The 2024 high school football season kicks off this weekend, as BrownwoodNews.com will be following 19 teams in the area in their pursuits for playoff berth, district titles and state championships. Below are capsules of the Week 1 local matchups:
Comanche vs. Poth
7 p.m. Thursday at San Antonio’s Alamodome
Coming off an 8-5 season and with an entirely new set of district challenges ahead of them with the move up to Class 3A Division I, the Comanche Indians look to start their fourth season under head coach Jake Escobar on a positive note with a neutral site contest against the District 15-3A Division II Poth Pirates, who are coming off a 12-2 campaign.
COMANCHE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Cayden Davis (22-299, 3 TDs as a receiver last year), WR CT Buford (13-289, 3 TDs receiving), RB Alex Terrell, OL/DL Christian Anaya (40 tackles, 2 sacks) OL/DL Badger Sanchez, LB Chance Boswell (110 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FRs), DB Manuel Ortiz (55 tackles, 2 FRs, 1 INT), ATH Kazdon Thedford (52 tackles, 11 for loss, 5 sacks)
POTH PLAYERS TO WATCH: LB Tobyn Noll, WR/DB Colin Ramzinski, OL/DL Jared Padilla (61 tackles, 6 TFL, 2.5 sacks), OL/DL Daniel Weidner (59 tackles, 2 TFL), WR/LB Nate Kopecki, OL/LB Larson Dzuik, QB Major Luna, WR/DB Antonio DeHoyos
PREDICTION: Harris Ratings Weekly lists Comanche as a 15-point underdog.
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Bronte at Santa Anna
7:30 p.m. Thursday
The Class A Division I Santa Anna Mountaineers look to put a trying 2023 campaign in the rear-view window and improve on last year’s 3-7 record as they open the 2024 campaign at home against the District 6-A Division II Bronte Longhorns. In 2023, Bronte reached the second-round of the playoffs despite a 4-8 overall record.
SANTA ANNA PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/LB William Perry (1,008 rushing yards, 18 TDs; 13-134 receiving TD / 56 tackles, 1 INT, 1 FR), RB/DB Wyatt Strickland (428 rushing yards, 7 TDs; 8-93 receiving, TD / 63 tackles, 1 FR), QB/LB Aiden Calfa 25-59 passing, 314 yards, 4 TDs, 4 INTs; 5-63 receiving / 25 tackles), RB/DE James Denson (44 tackles, 10 TFL), WR/DB Slade Beloat, WR/FB Brock Brown, WR/DB Jeremiah Davila, WR/DE Jayden Gibson, ATH Jordan Diggs, ATH Eddie York
BRONTE PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Cole Knight, OL Colton Dyer, WR Raymond Williams, DE Caleb McIntire, K Jack Robbins, LB Joel Pena, WR Aiden Speary, DE Roy Flores
PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Santa Anna as an 11-point underdog.
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Rising Star vs. Leakey
7:30 p.m. Thursday at Rochelle
Coming off back-to-back district championships, the Rising Star Wildcats begin the 2024 season under new management as Brent Williamson has taken over as head coach. The Wildcats return three offensive and four defensive starters from last year’s 8-3 squad, while the District 16-A Division I Leakey Eagles finished with a 6-5 mark and also reached the postseason in 2023.
RISING STAR PLAYERS TO WATCH: FB/LB Anthony Pollard (208 rushing yards, 3 TDs / 6-34, TD / 56 tackles, 3 FR, 1 INT), RB/DB Manning Miller (200 rushing yards, 3 TDs / 35 tackles, 1 FR, 1 INT), C/DL Emerson Helmuth (12-142, TD / 14 tackles), RB/DB Pacey McGinn (355 rushing yards, 5 TDs; 4-28, TD / 40 tackles, 2 FR, 1 INT), RB/DB Payton McGinn (189 rushing yards, 6 TDs; 2-37 TD / 31 tackles, 1 FR), OL/DL Dustin McGinn, OL/DL Logan Ratliff, and OL/DL Kason McGinn
LEAKEY PLAYERS TO WATCH: TE/DE Aiden Rhiver, RB Paul Pintor, QB Kellen Hidalgo, LB Vincent Pintor, RB Yancy Hidalgo, RB/C Vijay Dean, C Chase Rimkus, LB Aiden Hernandez
PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Rising Star as a 1-point underdog.
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May at Sidney
7:30 p.m. Friday
For the first time in 20 years, the Class A Division I No. 7 May Tigers open the season with a new head coach as James Ball takes the reins. Awaiting is the Class A Division II No. 7 preseason Sidney Eagles, who also under the direction of a new head coach in James Rucker. The Eagles, however, are missing a significant portion from last year’s team that was originally expected. Both teams reached the playoffs as district runners-up a season ago.
