael’s Pick: El Paso El Dorado Brady’s Pick: El Paso El DoradoSan Antonio Stevens at Kerrville Tivy It’s certainly a full transition year for the Falcons as 41 seniors graduated and former head coach Darryl Hemphill moved into administration late the off-season New head coach Conrad Hernandez will try and retool on the fly with just three returning starters. Speedy running back Doryen Littlejohn accounted for nearly 1,000 yards of offense a year ago and will be the primary weapon as new faces litter the remainder of the lineup. Tivy looks to avenge a close loss to open last year and the Antlers have the firepower to do it with seven back on the offensive side of the ball. Karson Valverde was solid filling in at quarterback last year and with the return of Lance Ford, the Antlers have two capable signal callers. Another player who missed last year with injury was receiver Keithan Perez whose return should make Tivy that much more explosive. The defense looks solid as well as six are back led by linebacker Trent Mott who had 131 tackles as a junior. Tivy’s got too much experience for a rebuilding Stevens squad, I expect the Antlers to roll. Stepp’s Pick: Kerrville Tivy by 21 Greg’s Pick: Kerrville Tivy Max’s Pick: Kerrville Tivy Ishmael’s Pick: Kerrville Tivy Brady’s Pick: Kerrville TivyBrownwood vs. Canyon It’s a neutral-site matchup as Brownwood and Canyon will meet at Frenship’s Peoples Bank Stadium to open the season. Canyon won a 20-17 overtime thriller a year ago, but this time around Brownwood comes in as the favorite as the Lions bring back a lot of offensive firepower. Running back Gavin Jefferson returns after a solid junior season and keep an eye on speedy and versatile AJ McCarty. He could emerge as a real two-way playmaker. The biggest key for the Lions will be the emergence of a new signal caller and replacing some graduation losses along the defensive line. Canyon won eight games last year, but just three starters are back on both sides of the ball. Two-way standout Rowdy Vaughn, a three-year starter, will be asked to carry the load along with defensive lineman Isaac Huseman who had a strong junior season Brownwood’s speed at the skill spots could cause a young Canyon defense problems and expect that to carry the Lions in their opener. Stepp’s Pick: Brownwood by 11 Greg’s Pick: Canyon Max’s Pick: Brownwood Ishmael’s Pick: Brownwood Brady’s Pick: CanyonAustin Vandegrift at Odessa Permian A year ago, a very young Permian team went to Austin and fell behind 20-0, before rallying for a 21-20 win. We thought that’d be a sign of things to come, but a rash of injuries derailed the season for MOJO. It could turn out to be a blessing this year as Permian developed good depth in addition to bringing back an experience team. Expect the Panthers to open the offense up more with Navy commit Steve Steen at quarterback and dynamic wide receiver Brother Miller who is back after missing the second half of the season a year ago. Permian will still run the ball and they’ve got two solid backs in Ed Wiliams and Toddrick Robinson. MOJO has nine back on defense including maybe the top group of linebackers in West Texas. Vandy has to replace a FBS signee at quarterback, so expect the Vipers to rely on an experience defense led by defensive end Osorachukwu Ifesinachukwu who is a three-year starter and tallied eight sacks last year. There’s good talent back at wide receiver, but questions at quarterback and on the offensive line will take some time to answer and travelling to Ratliff where a big and loud crowd is expected is a tall order for the Vipers. Stepp’s Pick: Odessa Permian by 8 Greg’s Pick: Odessa Permian Max’s Pick: Odessa Permian Ishmael’s Pick: Vandegrift Brady’s Pick: Odessa PermianLufkin at Longview It’s still odd to me that these two aren’t in the same district. But never fear there’s a chance we could see this old fashioned East Texas rivalry twice this year if the playoff matchups break right Both teams saw major struggles on the defensive side of the ball last year as they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. The key heading into 2017 for both is improvement on that side. Lufkin’s road, especially early on, might be tougher as the Panthers were hit pretty hard by graduation on both sides of the ball. Lufkin’s got two outstanding offensive linemen back and wide receiver Malik Jackson is a great building block. The defense has some playmakers in the secondary and should get a