Arlington Martin vs Denton Ryan at AT&T Stadium: The first game of a doubleheader at AT&T Stadium celebrating the 100th anniversary of UIL football is a fascinating matchup featuring Class 5A’s No. 1 team tangling with an up-and-coming Arlington Martin squad aiming to make noise in Class 6A. Martin, who was 11-2 last season, is poised for big things in 2020 with the offense returning QB Zach Mundell, who accounted for 36 touchdowns a year ago; WR Cal Robinson and RB Lenard Lemmons are key skill players. The offensive line has some questions, but they are young and talented. Martin’s group of linebackers is led by Texas commit Morice Blackwell, while junior DE Ernest Cooper IV holds offers from just about every big-time program in the nation. Denton Ryan, who suffered a heartbreaking loss in the 5A-Division I title game last year, appears to be loaded for a big run once again. Texas commits WR/DB Billy Bowman, Jr and WR/DE Ja’Tavion Sanders are two of the most dynamic two-way players in the state; keeping them healthy and fresh late in games is key for the Raiders, who aren’t a super deep squad. QB Seth Henigan, a Memphis commit, returns to lead the offense after throwing 37 touchdown passes a year ago. Rice LB commit DJ Arkansas is the quiet leader of the defense, and although he doesn’t generate a ton of attention, he’s incredibly productive across the board. Ryan’s playmakers and versatility, especially on offense, will be enough to keep Martin off-balance in what should be a really entertaining game featuring as many as 10 future FBS signees. Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 5
Longview vs Temple at AT&T Stadium: Two programs that are among the most decorated in the history of Texas High School Football hook up in the UIL 100 nightcap at AT&T Stadium. Longview plays its first game after the Haynes King era, as the decorated QB is now at Texas A&M, but the Lobos are still going to be plenty dynamic. RB Kaden Meredith and WR Jalen Hale are big time playmakers; expect Longview to be more than solid in the trenches as teams coached by John King always are good up front. The defense is young and very fast with LB Kybrien Jackson-Jamerson and S Tyree Hale key returning contributors. Temple is going with a real youth movement as Scott Stewart’s squad is going to lean on several sophomores. Keep an eye on sophomore QB Mikal Harrison-Pilot, who started for the Wildcats in the secondary as a freshman; he could slide over and lead the offense this year. Sophomore LB Taurean York is another big-time young contributor. Senior WR AJ McDuffey and junior ATH Samari Howard will be counted on to provide veteran leadership. Both teams rely on a lot of young players to contribute but the edge goes to Longview, who has a bit more senior leadership which will be crucial early on. Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 10