Seven local teams secured their first victories of 2024 in Week 1 and will look to remain undefeated in Week 2, while nine more attempt to land in the win column for the first time this weekend.

Brookesmith (1-0) at Bluff Dale (1-0)

7:30 p.m. Thursday

The Brookesmith Mustangs kicked off their season with a 52-25 victory over Mullin last week, but face a much tougher challenge on the road Thursday night in Bluff Dale.

Adyn Ribble ignited the Brookesmith offense with 214 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while Derrick Beard chipped in 97 yards on the ground with another score for the Mustangs. Addison Hearn contributed a 64-yard touchdown carry and Isaac Haby rushed for a 35-yard touchdown, while Vegas Gilliam returned a kick 50 yards to the end zone.

Bluff Dale, meanwhile, throttled Throckmorton, 46-0, Friday night. The Bobcats surrendered just 113 yards of total offense, and only 4 through the air, while generating 377 yards – 266 rushing and 111 passing.

Eli Cashion rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns followed by Austin Saucedo with 71 yards and one score. Cashion, Tate Townsend and Alex Saucedo each threw a touchdown pass. Alex Saucedo scored on a 56-yard toss, Cashion hauled in a 41-yard scoring reception and Keigan Halford grabbed a 9-yard touchdown catch.

On defense, Kaden Wentworth and Austin Saucedo tallied 17 tackles each followed by Alex Saucedo with 11.

PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Brookesmith as a 45-point underdog.

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Oglesby (0-1) at May (1-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The May Tigers, who are ranked No. 7 in Class A Division I this week by Dave Campbell’s Texas, play host to the DCTF Class A Division II No. 3 Oglesby Tigers in a rematch of last year’s 54-8 triumph for Oglesby on its home turf.

May opened the season with a 51-0 victory over Sidney last week as the Tigers finished with 237 yards of total offense, including 218 rushing.

Ben Harrell led the charge with 147 yards and three scores on the ground, Kobey Morris chipped in 49 yards and Lane Goodson rushed for 22 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Through the air, Cayson Dail connected with Brody Stice on a 19-yard scoring toss, the only completion of the night for the Tigers in four pass attempts.

Defensively, Morris returned an interception for a touchdown and caused a safety, to go along with recording five tackles. Harrell led the team with eight tackles along with five from Goodson, four from Mikey Scheriger, three from Dail, two from Levi McInnis and one apiece from Kaden Watkins and Wyatt Hardy. Cutter Dearick recovered a fumble for the Tigers as well.

Oglesby is coming off a 64-40 loss to Class A Division I No. 2 Abbott. The Tigers led 22-8 in the first quarter before the Panthers stormed back.

Oglesby finished with 392 yards of total offense, led by 242 rushing yards and 109 passing yards form Kyler Fossett, who ran for three scores and passed for another. Alex Castillo hauled in a 41-yard touchdown reception and Kayson Campbell grabbed two receptions for 53 yards.

Castillo led the way with nine tackles and Fossett followed with eight.

PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists May a 21-point underdog.

KOXE LIVE will live stream May vs Oglesby as their “Game of the Week”.  It can be watched live HERE

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Blackwell (0-1) at Zephyr (1-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Zephyr Bulldogs held on for a 29-27 road victory over Veribest to start their 2024 season, and look for a winning streak as they welcome the Blackwell Hornets in their home opener. Blackwell is coming off a 64-44 loss to Aspermont to start its season.

The Bulldogs finished with 303 yards of total offense – 290 rushing and 13 passing – while giving up 231 yards – 178 on the ground and 53 through the air. Both teams turned over the ball twice.

Chayden Woodcock finished with 168 rushing yards to go along with his three scores, while Tripp Ballard added 122 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Wyatt Stevens completed 2 of 7 passes, one for 8 yards to CJ Byers and a 5-yarder to Woodcock.

Players to watch for Blackwell, the preseason District 6-A Division I favorite, include Cooper Claborn, Jacob Rivera, Eli Drake, Kreed Cummings, Jaxon Shipman, Ryder Antilley and Braydon Claborn.

PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Zephyr as a 45-point favorite.

