Week 1 Preview

The Boys of Fall Are Back

By Chris Boothe
Messenger Sports

The Boys of Fall are back. Young men across Texas are looking to reach immortality in the form of a State Championship trophy being hoisted at AT&T Stadium in December. While the road to the State Championship is long and full of tests, teams from across the state will begin that journey this week. Here is a rundown of this week’s action as we kick off the 2018 football season.

Grapeland Sandies (0-0, 0-0) vs. Milano Eagles (0-0, 0-0)
Friday, August 31, 7:30 pm
Sandie Stadium, Grapeland, TX

Regional qualifiers a year ago, the Grapeland Sandies are back and loaded for what appears could be a special season in Sandieland. The Sandies kick off their 2018 campaign at home against a Milano Eagle squad that also reached the Regional round of the playoffs before bowing out to State Semifinalist Burton.
Grapeland, led by a bevy of returning players like Rick Frauenberger, BJ Howard, and Bear Ackley, enter the game and season with a high powered offense and a seasoned defense. This could be the difference in a game against a Milano squad that found themselves ranked in the top-10 of class 2A a year ago.

Crockett Bulldogs (0-0, 0-0) vs. Buffalo Bison (0-0, 0-0)Friday, August 31, 7:30 pm
Buffalo Bison Stadium, Buffalo, TX

A near year and a clean slate, the Crockett Bulldogs have a fresh start entering the 2018 season. A strong group of returning players including collegiate prospect Allan Horace and the elusive Alton Owens, the Bulldogs have a bright outlook on the upcoming season. That all starts on Friday night with a trip to Buffalo to take on a physical Bison team.
A year ago the Bison powered to a 10-2 finish with a second round loss to West Rusk in the playoffs.

With a few returning stars of their own, the Bison are looking to get off to another hot start and cool down the Bulldogs preseason hopes.

#9 Lovelady Lions (0-0, 0-0) vs. Groveton Indians (0-0, 0-0)
Friday, August 31, 7:30 pm
John W Reynolds Athletic Complex, Groveton, TX

To start the season, some schools like to be tested, while others tend to warm up against a lesser squad. Lovelady and Groveton went a different route by jumping straight into the season with one of the fiercest rivalries in all of east Texas. The Lions and Indians will square off on Friday night in Groveton as the neighboring communities will wage battle once again.

Lovelady enters the season as the #9 team in class 2A-DII, after dropping from Division I a year ago. With a stable of skilled players returning, including Tim Johnson, Jay Thomas Robinson, and Seth Murray, the Lions will hit the road to take on Sam Stephens and the Indians.

Elkhart Elks (0-0, 0-0) vs. Centerville Tigers (0-0, 0-0)
Friday, August 31, 7:30 pm
Jerry Ives Memorial Stadium, Elkhart, TX

Jason Fiacco will make his Elkhart debut when the Elks host the Centerville Tigers on Friday night. The former Yoakum Offensive Coordinator will take the reins of an Elk squad that finished 3-7 after losing starting running back Jonathan Simmons three weeks into the season. Look for names like Ryan Lindsey, Bryson Adair, as well as a handful of underclassmen to step up and lead the charge against a talented Centerville team.

Palestine Wildcats (0-0, 0-0) vs. Connally Cadets (0-0, 0-0)

Friday, August 31, 7:30 pm
Mac Peoples Stadium, Waco, Tx

Last year the Palestine Wildcats came on strong and surprised a few teams along the way. This year, loaded with talent, the Wildcats will not be sneaking up on anyone on their schedule. First up will be a Connally team that sputtered to a 3-7 season a year ago with a very young roster. Now a year later, with a little more experience, the Cadets will look to open the season with a bang, and attempt to upset the favored Wildcats.

 

 

 

Westwood Panthers (0-0, 0-0) vs. Alto Yellowjackets (0-0, 0-0)
Friday, August 31, 7:30 pm
Westwood Panther Stadium, Palestine, TX

A new year and a new slate for the Westwood Panthers, who will look to bounce back from a 1-9 season a year ago. A new slate, but an old rival as the Alto Yellowjackets will open the season on the opposing sideline from the Panthers. Quarterback Dalton Brooks and running back Jordan Owens will have their hands full, but look for the Westwood duo to put up solid numbers against a good Alto defense.