The Texas High School football season officially gets underway Thursday through Saturday with games loaded up all across the state. Take a look at how the Press Pass Sports team of Lance Lahnert, Lee Passmore, Craig Sperry and Kale Steed see Week 1 playing out with teams involved across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains.
THURSDAY’S GAMES
Class 5A
Lubbock Estacado (0-0) vs. Lubbock High (0-0), 7 p.m., Plains Capital Park at Lowrey Field
Opening-season games are tough to figure out with so many players making their Friday Nights debut. In this one, Estacado simply has more firepower than a Bo-less Lubbock High. … Estacado 35, Lubbock High 14
Class 2A
Hooker, Okla. (0-0) at Gruver (0-0), 7 p.m.
The new-look Greyhounds have high expectations following back-to-back runs to the UIL Class 2A Division II state semifinals. QB Jett Pittman makes his debut for Gruver taking over for three-year starter Briggs Satterfield, and he will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. The Bulldogs are always a very good Oklahoma team, but the Greyhounds are too much. … Gruver 35, Hooker 19.
Sunray (0-0) at Stratford (0-0), 7 p.m.
These two teams are no stranger to each other and have had some intense battles in the past. The Elks are eager to usher in a new era under new head coach Stacey Alexander, who inherits a loaded group of returners. … Stratford 42, Sunray 20.
CLASS 1A
Memphis (0-0) at Benjamin (0-0), 6 p.m.
Most people would see that the Cyclones moved down from 11-man to Six-Man and expect them to dominate. However, that’s not quite how it works. Benjamin has won a ton of games over the last several years and despite a new coach and their best player going to Gordon, the Mustangs still know how to win. … Benjamin 48, Memphis 27.
Amarillo FFC (0-0) at Wildorado (0-0), 7 p.m.
Last year was a rough season for Wildorado as they went 0-10 but the Lions weren’t much better as they finished the year at 1-9. Something has to give as both teams will look for a much-needed win to start the year. Mustangs new coach DJ Howell knows how to win and his squad gets their first win since 2024. … Wildorado 36, Amarillo FFC 27.
Follett (0-0) at Holy Cross Catholic Academy (0-0), 7 p.m., at Glenwood Park
Veteran coach Bryan Welps leads the Mustangs now so you can guarantee they will be disciplined and ready to go. The Panthers don’t have the same talent level that we used to seeing out of a Follett squad but the cupboard’s not bare either. … Follett 56, Holy Cross Catholic Academy 20.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
CLASS 5A
Palo Duro (0-0) vs. Amarillo High (0-0), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
The oldest Amarillo city rivalry plays out for the 67th time. Recent history rides with the Dons. PD won the last two meetings in 2024 and 2025 after losing 17 in a row to AHS. The 2026 Dons are loaded with offensive weapons like QB Deuce Reece, WR and Texas commit Kyron Brown and RB Raymond Johnson V. Early on this season AHS will hang its hat on defense with graduation decimating the Sandies at the skill positions. Might be close early on but not when the clock hits 0:00. … Palo Duro 38, Amarillo High 17.
Caprock (0-0) at Pampa (0-0) 7 p.m., Zach Thomas Stadium at Harvester Field
Rock coach Rowdy Freeman enters year four with his best skill players and a team hungry to make noise in District 2-5A DI this year. Pampa is improved from last year’s one-win season. Still, the Horns start 2026 in a big way. … Caprock 28, Pampa 7.
Tascosa (0-0) at Odessa Permian (0-0), 7 p.m., Ratliff Stadium
Tascosa will be put to the test from a Mojo team coming off an 11-win season and returning 13 starters. The Rebs lost a close one to Permian last year 23-21. Tascosa has so many new faces it will be tall order to pull off this road win. … Permian 24, Tascosa 14.
Lubbock Monterey (0-0) vs. Lubbock Coronado (0-0), 7 p.m., Plains Capital Park at Lowrey Field
These two Lubbock rivals meet for the 61st consecutive year. Strange to not see them in the same district. For now, Monterey is just too good for a Coronado program coming off a 1-9 season. Monterey returning QB Jonah Reed will open 2026 in a big way. … Monterey 42, Coronado 7.
Lubbock-Cooper Liberty (0-0) vs. Frenship Memorial (0-0), 7 p.m., Peoples Bank Stadium
The hype will be real for this one with Memorial playing its first varsity football game in school history. But Liberty is flat out loaded with 15 starters back from last year’s 10-2 team. … Liberty 49, Memorial 14.
