Tascosa’s Joseph Plunk, left, and Amarillo High’s Davin Lemmons are two of the top talents in the Texas Panhandle. [John Moore/ Press Pass Sports]
The game: Tascosa Rebels (1-0) vs. Amarillo High Sandies (0-1).
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Dick Bivins Stadium.
The matchup: It’s the prestigious 63rd meeting of this historic city rivalry Friday night at what should be a packed Dick Bivins Stadium. The Sandies hold the all-time advantage, 40-19-3, but as years have shown, records don’t mean much when these two enemies clash. AHS stunned the Rebels last year 28-21, a game Tascosa coach Ken Plunk and his team haven’t forgotten.
This years game is very similar to last. The Rebels are the favorite after seeing the Sandies offense sputter last week. But, until the clock hits 0:00 after four quarters, one never really knows.
Canyon won the inaugural GOAT game last season. Randall leads the all-time series, 13-9. [Provided photo]
The game: Canyon Eagles (1-0) vs. Randall Raiders (1-0).
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Where: Happy State Bank Field at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium.
The matchup: Canyon ISD athletic director Toby Tucker brought new life to this rivalry when he introduced the #GOAT. Yes, the winner of Canyon and Randall play for the bragging rights of a tin Goat. It was a bold move by Tucker that became an instant hit with both schools. Canyon holds a 1-0 advantage in the #GOAT game, however, Randall has a 13-9 all-time series lead.
This game will come down to defenses. Can the Eagles shut down the Raiders run, and can the Raiders defense slow down the Eagles high-octane offense.
West Texas High QB and Stratford RB Iuden Romero are two players to watch Friday night. [Michael Kerrigan & John Moore/ Press Pass Sports]
The game: West Texas High Comanches (0-1) at Stratford Elks (1-0).
When: 7 p.m.
Where: E.L. Sam Bass Stadium.
The matchup: Don’t think for one second Stratford has forgotten the whoopin’ West Texas High put on the Elks last year, 42-7. The Elks are farther ahead where they were last season, and the game is on the snails‘ grass at E.L. Sam Bass Stadium. Will that play a role? The Comanches showed grit hanging with state-ranked Canadian last week. WT High is explosive, and have the speed to scare anyone. The Elks will have to control the ball and the clock in this one.
Wheeler’s Hesston Marshall breaks loose for a touchdown against Shamrock last year. [Hale Hughes/ For Press Pass Sports]
The game: Wheeler Mustangs (1-0) vs. Hamlin Pied Pipers (1-0).
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where:Fair Park Stadium, Childress.
The matchup: Is this a Class 2A Region II playoff preview? It easily could be. Wheeler advanced to the regional round of the playoffs last year while the Pied Pipers were a state quarterfinalist. For Mustangs head coach Chris Evans, this is a great test to see if his team is in the upper echelon when it comes to the top dogs of Region II. This game being played in Childress gives it an even a bigger postseason feel.
Notable games to watch
Midland Greenwood (1-0) at Hereford (1-0), 7 p.m. Friday, Whiteface Stadium.
Lubbock Estacado (1-0) at Pampa (1-0), 7 p.m. Friday, Harvesters Field.
Dalhart (1-0) at Bushland (1-0), 7 p.m. Friday, Falcons Stadium
River Road (0-1) at Canadian (1-0), 7 p.m. Friday, Wildcats Stadium.
Vega (1-0) at Boys Ranch (0-1), 7 p.m. Friday, Roughriders Stadium.
