Carthage at Kilgore: Two of East Texas’ top 4A programs will renew acquaintances in Kilgore to open the season as defending 4A-Division II state champion Carthage comes to town where they will get a test against a Kilgore squad that’s been a regional finalist in 4A-Division I the last two seasons. Carthage will have one of the state’s top ground attacks with the return of its top three backs from 2022 in KJ Matlock, LaRandion Dowden and super sophomore KJ Edwards. Those three plus a big offensive line will take the pressure off sophomore QB Jett Surratt and a young, but talented group of Carthage receivers. Carthage’s defensive line will be a handful for opponents and that’ll make life easier while their young and talented secondary matures. Kilgore’s secondary may be one of the best in the state with the return of DB Zaylon Stoker, who picked off 10 passes a year ago, and Jayden Sanders, who is a legit FBS level recruit. Kilgore will be solid up front and in the receiving corps but inexperience at QB and RB along with the defensive line will be question marks going into 2023.This will be a closer game than last year’s 35-point Carthage win, but CHS is a completer and more talented team and they’ll pull away down the stretch. Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 16
Hamshire-Fannett at Lumberton: Two teams in the Golden Triangle coming off good 2022 seasons with high hopes for 2023 matchup in Week 1 in what amounts to a measuring stick game for both programs. Hamshire-Fannett battled through injuries and a brutal district to post a 10-3 mark a year ago, and expectations are sky high with seven starters back plus help from a stellar 10-0 JV squad. Versatile ATH D’Onte Zeno is the headliner and a four-year starter for the Longhorns; he played QB after an injury a year ago. But if the ‘Horns are able to move him around and create matchup problems, the offense could hit another level in 2023. Lumberton broke through in 4A-Division I in 2022, advancing to the regional semifinals with an 11-2 record. The Raiders offense expects to be lethal with the return of QB Lucas Powell, RB Jaddon Ward and WR Trey Kersh. The defense has a few holes to fill, but they have a game-changer in DL Brock Jackson, a Baylor commit. Last year’s game was a close, high-scoring affair and I expect no different this time with the slightest of edges going to Lumberton. Stepp’s Pick: Lumberton by 2