Veribest at Zephyr

7 p.m. Thursday

With three consecutive district championships to their credit, Derek Stevens is taking over a Zephyr Bulldogs football program – ranked No. 11 in Class A Division II in the preseason by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football – that will attempt to continue its dominance against 13-A Division II foes in 2025.

But first, the Bulldogs will host the Veribest Falcons Thursday night to the kickoff the season.

Before Stevens joined the Zephyr staff as an assistant a year ago, he led Rising Star to back-to-back district titles in 2022 and 2023.

Among the key returnees for the Bulldogs, who chalked up a 10-2 record and a 46-0 bi-district victory over Evant a year ago, are junior running back/safety Chayden Woodcock (511 rushing yards, 10 TDs; 42 tackles, 4 for loss, 2 interceptions) and junior full back/linebacker CJ Byers (321 rushing yards, 10 TDs; 18-218, 2 TDs receiving; 65 tackles, 9 for loss, 3 fumble recoveries). Others expected to be key contributors include sophomore running back/safety Jetson Gowin, sophomore lineman Bauer Blair, junior running back/linebacker Shayden Pickett, sophomore quarterback/linebacker Spencer Marwitz, junior lineman Ryan Glosson, and sophomore running back/safety Slade Butler.

Veribest, a member of District 8-A Division I, is picked to finish third in its league by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. The Falcons return three starters on each side of the ball from a 6-4 team a year ago.

Players to watch for the Falcons include Lorenzo Hight, Zander Colon, Matthew Mata, Brayson Walker and Javi Munoz.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Zephyr is a 28-point favorite, while sixmanfootball.com lists the Bulldogs as 1-point underdogs.

***

Richland Springs vs. Gordon

7:30 p.m. Thursday at Priddy

The Richland Springs Coyotes’ quest for an elusive 10th six-man state championship has been derailed the past two seasons by Oglesby in the playoffs, but a new head coach in 2025 looks to get the program back to the state championship game for the first time since the 2020 campaign.

The Class A Division II No. 3 Coyotes face a major test out of the gate in defending Class A Division I state champion Gordon, which enters the 2025 campaign ranked as the No. 1 in the state.

Harley Ethridge, who has served as an assistant off and on at Richland Springs over the past two decades, is now firmly in charge of a program that returns 12 of 17 lettermen, including four offensive and defensive starters, from a 12-1 squad in 2024.

Key contributors for the Coyotes in 2025 are expected to be Billy Perry – who led Richland Springs in rushing yards, passing yards, tackles and sacks a year ago – as well as Cohen Ethridge, Brice Roesler, Eli Hutchins, Ethan Deeds and Evan Deeds.

Gordon, which played just 20 minutes and 25 seconds in the second half last year en route to a perfect season, welcomes back 15 of 17 lettermen, including five offensive and four defensive starters.

Longhorns to watch include Air Force football commit Stryker Reed as well as Ry Reed, Brayden Walters, Noah Kostiha, Kaden Crowe, Aiden Shank, Hudson Campbell, Eric James, Rowe Williams, Evan Jackson, Tristan Ross and Corvin Seymour.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Richland Springs is an 8-point underdog, while sixmanfootball.com lists the Coyotes as a 45-point underdog.

***

Sidney at Strawn JV

7:30 p.m. Thursday

The Sidney Eagles opened the 2024 campaign by winning three of their first four games before dropping the last five to miss the playoffs after qualifying for the postseason in 2023.

With just a couple of seniors on the 2025 roster, head coach James Rucker begins his second campaign in charge of the Eagles relying on youth in the quest to compete in a stacked District 13-A Division II.

Players to the watch for the Eagles include senior tight end/linebacker Dylan Terpstra (14-275, 4 TDs receiving; 67 tackles), along with juniors Rees Miller (200 rushing yards, 5 TDs; 14-152, 3 TDs receiving; 69 tackles) at running back and linebacker and Ethan Scantling (224 rushing yards, 1 TD; 430 passing yards, 3 TDs; 55 tackles) at quarterback and safety, and sophomore running back/cornerback Jackson Pounds (150 rushing yards, 1 TD; 32 tackles).

