1A DI No. 3 May at 1A DII No. 3 Jayton
8 p.m. Friday
After back-to-back appearances in the Class A Division I football state championship game, May 19th-year head coach Craig Steele will be turning to a revamped roster as the Tigers target a third straight trip to Arlington and the program’s elusive second state championship.
May is ranked No. 3 in the state according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football website, but returns just six of 13 lettermen and two starters on each side of the ball from last year’s 14-1 squad.
The returnees from last year’s team are preseason District 14-A Division I Defensive MVP Damian Salinas, along with Luke McKenzie. Players expected to see much larger roles in 2022 include Bryson Guerrero, Kross Kenyon, Jackson Easterling, Braden Steele, and Alexis Mejia – who is returning to the program after taking a year off.
The Jayton Jaybirds enter the season ranked No. 3 in Class A Division II by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, returning 10 of 13 lettermen and four offensive and five defensive starters from an 11-2 team a year ago.
The Jaybirds are the favorite in District 5 over Motley County, Aspermont, Guthrie and Patton Springs.
Jayton players to keep an eye on include tight end/defensive lineman Kaden Valerio, running back/linebacker Jaydon Rivera, receiver/defensive back Caleb Beck, running back/defensive back Jayce Rivers, running back/defensive back Isaac King, center/defensive lineman Justin Collins, receiver/defensive back Jarret Herzog, tight end/defensive lineman Ayden Salazar, and tight end/defensive end Rance Redford.
According to sixmanfootball.com, May is a 15-point favorite.
A complete season preview for the 2022 May Tigers can be found at GRIDIRON GLANCE ’22: May Tigers | Brownwood News
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1A DII No. 18 Blanket at Rising Star
7:30 p.m. Friday
For the third year in a row, a different head coach will helm the Blanket Tigers football program as Michael Cherry makes his debut atop a program. Still, the Tigers carry a No. 18 preseason ranking in Class A Division II by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football website into the season.
Cherry previously served as an assistant coach at Jonesboro and Rochelle.
The Tigers are coming off a 9-2, district championship season with eight of 11 lettermen back, including four starters on each side of the ball.
Among the returnees for the Tigers are DCTF preseason District 15-A Division II Defensive MVP Brayden Day, Levi Vazquez, Aydan Wheeler, and Brennen Varner, along with newcomer Isaac Smith.
The Rising Star Wildcats – under the direction of head coach Derek Stevens, a former May assistant – are the favorites in the new District 14-A Division II over Paint Rock, Panther Creek, and Moran, according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.
Rising Star is coming off a 5-4 campaign a year ago and returns six of eight lettermen, including five starters on each side of the ball.
Players to watch for the Wildcats include spread back/defensive back Dathon Mathis, end/defensive lineman Dakota Higgins, end/defensive lineman Brayden Cook, running back/defensive lineman Blake Wilson, and end/defensive back Dustin McGinn.
According to sixmanfootball.com, Blanket is a 45-point favorite.
A complete season preview for the 2022 Blanket Tigers can be found at GRIDIRON GLANCE ’22: Blanket Tigers | Brownwood News
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Brookesmith at Mullin
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Brookesmith Mustangs captured a district championship in 2020, but slipped to just one victory in 2021. Now, new head coach Jack Graves is tasked with returning the Mustangs program to its recent winning ways.
The Mustangs are coming off a 1-9 season with an 0-4 league mark.
Brookesmith brings back just two lettermen from a year ago, so the Mustang roster will virtually be entirely new this season.
Among the players to keep an eye on are Isaac Haby and Adyn Ribble.
The Mullin Bulldogs, led by coach Brent Williamson, are picked to place second in District 15-A Division II behind Blanket and ahead of Gustine, Sidney and Zephyr.
The Bulldogs return four of nine lettermen, including three starters on both sides of the ball, from lat year’s 5-3 squad.
Mullin players to watch include Cyrus Jackson, Abel Martinez, Esteban Hernandez, and Hayden Thomas.
According to sixmanfootball.com, Brookesmith is a 45-point underdog.
A complete season preview for the 2022 Brookesmith Mustangs can be found at GRIDIRON GLANCE ’22: Brookesmith Mustangs | Brownwood News
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Bronte at Zephyr
7:30 p.m. Thursday
After four seasons of struggles, the Zephyr Bulldogs are hopeful the move to Class A Division II translates to the program’s first postseason berth since 2017. Aiding in the Bulldogs’ quest for a playoff appearance is the largest varsity roster Zephyr has enjoyed in almost the same period of time.
