1A DI No. 2 May (2-0) at 1A DI No. 6 Knox City (2-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Class A Division I No. 2 May Tigers will face their toughest test to date in 2022 as they visit the Class A Division I No. 6 Knox City Greyhounds Friday night.
After knocking off Jayton, 58-12, in Week 1, May handed Austin St. Stephens a 77-46 defeat in Week 2.
Last week, the Tigers generated 623 yards of total offense – 486 rushing with nine touchdowns and 137 rushing with another score.
Damian Salinas anchored the ground game with 298 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 13 carries – an average of 23 yards per tote. Luke McKenzie tacked on 94 yards and two scores, Braden Steele chipped in 59 yards with a trip to the end zone, Wyatt Hardy rushed for 28 yards and Jackson Easterling contributed 7 yards.
Through the air, McKenzie connected on all three of his pass attempts for 46 yards with a scoring toss. Steele was 2 for 4 for 53 yards and Ben Harrell connected on 1 of 4 passes for 38 yards.
Leading receivers were Bryson Guerrero with two grabs for 65 yards, Salinas with a 42-yard reception, Easterling with an 11-yard touchdown catch, McKenzie hauled in an 11-yard pass, and Harrell added a 2-yard catch.
Defensive standouts for the Tigers included Salinas with 11 tackles; Guerrero with nine tackles and two interceptions; Harrell with nine tackles; McKenzie with six tackles and a pick; Easterling and Kross Kenyon with four tackles apiece; Steele and Hardy with two takedowns each; and Adam Blankinship recorded a tackle as well.
Knox City has opened its season with victories over Strawn (54-8) and Motley County (60-12).
The Greyhounds are averaging 251 yards per game, with 230 coming on the ground.
Offensive standouts include Caleb Arrieta (250 rushing yards, 5 TDs); Cameron Hernandez (73 rushing yards, 2 TDs; 1-15 receiving); Tristin Baxter (72 rushing yards, 3 TDs); Bryson Callaway (3 of 9 passing for 41 yards, 2 TDs); Ryan Shaver 1-17, TD receiving); and Devin Guillory (1-9, TD receiving).
Leading the way defensively are Callaway (13 tackles), Shaver (11 tackles) and Guillory (10 tackles).
According to sixmanfootball.com, May is a 31-point favorite.
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Eden (0-2) at Blanket (1-1)
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Blanket Tigers secured their first victory of the season and Michael Cherry regime last week at Bryson, and return home looking to keep the Eden Bulldogs winless.
In the Tigers’ 40-12 triumph last week, Blanket racked up 405 yards of total offense – 388 rushing and 17 passing.
Brayden Day sparked the offense with 271 rushing yards and five touchdowns while Levi Vazquez chipped in 87 yards on the ground and a score. Emmanuel McLaughlin tacked on 16 yards, Issac Smith ran for 8 and Brandon Larance contributed 6 yards.
Through the air, Brennen Varner completed 5 of 8 passes for 17 yards with an interception. Vazquez caught three passes for 6 yards, Aydan Wheeler hauled in a 7-yard grab and Day pulled in a 4-yard reception.
Defensively, the Tigers were led by Kannon Kensing with 17 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery; Vazquez with 11 tackles and two fumble recoveries; Day with eight tackles and an interception; Wheeler with seven tackles; and Smith with five takedowns.
Eden has opened the season with losses to Blackwell (48-0) and Leakey (48-8).
Players to watch for the Bulldogs include Jesus Morales, Calvin Malone, Diego Sorola, Devon Cortez, and Damien Stewart.
According to sixmanfootball.com, Blanket is an 18-point underdog.
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Waco Eagle Christian (1-0) at Zephyr (1-1)
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Zephyr Bulldogs halted a 14-game drought with a shutout victory at Veribest last week, and look to piece together a win streak while handing Waco Eagle Christian its first loss.
In the Bulldogs’ 46-0 victory over Veribest, Zephyr allowed just 38 yards and forced the game’s only turnover, while the Bulldog offense manufactured 223 yards – 192 rushing and 31 passing.
Jayden Millican rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns of 4 and 2 yards; completed 2 of 4 passes for 26 yards and with an 11-yard scoring toss to Ethan Byers; and also returned an interception for a touchdown.
