Richland Springs (5-1) at Leander Founders Classical (6-1)

7:30 p.m. Thursday

In a non-district battle, the Class A Division II No. 3 Richland Springs Coyotes step out of District 15 action and start the week early as they face the TAIAO Division I No. 5 Leander Founders Classical Academy Archers Thursday night.

Richland Springs is coming off a 69-0 victory over Brookesmith in its league opener as the Coyotes manufactured 239 total yards – 170 rushing and 69 passing. Billy Perry rushed for 58 yards and two touchdowns and passed for 31 yards and another score, while Cohen Ethridge threw a 33-yard touchdown pass and caught a 9-yard touchdown pass.

Evan Deeds added a 45-yard touchdown on the ground and passed for a 5-yard score, while Ethan Deeds rushed for a 15-yard touchdown and caught a 5-yard score.

Layne Ward contributed a 33-yard scoring reception and rushed for 17 yards while Brice Roesler ran for a 7-yard touchdown and caught a 24-yard pass. Trenton Vogel finished with 28 yards on the ground, and Dalton Moats hauled in a 28-yard reception.

Leander Founders is coming off its first loss of the season to Marble Falls Faith Academy (70-48). The Archers have defeated Pflugerville Concordia (62-0), Austin Valor (61-16), Bertram Hill Country (60-0), Georgetown Grace Academy (54-6), Texas School for the Deaf (60-14), and Fredericksburg Heritage Christian (74-48).

Players to watch include Beck Sherwood (1,025 passing yards, 21 TDs; 280 rushing yards, 8 TDs), Connor Stephens (814 rushing yards, 18 TDs), Blaise Tavarez (19-297, 7 receiving TDs), and Luke Lewis (11-130, 4 receiving TDs).

According to sixmanfootball.com, Richland Springs is 45-point favorite. The game is not listed on Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as it was a late addition to the schedule.

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Blanket (6-1, 1-0) at Rising Star (4-3, 0-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Blanket Tigers will attempt to remain unbeaten in District 13-A Division II action and log their seventh straight win overall, while the Rising Star Wildcats look to rebound from a loss in their league opener and remain in the District 13 playoff hunt.

Blanket picked up a 57-12 victory over Gustine in its district opener last week.

All 387 yards of total offense for Blanket came on the ground against Gustine as Kannon Kensing rushed for 223 yards and five touchdowns and Mason Beck tacked on 164 rushing yards and three scores.

Defensively for Blanket, Kensing tallied 12 tackles followed by Beck with 11, Karter Keel with nine and a fumble recovery, Brian Shannon with eight tackles, Brayden Cain with seven, Kade Russell with five, and Ethan Tomme with two tackles.

Rising Star is coming off a 53-8 loss to Zephyr in last week’s district opener.

The last win on the field for the Wildcats was a 46-36 homecoming victory over Gorman as JV Kelly with 213 rushing yards and four touchdowns to go along with 99 passing yards and another score, and three catches for 44 yards. Chance Wells added 78 yards and a touchdown on the ground and 74 yards through the air. Leland Schenk caught three passes for 46 yards, Juakeen Froese added three catches for 29 yards with a touchdown, Kason McGinn grabbed three receptions for 24 yards, and Pacey McGinn pulled down a 35-yard reception

Leading the way defensively for the Wildcats were Kelly with 14 tackles, a fumble recovery and an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown. Wells also finished with 14 tackles, Schenk and Kasen McGinn contributed 13 tackles each, Froese added seven tackles and picked off a pass, while Kaiden Griffith tallied four tackles, Richie Primm notched three tackles and Bryan Lopez recorded one tackle.

According to sixmanfootball.com, Blanket is 15-point favorite. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football lists the Tigers as 21-point favorites.

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Panther Creek (4-3, 1-0) at Brookesmith (3-4, 0-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Brookesmith Mustangs look to earn their first District 15-A Division II victory, while the Panther Creek Panthers will attempt to add to their league win total Friday.

Brookesmith was dealt a 69-0 loss by No. 3 Richland Springs last week.

The last victory for the Mustangs was the week prior as Brookesmith rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit to snap a two-game losing streak with a 54-44 road victory over Olfen.