The Bulldogs are coming off an 0-10 campaign, but fourth-year head coach Jeremy Phillips welcomes back all 16 lettermen from last season’s squad.
Players to watch for Zephyr this season include Jayden Millican, Eathan Gowin, Corbin Brown, Waggoner Shelton and Karsen Floyd.
The Bronte Longhorns, located in District 13-A Division II, are coming off a 2-8 campaign in 2021 with all eight lettermen returning, including all six starters on each side of the ball.
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football anticipates a third-place district finish for Bronte behind Loraine and Blackwell and ahead of Trent.
Longhorns to keep an eye on include running back Jeff Jackson, linebacker Teegan Minjarez, running back Aiden Beck, quarterback Jayton Galvan, linebacker Cole Knight and receiver Parker Bearden.
According to sixmanfootball.com, Zephyr is a 45-point underdog.
A complete season preview for the 2022 Zephyr Bulldogs can be found at GRIDIRON GLANCE ’22: Zephyr Bulldogs | Brownwood News
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Brady at Comanche
7:30 p.m. Friday
Head coach Jake Escobar’s first season at his alma mater proved to be trying as Comanche posted a 1-9 record, including a 1-4 mark in district. In the Indians’ quest to return to the postseason in 2022, a total of 19 of 28 lettermen return from last year’s squad, including six starters on each side of the ball.
Players to keep an eye on for Comanche this season include Kyler Beaty, Layden Welch, Ethan Morin, Dom Rios, Miguel Martinez, and Sawyer Wilkerson, among others.
The Brady Bulldogs – led by head coach Shay Easterwood, a former Brownwood assistant – are projected to come in third in the new District 2-A Division II behind Early and Wall, and ahead of Ballinger, Grape Creek and San Angelo TLCA.
The Bulldogs welcome back 15 of 27 lettermen, including seven offensive and six defensive starters, from an 8-4 playoff squad a season ago.
Players to watch include running back/defensive back J.D. Ibarra, running back/defensive back Zeke Jones, quarterback/defensive Hayden Baronet, receiver/defensive back Keegan Farris, receiver/defensive back Izzy Morales, and running back/linebacker Mason Harris.
According to Harris Ratings Weekly, the game is a toss-up.
A complete season preview for the 2022 Comanche Indians can be found at GRIDIRON GLANCE ’22: Comanche Indians | Brownwood News
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2A DI No. 9 Coleman at 2A DI No. 13 Mason
7 p.m. Friday
The Coleman Bluecats reeled off 11 straight victories to open the 2021 football campaign, but their season came to an end in the third round of the playoffs. With seven offensive and eight defensive starters back, head coach John Elder and the No. 9 Bluecats have higher expectations this fall.
A total of 15 of 29 Coleman lettermen are back from last year’s 11-1 team, and most of those players were on the field throughout the duration of the season.
Among the Bluecats to keep an eye on are running back/linebacker Ryland Gentry, quarterback Jadin Jackson, fullback/linebacker Brent Bouldin, receiver/defensive back Braxon Smith and offensive linemen Jorge Salas, David Navarro and Garrett Smith.
The Mason Punchers, ranked No. 13 in Class 2A Division I by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, are also the District 14 favorite ahead of Stockdale, Johnson City, Harper and Junction.
Mason returns 16 of 29 lettermen including six offensive and five defensive starters from a 9-2 squad a season ago.
Players to watch include running back/defensive back Ryne Todd, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Cason Jacoby, quarterback/defensive back Ivan Wofford, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Roger Huitron, and running back/defensive back Isaiah Bishop.
According to Harris Ratings Weekly, Coleman is a 5-point favorite.
A complete season preview for the 2022 Coleman Bluecats can be found at GRIDIRON GLANCE ’22: Coleman Bluecats | Brownwood News
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2A DI No. 7 Crawford at Goldthwaite
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Andy Howard coaching-era kicks off Friday night for the Goldthwaite Eagles, as Brownwood’s former offensive coordinator begins his second stint as a head coach. Howard, who also previously served as an assistant in Goldthwaite, guided Brady to a 14-18 record in three seasons, peaking at 8-3 in his final year of 2014, during his first run as a head coach.
Goldthwaite is coming off a 5-6 playoff campaign in 2021, which featured a 3-2 district mark. The Eagles return eight of 19 lettermen, including five starters on each side of the ball.
The Eagles will be relying on the senior class to lead the way this fall. Players to watch include Cutter Campbell, Carsyn Campbell, Austin Senger, Mason Reven, A.J. McCoy, and Javier Vanegas, among others.
