The season opens in DFW in a big way on Thursday night as Longview visits McKinney High in the second annual THSCA Classic.

The Lobos come in as one of the favorites to win a Class 5A-Division I state title led by Oklahoma RB commit Taylor Tatum and a veteran defense that’s as fast and physical as any group in Texas. Longview must replace a five-star recruit at WR and it has to develop a new QB and be more consistent in the passing game.

McKinney broke through a year ago by advancing to the 6A regional semifinals and are absolutely loaded with prospects again, this time led by Florida commit Xavier Filsaime and Boston College commit Ashton McShane in the secondary along with junior four-star LB Riley Pettijohn. Offensively, the Lions are stacked with USC commit RB Bryant Jackson and Oregon State commit RB Makhi Frazier. There’s a battle at QB with a young sophomore who knows the system and has a big arm and North Garland transfer QB Godspower Nwawuihe, who brings more of a dual threat skill set to the table.

McKinney has more front-end talent, but Longview has the edge in the trenches. Expect the Lobos to line up and give the Lions a heavy dose of Tatum and I think they wear a good Lions team down in the fourth quarter.

Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 8