MAY PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ben Harrell (543 rushing yards, 13 TDs; 25-536 receiving, 6 TDs; 293 passing yards, 4 TDs / 98 tackles); Jackson Lusk (37-641 receiving, 12 TDs / 112 tackles, 2 FR, 1 INT); Mikey Scheriger (365 rushing yards, 7 TDs / 14-137 receiving, 2 TDs / 91 tackles, INT, 6 FRs); Cayson Dail 8-57 rushing; 25-37 passing, 305 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs / 32 tackles, 1 FR); Lane Goodson (227 rushing yards, 8-123 receiving, TD / 36 tackles, 2 INTs), Kaden Watkins (12-234 receiving, TD / 36 tackles, 3 FRs); Wyatt Hardy (4-46 receiving, TD / 36 tackles, 3 FR, INT), Kobey Morris (50 of 77 passing for 941 yards, 22 TDs, 5 INTs / 75 tackles, 4 INTs, 1 FR)
SIDNEY PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lehman Lindeque (389 passing yards, 289 rushing yards, 288 receiving yards, 15 total TDs), Jaylon Salinas (224 receiving yards, 3 TDs), Rees Miller, JD Pounds and Jerry McDaniel
PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists May as a 30-point favorite.
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Zephyr at Veribest
7:30 p.m. Friday
Fresh off two straight district championships, the Zephyr Bulldogs look to continue their ascension in 2024 as they open the campaign visiting the District 8-A Division I Veribest Falcons. The Falcons posted an 8-2 record last year but missed the playoffs, while the Bulldogs went 8-3 a year ago and bowed out of the postseason in the first round.
ZEPHYR PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/LB Tripp Ballard (678 rushing yards, 18 TDs; 15-255, 3 TDs receiving), QB/DL Wyatt Stevens (43 of 75 passing for 924 yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs), RB/DB Chayden Woodco*ck, OL/DL CJ Byers, ATH Reese Hamm
VERIBEST PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/DB Lane Howard, UTL Bryce Martin, LB Hunter Tucker, RB/LB A.C. Navidad, OL/DL Lane Palmer, OL/LB Peyton Larson, UTL Colton Schwartz, RB/DL Brody Hunt, UTL Xander Colon, OL/DL Jesse Hight
PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Zephyr as a 2-point favorite.
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Menard at Blanket
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Blanket Tigers begin the Jalen Helms coaching era on their home turf as they welcome the Menard Yellowjackets, looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2023. The Tigers are coming off a 5-5 campaign, their first without a postseason trip since 2017, while District 15-A Division I Menard went 6-4 a year ago, but just 1-3 against league foes, also missing the playoffs.
BLANKET PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kannon Kensing (1,283 rushing, 25 TDs / 35 tackles, 4 fumble recoveries), Cameron Aultman (610 rushing yards, 12 TDs / 44 tackles, 1 interception), Mason Beck (6-88, 3 TDs / 42 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one pick), and AC French (182 rushing yards, TD / 32 tackles)
MENARD PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/LB Jayden Payton, TE/LB Cado Bannowsky, FB/LB Wesley Compton, QB/DB Julius Zamora, WR/LB Marlee Salas, WR/LB Colby Powell, C/DE Tate Wagner, RB/DB Bryce Davis, TE/DE Caden Bounds, QB Logan Powell
PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Blanket as an 11-point underdog.
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Mullin at Brookesmith
7:30 p.m. Friday
Coming off a four-win season in 2023, the Brookesmith Mustangs hope to continue their climb in 2024 as they kick off the new campaign against the Mullin Bulldogs, who were denied a victory last season.
BROOKESMITH PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/LB Adyn Ribble (1,000 rushing yards, 20 TDs), RB/DB Derrick Beard, Landon Slayton and Jalen Johnson
MULLIN PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB/LB Jaiden Langford, FB/DE Vash Langford, TE/DE Landen Romero, RB/DB Mani Morales
PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Brookesmith as a 45-point favorite.
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Coleman at Eastland
7 p.m. Friday
The Harris Ratings Class 2A Division I No. 14 Coleman Bluecats open the season with an early test against the District 5-3A Division II Eastland Mavericks. Coleman posted a 9-3 record in 2023 and welcomes back five starters on each side of the ball. Eastland reached the playoffs a year ago despite a 3-8 record, but has shifted to the wing-T offense for 2024.
COLEMAN PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Brayden Torres (1,560 passing yards, 17 TDs, 14 INTs / 425 rushing yards, 9 TDs), OL/DL Skyler Clark (44 tackles, 3 sacks), OL/LB Cutter Cody (95 tackles, 1 INT), RB/LB Anthony Espitia, WR/DB Braylon Stewart, RB/DB Blaine Bouldin,WR/DB Kelan Sikes, OL/DL Darren Hurtado, OL/LB Paul Salas, OL/DL Brooks Clippinger
EASTLAND PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/DE Cason Browning, TE/LB Cayden Alford, WR/LB Eddie Medina, RB/DE Isaac Castro, QB/DB Kye Herrington, RB/LB Brenden Foust, WR/DL Bandy Johnson, QB Isaiah Hays, ATH Griffin Beard
PREDICTION: Harris Ratings Weekly lists Coleman as a 1-point favorite.
