SHALLOWATER VS ABERNATHY TO HIGHLIGHT A GREAT SLATE OF SMALL SCHOOL GAMES IN WEEK ONE

There is nothing like small school football in Texas, especially in the 806 as we have a plethora of Division One players this season like Isaiah Crawford and Zachary Courtney from Post, Jess Hoel from Abernathy and others! So, let’s look at the top small school games in the 806 for week one.

TRINITY CHRISTIAN VS NEW DEAL

FRIDAY, 7:00PM LION STADIUM

LUBBOCK, TX

This game, in my opinion, is one of the best games in West Texas this weekend. After getting to see both teams scrimmage the last couple of weeks, I have some thoughts. First, I really think New Deal has a shot to go pretty far this season. Haven’t got to talk the coaches, but from what I’ve seen, they are loaded and huge on both sides of the ball in 2021. Second, Trinity Christian will make a run in TAPPS this year. Led by Coach Spiller and one of the most electric players in West Texas in Class of 2023 Athlete, 6’4” 200lb Marcus Ramon-Edwards, the Lions should roar this fall and this will be a great game for the Lions to assess and get better.

WINNER- NEW DEAL

ABERNATHY VS SHALLOWATER

FRIDAY, 7:00PM

ABERNATHY, TX

This game should be an instant classic! I liked what I saw when I visited both teams on the Two-A-Days tour and both teams can make a run in 3A DI and 3A DII, respectively. Jess Hoel looks like a monster in his second season at the starting quarterback position for the Antelopes and Anthony White, along with Sean Rodriguez will anchor a stiff defense for the Antelopes as well. Now, people thought Shallowater may take a step back this season after their enormous roster turnover and the moving on of Coach Bryan Wood to Burnet, High School. But, after I got to see what Coach Vincent and Coach Brad Davis were up to, I think Shallowater will go further in the playoffs than last year’s great team! Game will come down to how both quarterbacks handle pressure and who wins the turnover battle.

WINNER- UNDECIDED

STRATFORD VS SPEARMAN

FRIDAY, 7:00PM

STRATFORD, TX

Now, strictly off numbers, Spearman should roll; and they probably will do that. But, to counter this opinion, Stratford is ALWAYS good. If the Elks want to win this game, they have to stay in front of the chains; Get ahead by a touchdown and slow the game down dramatically and pull it out at the end! There is one thing you don’t want to see if you’re rooting for Stratford: the prime time National recruit, Brenen Thompson, in the open field because if you do.. it’s over, in a hurry!

WINNER- SPEARMAN

RIVER ROAD VS ROOSEVELT

FRIDAY, 7:00PM WILDCAT STADIUM

AMARILLO, TX

This game will come down to the last possession! Roosevelt has some players that can make an immediate impact on both sides of the pigskin with JJ Diaz and Alex Trevino leading the way. River Road, to me, has one of the top small school lineman in Texas in Tate Upchurch! We talked when I went out to visit them on my tour and he is ready to lead the Wildcats to the postseason and be the leader Coach Bryan Welps needs this season. This matchup is another great game that will come down to who wins the trenches!

WINNER- UNDECIDED

FARWELL VS RALLS

FRIDAY, 7:00PM

FARWELL, TX

This game will have two teams that figure to make a run in their respective classes going at it in Farwell, Texas! Ralls is in the tough 2ADII bracket but the Jackrabbits have been pretty successful the last couple of years. Farwell is in a district (1-2A DI) where I feel the winner of the game between the Steers and Panhandle’s Panthers will win that district. Hats off to Ralls for their tough non-district schedule! After this heated game against Farwell, Clarendon will make their way to Ralls in a big game for week two that we will come see live!

WINNER- UNDECIDED

DIMMITT VS LITTLEFIELD

FRIDAY, 7:00PM BOBACT STADIUM

DIMMITT, TX

I’m pretty high on the Wildcats of Littlefield, led by my good friend, Jimmy Thomas! As he stated when I saw them on my tour, “A lot of teams are in trouble on our schedule.” I believe that! Now, is Dimmitt one of those teams? I really don’t know as I haven’t got to see the Bobcats as of yet this fall. Dimmitt has a new head coach and outlook this fall and they are in one of the toughest districts in the state in 3-3A DII. This game will tell me two things quickly; how far Littlefield has come, and how far they have to go this fall to compete in a tough district with the likes of Bushland and Muleshoe in there with them!

WINNER- LITTLEFIELD

PANHANDLE VS CHILDRESS

FRIDAY, 7:00PM PANTHER STADIUM

PANHANDLE, TX

Now, here’s a great question: Who’s getting pizza for everyone at Panther Pizza after the game? (Shameless Plug) Ok, now to the game. Both of these teams figure to make it at least to the Third Round of the Texas High School Football playoffs and this was a great scheduling game for both teams! Landyn Hack and Collin Bishop are two great Panhandle quarterbacks for the Panthers and Bobcats this fall and both could have All-State seasons and have next-level offers secured before their Senior seasons. Childress looks to be the favorite here, but I wouldn’t count out Panhandle and Coach Ashley because one thing is for sure; the Panthers will bring the physicality!

WINNER- UNDECIDED

Other Games in 3A/2A

Brownfield vs Friona

Smyer vs Lubbock Christian

Sundown vs Muleshoe

Idalou vs Denver City

Post vs Tolar (at Jim Ned HS)

Bushland vs Brock (Nuetral site)

Lamesa vs SA Lakeview

Gruver vs Texhoma

Ropes vs Lockney

Clarendon vs Seymour

Slaton vs Snyder

(Covered by Henry Camargo for 806hssc)

Highland Park vs Vega

Booker vs Wheeler

Seagraves vs Hale Center

Wellington vs Duncan

New Home vs Compass Academy

Tulia vs Floydada

Crosbyton vs Shamrock

Canadian vs West Texas

Boys Ranch vs Bovina

Olton vs Sudan

Tahoka vs Plains