Amarillo at Midland Legacy: After a strong nine-win campaign in 2021, Amarillo High opens up the season with a difficult road test at Grande Communications Stadium against Midland Legacy. The Sandies took some graduation losses on the offensive line but will be dynamic at the skill spots led by WR Jameson Garcia. Amarillo’s defense has good experience returning and they’ll be tested right off the bat against a Rebels offense that once again will be one of the most explosive in West Texas. Junior QB Marcos Davila had a strong sophomore season and holds double-digit FBS offers, but two FBS signees at the skill positions have graduated. DB Moses, an Arizona commit, leads a defense that may need to shoulder the load early, while the young skill players mature for the Rebels. Don’t be surprised if this one is a shootout and in a high-flying game. The edge goes to Midland Legacy at home. Stepp’s Pick: Midland Legacy by 9
The Woodlands at Galena Park North Shore: It’s a Thursday night showdown on the Eastside of Houston as The Woodlands, a team who looks to jump back into the statewide conversation takes on defending 6A-Division I state champion North Shore. QB Mabrey Mettauer is back after a big 2021 season and will operate behind a veteran offensive line, he’s got plenty of skill talent with the return of ATH Jason Williams and the transfer of ATH Arkez Gomez and WR Quannell Farrakhan. The Woodlands defense should be improved, but they’ll be in for a major test this week with North Shore’s offense led by sophomore QB Kaleb Bailey who as a freshman piloted the Mustangs to a state title. WR David Amador, a UTSA commit is one of the most dynamic receivers in the state. North Shore’s defense has some holes to fill, but I trust that coaching staff to put together an elite defense and early in the season North Shore gets off to a strong start with a solid win over a very good The Woodlands squad. Stepp’s Pick: Galena Park North Shore by 11