Brock at Brownwood
The first of the two Fox Southwest Football Days in Texas broadcasts kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at legendary Gordon Wood Stadium. With the kick being early in the evening, conditioning and depth will be vital in this matchup. Brock, fresh off a state runner-up appearance last year, brings back 15 starters and despite not having settled on a primary runner, expect the Eagles to still churn out yardage running behind TE Baylor Cupp (Texas A&M commit) and OL John Brunner (North Texas commit). QB Tripp Jones may be asked to carry more of the offensive load as well while the Eagles find their primary runner. The defense has one of the state’s most underrated playmakers in LB Zakk Young.

The super-aggressive Brock 10-1 defense will have its hands full with an explosive Brownwood offense led by QB Tommy Bowden and WR A.J. McCarty. Brownwood is under a new head coach as alum Sammy Burnett comes home to lead one of the state’s most tradition-rich programs and will have a major test in the front seven going against a Brock offense that relies on brute strength and physicality.

Slight edge to Brock in this one, but never underestimate Brownwood, especially in the friendly confines of Gordon Wood Stadium.
Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 5
 

Lufkin at Longview
As big as the season opener at Lobo Stadium will be, it’ll be hard to top last year’s state quarterfinal game won by Longview in front of an overflow crowd at Stephen F. Austin University. The Lobos had Lufkin’s number last year, taking the Panthers down twice and they’ll look to make it three straight in a nationally televised game as part of Fox Southwest’s Football Days in Texas. Longview returns the majority of its offensive firepower led by QB Haynes King who was sensational as a sophomore and is earning major FBS interest. The return of bruising RB Jessie Anderson, who missed most of his junior season with a hand injury, will give Longview that punishing ground game it lacked a year ago. The Lobos return their speed-back in Keilyn Williams who ran for 17 TDs a year ago. Longview’s big question mark will be in the front seven where it was hit hard by graduation.

Lufkin caught fire late in the year and rode that momentum to the fourth round in Class 6A. Now with a drop in classification, the Panthers are a legitimate state title contender with an offense that can turn heads led by QB Kewone Thomas and WR JaLynn Polk. The defensive line is fantastic with DT Carl Williams (Arkansas commit) and DE Breylon Garcia (Nevada commit), while junior S Jerrin Thompson is back after a tremendous sophomore season. The key matchup here is strength on strength as the massive Longview offensive line goes against that stout Lufkin defensive line, Lufkin’s big question will be finding a running back after losing most of their production on the ground to graduation.

Expect lots of points as this one comes down to which defense can get stops down the stretch. The edge goes to Longview as it’s one of the state’s toughest tasks to walk out of Lobo Stadium with a win.
Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 6

Euless Trinity at Waco Midway
Fresh off a trip to the state quarter-finals a year ago, the Trojans look to keep that momentum surging forward as they head south to Central Texas to take on last year’s Class 6A Division II runner-up, Waco Midway. Known for being one of the state’s most potent rushing offenses, the Trinity offense has ability in the passing game with the return of QB Laki Ellis and WR Keanu Hill. Expect the Trojans to still be massive up front on both sides of the ball. But the big question will be who emerges as the featured back. Trinity’s defense will be defined by its physicality with DL Sau Saafi and LB Shamar Morton.

After its run to the state title game a year ago, Midway has to replace most of its receiving corps and an elite QB but will have the luxury of tough running RB James Fulbright who had over 1,800 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago. Midway is solid up front but going against Trinity is the ultimate measuring stick for a team looking to establish itself as a permanent fixture among the state’s elite teams.

Midway’s inexperience at QB could render them fairly one dimensional early on and that tips the scales to
Stepp’s Pick: Euless Trinity by 7
 

Lubbock Coronado at Lubbock Estacado
Lubbock ISD’s two premier programs who combined for a 23-3 record a year ago finally meet up for city bragging rights to open the season. Both teams have high hopes for 2018 but are certainly in transition as Coronado graduates record setting QB Qua Gray and Estacado has a new head coach in former DC Joe Cluley.