The Strawn JV will provide a stern test early before the Eagles kick off competition against varsity foes next week with Eden.

There is no line for this game, being a varsity vs. junior varsity contest.

***

Blanket at Menard

7:30 p.m. Friday

After guiding Blanket to an 8-2-1 record and a return to the playoffs after a one-year absence in his initial campaign as head coach, Jalen Helms and the preseason Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Class A Division II No. 21 Tigers are setting their sights on the program’s first district championship since 2021 in year two.

Before focusing on the district, the Tigers open their season with a rematch of last year’s first game that didn’t have a winner. Blanket and Menard were tied at 14 when a weather delay forced a cancellation.

The Tigers bring back four starters on each side of the ball, including senior running back/defensive end Kannon Kensing (1,070 rushing yards, 18 TDs; 9-205 receiving, 5 TDs; 65 tackles, 10 for loss), senior center/defensive lineman Mason Beck (27-568, 11 TDs receiving; 72 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries), senior receiver/safety Brian Shannon (17-252, 6 TDs receiving; 53 tackles, 8 for loss); senior defensive end/kicker Abel McLaughlin (35 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries), and junior receiver/safety Kade Russell (5-89, 2 TDs receiving; 18 tackles, 1 fumble recovery).

Menard is the preseason favorite in District 15-A Division I after posting a 9-2-1 record in 2024. The Yellow Jackets return nine of 11 lettermen, including five starters on each side of the ball.

Players to watch for the Yellow Jackets include the district’s preseason offensive player of the year Jayden Payton (1,750 rushing yards, 26 TDs), along with Cado Bannowsky, Tate Wagner, Bryce Davis, Aidan Ramon, Hunter Squires, Julius Zamora and Wesley Compton.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Blanket is a 10-point underdog, while sixmanfootball.com lists the Tigers as a 4-point underdog.

***

Brookesmith at Mullin

7:30 p.m. Friday

In a battle of first-year head coaches, the Brookesmith Mustangs and Mullin Bulldogs will attempt to establish some early positive momentum in the season opener.

At Brookesmith, Blake Hood inherits a roster with just one starter back as the Mustangs aim for their first trip to the playoffs since 2020.

Hood, a 2018 Blanket graduate, spent the past two seasons as an assistant football coach and head basketball coach at Rochelle.

The most experienced member of the roster for the Mustangs, who are coming off a 5-4 campaign in 2024, is Addy Heard. Other players to watch, according to Hood, are Blake Loyd, Austin Loyd, and Jase Julien.

In Mullin, following a 2-8 campaign in 2024 that featured a winless record in four District 14-A Division II outings, Ethan Smart has taken over the reins of the Mullin Bulldogs, looking to guide the program back to the postseason for the first time since 2014.

Leading the charge for the Bulldogs are juniors Jonathan Armendarez at center/nose guard, Aaron Porter at fullback/running back, and Chandler Moreno at center/defensive end, to go along with sophomores Mani Morales at running back/defensive back, Toby Kuhn at quarterback/safety, Lucas Cook at offensive line/defensive end, Abraham Guzman at fullback/linebacker, Isaiah Pledger at offensive line/defensive line, and utility player Juan Vega.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Brookesmith is a 19-point favorite, while sixmanfootball.com lists the Mustangs as 36-point favorites.

***

Comanche vs. Caddo Mills

7 p.m. Friday at Royse City

The Comanche Indians finished as tri-champions with Sweetwater and Jim Ned in their first year as a member of District 3-3A Division I, but fifth-year head coach Jake Escobar returns just three starters on each side of the ball from last year’s 7-4 football squad for 2025.

For the second straight year, the Indians begin the year with a neutral site opponent, but the Caddo Mills Foxes replace the Poth Pirates,

Key returnees for Comanche include receiver/defensive back CT Buford (25-441, 6 TDs receiving; 135 rushing yards, 2 TDs; 27 tackles, 3 INTs), running back/safety Ladanian Smith (770 rushing yards, 5 TDs; 8-104 receiving; 40 tackles), tight end/linebacker Zaden Tello (79 rushing yards, 2 TDs; 49 tackles, 14 for loss, 7 sacks), linemen Peyton Baugh and Carlos Orozco, tight end/defensive end Caden Carroll, receivers/defensive backs Adrian Reyes and Fernando Patino, kicker Dallas Gillette, and quarterback/defensive back Cooper Welch.