Frenship (0-0) at Lubbock-Cooper (0-0), 7 p.m., Pirate Stadium: This is one of the more interesting opening matchups of the 5A night. Frenship begins life in 5A with the shift from Class 6A. Cooper is led by coach Chip Darden, one of the best in the 806 regardless of classification. I don’t see a wild ride like last year’s 57-56 win by Cooper. But I do see a close one, again. … Frenship 31, Cooper 28.
– Lance Lanhert
CLASS 4A
West Plains (0-0) at Wall (0-0), 7 p.m.
It was assured that new West Plains coach Jeff Lofton wouldn’t ease into his new post to get started when this game was originally scheduled. Wall is the Class 3A Division II defending state champion coming off a 16-0 season. While the Hawks, graduate a lot of talent from last year, West Plains is largely wiped clean of the nucleus which propelled the Wolves to surprising success in their first four seasons as a program. Lofton will keep the culture the same, even if it means tough games like this. … Wall 28, West Plains 14.
Canyon (0-0) at Snyder (0-0), 7 p.m.
At the opposite end of the new coaching spectrum at Canyon ISD, Matt Lovorn takes over for his first full season at the helm of the Eagles. While Canyon is also making a long road trip, Snyder doesn’t present as imposing an opening foe, as the Tigers are coming off a winless season. This game looks like an opportunity for the Eagles to literally get grounded and establish their running attack with quarterback Brox Hacker and running backs Austin and Levi Turner, as well as establish some depth. … Canyon 34, Snyder 7.
Roswell, N.M. (0-0) at Randall (0-0), 7 p.m., Happy State Bank Stadium
Randall have the luxury of playing by Texas rules against an out of state opponent to open the season, giving the Raiders another built in edge at home. They have plenty of returning talent on offense, led by running back Drayden Ray, so home fans should not only go home happy but be entertained. Roswell is an annual contender and shouldn’t be a pushover, but the Coyotes might do well to remember they’ll have the rules edge when they host Randall next season. … Randall 40, Roswell 21.
Hereford (0-0) at Borger (0-0), 7 p.m.
Two new coaches will make their debuts in this one, as Hereford’s Matt Medley takes his team to meet Borger and coach Jesus Villasenor. Borger should have a lot of incentive in this one as the Bulldogs are looking to start a new era at home on the right foot after a winless 2025. Hereford’s also trying to find an identity, but the Whitefaces have a definite personnel edge and the best athlete on the field in wide receiver Brix Manchen, so they get a big nod. … Hereford 34, Borger 13.
Las Cruces, N.M. (0-0) at Dumas (0-0), 7 p.m.
Yet another New Mexico school visiting a Texas Panhandle school to kick things off for both teams in 2026. Dumas has a legitimate shot to make some noise this season with a skilled offense led by four-year starting quarterback Colton Mills, one of the top passers in the area. Opening at home will give the Demons a major edge against a team facing a long road trip, and again, playing under some unfamiliar Texas rules. … Dumas 42, Las Cruces 20.
Plainview (0-0) at Levelland (0-0), 7 p.m.
Plainview drops down to 4A to face another program established in 4A on the road in one of the week’s more intriguing matchups. As the bigger school, Plainview looks to have the personnel edge as the Bulldogs always have at least a few capable playmakers on both sides of the ball. Levelland will enjoy a home-field advantage to open the season which makes things interesting, but numbers give Plainview a slight edge. … Plainview 24, Levelland 14.
Dalhart (0-0) at Perryton (0-0), 7 p.m.
This could be a high-scoring game taking into consideration that Perryton has one of the top passing combos in the area featuring quarterback Cooper Schilling and wide receiver Gordo Estrada. However, Dalhart returns seven starters on defense so it shouldn’t be a cakewalk either way. Opening at home definitely gives Perryton an edge and the Rangers will take advantage of it, but Dalhart will make it interesting. … Perryton 21, Dalhart 16.
Bushland (0-0) at Seminole (0-0), 7 p.m.
These teams have serious postseason aspirations and this interclass season opener will provide a test for both of them. Bushland’s Kannon Aven might be the most overlooked good quarterback in the area and could raise his profile starting with this one. Seminole’s Buddha Guerra can make plays all over the field on offense and will get the ball a lot. That and home-field give the Indians the edge. … Seminole 27, Bushland 19.
– Lee Passmore
CLASS 3A
Shallowater (0-0) at Childress (0-0), 7 p.m.
How bout this one for a season opener. The Mustangs are locked and loaded at the skill position and the Bobcats are wanting to defend the home turf. The heat and the sun is brutal at Fair Park Stadium in late August and Childress always plays at another level at home. This will be a good test for both. … Shallowater 34, Childress 21.