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Grape Creek at San Saba
7 p.m. Friday
Seeking their first playoff berth since 2021 while residing in both a new district and new region, the San Saba Armadillos look to create early season momentum as they welcome the Grape Creek in the 2024 season opener. The District 14-2A Division I Armadillos finished with a 3-7 record last year but return six offensive and nine defensive starters. The District 4-3A Division II Eagles went just 2-8 in 2023.
SAN SABA PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR/DB Levi Glover, LB Winton Lackey, OL Layke Haynes, WR/DB Skyler Romero, RB Alex Estrada, RB Alex Aguirre, QB Luke Tharp
GRAPE CREEK PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/LB Sire Garcia, OL/DL Grayson Bond, WR/DB Angel Perez, OL/DL Lucan Clemons, FB/DT Budah Schkade, WR/DB Randy Rodriguez
PREDICTION: Harris Ratings Weekly lists San Saba as a 21-point favorite.
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Junction at Goldthwaite
7 p.m. Friday
The most experienced squad in head coach Andy Howard’s three seasons at Goldthwaite will take the field in the 2024 season, as Eagle Stadium will be renamed Gary Proffitt Stadium in honor of the former state championship head coach. The District 10-2A Division II Eagles return eight offensive and nine defensive starters from a 3-7 team a year ago, while the District 14-2A Division II Junction Eagles went to the playoff last season and posted a 6-5 overall record.
GOLDTHWAITE PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR/DB Luke Sanderson, OL/DL Jacob Ross, OL/DL Daniel Barrera, OL/DL Edmond Martinez, OL/DL Jack Wetzig
JUNCTION PLAYERS TO WATCH: ATH Aidan Cardwell, RB Korren Hoing, QB Chasen Doyal, OL/DL Sergio Ochoa, RB Koda Bierschwale
PREDICTION: Harris Ratings Weekly lists Goldthwaite as a 9-point underdog.
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Haskell at Cross Plains
7 p.m. Friday
The Cross Plains Buffaloes are looking to start their 2024 football campaign on a positive note, but face a stern test out of the gate in the District 6-2A Division II Haskell Indians. District 7-2A Division II Cross Plains is seeking its 10th straight trip to the playoffs following a 4-7 campaign in 2023, and could potentially meet up with Haskell, which recorded a 4-6 record a year ago, again in the postseason.
CROSS PLAINS PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB/DB Kade Purvis (854 passing yards, 5 TDs, 6 INTs / 124 rushing yards, 3 TDs), WR/DB Tyler Mackey (21-265, 3 TDs receiving / 40 tackles, 1 sacks, 1 INT), WR/LB Gray Albrecht (18-185 receiving / 40 tackles, 3 sacks), OL/DL Colt Sanderson (59 tackles, 14 for loss, 5 sacks), WR/DB Ryder Reed (46 tackles, 1 FR), OL/LB Bryson Barron (30 tackles)
HASKELL PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Haegen Pinkerton, OL/DL Caden West, RB/LB Montrel Johnson, WR/LB Colton Gober, WR/LB Avery DeLaCruz, WR/DB Zakeem Billington
PREDICTION: Harris Ratings Weekly lists Cross Plains as a 2-point underdog.
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Leakey Big Springs Charter at Richland Springs
7 p.m. Friday
The Class A Division II No. 2 Richland Springs came two fumbles and 4 yards away from playing for a 10th state championship in 2023, and an even more loaded roster in 2024 could result in a return trip to the Arlington. The Coyotes, who return five starters on each side of the ball from a 13-1 squad, open at home with Big Springs Charter, out of Leakey, is in its third season of football and did not win a game in 2023.
RICHLAND SPRINGS PLAYERS TO WATCH: Hutton Rogers, Billy Perry, Gage Behrens, Cohen Ethridge, Hudson Tharp, Jim Eckermann, Rush Norris, Ethan Deeds, EJ Davila
BIG SPRINGS CHARTER PLAYERS TO WATCH: Issac Pescina, Juan Mata, David Ramirez, Payton Buchanan, Trey Bustamante
PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Richland Springs as a 45-point favorite.
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Panther Creek at Priddy
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Priddy Pirates kick off their first UIL season of football at home against the Panther Creek Panthers are both teams to look to improve on their 2023 campaign. Priddy, which will compete in District 14-A Division II, finished with a 2-7 mark a year ago while Panther Creek, which has moved to District 15-A Division II, is coming off a 4-4 season.
PRIDDY PLAYERS TO WATCH: Brody Strew, Brazos Miller, Braxton Works, Trisitan Ojeda
PANTHER CREEK PLAYERS TO WATCH: Nathan Steffy, Cason Ainsworth, Aidan Patterson, Malachi Bentley, Caleb Hale, Caleb Story
PREDICTION: Sixmanfootball.com lists Priddy as a 7-point favorite.
