Dave Campbell’s Friday Night Football Spotlight Game

Fort Bend Ridge Point at Dickinson

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One of the big early season measuring stick games in the Houston area in Week 1 features two teams who were a combined 24-2 a year ago.

A year ago, Ridge Point blasted through their first 10 games with no real resistance. Then, after a tough bi-district game, the Panthers were drilled by eventual state champion North Shore in the area round.

Dickinson went 13-straight to start the season before the Gators ultimately were also knocked off by North Shore in the regional finals. Defense will be the Panthers calling card, especially early on as their young offense tried to find their footing. ATH Brayden Bonik is likely going to play at the LB spot, but he can fill in at DB or play RB as well. He teams with LB Dyllon Bennett, a Hampton commit, and LB Khalen Taylor to give RPHS one of the best LB trios in the state.

QB Brody Bartee is back after throwing 28 TDs a year ago, but more may be on his plate with the youth at the skill spots and along the offensive line.

Dickinson’ young on offense, but much like Ridge Point they do have experience back at the QB spot as Lorenzo Aguirre returns to lead the Gators offense for a third season after throwing for 43 touchdowns as a junior. ATH Jayse Washington can play WR or RB with equal effectiveness and his versatility makes the Gators hard to personnel for an opposing defense. DHS does have offensive line questions and those will need to be addressed.

Defensively, Dickinson will be outstanding with DL Chase Lewis, a Stephen F. Austin commit, and CB Royce Bimage, who is among the top corner prospects in the state. Junior DE Zachary Glasson is a twitchy edge rusher with length who could be in for a monster season as well.

That Dickinson defense, at home in front of a rowdy crowd, gets the edge in this really good season opener in Galveston County.

Stepp’s Pick: Dickinson by 6