Caddo Mills, a member of District 5-4A Division II, are picked to finish fifth in their seven-team district after posting a 6-5 record a year ago and making the playoffs. The Foxes return 31 of 54 lettermen, including five offensive and four defensive starters.

Players to watch include receivers Tristan Hardwell (49-697, 6 TDs) and Kollin Heath (26-385, 5 TDs), offensive linemen Luke Westmoreland and LBJ Weatherford, safety Tripp Welch (78 tackles, 2 interceptions), and linebacker Gavin Beierschmitt (74 tackles, 6 for loss, 1 sack).

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Comanche is a 3-point underdog, while Harris Ratings Weekly lists the Indians as a 7-point favorite.

***

Eastland at Coleman

7 p.m. Friday

The Coleman Bluecats dropped the first seven games of the 2024 football campaign, but still rebounded in time to make the playoffs and captured a bi-district championship.

In 2025, Coleman 12th-year head coach John Elder is seeking a quicker start and a deep playoff run as the Bluecats target a potential fifth consecutive trip to the postseason. The first step on that journey is Friday night as the Eastland Mavericks come calling.

The Bluecats bring back six offensive and five defensive starters from the 2024 team, including quarterback/defensive back Brayden Torres (716 passing yards, 3 TDs; 62 tackles), fullback/linebacker Paul Salas (207 rushing yards, TD; 116 tackles), offensive lineman/defensive end Easton Meador (80 tackles, 7 for loss, 4 sacks), quarterback/defensive end Hunter Edington (685 passing yards, 6 TDs), offensive lineman/defensive lineman Darren Hurtado (56 tackles, 3 for loss, 3 sacks), receiver/defensive back Braylon Stewart (31-300, 2 TDs receiving; 42 tackles), receiver/defensive back Lane Bowers (60 tackles), tight end/linebacker Micah Lackey (37 tackles), and lineman Corbin Rosales (13 tackles).

Eastland, picked to the place fourth in District 5-3A Division II, returns 14 of 23 lettermen, including seven offensive and six defensive starters, from a 4-6 squad in 2024.

Mavericks to watch include quarterback/defensive back Kye Herrington, tight end/defensive end Cameron Wilson, receiver/defensive back Samuel Cruz, running back/defensive back Chris Ojeda, running back/defensive end Bandy Johnson, fullback/linebacker Ben Bird, offensive/defensive lineman Isaac Robles, offensive/defensive lineman Tank Johnson, fullback/linebacker Xavier Rodriguez, running back/defensive back Brenden Foust, and running back/defensive back Isai Carrizales.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Coleman is a 16-point favorite, while Harris Ratings Weekly lists the Bluecats as an 11-point underdog.

***

San Saba at Grape Creek

7 p.m. Friday

After finishing in second place in the District 14-2A Division I standings a year ago, behind perennial state power Mason, the San Saba Armadillos in 2025 intend to make a run for their first league title since 2019.

The Armadillos first kick off the season at Class 3A Division II Grape Creek, as the Eagles are coming off a 4-7 playoff campaign out of District 4-3A Division II.

Key returnees for San Saba include Luke Tharp (1,889 rushing yards, 21 TDs; 781 passing yards, 8 TDs), who is moving from quarterback to running back, running back/linebacker Jason Everett (115 tackles, 18 for loss, 1 sack; 321 rushing yards), lineman Kolton Pierce, receiver/defensive back Cash Bryant, lineman Omar Landeros, tight end Danny English, and linebacker Juan Patino. Meanwhile, Jayden Romero will be stepping into the quarterback role this season.

Grape Creek returns 16 of 27 lettermen including six offensive and five defensive starters. Players to watch include running back/linebacker Sire Garcia (1,349 total yards), athlete Braley Woods, running back Anthony Saavedra, tight end/defensive back Gabriel Santillan, fullback/linebacker Chris Duron, and fullback/linebacker Jayshawn Johnson.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, San Saba is a 20-point favorite, while Harris Ratings weekly lists the Armadillos as 31-point favorites.