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Blanket (0-0) at Cranfills Gap (0-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Blanket Tigers’ season opener against Menard was called early, tied at 14, due to the weather last week, as first-year head coach Jalen Helms targets his first victory at Cranfills Gap Friday night.

In limited action last week, Cameron Aultman rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown for Blanket, while Kannon Kensing added 15 yards on the ground, and returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown while tallying three tackles.

Cranfills Gap is coming off a 33-12 loss to Morgan.

Players to watch for the Lions include Diego Rodriguez, Jake Cox, Gage Aaron, Michael Green, Jake Herrera, and Sebastian Rodriguez.

PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Blanket as a 27-point favorite.

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Llano (1-0) at Comanche (0-1)

7 p.m. Friday

The Comanche Indians look to bounce back from a season-opening setback as they challenge the Llano Yellowjackets in their home opener Friday night.

In a 35-14 loss to Poth in the Alamodome in Week 1, the Indians generated 325 yards of total offense – 186 rushing and 139 passing.

Quarterback Cayden Davis completed 7 of 13 passes for 139 yards with a touchdown, and added a team-high 83 yards on the ground. CT Buford finished with two receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown, while Manuel Ortiz caught two passes covering 57 yards. On the ground, LaDanian Smith chipped in 64 yards and Kadzen Thedford rushed for 6 yards and scored a touchdown.

Defensively for Comanche, Badger Sanchez led the way with nine tackles followed by JJ Davis, Chance Boswell and Alex Terrell with six each.

Llano secured a 47-0 victory over Lytle last week as the Yellowjackets generated 419 yards of total offense – 257 rushing and 162 passing.

Quarterback Luke Davis was 13 of 19 with three touchdown passes, as Carter Bickett caught two and finished with four grabs for 40 yards. Austin Humphries added three receptions for 25 yards and scored once.

On the ground, Trey Mote rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown, while Davis, Brayton Shaw and RJ Coplin also contributed rushing touchdowns.

Defensively, Carsten Hays led the way with 11 tackles followed by Colton Bailey and Tate Morgan with 10 apiece.

PREDICTION: Harris Ratings Weekly lists Comanche is a 7-point underdog.

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Clifton (1-0) at Coleman (0-1)

7 p.m. Friday

The Coleman Bluecats will attempt to shake off a rusty offensive showing and loss in their season opener, as another Class 3A school is on the slate with the Clifton Cubs visiting in the first game at Hufford Field in 2024.

In a 21-6 loss to Eastland last week, the Bluecats owned a 253-236 edge in total yardage, but Coleman tossed three interceptions and did not create a takeaway.

Brayden Torres passed for 141 yards and rushed for 73 yards to pace the Bluecat offense, while Blaine Bouldin chipped in 25 yards on the ground and the lone Coleman touchdown. Anthony Espitia led the Bluecats with seven catches for 48 yards while Kelan Sikes caught two passes for 40 yards. Micah Lackey and Paul Salas added receptions of 27 and 20 yards.

Brooks Clippinger led the Bluecats with 13 tackles followed by 11 from Salas and 10 from Cutter Cody. Easton Meador recorded a sack and seven tackles.

Clifton started its season with a 12-7 victory over Riesel as the Cubs finished with 218 yards of total offense – 193 on the ground and 25 through the air.

Quarterback Joaquin De La Hoya picked up 165 yards on the ground and scored a touchdown, while completing 2 of 8 passes for 25 yards with a 16-yard scoring toss to Diego Rodriguez, to go along with two interceptions.

Judd New led the defense with seven tackles while Jackson Ritz, Tristan Hammond, Luis Galindo, and James Liardon added four tackles apiece.

PREDICTION: Harris Ratings Weekly lists Coleman as a 7-point favorite.

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San Saba (1-0) at Junction (1-0)

7 p.m. Friday

The San Saba Armadillos knocked off the Grape Creek Eagles, 14-2, in a defensive battle in Week 1, and will face a more stern test in Week 2 as they visit the Junction Eagles.