Coronado has well over twice the enrollment of Estacado, so expect the Mustangs’ superior depth to wear down the Matadors, especially early in the season when the heat is still a major factor. WR Blair Conwright (25 receiving TDs) and RB Kaleb Manuel (1,295 rushing, 13 TDs) are big time skill players for CHS and should make young QB Sawyer Robertson’s transition easier. Estacado will bring lots of speed to the table on defense but youth on the defensive line and inexperience at QB will be major pain points early on.
Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Coronado by 16

Galena Park North Shore at Katy
There’s no question that this is the marquee matchup in the Houston area to open the season as H-Town’s two big-name programs square off in what could be a preview of a matchup in early December. When these two hooked up in the state quarterfinals last year, a veteran Katy team dominated the Mustangs 31-3, but now the roles are somewhat reversed as its North Shore with the experience and Katy has a more youthful look for 2018. There may not be a better running back matchup in the country this year as North Shore features five-star back Zach Evans and Katy features four-star RB Deondrick Glass.

Both defenses will be locked in to try and slow these two special playmakers down, so it could come down to which signal caller can make plays in key moments. North Shore has Damatrius Davis who started seven games as a freshman a year ago, including all four playoff games, while Katy counters with its own sophomore in Bronson McClelland who saw spot duty at the varsity level a year ago. On paper, especially early in the season, I’m inclined to give the edge to North Shore, but this game is in Katy and the Tigers, even with young teams, always come out sharp in the opener. Keep an eye on LB Jaylin Phillips for Katy, he could really emerge as a force for the always tough KHS defensive unit.
Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 4

The Woodlands at Cy-Fair
Hurricane Harvey prevented this game from being played a year ago and delayed us two weeks from seeing just how special that Cy-Fair team was. The Bobcats went on to post a 15-0 record and win the 6A Division II title, while The Woodlands posted a solid 8-1 regular season before being stunned at home in the playoff opener againstkaty  upstart Rockwall. Change is abound for both programs as The Woodlands has a new head coach in former OC Jim Rapp while Cy-Fair lost 41 seniors. TWHS should be very good up front on offense returning Jet Duncan, Cody Johnson and add back McKade Mattauer, a Cal commit who transferred back to The Woodlands after a year at Houston St. Pius, back to the mix.

The Highlanders will lean heavily on the run with RB Bryeton Gilford (15 rushing TDs) operating behind that unit. Cy-Fair’s personality is certainly run-oriented as well as the Bobcats operate out of the I-formation. They return three all-district offensive lineman and should be well-equipped to churn out yardage on the ground with the backfield tandem of Jaelin Woods and L.J. Johnson. The key will be which young defense can win early downs and put inexperienced QB’s under the gun on third and long. That edge will go with the defending state champs who have hung their hat on a tough defense in recent seasons.
Stepp’s Pick: Cy-Fair by 7

Gilmer at Atlanta
While much of the attention in East Texas will be focused on Lufkin-Longview, there’s a small school matchup that looks to be quite intriguing as Gilmer heads northeast to take on an Atlanta squad that has hopes of contending for a state title after a drop to Class 3A. Gilmer has to replace a record setting QB so inexperience at that position is a concern, expect Coach Matt Turner to lean heavily on RB Bran Webb who ran for 24 touchdowns a year ago. Two-way star Tra Fluellen is another major force as well. Atlanta brings back an impressive 14 starters from a team that was a playoff squad a year ago and RB Jawan King is one of the state’s most underrated backs. QB Andrew Samples proved to be more than capable of making plays in the passing game. The defense brings nine starters back and we’ll get an early look at just how strong the unit can be as it looks to slow down a versatile and typically dynamic Gilmer attack.

