Predicting the Biggest Week 1 Games in Texas: 6A-5A
Coppell (1-0) at Waxahachie (1-0): It’s a state-ranked showdown in Ellis County as two teams with 6A-Division I state title aspirations get their first chance to prove themselves against a team in their own weight class. Coppell rolled past Hebron, 40-10, last week in a game where junior QB Carter Zingelmann threw for 297 yards and three scores. Coppell’s defense, led by Utah CB commit Jaden Bibbs, did the job as well holding the Hawks to 231 yards of offense. Waxahachie ripped past arch-rival Ennis, 72-14, in a game that was over before the first quarter wrapped, QB Jerry Meyer, III, a South Carolina commit, was flawless throwing for 313 yards and five scores. RB Taylen Strange ran for 111 yards and two scores. Sophomore WR Jashawn Crayton had 193 receiving yards and three scores, while Colorado State WR commit Kentorion King had a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. One concern going into this game for Coppell will be the running game; the Cowboys only ran for 41 yards last week averaging 2.2 yards per carry. That will need to improve against this ferocious Waxahachie defensive line led by LB Carmelo Clawson and Kansas State DE commit Sedrick Marsh, along with Texas A&M safety commit JayQuan Snell. Look for CHS to utilize Zingelmann more in the ground game this week; his running ability hurt Waxahachie in last year’s meeting. Waxahachie’s secondary will be tested by this explosive Coppell passing gam,e which features multiple weapons on the outside. The difference in this game is Waxahachie’s pass rush. If they keep Zingelmann from breaking the pocket and getting loose, they’ll limit his effectiveness and the Indians will get a statement win at home. Stepp’s Pick: Waxahachie by 6