San Saba generated 226 total yards – 131 rushing and 95 passing. Luke Tharp rushed for 72 yards and both Armadillo touchdowns, while completing 5 of 10 passes for 95 yards. Alex Aguirre chipped in 31 yards rushing, while Levi Glover caught two passes for 38 yards and Preston Gray hauled in two receptions for 16 yards.

Defensively, Glover led the way with 10 tackles followed by Jason Everett and Jefferson Stencil with seven each. Skylar Romero and Juan Patino intercepted passes, while Omar Landeros recovered a fumble.

Junction opened its campaign with a 40-6 triumph at Goldthwaite last week. The Eagles limited Goldthwaite to 186 yards – 110 rushing and 76 passing – with the game’s only turnover, while generating 376 yards – 234 on the ground and 142 through the air.

Players to watch for Junction include Aidan Cardwell, Korren Hoing, Chasen Doyal, Sergio Ochoa, and Koda Bierschwale.

PREDICTION: Harris Ratings Weekly lists San Saba as a 17-point underdog.

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Goldthwaite (0-1) at Center Point (1-0)

7 p.m. Friday

The Goldthwaite Eagles will look to put an inauspicious season debut behind them as they hit the road for the first time in 2024 to visit the Center Point Pirates.

The Eagles are coming off a 40-6 loss to Junction as Goldthwaite jumped out to a 6-0 lead and trailed just 7-6 at halftime, but Junction dominated the second half.

Goldthwaite was limited to 186 yards – 110 rushing and 76 passing – with the game’s only turnover, while giving up 376 yards – 234 on the ground and 142 through the air.

Luke Sanderson scored Goldthwaite’s touchdown on an 8-yard carry and finished with 30 yards rushing and two catches for 47 yards. Max Storm led the ground game with 60 yards, while quarterback Aidyn Lee threw for 74 yards and added 16 on the ground.

In Center Point’s 28-12 win over Pettus last week, the Pirates pulled away with 14 points in the fourth quarter. The Pirates rushed for 330 yards led by quarterback Clayton Forster with 136, and he also tossed a 14-yard touchdown to Jesse Segura. JP Peralta and Chase Foley added touchdown carries as well.

PREDICTION: Harris Ratings Weekly lists Goldthwaite as a 15-point favorite.

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Cross Plains (1-0) at Abilene TLCA (0-1)

7 p.m. Friday

A late charge from the Cross Plains Buffaloes resulted in a 24-22 home victory over the Haskell Indians in the season opener, and now head coach Daniel Purvis’ squad eyes a second straight win at Abilene TLCA.

The Buffaloes finished with 340 yards – 245 rushing and 95 passing – with one turnover, while giving up 352 yards – 208 through the air and 144 on the ground.

Tyler Mackey sparked Cross Plains’ attack with 97 rushing yards and a touchdown, to go along with four catches for 52 yards and two more scores. Quarterback Kade Purvis chipped in 86 yards on the ground and a touchdown, and he also completed 7 of 14 passes for 95 yards with two scoring tosses.

Jessey Bradford led the Buffalo defense with nine tackles trailed by seven from Ryder Reed and six each from Gray Albrecht and Bryson Barron.

Abilene TLCA dropped a 57-6 decision to Munday in Week 1 as the Eagles surrendered 454 yards of total offense, with 399 of that, as well as seven touchdowns, coming on the ground.

TLCA players to watch are quarterback AJ Rico, receiver Manuel Rios, and running backs Ladanian Bolts and Joe Bolts.

PREDICTION: Harris Ratings Weekly lists Cross Plains as a 49-point favorite.

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Santa Anna (1-0) at Veribest (0-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Santa Anna Mountaineers pulled a bit of an upset with a 42-22 road victory over Bronte in Week 1, and seeks a 2-0 start against a Veribest squad that was narrowly defeated by Zephyr, 29-27, last week.

The Mountaineers produced 272 yards of total offense – 211 rushing and 61 passing. William Perry rushed for 174 yards with a 53-yard touchdown, while Wyatt Strickland chipped in 41 yards and scored on carries of 1, 7, 15 and 3 yards. Through the air, Brock Brown connected of 5 of 8 attempts for 63 yards with a touchdown, which was caught by Jeremiah Davila, who finished with two receptions for 46 yards and a 32-yard score.

