Newton at West Orange-Stark (Aug. 29)

Two of the top programs in Southeast Texas once again have state title aspirations heading into 2025 and this opener will be a great measuring stick.

Newton, fresh off a trip to the regional semifinals a year ago, has a veteran squad led by junior RB Kendray Porter, Jr., who holds multiple FBS offers after rushing for over 2,300 yards and 36 touchdowns as a sophomore

The Eagles defense will be led by DE Dylan Walker, who had 10 sacks a year ago and was the district’s defensive MVP in 2024.

West Orange-Stark took a step forward in 2024 after two subpar seasons. The Mustangs posted nine wins and a playoff win, but fell in the area playoffs to eventual state runner-up Waco La Vega, a team WOS knocked off in the regular season

RB Khelvy Jefferson is only 5-foot-3 but puts up massive numbers in the weightroom and had the production last season as a sophomore to boot. He’ll lead the Mustangs offense, while the defense has two headliners back at linebacker in Anterrion Fontenot and Johnathon Johnson.

WOS dominated last year’s meeting; expect a much more competitive showing, considering Newton’s returning experience, but Newton’s punching up two divisions and that’s a tall task on the road.

Stepp’s Pick: West Orange-Stark by 11