East Chambers vs West Rusk at Jasper: East Chambers and West Rusk are two 3A programs who come into the season with high expectations, and we’ll get a great idea where these two stand in this Thursday night neutral site opener in Jasper. East Chambers graduated a great senior class, but the cupboard isn’t bare with the return of QB Jacoby Perrault and two-way star WR/DB K.K. Morris. West Rusk expects to have one of the top defensive units in East Texas led by DL Torami Dixon and LB Jimmie Harper, but the Raiders have veteran experience on offense as well with QB Andon Mata and WR/DB Omarion Anthony. West Rusk’s experience on both sides will be the key in this matchup as East Chambers has a bit too much youth at key spots. Stepp’s Pick: West Rusk by 7
Shiner at Hallettsville: No team in 2A-Division I had a more impressive single win last season than Shiner, who took down 3A-Division I state runner-up Hallettsville by double digits to open last season. That win sent a shot across the bow of the rest of the state as the Comanches rolled to a state title. Shiner comes into the year once again with a target on their back with the return of RB/DL Doug Brooks and ATH Dalton Brooks, but there are a lot of key pieces to replace after a strong senior class has graduated. Hallettsville loses the heart and soul of last year’s team as Jonathon Brooks has graduated and moved on to Texas, but the Brahmas bring back nearly everyone else. The question for Hallettsville will be who steps up and takes on that leadership void left by Brooks’ graduation. On offense that could be QB Trace Patek, but do they have enough playmakers at the skill spots? Stepp’s Pick: Shiner by 6