Defensively, Strickland led the way with 15 tackles followed by Perry with 13 tackles, including three for loss, and a fumble recovery, Davila with 11 tackles and Brown with nine tackles.

In a 29-27 loss to Zephyr last week, Veribest allowed 303 yards of total offense – 290 rushing and 13 passing – with two takeaways, while producing 231 yards – 178 on the ground and 53 through the air – with a pair of turnovers.

Players to watch for the Falcons are Lane Howard, Bryce Martin, Hunter Tucker, AC Navidad, Lane Palmer, Peyton Larson, Colton Schwartz, Brody Hunt, Xander Colon, and Jesse Hight.

PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Santa Anna is a 32-point underdog.

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Bryan St. Joseph (0-1) at Richland Springs (1-0)

7 p.m. Friday

The Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Class A Division II No. 2 Richland Springs Coyotes opened the season with a 56-0 home victory over Big Spring Charter Friday night. The Coyotes will next host a Bryan St. Joseph squad that fell to Brazos Valley Christian Home Educators Association, 45-16, in its opener.

The Coyotes finished with 267 yards of total offense – all rushing – against Big Spring Charter.

Scoring touchdowns on the ground were Hutton Rogers from 70 yards, Eli Hutchins from 59, Gage Behrens from 50 and Layne Ward from 25. Billy Perry returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown., while Ethan Deeds ran back an interception for six points, and Jim Eckermann and Hudson Tharp both recorded safeties.

PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Richland Springs as a 45-point favorite.

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Rising Star (0-1) at Lingleville (0-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Rising Star Wildcats look to rebound from a season-opening 59-14 loss to Leakey as they tangle with the Lingleville Cardinals, whose game with Stephenville Faith did not occur last week.

Players to watch for Rising Star include Anthony Pollard, Manning Miller, Emerson Helmuth, Pacey McGinn, Payton McGinn, Dustin McGinn, Logan Ratliff, and Kason McGinn.

Players to watch for Lingleville are Jorge Toledo, Cruz Alarcon, Hudson Guajardo, Joe Dominguez, Wyatt Ray, Austin Kelley, Klayson Guajardo, Reid Cogburn, Elias Tovat, and Simon Dominguez.

PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Rising Star as a 13-point underdog.

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Sidney (0-1) at Eden (1-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Sidney Eagles struggled out of the gate with a 51-0 opening loss to May, while the Eden Bulldogs hammered Paint Rock, 58-12.

Sidney players to watch include Lehman Lindeque, Jaylon Salinas, Rees Miller, JD Pounds and Jerry McDaniel.

Players to watch for Eden are Blake Teeple, Avery Condarco, Julian Morales, Nate Barba, Jaime Cervantes, Ezra Gamboa, and Gharitt Cogbill.

PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Sidney as a 30-point favorite.

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Mullin (0-1) at Panther Creek (0-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Mullin Bulldogs hung with the Brookesmith Mustangs for a while before falling, 52-25, in the season opener, while the Panther Creek Panthers will hit the field for the first time Friday night.

Mullin players to watch are Jaiden Langford, Vash Langford, Landen Romero, and Mani Morales

Players to watch for Panther Creek include Nathan Steffy, Cason Ainsworth, Aidan Patterson, Malachi Bentley, Caleb Hale, and Caleb Story.

PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Panther Creek as a 45-point favorite.

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Priddy (0-0) at Walnut Springs (1-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Priddy Pirates’ debut as a UIL football school was delayed a week, while Walnut Springs tallied a 72-27 victory over Ranger last week to kick start its season.

Priddy players to watch are Brody Strew, Brazos Miller, Braxton Works, and Trisitan Ojeda.

Players to watch for Walnut Springs include Josue Ontiveros (164 passing yards, 5 TDs), Jesse Lamb (161 rushing yards, 6 TDs; 3-65, TD receiving), Landon Chambers (2-29, 2 TDs receiving), Jesus Rodriguez (30-yard TD reception) and Angel Muniz (10-yard TD reception).

PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Priddy as a 45-point underdog.