These two played a district game in Week 10 last year that Gilmer won 45-30, but this matchup will be much closer. Atlanta will make a statement that it is indeed a team to watch in 3A Division I, but the nod goes to the Buckeyes in a thriller.
Stepp’s Pick: Gilmer by 3

Sherman at Denison
It’s an odd casualty of the class 5A split, but the Battle of the Axe won’t lose its intensity as any time Sherman and Denison tee it up, it’s must-see television. Denison has won five games in a row in this series so there’s no doubt the Bearcats would love nothing more than to walk into Munson Stadium and dampen the excitement in Denison. SHS made the playoffs a year ago, just two seasons removed from an 0-10 campaign, but lost a solid group of seniors. Coach John Martinez will rely heavily on youth at the skill spots and the cannon arm of QB Blaise Bentsen.

With eight starters back on defense, Denison should have one of the top defenses in Region II. DL Jordin Hunter (Nine sacks as a sophomore) is a game-wrecker on the interior and LB Nate Maulsby (106 tackles) always finds himself around the ball. Speedy Decurious Smith will see time on both sides of the ball. The big question for Denison will be inexperience at QB. It’s cliché but this is such an emotional rivalry, anything can and often does happen when these two get together. There will be 10,000 plus in Texoma on hand for this one and that vibrant home crowd in downtown Denison makes the difference as the ‘Jackets make it six straight over Sherman.
Stepp’s Pick: Denison by 7

Silsbee at Port Neches-Groves
One of the premier matchups in the Golden Triangle to open the season features a pair of teams with plenty of optimism for deep playoff runs. Silsbee brings back a veteran squad that went to the area playoffs a year ago and are benefitting from a drop to Division II in Class 4A. The Tigers have one of the area’s top running back combos in Christopher Martin and Drayln Taylor and bring back a veteran defense which returns eight starters. That unit will face one of the toughest tests in the state right off the bat as it’ll try to corral Texas commit QB Roschon Johnson of Port Neches-Groves.

It’ll be interesting to see what Johnson does for an encore after a junior season putting up video game numbers (4,527 yards of offense and 63 touchdowns) and leading the Indians to the regional semifinals in 2017. With a veteran offensive line in front him, he could do even more damage as a senior. The big tasks for PNG will be replacing some of the other skill weapons that were lost to graduation and improving a defense that had major struggles getting stops at times. DB Tyler Jackson is one to watch for the PNG defense, but if Coach Brandon Faircloth’s new squad wants to compete for a regional title the defense will need to take a big step forward.
Stepp’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves by 11

El Paso Parkland at El Paso Burges
Expectations are high in Northeast El Paso as the Parkland Matadors, fresh off a run to the regional semifinals a year ago, have designs on much more in 2018. Burges, under head coach Neal Routledge, has turned things around just a couple of seasons removed from going 0-10. The Mustangs won seven games a year ago and made the playoffs, however a strong senior class has graduated leaving QB Oscar Maldonado to guide an inexperienced group of skill players.

There’s no shortage of inexperience for Parkland who brings back RB Deion Hankins for an encore season. The UTEP commit has rushed for over 2,000 yards the past two years and posted 23 touchdowns as a junior. WR Khatib Lyles moved in from El Paso Franklin and gives the Mats a legit deep threat. The defense will be one of the quickest in the Sun City and the only real question marks are inexperience at QB and depth along the offensive line. Look for Parkland to make a big season opening statement in this matchup and set the tone for what could be a special 2018 season.
Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Parkland by 17

DeSoto at Odessa Permian
DeSoto will take a five-hour road trip out west to historic Ratliff Stadium to walk into what should be a tough environment as the Eagles tangle with what should be an outstanding Odessa Permian. Both teams have new head coaches as Mike Robinson was brought on late in the off-season to lead DeSoto, while in mid-July Permian went through a surprising late coaching change as Blake Feldt left to become Midland ISD AD and assistant head coach Jeff Ellison was tabbed to lead MOJO. DeSoto is loaded with playmakers out wide, namely La’Vontae Shenault and Bryan Hanspard and QB Shun’Darion Ward has really impressed this spring and summer.