***

Goldthwaite at Junction

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Goldthwaite Eagles returned to the playoffs in 2024 after a two-year absence, and heading into head coach Andy Howard’s fourth season the program looks to climb even higher in one of the toughest districts in the state – 10-2A Division II.

The Eagles placed fourth in the District 10-2A Division II standings a season ago and return six starters on each side of the ball for 2025, as Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has projected Goldthwaite to come in third behind Bremond and Mart in the league standings.

An early test for Class 2A Division II No. 17 Goldthwaite comes Friday is it visits the No. 12 Junction Eagles.

Among the key returnees for Goldthwaite are quarterback Aidyn Lee (69 of 124 for 1,120 yards, 10 TDs; 605 rushing yards, 12 TDs), running back Landry Sanderson (1,175 rushing yards, 14 TDs; District Newcomer of the year); and receivers Casen Wiedebusch (5-42, TD receiving), Zach Rodriguez (6-143, 2 TDs receiving) and Talen Gardner (3-48) on offense. The defense is spearheaded by Hagen Greenway (95 tackles, 1 interception) and Walt Thompson (84 tackles).

Junction is coming off a 12-2 season and is picked to repeat as District 14-2A Division II champion as 18 of 27 lettermen are back, including six offensive and seven defensive starters.

Players to watch for Junction include the district’s preseason offensive player of the year, quarterback Chasen Doyal (1,606 passing yards, 25 TDs; 353 rushing yards, 4 TDs), as well as linebacker Bryan Gonzales (124 tackles, 19 for loss), athlete Brock Bierschwale, defensive back Grant Simon, receiver/defensive back Hunter Dale, and athlete Koda Bierschwale.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Goldthwaite is a 6-point underdog, while Harris Ratings Weekly lists Goldthwaite as a 13-point underdog.

***

Cross Plains at Haskell

7 p.m. Friday

For the first time in 15 seasons, the Cross Plains Buffaloes football program is under new management as Jared Sanderson takes over at the helm, looking to return the program to the playoffs after a nine-year string of postseason appearances ended in 2024 with a 4-6 mark.

Sanderson, who owns a 43-39 record as a head coach with a four-year stint at Levelland and two seasons at Midland Greenwood, has been a part of the Cross Plains staff for three years.

Players to watch for the Buffaloes include Tyler Mackey (645 rushing yards, 8 TDs; 38-514, 5 TDs receiving; 69 tackles, 11 for loss, 7 interceptions), Colt Sanderson (77 tackles, 14 for loss, 1 sack), Jessey Bradford (77 tackles, 7 for loss, 2 sacks), Rylen Reed (11-160, 3 TDs receiving; 22 tackles), Luke Henry (18 tackles), Lawson Brown, and newcomer Kye Schuman.

The Haskell Indians, part of District 6-2A Division II, bring back 19 of 26 lettermen including eight offensive and seven defensive starters from a 4-6 squad in 2024.

Players to watch for Haskell include quarterback/defensive back Haegan Pinkerton, receiver/linebacker Ethan Camacho, tight end/linebacker Beaux Shaginaw, receiver/defensive back Zakeem Billington, receiver/defensive back Brazos Brendle, and tight end/linebacker Brian Weng.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Cross Plains is a 12-point underdog, while Harris Ratings Weekly lists the Buffaloes as 3-point favorites.

***

Santa Anna at Bronte

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Santa Anna Mountaineers’ quest to end an eight-year playoff drought begins with the non-district season opener against the Bronte Longhorns, who are picked to finish second in District 6-A Division II in 2025.

Finishing 3-7 last year, and 0-3 in District 14-A Division I action, fourth-year head coach Jose Luna welcomes back nine of 16 lettermen, including three starters on each side of the ball, from the 2024 squad.

Players to watch for the Mountaineers include Brock Brown, Jordan Diggs, Jayden Gibson, Tony Blaine, Eddie York, Elijah Herrod, Donovan Jackson and Kain Watson.

The Longhorns return five of eight lettermen, including four offensive and three defensive starters, from a 5-5 squad in 2024.