Sweetwater (0-0) at Idalou (0-0), 7 p.m.
The talk around the state, is the Wildcats are the real deal. With a run to the state quarterfinals and a veteran team back, it’s easy to see why. Idalou cruises in the opener. … Idalou 35, Sweetwater 14.
Friona (0-0) at Muleshoe (0-0), 7 p.m.
Longtime rivals meet up in a rare season opener at Benny Douglas Stadium in Muleshoe in what should be a packed house. It’s hard to tell this early what both teams will look like, but the Mules have the best player on the field in do-it-all standout Josue Sigala. Bank on that for the W. … Muleshoe 29, Friona 20.
Sanford-Fritch (0-0) at River Road (0-0), 7 p.m.
In this opener last year, the Eagles stunned River Road with a lopsided victory. Head coach Brandon Bennett would love to see another fast start for his team. … Fritch 22, River Road 21.
Panhandle (0-0) at Canadian (0-0), 7 p.m.
Two teams with great tradition and love to spread it out. The main question will be is can the Panthers hang with the Wildcats tempo. … Canadian 35, Panhandle 21.
Sundown (0-0) at Dimmitt (0-0), 7 p.m.
There is a buzz around the Bobcats program that hasn’t been there in some time. However, this is a tough opener. Sundown is always physical and loves to run the football. This should be a good one. … Sundown 27, Dimmitt 23.
New Home (0-0) at Slaton (0-0), 7 p.m.
Here’s a great one to watch on the South Plains between two small school’s that want to make a major impact by seasons end. The Leopards have to reload after the loss of key seniors, while the Tigers are built on speed. … Slaton 28, New Home 27.
Lamesa (0-0) at Littlefield (0-0), 7 p.m.
The Tornadoes saw a lot of turnover in the coaching staff over the off-season. The Wildcats are hungry after injuries took a huge toll in the late stages of their season a year ago. … Littlefield 40, Lamesa 19.
Olton (0-0) at Lubbock Roosevelt (0-0), 7 p.m.
The Mustangs are riding a lot of momentum from a strong summer. The Eagles are trying to get the pieces in place under head coach Carter Robinson. … Olton 28, Roosevelt 22.
– Kale Steed
CLASS 2A
Denver City (0-0) at Abernathy (0-0), 7 p.m.
The Antelopes have a lot of intrigue heading into the 2026 season. New head coach Keith Bloskas breathes in new life, Abernathy boasts one of the most explosive players in Caden Bird and add in move in Ranger Carroll from Stratford and there is a lot of positives. … Abernathy 28, Denver City 21.
New Deal (0-0) at Farwell (0-0), 7 p.m.
Last year’s opener was cut short due to inclement weather, so let’s hope that’s not the case this time around. The Lions and Steers are two proud programs that follow very similar paths. This will be a fun one. … New Deal 26, Farwell 21.
Wheeler (0-0) at Highland Park (0-0), 7 p.m.
The Hornets are a team with something to prove with 13 starters returning. Head coach Ty Stout has done a great job and hopes this is a year that his team can make some strides. Wheeler lost some huge pieces on both sides of the ball, but QB Israel Andrade is the real deal. … Wheeler 27, Highland Park 13.
Spearman (0-0) at Wellington (0-0), 7 p.m.
Here’s one to watch for. Two teams with major expectations and are wanting to prove themselves. Both teams will want to control the line of scrimmage and establish early dominance to get the upper-hand. … Wellington 30, Spearman 28.
Bovina (0-0) at Floydada (0-0), 7 p.m.
The Mustangs have a lot of momentum after a tremendous ending to the 2026 season while the Whirlwinds look to veteran coach Jeff Smith to rebuild the program. … Bovina 36, Floydada 16.
Tulia (0-0) at West Texas High (0-0), 7 p.m.
Two new head coaches take the field at Comanches Stadium on Friday. Former Caprock baseball coach and football assistant, Trevor Cordova, has the Hornets headed in a positive direction. For WT High, Hunter Ashley takes over a Comanche team coming off a historic 14-win season and run to the state semifinals. … WT High 40, Tulia 20.
Vega (0-0) at Clarendon (0-0), 7 p.m.
Both programs struggled last season and are looking for a fast start. Give the edge to the Longhorns in this competitive opener. … Vega 22, Clarendon 20.
Shamrock (0-0) vs. Winters (0-0), 7 p.m., Panthers Stadium, Seymour
The Irish have quite the duo in QB Jace Moon and WR Cross Stambaugh, but head coach Nate Skelton’s team will need other players to step up. throughout the year. … Shamrock 36, Winters 27.