bit of a boost with talented playmaker Savon Phillips returning from injury. Longview’s defense returns seven from a young unit last year and that has Lobo fans hopeful for a big step forward. Their secondary looked great in summer 7-on-7 and head coach John King is excited about the progress his guys up front made. Longview has one of the state’s top tight ends in Jaylin Brown and as always, the team has capable running backs. But they have to replace some graduation hits on the offensive line. Don’t be surprised if Longview rotates quarterbacks early on as they have multiple candidates to take that role on. All can run the offense and could potentially contribute in other positions if one ascends to take the job full-time. Longview’s experience on defense and ability to control the tempo with the ground game should be the difference as I expect them to wear Lufkin down in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 10 Greg’s Pick: Longview Max’s Pick: Longview Ishmael’s Pick: Lufkin Brady’s Pick: LongviewLaredo United at San Benito Two teams who have hopes of getting past the San Antonio round three roadblock meet up in what will be one of the week one Fox Southwest “Live Look In” games. United takes a lengthy trip east and, as always, the Longhorns hang their hat on an explosive spread offense led by running back Isaac Velasquez who for 1,881 yards and 25 touchdowns a year ago. United has a pair of solid returning receivers and good experience up front, but inexperience on defense and at quarterback will be concerns. Erick Retta is back for his third season to pilot the San Benito attack. He accounted for 40 total touchdowns a year ago. He has 210-pound physical running back Tyrone Harper and explosive wide receiver Isaiah Trevino who hauled in 13 touchdown passes. San Benito has some holes to fill on defense, but does return some playmakers along the defensive line. Expect a high scoring game in this one, but San Benito has the edge in returning experience, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Stepp’s Pick: San Benito by 13 Greg’s Pick: San Benito Max’s Pick: San Benito Ishmael’s Pick: San Benito Brady’s Pick: San BenitoLake Travis at Converse Judson The second live television game for Friday night on Fox Sports Southwest features defending state champion Lake Travis visiting Judson, the only team to beat the Cavaliers a year ago. Lake Travis lost a lot of offensive talent from a year ago but still have sensational junior wide receiver Garett Wilson and new quarterback Matt Baldwin has impressed this off-season. Lake Travis’ big questions are replacing graduation losses on an underrated offensive line and defense. It’s now or never for a Judson team that returns 16 total starters. A new school is opening in Judson ISD and will begin to cut into the Rockets’ depth so 2017 is the year to make it happen. It starts with quarterback Julon Williams, a four-year starter who is one of the state’s most dynamic playmakers. Junior running back Sincere McCormick is one of eight juniors who started a year ago as sophomores and is a do-it-all guy that can run, catch, return kicks and punt. 6-foot-five defensive end Demarvin Leal had ten sacks as a sophomore and could be a real force. This should be one of the best games of a great opening weekend. I think Judson’s ability on offense and experience on defense are keys to knock LTHS off for the second-straight year. Stepp’s Pick: Converse Judson by 3 Greg’s Pick: Judson Max’s Pick: Converse Judson Ishmael’s Pick: Converse Judson Brady’s Pick: Converse JudsonPost at Abernathy These two teams met twice a year ago with Post drilling a young Abernathy squad in the season opener. But in their meeting in the third round of the playoffs, AHS showed how much the team matured by stunning Post en route to the state semi-finals. Now both sets of Antelopes are among the favorites in Region I, so this opener will be a great early measuring stick. Post returns 17 total starters led by two-way star running back/linebacker Michael Pherguson and linebacker Brandon Brittain. Post’s focus has been developing additional depth in the trenches while also trying get better in the passing game. Abernathy started slow with a freshman quarterback leading the way, but Bryson Daily found his footing and led AHS all the way to the state semi-finals accounting for 2,700 total yards of offense. There’s good speed at the skill spots, but if there’s one concern in this