The big question for the Eagles will be replacing some key losses on the offensive line and settling on a featured running back. The Eagles defense will be extremely athletic in the secondary and they’ve got two immovable objects on the interior defensive line in Viramonte Pippens and Devere Levelston. MOJO was solid last year posting a 9-2 mark, but the Panthers were embarrassed in an area round playoff loss to Arlington Martin. Six starters are back on both sides of the ball led by RB Ed Williams and four-star recruit Peyton Powell at QB who moved in from Midland Christian. They’ll operate behind a veteran offensive line led by Baylor commit Landon Peterson and 310-pound Dawson Reynolds.

Permian’s defense has playmakers with another Baylor commit DE/LB Matt Jones and LB Tanner Adams anchoring things.

The big key for MOJO will be Powell’s ability to make plays in the passing game and keep defenses from putting nine guys in the box. If he can make plays with his arm, Permian is a very dangerous team to deal with. The last time DeSoto trekked west was in 2016 (The Eagles’ state title year) and the Eagles were nearly stunned by an upstart Midland squad. I don’t believe this DeSoto squad is as strong as that title team and I think Permian team has a chance to open some eyes and Friday night could be an eye-opening experience for the state.
Stepp’s Pick: Odessa Permian by 2

Stephenville at Argyle
Originally this game was slated to be played at newly remodeled Tarleton Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, but the stadium has taken a bit longer than anticipated and this playoff rematch was moved to Argyle. These two powers met in the third round a year ago and Stephenville’s powerful passing game took advantage of an aggressive Argyle defense and the ‘Jackets upset the favored Eagles. No doubt a veteran Argyle squad will be eager to erase that memory in the home opener as Todd Rogers’ squad aspires for a state title. The key matchup here is that tough Argyle defensive front matching up with a big and physical Stephenville offensive line that will look to control the game blocking for RB Krece Nowak (1,720 rushing, 16 TDs).

Stephenville has a veteran defense led by all-state LB Blu Caylor and DB Gage Graham. They’ll be charged with containing the AHS offense led by QB Hayden Clearman. Clearman, who has served as a backup the last two years, has started about a dozen games in his career due to injuries ahead of him, and has plenty of experience. RB Noah Lang ran for 17 touchdowns a year ago while splitting carries and should take over full time for the Eagles, while returning 4A defensive player of the year, Chase Petter, anchors Argyle’s defense. Stephenville has a major question mark at QB and the passing game is what made the difference for the ‘Jackets a year ago in their playoff matchup. Losing its signal caller and top two receivers to graduation means that the scales tip in favor of Argyle in this elite 4A showdown.
Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 8

San Antonio O’Connor at Cibolo Steele
A year ago, San Antonio O’Connor served notice that it was a force to be reckoned with upsetting Cibolo Steele in a non-district game en route to an impressive 13-1 season. That loss was the first of a surprising mid-season spiral for the Knights, but head coach David Saenz in his first year at the helm made a bold move mid-season inserting freshman QB Wyatt Begeal into the lineup and the Knights took off winning eight straight games before falling on the regional finals to Austin Westlake. The Knights offense looks to be more explosive in 2018 with Begeal’s return. The offense scaled back some a year ago but with eight starts under his belt and a full off-season expect Steele to open things up more. RB De’Quavion Thomas impressed in backup duty a year ago. He already holds multiple FBS offers and should put up some major numbers as a junior. Steele’s secondary looks to be strong with the return of Xavier Player (Oklahoma State commit) and Chace Cromartie (Texas State commit), but what will ultimately determine Steele’s fate will be how its front seven improves.