Tripp Ballard chipped in 46 yards on the ground and scored on a 31-yard carry, Karsen Floyd rushed for 18 yards, and Bransen Baumguardner completed a 5-yard scoring touchdown pass to Waggoner Shelton. Byers led Zephyr with two catches for 26 yards.
Defensively for the Bulldogs, Millican and Kaden Floyd led the way with nine tackles each followed by Ballard and Karsen Floyd with seven apiece, then Johnny Paul Evans-Rollins with four.
Waco Eagle Christian’s only game was a 38-6 victory over Waco Vanguard.
Kason Ingram completed 8 of 11 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns, and added 60 rushing yards and two more TDs. Isaiah Glenn finished with 87 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Liam Hall rushed for 144 yards and two TDs.
Eagle Christian allowed minus-3 yards rushing on 22 attempts, while Blake Gonzales recorded 12 tackles, including three for losses, and a pair of sacks.
According to sixmanfootball.com, Zephyr is a 39-point underdog.
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Brookesmith (0-2) vs. Mount Calm (1-1)
7 p.m. Friday at Jonesboro
The Brookesmith Mustangs will attempt to secure their first victory in a neutral site outing against the Mount Calm Panthers.
Brookesmith’s season has started with losses of 24-8 to Kopperl and 38-6 to Mullin.
Mount Calm has knocked off Waco Parkview Christian, 50-0, and dropped a 61-12 decision to Cranfills Gap.
According to sixmanfootball.com, Brookesmith is a 29-point underdog.
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1A DI No. 2 Richland Springs (2-0) at Lometa (1-1)
7 p.m. Friday
The Class A Division II No. 2 Richland Springs Coyotes play their third straight road game to open the season as they visit the Lometa Hornets Friday night.
Richland Springs has yet to allow a point this season, outscoring Austin Royals, 50-0, last week and High Island, 56-0, in Week 1.
In the win over Austin Royals last week, Richland Springs yielded -35 yards of total offense, including -74 rushing yards on 23 carries, which included five sacks, and forced three turnovers.
The Coyotes finished with 217 yards and overcame two turnovers.
Braxton Ethridge rushed for 117 yards and four touchdowns on six carries and completed 3 of 4 passes for 56 yards and a score.
Brandon Stewart added 44 yards and a trip to the end zone on the ground, while leading receivers were Jayden Sutherland (2-33, TD) and Jeremiah Beam (1-23).
Defensive standouts included Billy Perry (six tackles, three for loss), Kenny Triplett (five tackles, 1.5 for loss), Keston Lusty (four tackles, two for loss), Stewart (3.5 tackles, one interception), and Cohen Tharp (3.5 tackles).
Lometa owns a 44-38 win over Blum in Week 2 after dropping a 58-12 contest to Gorman in Week 1.
Hornets to watch include Tim Juarez and Leonel Caso.
According to sixmanfootball.com, Richland Springs is a 45-point favorite.
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Cross Plains (2-0) at Hico (1-1)
7 p.m. Friday
The Cross Plains Buffaloes carry a perfect record to Hico where they attempt to avenge a district loss from a year ago in a non-district outing.
Cross Plains has started the season with wins over Winters (40-14) and De Leon (27-6), while Hico opened with a 45-6 triumph over Bruceville-Eddy and fell to Moody, 23-6, last week.
In Cross Plains’ win over De Leon, the Buffaloes chalked up 360 yards of total offense – 204 through the air and 156 on the ground – and lost one fumble. Defensively, Cross Plains gave up 259 yards – 198 rushing and 61 passing – with a turnover.
Buffalo quarterback Kade Purvis connected on 19 of 23 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yarder to Ryder Reed. Ryan Reed led the Buffaloes with seven catches for 81 yards, Asher Moses added six receptions for 21 yards and scored once, and Dustin Wyatt hauled in five receptions for 77 yards.
On the ground for Cross Plains, Noah Moses led the charge with 142 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Wyatt and Riley Conlee both chipped in 11 yards rushing.
Defensive standouts for Cross Plains were Conlee with 14 tackles, including five for loss; Noah Moses with 11 tackles; and Theron Albrecht with five tackles, including three for loss and a pair of sacks.
According to Harris Ratings Weekly, Cross Plains is a 21-point favorite.