matchup, it’s that Abernathy has to replace a few losses up front. This could be a repeat of last year, as I like Post in this one, but not by three touchdowns. However, if they meet in the playoffs don’t be surprised if the roles are reversed like 2016. Stepp’s Pick: Post by 2 Greg’s Pick: Abernathy Max’s Pick: Abernathy Ishmael’s Pick: Abernathy Brady’s Pick: AbernathyBruni at Falls City These two have developed a solid rivalry the past few years with Bruni getting the better of the Beavers recently. The tide could be turning this year as Falls City returns 15 starters led by dynamic quarterback Keyshawn Johnson who accounted for over 2,700 total yards and 27 touchdowns a year ago. He’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in all of Class 2A. Bruni’s been one of the great underdog stories in Class 2A the past three years, but continued upheaval in the coaching staff may be too much to overcome with its third head coach in three years. Running back John Vela returns after rushing for 14 touchdowns a year ago. Falls City will be fired up for this one as it open its beautiful new stadium and after losing in the playoffs in 2014 and losing the opener last year in overtime, expect Falls City to jump on BHS early in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Falls City by 17 Greg’s Pick: Falls City Max’s Pick: Falls City Ishmael’s Pick: Falls City Brady’s Pick: Falls CityBellville at Cameron Yoe Bellville has been knocking on the door in Region III the past few years, but the Brahmas have yet to break through. Head coach Grady Rowe’s squad will lean on a very experienced defense to lead the way. The key for BHS will be how its offense that returns just two starters performs. A lot of that responsibility falls on quarterback Marcus Ward who moves over from the secondary. After playing for four-straight state titles, Yoe missed out on a return trip to state in Tommy Brashear’s first year at the helm “only” going 11-3. The Yoemen return 15 total starters and expectations are as always very high. Zach Andress and wide receiver Iverson Westbrook could turn into one of the top pass-catch duos in the state. The key for Yoe will be how a defense that returns eight starters improves. Yoe should get off to a good start this week against that young Bellville offense. Stepp’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 12 Greg’s Pick: Cameron Yoe Max’s Pick: Cameron Yoe Ishmael’s Pick: Cameron Yoe Brady’s Pick: Cameron YoeGunter at Howe Gunter debuted a new offense last year and early on looked a little sluggish, but by playoff time the Tigers were rolling and dominated en route to a 16-0 record and a state title. The Tigers have some losses to replace on offense as last year’s defensive end Daylan Bower takes over in the Tigers unique offensive system. Versatile Dylan Jantz is one of the state’s top playmakers and holds multiple FBS offers. The Gunter defense returns seven, including multiple all-state players, and could be among the best in Class 3A. Howe went three-deep in Division I last year and with running back Andrew Griffin back to lead the Bulldogs offense. Head coach Zach Hudson is confident his team will be in the playoff mix once again. HHS has a lot of holes to fill on defense as Griffin, who had 126 tackles last year, likely sees less time on defense due to being needed on offense. Gunter’s experience will be too much for a Howe squad that’s doing a bit of retooling. Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 10 Greg’s Pick: Gunter Max’s Pick: Gunter Ishmael’s Pick: Gunter Brady’s Pick: GunterHenrietta at Windthorst After an outstanding 10-3 season last year, Henrietta returns District MVP quarterback Zach West, but much of his offensive line and skill talent has graduated. That means, at least early on, the Bearcats will need West to carry an even bigger portion of the load. After a couple of down seasons (by their standards), Windthorst bounced back going three-deep last year. With seven back on both sides of the ball, the Trojans expect to be in the mix in Region II in 2A Division I. Quarterback Hunter Wolf and Running back Koy Pennartz are a dynamic duo and all-state defensive end Curtis Hulse is a force along the defensive line. Henrietta hammered Windthorst by 21 last year. Expect a much closer contest this year. Stepp’s Pick: Henrietta by 6 Greg’s Pick: Henrietta Max’s Pick: Henrietta Ishmael’s Pick: Henrietta Brady’s Pick: Henrietta

SIX-MAN SPOTLIGHT