– Kale Steed
CLASS 1A
Silverton (0-0) at Dora, N.M. (0-0), 6 p.m.
A solid group of returning starters for the Owls look to take the next step and grab a playoff berth after losing two district games by one point each last year. The Coyotes didn’t win a game last year and they start off with more of the same this year. … Silverton 60, Dora 18.
Miami (0-0) at Booker (0-0), 7 p.m.
Arguably the best team in the area last year, the Warriors lost a lot of talent to graduation so they have plenty of holes to fill. The number one task for the defense will be tracking down the Kiowas super sophomore, Axel Valdivia. That task won’t be easy as Booker cruises in this win. … Booker 66, Miami 20.
San Jacinto Christian Academy (0-0) at Amarillo PCHEA (0-0), 7 p.m.
Amarillo PCHEA has gotten better each year so this could be a tough one for the Patriots. This game may be sneaky good but San Jacinto Christian Academy pulls it out late. … San Jacinto Christian Academy 48, Amarillo PCHEA 44.
Nazareth (0-0) at Happy (0-0), 7 p.m.
They don’t make opening games better than this one. On paper, the Swifts are the obvious choice but these two teams just don’t like each other. Never have and never will. The Cowboy Corral will be a great setting for an intense rivalry that has spanned decades but a deeper roster will win out in the end. … Nazareth 56, Happy 38.
Claude (0-0) at Motley County (0-0), 7 p.m.
One of the best matchups across the state as the Mustangs head south to play a Mike Bigham led team that ranked No. 1 in the state and will be looking to make a statement. Claude’s Trapper Godfrey going up against Motley County’s Culley Lawrence will be worth the price of admission alone but both sides have a ton of talent. In the end, the Matadors are just hard to beat on home soil. … Motley County 62, Claude 52.
White Deer (0-0) at Groom (0-0), 7 p.m.
It was a rough season for the Tigers last year and new head coach Jordan Parsons would love to get things started in the right direction this year. He doesn’t have numbers but Jake and Davis Babcock will keep them competitive. For White Deer, the backfield is completely changed from last year but the Bucks always seem to find a strong running attack. … White Deer 46, Groom 38.
West Texas Tornadoes (0-0) at McLean (0-0), 7 p.m.
First-year head coach Justin Hilliard has been playing his cards close to the vest in scrimmages and I don’t expect him to reveal much Friday night either. The Tigers should be the better team on the field so he shouldn’t need to show much to future opponents. … McLean 52, West Texas Tornadoes 6.
Boys Ranch (0-0) at Kress (0-0), 7 p.m.
Defense. That’s the key to the season for the Roughriders. If Boys Ranch can find ways to stop teams, the Roughriders high-flying offense will do the rest. The Kangaroos bring back a wealth of talent back in the backfield so they may look to ground and pound their way to victory. … Boys Ranch 70, Kress 42.
Lazbuddie (0-0) at Hart (0-0), 7 p.m.
Despite going 8-2 a season ago, Hart was unable to nab a playoff spot. This year, the Longhorns move down to Division II and return a strong corp of players looking to end the playoff drought. … Hart 56, Lazbuddie 13.
Springlake-Earth (0-0) at Petersburg (0-0), 7 p.m.
For Wolverines head coach Juan Salas, replacing Froylan Agundiz will be his biggest task this year. The lefty was a huge part of the offense but Bryan Longoria returns to help establish a strong running game. The Buffaloes will look to get Demetrius Mendez the ball early and often but Springlake-Earth always has a tough defense and that will be enough to win this one. … Springlake-Earth 46, Petersburg 38.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
CLASS 1A
Lefors (0-0) vs. Knox City (0-0), 3 p.m., at Jayton
Playing the mid-afternoon game at the Gridiron Classic in Jayton isn’t for the faint of heart. The temperature is expected to be 102 and the turf will feel even hotter. Pirates head coach Brendan Fisk really likes this squad but they draw an underrated Greyhounds team led by Zander Abila. The senior running back is fast and strong and that will be difference in this one. … Knox City 68, Lefors 40.
Sands (0-0) vs. Valley (0-0), 5:30 p.m., at Jayton
This is set to be one of the best games at the Gridiron Classic with the Mustangs returning every starter on both sides of the ball led by Gordo Solis. The dynamic running back is extremely hard to stop but the Patriots have their own version of Solis in Damian Valdes. The senior may not be quite the runner but he’s an excellent lead blocker and tough as nails defender. Grab your popcorn for this one as it will be a doozy. … Sands 48, Valley 46.