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Brady (0-2) at 2A DI No. 5 Coleman (2-0)
7 p.m. Friday
The Class 2A Division I No. 5 Coleman Bluecats seek a third straight win, while the Brady Bulldogs are eyeing an upset and their first victory of the season.
After holding off Mason, 7-6, in Week 1, the Bluecats pummeled Ballinger, 48-0, last week.
Coleman allowed just 30 yards of total offense last week, including -2 yards rushing on 17 carries, and forced a pair of turnovers.
Offensively, the Bluecats churned out 413 yards – 280 rushing and 133 passing – as Coleman raced out to a 30-0 halftime edge.
Ryland Gentry rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns, Brent Bouldin added 66 yards and two scores, Dayden Hunter chipped in 62 yards with a trip to the end zone, and Jadin Jackson added 47 yards and crossed the goal line once.
Through the air, Jackson connected on 6 of 10 attempts for 133 yards with two touchdowns. Braxton Smith caught two passes for 70 yards and scored once and Hagen Cavanaugh hauled in two receptions for 50 yards and reached the end zone.
Brady’s season has started with losses to Comanche, 49-7, and Mason, 27-7.
The Bulldogs are averaging 233.5 yards per game and allowing 322.5 yards.
Brady quarterback Hayden Baronet has completed 21 of 43 passes for 264 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions, while rushing for 87 yards. J.D. Ibarra has added 70 rushing yards, while top receivers include Keegan Farris (10-182, 1 TD) and Zeke Jones (4-40, TD).
According to Harris Ratings Weekly, Coleman is a 25-point favorite.
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San Saba (2-0) at Johnson City (2-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
In a battle of unbeatens, San Saba visits the Johnson City Eagles, the second of four straight road games for the Armadillos.
San Saba followed a 46-14 triumph over Florence in Week 1 with an 18-6 victory at Junction last week. Meanwhile, Johnson City has derailed Comfort (30-20) and Thrall (43-14).
In the Armadillos’ victory over Junction, San Saba rushed for rushed for 254 of its 262 yards of total offense.
Ethan Gonzales led the Armadillos ground game with 109 yards and a touchdown, Tyler Johnson added 84 yards and two scores, and quarterback Lance Taylor rushed for 51 yards and complete 2 of 9 passes for 8 yards – both to Johnson.
Defensively for the Armadillos, Zuriel Herrera tallied 12 tackles while Jesus Betancourt recorded nine tackles, including two for loss, to go along with one sack and one fumble recovery. Dylan Ware contributed eight tackles followed by Christian Ramirez with five, and Levi Glover, Lane Miller and Winton Lackey with four apiece.
Players to watch for Johnson City include RB/LB Tyler Lorenz, WR/DB Ryan Shipley, OL/LB Haden Fox, OL/DL Jose Sanchez, QB/DB McCray Jacobs, WR/DB Joshua McKennis. FB/LB Owen Portie, RB/LB Kamron Rogers, WR/DB Johnny Slawinski, OL/DL Grant Gale, WR/LB Hayden Moore, and OL/DL Heath Halbgewachs.
According to Harris Ratings Weekly, San Saba is a 4-point underdog.
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Goldthwaite (0-2) at Rosebud-Lott (1-1)
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Goldthwaite Eagles will attempt to secure their first victory of the Andy Howard coaching era as they visit the Rosebud-Lott Cougars Friday night.
Goldthwaite is averaging just 3.5 points and 139 yards per game with four turnovers. The Eagles’ lone touchdown came on a 60-yard kick return last week in a 20-7 loss to Santo.
The Eagles mustered just 49 yards of total offense last week and gave up 238 yards, including 203 yards on the ground.
Defensively, the Eagles are giving up 34.5 points and 325 yards per game. Leading tacklers include Mason Reven (18 tackles), Cutter Campbell (15 tackles), A.J. McCoy (8 tackles), and Marcus Stevens (7 tackles).
Rosebud-Lott has defeated Leon, 59-19, and lost to Wortham, 30-0.
Jamarquis Johnson has thrown for 277 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, and rushed for 207 yards and three scores. Kyle Finan has added 101 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and Breon Lewis is the top receiver with seven grabs for 209 yards and two trips to the end zone.
According to Harris Ratings Weekly, Goldthwaite is a 4-point underdog.