Down 34-26 at halftime to Olfen, Brookesmith rushed for 267 yards behind Addy Heard’s 214-yard, four-touchdown effort. Jase Julien chipped in three receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown, along with 34 rushing yards and two more scores. Austin Loyd passed for 45 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 15 yards, and Blake Loyd scored on a 2-yard carry.

Defensively for Brookesmith, Aryn Ribble registered six tackles trailed by five each from Heard and Robert Eachus, four from Julien, and three each from Austin Loyd and Travis Jarvis.

Panther Creek is coming off a 49-0 victory over Lohn in its league opener as the Panthers generated 300 yards of total offense – 211 rushing and 89 passing. Caleb Story rushed for 115 yards and three scores and Adan Wyatt finished with 81 yards on the ground and a pair of touchdowns.

Caleb Hale passed for 89 yards and two scores as Blayde Wilbur hauled in a 24-yard touchdown, Story finished with two grabs for 17 yards with a trip to the end zone, and Aidan Patterson led the team with three receptions for 44 yards.

Defensively for the Panthers, Storey recorded nine tackles and recovered a fumble, Adan Wyatt logged nine tackles and intercepted a pass, Patterson finished with four tackles, Carter Vogel tallied three tackles, and Trevor Brooks notched two tackles and a safety.

According to sixmanfootball.com, Brookesmith is 15-point favorite, but Dave Campbell’s Texas Football lists the Mustangs as 21-point underdogs.

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Comanche (3-3, 0-1) at Sweetwater (2-4, 1-0)

7 p.m. Friday

The Comanche Indians will attempt to rebound from a 56-3 loss to No. 7 Jim Ned in the league opener as they visit the Sweetwater Mustangs in another meeting of two of the three tri-champions from District 3-3A Division I in 2024.

In the loss to Jim Ned last week, Comanche was limited to just 167 total yards – 120 passing and 47 rushing.

Cooper Welch completed 11 of 14 passes for 120 yards, but was picked off twice. CT Buford caught seven passes but was held to just 19 yards and Fernando Patino grabbed four receptions for 101 yards.

On the ground, Ladanian Smith mustered 32 yards and Zaden Tello picked up 15 yards.

Defensively for the Indians, Smith led the way with 11 tackles followed by 10 each from Buford, Adrian Reyes and Elijah Ozuna, who also recovered a fumble.

Sweetwater rolled to a 69-0 victory over San Angelo TLCA last week.

The Mustangs are averaging 25 points and 293 yards – 154 rushing and 139 passing – per game on average. Offensive standouts include quarterback Caiden Ortiz (827 passing yards, 10 TDs, 7 INTs,), running backs Nick Avila (420 rushing yards, 5 TDs) and Alijah Iriate (253 rushing yards), and receivers Darwin Blueford (30-345, 4 TDs) and Mason Blueford (14-175, 1 TD).

Leading the way on a Sweetwater defense that yields 35 points per game on average with seven takeaways are Marcus Diaz (35 tackles, 6 for loss, 1 sack), Cason Fields (35 tackles, 2 for loss), Talen Lujan (31 tackles, 15 for loss, 8 sacks, 1 fumble recovery), and Brayden Avila (30 tackles, 1 fumble recovery).

According to Harris Ratings Weekly, Comanche is a 27-point underdog. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football lists the Indians as 13-point underdogs.

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Coleman (1-5, 0-1) at De Leon (4-2, 1-0)

7 p.m. Friday

The Coleman Bluecats are looking to end a five-game skid and pick up their first District 5-2A Division I win of the season, while the De Leon Bearcats are vying for a 2-0 start against league competition.

The Bluecats fell to Hamilton, 38-7, last week as Coleman produced just 121 yards of total offense – 67 passing and 54 rushing.

Jayden Smith caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Brayden Torres to account for the Bluecats’ lone trip to the end zone.

Hunter Edington competed 10 of 17 passes for 59 yards as Kyle Chambers caught a team-best two passes for 11 yards. Jett Black added a 22-yard reception and Paul Salas hauled in a 16-yard catch.

Salas also rushed for a team-best 42 yards for Coleman.

Defensively, Torres and Easton Meador led the Bluecats with 10 tackles apiece followed by eight from Darren Hurtado and seven each from Brady Elder and Gio Villanueva.

De Leon pulled away for a 56-27 victory over Hico in its district opener last week.

The Bearcats trailed Hico, 21-16, at halftime and faced a 27-24 deficit in the third quarter before reeling off the final 32 points.