Graduation depleted the ranks for the O’Connor skill players on offense, but the Panthers have a strong offensive line with Brannon Brown and Logan Parr who are four-year starters. RB Zion Taylor will be a key component of the offense as the Panthers break in a new QB and several new receivers along with taking some heavy graduation losses on the defensive side of the ball. That inexperience could mean a bit of a slow start for head coach David Malesky’s squad and opening the season with a Steele squad out for revenge is a very tall order.
Stepp’s Pick: Cibolo Steele by 12

Childress at Bushland
Expectations are as high as ever in Childress as the Bobcats bring back a veteran squad from a team that posted an impressive 12-2 mark a year ago. The thorn in their side though has been district rival Canadian who beat Childress twice a year ago. Bushland was also a state quarter-finalist a year ago at the 4A Division II level and even though Jimmy Thomas’ team dropped to 3A Division I this year, they are flying under the radar because of heavy graduation losses. Childress will be led on offense by dynamic QB Luke Lattimer who returns after accounting for 46 touchdowns as a junior. He’ll operate behind a veteran offensive line and if some young skill players emerge, the Bobcats will be a force on the offensive side of the ball.

Childress has six back on defense led by two of 3A’s top playmakers in LB Isaiah Darter and DB Stephon Harris who combined for 13 INTs a year ago. Bushland returns just three starters on both sides of the ball from its quarterfinals squad a year ago and there are questions abound for the young team. By season’s end, expect the Falcons to be right in the district title chase in District 2-3A Division I, but early in the season the edge certainly lies with the experience of Childress.
Stepp’s Pick: Childress by 13

Laredo United at Edinburg Vela

For the past several years the undisputed king of Laredo football has been the United Longhorns, but 2017 was a major disappointment as David Sanchez’s squad stumbled to a 5-5 record and missed the playoffs, three district losses by four points or less kept UHS at home. The Horns are eager to prove last year was a simple bump in the road and a veteran team is taking aim at another district title. The task to open the season is tough as they battle what many consider the Valley’s top squad in Edinburg Vela.

United has made its mark with a fast-paced offense and with QB Wayo Huerta at the reins and versatile Jorge Murillo at RB and in the slot, United will put points up. Vela’s loaded with playmakers all over the field including RBs Frankie Zuniga and Aaron Alvarez and WRs Justin Cantu and Aziel Garcia. Daniel Enriquez is a demon in the secondary and one of the state’s top kick returners as well. The big question for a very experienced Vela squad is who will take the reins at QB after the denial of Jacob Rosales’ transfer? United keeps this one close for three quarters, but I look for the Sabercats to pull away late.
Stepp’s Pick: Edinburg Vela by 

Richmond Foster at College Station
Is there a defending state champion getting less buzz on a statewide level than College Station? Especially considering the Cougars kept the momentum going this summer by winning the state 7-on-7 crown as well. CSHS no doubt lost a great group of seniors from its state title team, but the pieces are still in place for a strong season in what is an absolutely loaded 5A Division I Region II. New QB Brandon Williams showed plenty of promise to lead the up-tempo spread attack and two-way star Brandon Joseph (Texas Tech commit) is one of the state’s most underrated players. In addition to Joseph on defense, LB Garrett Draper is back after racking up 129 tackles.

Foster has been on an impressive two-year run, going to the state semifinals in 2016 and advancing to the state quarterfinals a year ago and, with a talented young cast, it’s not out of the question a deep run in Region III is certainly possible. Foster’s loaded on the defensive line with Chidoze Nwankwo and Robert Harbor and those two can really control a game. 6’8 Reuben Featheree started 13 games as a freshman on the offensive line and anchors things for the Falcons on offense.

The skill talent has plenty of promise and late in the year Coach Shaun McDowell’s squad will be a tough playoff out, but early in the year and on the road against the defending state champions the edge is certainly on the side of the Cougars.
Stepp’s Pick: College Station by 6

Franklin at Hearne
A Brazos Valley battle between two teams who at one time were district rivals in 3A Division II, but enrollment trends have them going opposite directions as Franklin is now 3A Division I and Hearne drops down to Class 2A Division I. Franklin had an impressive 10-3 mark a year ago and Coach Mike Hedrick welcomes back 17 starters to a squad that has hopes of a regional title and possible trip to AT&T Stadium. Jared Pedraza (159 tackles, 1,379 total yards, 19 TDs) is one of the state’s top two-way players and he’ll team with Clayton Rosprim and Datron Dixon to give the Lions one of the state’s most potent backfields.