Bronte players to keep an eye one include Ray Williams, Aiden Speary, Joel Pena, Parker Holland, and Jack Robbins.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Santa Anna is a 30-point underdog, while sixmanfootball.com lists the Mountaineers as 10-point underdogs.

***

Rising Star at Highland

7:30 p.m. Friday

The first year of the Brent Williamson coaching tenure at Rising Star ended without a playoff berth following back-to-back district championship seasons, but the Wildcats anticipate better days in 2025 after last year’s 4-6 campaign.

The Wildcats will attempt to start a new season on the right foot when they visit the Highland Hornets, members of District 7-A Division I.

Players to watch for the Wildcats include all-state senior linebacker Anthony Pollard (106 tackles, 13 for loss, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery), all-district senior defender Leland Schenk (80 tackles, 18 for loss, 1 fumble recovery), juniors Payton McGinn, Pacey McGinn, and Kason McGinn, along with varsity newcomers Chance Wells, up from the junior varsity last year, and JV Kelly, a transfer from Buena Vista.

Highland posted a 4-6 record in 2024 and return 12 of 17 lettermen, including four offensive and three defensive starters, from that squad. The Hornets picked to finish fourth in their six-team district.

Hornets to keep an eye on include Colby Sanders, Zecheriah Stuber, Hayden Blackwell, Rhyder Glass, Jaxton Fullwood, Clavin Magee, Brayden Crain, and Nolan Blackwell.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Rising Star is an 8-point favorite, while sixmanfootball.com lists the Wildcats as 31-point underdogs.

***

Priddy at Panther Creek

7:30 p.m. Friday

A pair of local teams looking to claw their way into postseason contention square off Friday night.

The Panther Creek Panthers managed just four games in 2024 before injuries, extreme youth, and a lack of numbers resulted in finishing with varsity forfeits and playing a JV schedule. With more players out for football in 2025, head coach Gary Beam is hopeful the Panthers can complete the year and threaten for their first playoff berth since 2022.

Despite a 2-7 record in 2024, the Priddy Pirates’ return to the UIL football ranks found them one victory shy of reaching the playoffs, as they came in third in District 14-A Division II with a 2-2 league mark.

Head coach Derek Ahearn is taking over the program in 2025, and the race for the second playoff berth in the district – behind reigning champion and Dave

Campbell’s Texas Football Class A Division II preseason No. 4 Oglesby – appears just as wide open as it was a year ago.

Players to watch for Panther Creek in 2025 include Caleb Storey, Blake Wilber, Cobi Howard, Izaak Olinger, and Aidan Wyatt.

A pair of new additions to the roster could provide significant dividends for the Pirates this year as Shane Ahearn comes over with his father from Strawn, while Trapper Schoenhals, who played previously for Zephyr, will don a Priddy uniform in 2025. Other Pirates to watch are Brailen Rea and Luis Reyes.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Priddy is a 5-point favorite, while sixmanfootball.com lists the Pirates as 28-point favorites.

***

May vs. Whiteface

8 p.m. Saturday at Jayton

With five starters returning on both sides of the ball from a 9-2 squad a year ago, new head coach Jacob Brown looks to guide the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football preseason Class A Division I No. 4 May Tigers to their first district title since 2021 – and beyond.

Brown, a 2018 graduate of May High School, is making his head coaching debut at his alma mater, against the Class A Division I No. 2 Whiteface Antelopes in a neutral site contest.

The five starters returning on offense and defense are part of a roster than features 10 seniors, including DCTF District 14-A Division I preseason offensive player of the Kobey Morris, Cayson Dail, Lane Goodson, Kaden Watkins, Jackson Lusk, Brody Stice and Mikey Scheriger.

Returning for the 14-1 state finalists Antelopes are nine of 15 lettermen including three starters on each side of the ball. Players to watch include Isaak Soliz, Jaxon Hodge, Cesar Chavez, Axel Rivera, Luke Gresham, Jose Flores, Cash Crutcher, and Victor Borunda.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, May is a 3-point underdog, while sixmanfootball.com lists the Tigers as a 16-point underdog.