Heston Jobe threw three touchdown passes for De Leon, Colt Schwertner ran for pair of touchdowns, and Bryce Burkeen hauled in a scoring reception and also returned an interception for a touchdown.

According to Harris Ratings Weekly, Coleman is a 20-point underdog. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football lists the Bluecats as 30-point underdogs.

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Thorndale (3-3, 0-1) at San Saba (4-2, 1-0)

7 p.m. Friday

The San Saba Armadillos will attempt to remain undefeated against District 14-2A Division I foes and notch a fourth straight victory as they welcome the Thorndale Bulldogs Friday night.

The Armadillos secured a 47-21 victory over Johnson City in last week’s league opener.

San Saba finished with 332 yards of total offense – all coming on the ground – as Luke Tharp tallied 163 yards and three touchdowns, and also returned a kick 82 yards for a touchdown as well.

Jason Everett tacked on 109 rushing yards with two trips to the end zone, Enrique Mendoza added 31 yards and crossed the goal line once, and Graden Lebow chipped in 29 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Everett led the way with eight tackles and a sack along with seven tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery by Clayton Meador; six tackles and a sack by Kaylub Roberts; six tackles from Tharp; five tackles and a sack by Lebow; and five tackles with three for loss by Kolton Pierce. Cash Bryant intercepted a pass and added a pair of tackles as well.

Thorndale is coming off an 18-0 shutout loss to Mason in its league opener.

Prior to district, Bulldog quarterback Case McDaniel had passed for 748 yards and 10 touchdowns, Will Cloud had caught 15 passes for 331 yards with six touchdowns, and leading rushers included Hudson Thigpen (292 yards, 2 TDs), Cole Harkins (263 yards, 4 TDs), Hayden Thigpen (194 yards, 1 TD) and Ryan Creech (147 yards, 2 TDs).

The Thorndale defense is led by Kale Meadors (58 tackles, 4 for loss, 1 interception), Kade Becker (31 tackle) and Harkins (30 tackles, 2 for loss).

According to Harris Ratings Weekly, San Saba is an 8-point favorite. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football lists the Armadillos as 14-point favorites.

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Bremond (6-0, 3-0) at Goldthwaite (4-2, 2-1)

7 p.m. Friday

The Goldthwaite Eagles are vying for a third consecutive District 10-2A Division II victory while looking to hand the No. 3 Bremond Tigers their first loss of the season.

A week ago, Goldthwaite knocked Frost from the ranks of the unbeaten by a 42-0 count.

The Eagles generated 353 yards of total offense – 220 passing and 133 rushing – and overcame three turnovers, while yielding just 77 yards – 44 through the air and 33 on the ground – with three takeaways.

Blake Howard completed 15 of 16 passes for 220 yards with three touchdowns, while Landry Sanderson chipped in 124 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Aidyn Lee caught eight passes for 93 yards, Casen Wiedebusch hauled in a 54-yard scoring reception, Zach Rodriguez tallied three grabs for 42 yards, Talen Gardner notched two catches for 19 yards and scored twice, and Sanderson pulled down a 12-yard reception.

Defensively, Wiedebusch returned an interception for a Goldthwaite score.

Bremond is coming off a 53-0 victory over Meridian as the Tigers average 48 points and 440 yards – 267 on the ground and 173 through the air – while giving up 13 points per game on average.

Standouts include quarterback Sam Kasowski (1,040 passing yards, 13 TDs, 3 INTs), running backs Tank Scott (775 yards, 14 TDs), Xavier Clark (224 yards, 3 TDs; 8-149, 2 TDs receiving) and Tyriq Scott (223 yards, 3 TDs), and receivers Tristan Morehead (12-378, 4 TDs) and Jeramiah Morgan (10-160, 2 TDs).

The defense is led by Eddy Carrizales (59 tackles), Tank Scott (46 tackles, 1 for loss) and Zander Pruitt (40 tackles, 2 for loss)

According to Harris Ratings Weekly, Goldthwaite is a 5-point underdog. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football lists the Eagles as 6-point underdogs.

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Cross Plains (2-4, 0-1) at Miles (1-5, 0-1)

7 p.m. Friday

Two teams looking for their first District 7-2A Division II victory, and hoping to keep their playoff hopes alive, cross paths Friday night as the Cross Plains Buffaloes visit the Miles Bulldogs.

