REGION I |
Iowa Park at Pampa (Fri 7:30p)
A much improved, experienced Iowa Park squad will hit the road to take on the Pampa Harvesters, who also comes into the season with a solid amount of experience. Both teams failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2011, but if things progress correctly, things could be looking very bright in the not-so distant future. Impact players to watch in this contest includes RB Garrett Davis for Iowa Park and RB Sammy Smith for Pampa. |
Midland Christian at Monahans (Fri 7:30p)
Quite the challenge for both Midland Christian and Monahans to open the season. Midland Christian is the defending TAPPS Division II Champion while Monahans found their way into the Class 3A Division II State Semifinals. Both RB Christian Whigham and QB Mason McClendon are back for the Mustangs drive for another state title while Monahans counts on LB Jackson Scharf and DT Tivo Armendariz to get them back where they were in 2011. |
Brownwood at FW All Saints Episcopal (Fri 7:30p)
The Brownwood Lions open another season in 3A with high expectations and they will do it by opening up against one of SPC's top teams in FW All Saints Episcopal. The Lions with WR Cooper Howie, K Matt McCrane and LB Mack Monsen will get the task of seeing TE Charlie Reid, LB Trevor Wright and DE Mark Prioleau. The one on one battles should be worth keeping an eye on throughout the game. |
REGION II |
Abilene Wylie at Argyle (Fri 7:30p)
The Argyle Eagles are considered to be one of the top teams in 3A and a gutsy challenge at the hands of the Abilene Wylie Bulldogs opens up the season. Bulldogs have back RB Garrett Martin, who has 1,275 yards to his 2011 credits. Argyle will have Ian Sadler back along with junior kicker Cole Hedlund, who set a national record for single season field goals, as a sophomore. Plenty of offense will be on display for the Eagles-Bulldogs contest. |
Celina vs Melissa (Sat 7:30p) (Allen)
The Melissa Cardinals, who won the Class 2A Division I State Championship in 2011, makes the move up to Class 3A and their first test will be against a powerful and battle ready Celina squad that has enjoyed success in both classes. For Celina new coach Bill Elliott steps in with the promotion after Butch Ford retired. And the two will get it on in the brand new Allen ISD Stadium on Saturday night. |
Atlanta vs Gilmer (Thu 7:30p) (Tyler)
The Thursday opener between Atlanta and Gilmer in Tyler is set with plenty of possible fireworks. The big one on one battle could be Gilmer LB Josh Walker and Atlanta RB Corrion Webster. But not to forget Gilmer will also counter with DT Xavier Fluellen and DB Tanner Barr on defense as Atlanta also has RB Everett Dickerson and WR Nick Stiger on offense. |
REGION III |
Mexia at China Spring (Fri 7:30p)
Neither Mexia or China Spring closed out the 2011 season on a good note, but both have reason to be optimistic about the 2012 season and getting off to a good start in 2012 with a win will be a step in the right direction. China Spring RB Hunter Hancock will be looking to build on his 1,000+ yard performance last season and a challenge with Mexia's LB Keison Carter is the highlight of the night for both teams. |
Waco La Vega at Palestine (Fri 7:30p)
Both Waco La Vega and Palestine figure to be in the mix for at least a bid at the Region III Championship on down the line. Both are back with a wealth of experience on both side of the ball and the match up in Palestine could be just a preview down the line in the playoffs. The running back comaprisons between La Vega's Randy Gober and Palestine's Darrius Stephens will be looked upon after the game and beyond. |
Jacksonville at Carthage (Fri 7:30p)
The brand new $750,000 scoreboard makes its regular season debut in Carthage and the Bulldogs start off the season as the top ranked team in Class 3A. Texas A&M commit Isaiah Golden and QB Blake Bogenschutz will be looking to make sure the Bulldogs stay at the top all season, especially in the tough 16-3A slate. The first challenge comes against the Jacksonville Indians, who will be looking to change their fortunes and make the playoffs in Class 4As tough East Texas district. |
REGION IV |
Liberty Hill at Giddings (Fri 7:30p)
Not only is the Liberty Hill vs Giddings contest, a match that is going to set the tone for all of Class 3A in 2012, it could be a match that shows the Texas HS Football world, that both the Buffaloes and Panthers are here to stay at the top of the Class 3A food chain. Giddings RB Joseph Glenn rushed for 1,500+ yards in 2011 and their is no reason those numbers will not be bigger in 2012. Glenn's first game will see a challenge between Liberty Hill LB Jacob Dudgeon and DB Jadon Boatright. |
Wharton at Cuero (Fri 7:30p)
Both Wharton and Cuero usually come into each and every season with high expectations. while this year it is no different, the scene has changed as both have a new head football coach. Wharton has Tim Finn, who led a successful Texas City program and Cuero sees the return of Travis Reeve, who was the team's offensive coordinator for many years. |
Refugio at Ingleside (Fri 7:30p)
The question that everyone is asking revolves around Refugio. Just how many points will the Bobcats score in 2012, after averaging over 50+ points a game? The intriguing comparison at quarterback for the Refugio vs Ingleside contest will be a key in seeing what we can expect in 2012 for both teams. Refugio''s Travis Quintanilla threw for almost 4,000 yards in 2011, while Ingleside's Tristan Barajas gobbled up 3,000 yards. |