The No. 7 Crawford Pirates, located in District 8-2A Division I, are picked to place second in the league behind No. 4 Marlin and ahead of Bosqueville, Rosebud-Lott, Riesel, Valley Mills, Moody and Bruceville-Eddy.
The Pirates bring back 18 of 26 lettermen including seven offensive and eight defensive starters from a 13-1 district championship squad a season ago.
Players to watch include running back/defensive back Breck Chambers, quarterback/defensive back Luke Torbert, offensive lineman/linebacker Camron Walker, receiver/defensive back Trey Dobie, and running back/linebacker Luis Rodriguez.
According to Harris Ratings Weekly, Goldthwaite is a 35-point underdog.
A complete season preview for the 2022 Goldthwaite Eagles can be found at GRIDIRON GLANCE ’22: Goldthwaite Eagles | Brownwood News
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Florence at San Saba
7:30 p.m. Friday
The San Saba Armadillos reached the playoffs for the fourth year in a row in 2021 despite posting a 2-9 record. While head coach Andreas Aguirre’s squad looks to extend its string of postseason appearances, more success along the way is also among the goals.
The Armadillos return 15 of 22 lettermen from the 2021 team, including five starters on each side of the ball.
Among the players to watch for San Saba this season include quarterback Lance Taylor, receiver Tyler Johnson and defensive end Dylan Ware.
The Florence Buffaloes, who reside in District 13-3A Division II, posted a 4-6 record in 2021 and return 16 of 31 lettermen, including four offensive and eight defensive starters. The Buffaloes are tabbed to finish sixth in a district that also includes Lexington, Rogers, Buffalo, Clifton and Elkhart.
Players to watch include running back/defensive back Levi Martin, wide receiver/linebacker Zhane Shepard, wide receiver/defensive back Zak Webb, and quarterback/linebacker Ryland Carlile.
According to Harris Ratings Weekly, San Saba is a 3-point favorite.
A complete season preview for the 2022 San Saba Armadillos can be found at GRIDIRON GLANCE ’22: San Saba Armadillos | Brownwood News
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Cross Plains at Winters
7 p.m. Friday
Still reeling from the tragic loss of teammate Ryan Hopkins in the preseason, the Cross Plains Buffaloes begin the 2022 football campaign against the Winters Blizzards Friday night.
Five of 19 lettermen, including 10 offensive and eight defensive starters, are back from Cross Plains’ 5-5 team that posted a 1-3 mark in district last season to extend its string of postseason appearances.
Among the Buffaloes to keep an eye on this season are Noah Moses, Ryan Hopkins, Ryan Reed, Riley Conlee, and Alex Parker, among others.
The Winters Blizzards, members of District 4-2A Division I, are picked to finish sixth in their seven-team league behind Hawley, Cisco, Onley, Stamford and Anson.
The Blizzards bring back 14 of 22 lettermen and seven starters on each side of the ball from a 2-7 squad a season ago.
Players to watch include running back/linebacker Aidan Leamon, quarterback/defensive back Chris Martinez, running back/defensive back Alejandro Garcia, wide receiver/linebacker Aidan Bryant, and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Zander Hadlock.
According to Harris Ratings Weekly, Cross Plains is a 17-point favorite.
A complete season preview for the 2022 Cross Plains Buffaloes can be found at GRIDIRON GLANCE ’22: Cross Plains Buffaloes | Brownwood News
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1A DII No. 4 Richland Springs at High Island
7 p.m. Friday
Since 2004, the Richland Springs Coyotes have won all of their record nine six-man state championships. At no time during that run have the Coyotes gone more than three seasons without a title so, based on history, Richland Springs is due in 2022.
Braxton Ethridge, who won Class A state championships in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles, as well as the 100-meter dash, at Springlake-Earth this past spring will be joining the Richland Springs roster this season as assistant coach Harley Ethridge also returns to the Coyotes’ sideline.
Other key contributors for Richland Springs are expected to be Keston Lusty, Jeremiah Beam, Cohen Tharp, Hutton Rogers, Kenny Triplett, Joshua Essery, Brandon Stewart, and Jayden Sutherland.
The High Island Cardinals, aligned in District 15-A Division I, are projected to finish fourth in their league this season behind Burkeville, Leverett’s Chapel and Chester.
The Cardinals return seven lettermen, including five starters on each side of the ball, from a winless team a season ago.
Players to watch include receiver Blake Walker, quarterback Clayton Coutee and running back Keagan Fugitt.
According to sixmanfootball.com, Richland Springs is a 45-point favorite.
A complete season preview for the 2022 Richland Springs Coyotes can be found at GRIDIRON GLANCE ’22: Richland Springs Coyotes | Brownwood News