Hearne has hopes of a deep playoff push with the drop to 2A Division I and the Eagles bring plenty of speed to the table at the skill spots, the big difference in this one is in the trenches. Franklin has a massive edge here and its skill talent is good enough to contain the playmakers from Hearne.
Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 21

Yoakum at Boerne
Yoakum lost a very good senior class including four FBS signees, but predictions of its demise could turn to be premature as Coach Bo Robinson thinks his young team has a chance to be in the mix in Region IV once again.

The Bulldogs will rely heavily on a veteran offensive line and the speed of RB Montreal Jones. It’s a new era in Boerne as former Frisco Heritage head coach Che Hendrix takes the reins for a Greyhounds squad that returns five starters on both sides of the ball. WR Douglas Hodo had 15 touchdown receptions a year ago and leads what looks to be deep and talented group of pass catchers. Who will be the primary signal caller is the big item Boerne fans will need to keep an eye on early in the year. Yoakum’s big edge up front should be enough to get the season off to a good start against a very solid 4A opponent.
Stepp’s Pick: Yoakum by 7

Laredo Alexander at Alice
After turning around Laredo United South, head coach Sergio Salinas moves across United ISD to try and take what has been a good Laredo Alexander squad to the next level. The Bulldogs started last year slow but caught fire late going to the area playoffs and with 14 total starters back, there’s district title talk at AHS. The Bulldogs, who have been an up-tempo spread style attack recently, will likely change their identity into a more physical ball club and RB Camilo Pedraza could be a key cog in that attack.

The Bulldogs can still throw it when needed and feature two capable signal callers and WR Albert Laurel who hauled in 10 touchdowns a year ago. Alice is in year two of the Kyle Atwood era and it’ll be tough to top his debut when he led the Coyotes to the third round of the playoffs. 36 seniors graduated and although the Coyotes are still a likely playoff team, don’t be surprised if they get off to a slow start as some of the talented but inexperienced newcomers find their footing at the varsity level.
Stepp’s Pick: Laredo Alexander by 6

Bosqueville at Mart
In recent years, Bosqueville has made repeated attempts to break through and emerge as a regional contender in Class 2A, but more often than not, powerful Mart has stood in the way. The Bulldogs have played Mart every year since 2012 and have lost all seven meetings, including an embarrassing 77-14 loss to the eventual state champions last year.
BHS has a very explosive offense with versatile Marcel Estell and QB Tyler Webb back to lead the offense. They’ll have their hands full against a Mart defense that’s as quick as they come. Two-way standout Shatydrick Bailey and sophomore DE Roddrell Freeman lead the way for the Panthers defense. Bailey teams with Tyrek Horne on offense to give Mart a dynamic rushing attack. The duo combined for nearly 3,000 rushing yards and 47 TDs a year ago. Mart is the prohibitive favorite in 2A Division II, the only real question mark will be who takes over at the QB position?
Stepp’s Pick: Mart by 21

Quick Picks

Lake Travis at Arlington Martin
Stepp’s Pick: Lake Travis by 10

San Benito at Corpus Christi Calallen
Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 3

Mason at Wall
Stepp’s Pick: Mason by 2

Burton at Lexington
Stepp’s Pick: Burton by 4

Kerrville Tivy at Dripping Springs
Stepp’s Pick: Dripping Springs by 9

Lovelady at Groveton
Stepp’s Pick: Lovelady by 8

Boerne Champion at San Antonio Stevens
Stepp’s Pick: Boerne Champion by 6

La Pryor at Cotulla
Stepp’s Pick: Cotulla by 6

Wichita Falls Hirschi at Graham
Stepp’s Pick: Wichita Falls Hirschi by 7

Holliday at Iowa Park
Stepp’s Pick: Iowa Park by 13

Leman Saunders' Six-Man Preview

Each week, six-man insider Leman Saunders will highlight the must-see action in Class 1A. Get in touch with him on Twitter @lemansaunders.