Cross Plains is coming off a 33-14 loss to Roscoe as the Buffaloes finished with only 185 yards of total offense – 121 rushing and 64 passing – while allowing 323 yards – 242 on the ground and 81 through the air.

Tyler Mackey rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown for the Buffaloes and Landry Savell tacked on 21 yards on the ground and reached the end zone once.

Savell also completed 3 of 11 passes for 64 yards as Mackey hauled in two receptions for 54 yards and Brandan Jones added a 10-yard catch.

Defensively, Colt Sanderson, Rylen Reed and Brody Harris led Cross Plains with nine tackles apiece. Colter Wedeking chipped in eight tackles and Anson Long, Kye Schuman and Savell, who intercepted a pass, each recorded five tackles.

Miles was dealt a 48-0 loss by Albany in its league opener last week as the Bulldogs surrendered 488 yards of total offense.

Players to watch for Miles include quarterback Liam Yancy (542 passing yards, 3 TDs, 6 INTs) and receiver Kaden Karmany (18-234, 2 TDs).

The Bulldogs’ lone win this season came at the hands of Sterling City (20-0), with losses against Albany, Sonora (40-0), Johnson City (49-6), Eldorado (13-12) and Ozona (56-14).

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football lists the Buffaloes as 10-point underdogs, while Harris Ratings Weekly says the game is a toss up.

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Sidney (2-4, 0-0) at Gustine (4-2, 0-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Sidney Eagles begin their District 13-A Division II slate seeking their first win over a varsity foe this season, while the Gustine Tigers aim to bounce back from a loss to Blanket.

Sidney’s most recent outing was a 58-6 victory over the Jonesboro JV.

Ethan Scantling rushed for 87 yards and two touchdowns of 17 and 53 yards, while Josh Heath finished with 71 rushing yards and reached the end zone twice from 49 and 10 yards out, and Rees Miller chipped in 61 yards on the ground and a pair of scores from 37 and 26 yards.

Weston Bunting returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown, while Ryan Crawford tacked on a 26-yard fumble return for a touchdown.

Dylan Terpstra led the Eagles with nine tackles followed by six from Crawford, five each from Scantling, Miller, Bunting and Nick Aldape, who also recovered a fumble. Daylan Gilbert and Lucas Wilson tallied two tackles apiece.

In their 57-12 loss to Blanket last week, Gustine allowed 387 yards of total offense – all rushing – while the offense coughed up a fumble.

Players to watch for Gustine are Players to watch for Gustine include Andy Garcia, Anthony Patino, Alonso Gomez, Alan Mejia, and Michael Garcia.

According to sixmanfootball.com, Sidney is 30-point favorite, but Dave Campbell’s Texas Football lists the Eagles as 31-point underdogs.

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Mullin (1-6, 0-1) at Evant (2-4, 0-0)

7 p.m. Friday

The Mullin Bulldogs will attempt to secure a District 14-A Division II victory after having to forfeit to Oglesby in last week’s league opener, while the Evant Elks are kicking off their district slate.

In their most recent action on the field, Mullin fell to Ranger, 55-33, as the Bulldogs finished with 259 total yards – 132 rushing and 127 passing.

Mani Morales threw for 121 yards and a touchdown and added 63 yards on the ground and two more scores. Vash Langford rushed for 27 yards and a touchdown and caught six passes for 26 yards and reached the end zone once. Toby Kuhn pulled down two receptions for 30 yards and scored once, while Jaiden Langford added four catches for 66 yards and Aaron Porter rushed for 25 yards.

Defensively, Morales led Mullin with seven tackles with an interception, Johnathan Armendarez netted 4.5 tackles and recovered a fumble, Kuhn logged three tackles, and Lucas Cook registered 2.5 tackles.

Evant suffered an 88-54 non-district loss to Mount Calm last week.

The Elks are led by Texan White (563 rushing yards, 7 TDs; 144 passing yards, 2 TDs; 1-18 receiving), Edgar Dominguez (511 rushing yards, 7 TDs; 2-28 receiving), Octavio Cardosa (426 passing yards, 13 TDs), and Cooper Standford (22-398, 7 TDs receiving).

According to sixmanfootball.com, Mullin is 45-point underdog. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football lists the Bulldogs as 30-point underdogs.