Midlothian Heritage at Stephenville: 5A Midlothian Heritage hits the road to take on 4A-Divison I state title contender Stephenville in what should be an absolutely entertaining affair. The Jaguars are led by a veteran offense with QB Carter Rutenbar and two-way dynamo Ryan Satterwhite at WR/DB, so expect them to put points up. But Stephenville’s big and physical defensive front is going to be a real challenge. Stephenville’s offense is going to be a real problem at the 4A with the return of QB Ryan Gafford, Texas Tech WR commit Tristan Gentry and a pair of RB’s in Bryson Powell and Comanche transfer Sawyer Wilkerson, who has topped 2,000 yards the past two years. Stephenville’s defense at home gets the job done in key moments and the ‘Jackets make their case as a title contender with a win over a top 15 5A squad. Stepp’s Pick: Stephenville by 7
Sinton at Beeville Jones: Sinton, who has designs on pushing for a regional crown in Region IV in 4A-Division II, gets a tough road test to open the year against a Beeville squad that was an area round playoff team in 2023 in 4A-Division I. Beeville has a few questions going into the year as the Trojans have a new head coach in Dave Holmgreen, who comes over from Gregory Portland where he was an assistant coach. The question for Beeville will be do the Trojans open up the offense a bit more? RB/DB Davyn Perez is a dynamic two-way talent. Sinton comes into the season absolutely loaded with skill talent with the return of QB Triston Handson, WR Jacoby James and RB Derek Garcia. Where the Pirates have a few more question marks will be on defense where they were hit hard by graduation. Expect a high-scoring affair with Sinton’s explosive skill players getting the edge over a Beeville squad trying to learn new schemes. Stepp’s Pick: Sinton by 10