With the folding of the Hico Six-Man Super Saturday, there are several options to choose from if you want to attend a six-man football kickoff classic — Garden City, Rochelle, Gorman, Jayton and Allen Academy all play host to such an event, and all are great venues. However, for top to bottom best matchups, Jayton has surged ahead with a terrific lineup of games. So it comes as no surprise that many of the top games to see in six-man for week one are featured in the Jayton Gridiron Classic.

McLean vs. Strawn, 8 p.m. Saturday at Jayton

The reigning Division II state champion Strawn Greyhounds start their road to repeat with an incredibly tough foe in highly ranked DI squad McLean. McLean was a young team last year that had the misfortune of coming head-to-head with Happy in district and regional play, but the Tigers return plenty of talent including RB Ben Crockett and LB Chism Henderson. They are a big tough squad out for blood in 2018. Strawn returns virtually its entire team and features two-way standouts and all-state players all over the place at nearly every single position! Dave Campbell’s Texas Football coverboy RB/LB Tanner Hodkings and RB/DL Ivan Ruiz are chief among the plethora of talented returners. Strawn is the odds-on favorite in this matchup; McLean’s hard-nosed play will keep them in this game early, but Strawn’s overall team speed will start to show in the second half at the Greyhounds will start to pull away.
Leman’s pick: Strawn by 12

Richland Springs at May, 7:30 p.m. Friday

The Jerry Burkhart era is over and the Thomas Tipton era has begun at Richland Springs. Coach Tipton’s Coyotes have a tough test right off the bat in 2018 as they face state-ranked DI squad May on the road. Both squads will be filling in some big holes left in their lineups due to graduation — Richland Springs lost the trio of Hutton Lusty, Walker Tippie and Jordan Burkhart; May lost Wyatt Mote and Preston Johnston. The Coyotes have tradition on their side, and you should expect Cameron Parham to be a big part of their scheme in 2018. May’s RB/DB Daniel Salinas who will be a key player for the Tigers. The last time these two schools met was in 2013 — also in Week 1 — with May getting the 76-52 win to end Richland Springs’ long winning streak. I think May comes late again this year for Richland Springs as the Tigers defeat the Coyotes in a close one.
Leman’s pick: May by 24

Borden County vs. Union Hill, 8 p.m. Friday at Jayton

Division I powerhouses in the East and West clash in Jayton on Friday night as two-time defending champion (and No. 2 ranked) Borden County takes on highly ranked Union Hill. It’s important to note while Union Hill may not have former running back Gabe Nelson in uniform (lost due to transfer), they are still a force to be reckoned with as they have all-state pick Colton Mallory back in the fold. Borden County is only the two-time defending DI state champions, having reeled off 28 straight victories. Defense is the mainstay for the Coyotes as state title game defensive MVP Ben Justice is back in the fold for the 2018 campaign. Offensively, it is “next man up” in the backfield for the Coyotes as Peyton Merket will look to be the next “it” boy at RB at BC, with Justice leading the way as fullback and on defense. I expect three exciting quarters and Borden County to pull ahead in the final stanza to claim their 29th consecutive victory as their front line dominates the line of scrimmage all night.
Leman’s pick: Borden County by 32

Quick Picks

Knox City at Jayton, 8 p.m. Thursday
Leman’s pick: Knox City

Motley County vs. Morton, 6 p.m. Friday at Jayton
Leman’s pick: Motley County

Woodson at Perrin-Whitt, 7:30 p.m. Friday
Leman’s pick: Perrin-Whitt

Coolidge vs. Zephyr, 7 p.m. Saturday at Gorman
Leman’s pick: Coolidge

Gordon at Aquilla, 7:30 p.m. Friday
Leman’s pick: Aquilla

Follett at Moscow (KS), 7 p.m. Friday
Leman’s pick: Follett