The Texas High School football continues with a full slate of Week 2 games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains. Take a look at how the Press Pass Sports team of Lance Lahnert, Lee Passmore, Craig Sperry and Kale Steed see it shaking out.
THURSDAY’S GAMES
CLASS 5A
Palo Duro (0-1) vs. Caprock (1-0), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
Amarillo city rivalry time as these two meet for the 56th time. I don’t care if it was the Dallas Cowboys PD faced after that frustrating opening nigh against Amarillo High. The Dons were going to win a game. … Palo Duro 38, Caprock 14.
Lubbock High (0-1) vs. Lubbock Coronado (0-1), 7 p.m. Plains Capital Park at Lowrey Field, Lubbock
What looked like a snoozer two weeks ago suddenly is a game peeking my interest with both schools putting up good stuff last week in losses. Coronado had Monterey on the ropes before falling. Lubbock High gave Estacado fits early before losing some steam. Look for a good one here. … Coronado 31, Lubbock High 21.
CLASS 4A
Frenship Memorial (0-1) at West Plains (0-1), 7 p.m.
There couldn’t be a better example of the new kids on the block taking on newer kids and showing them how it’s done. Both teams took their lumps defensively in losing their season openers last week, as West Plains lost a shootout to Wall 42-35, and Memorial made its varsity debut with a 49-14 rout by Lubbock Cooper-Liberty, another young school. The Wolves are playing their first home game under new coach Jeff Lofton, giving them plenty of incentive. They showed something last week, and it pays off this week. … West Plains 38, Memorial 14.
CLASS 1A
Wildorado (1-0) at San Jacinto Christian Academy (2-0), 7 p.m.
A win last week for the Mustangs is exactly what this team needed to start the year. Unfortunately, they are moving up in competition as San Jacinto looks to make noise in the private school as the Patriots are sitting just outside the top 10 rankings. … San Jacinto Christian Academy 52, Wildorado 6.
Wellman-Union (1-0) at Silverton (1-0), 7 p.m.
Nothing would be sweeter for the Owls than a two-game winning streak to start the year but this is an improved Wildcats club brimming with confidence. If Silverton can make this a slugfest they will have a chance. … Wellman-Union 52, Silverton 27.
Boys Ranch (1-0) at Lazbuddie (0-1), 7 p.m.
After a lopsided win over Kress, the Roughriders will look to inflict more scoring on the Longhorns. Isaac Acosta and Cord’e Jackson make a great duo and the defense is much improved. … Boys Ranch 66, Lazbuddie 12.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
CLASS 5A
Cleveland, N.M., (2-0) at Amarillo High (1-0), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
Man, did AHS ever open eyes with that win over PD last week. The Sandies have a legit D and an offense already knowing it’s personality – pound the rock and take care of the ball. Cleveland brings in hefty credentials already owning two wins, coming off last year’s Class 6A state championship and having scored 34 points or more in 14 of its last 15 games. AHS made me a believer last week. If AHS brings the same energy and attitude as last week some how, some way The Sandstorm will beat The Storm. … AHS 31, Cleveland 30.
Tascosa (0-1) at Canyon (1-0), 7 p.m., Happy State Bank Stadium
I’m surprised this is only the ninth all-time meeting between Canyon and Tascosa. Last week’s results left this one with an interesting tag. Canyon put a beat down on Andrews piling up 59 points. Tascosa losing to Permian is no shame in that game, but giving up a TD to MOJO on their first offensive play meant for a long, long night at the office. Can Canyon defend the Flexbone? Can Tascosa flex its 5A speed on 4A Canyon? … Canyon 24, Tascosa 21.
Randall (1-0) at Wichita Falls Memorial (1-0), 7 p.m., Memorial Stadium
Randall can win a shootout with it putting up 50 points against Roswell in Hendrix Funk’s first career start at QB. This will be a shootout. … Randall 45, Memorial 42.
Abilene Wylie (0-1) at Lubbock Monterey (1-0), 7 p.m., Plains Capital Park at Lowrey Field
Last week, Monterey scored with 25 seconds remaining to escape with a win over surprising Coronado. Meanwhile, Wylie failed to score points on three trips inside the 10-yard line against Brownwood in a 13-7 loss. Tight one. … Monterey 21, Wylie 14.
Lubbock-Cooper Liberty (1-0) at Frenship (1-0), 7 p.m., Peoples Bank Stadium
This week 2 game is one of the top ones in the state. These are two very good football teams riding high off impressive opening-season wins. Frenship still plays with 6A mentality and that’s enough to win this one. … Frenship 31, Liberty 28.
Midland Greenwood (1-0) at Lubbock-Cooper (0-1), 7 p.m., Pirate Stadium
Man, a real puzzler. Cooper has so many questions after the hefty loss to Frenship. Greenwood had the nice win over Jim Ned and has won 24 of the last 27 times it has taken the field. … Greenwood 28. Cooper 14.
– Lance Lahnert
Last week: 6-1 (.857)
Season: 6-1 (.857)
CLASS 4A
Dumas (0-1) at Plainview (0-1), 7 p.m.
Another case of teams whose defenses took beatings in their openers, as Dumas suffered a surprising 42-14 loss at home to Las Cruces, N.M. and Plainview lost a 49-34 shootout at Levelland. Homefield advantage could work in Plainview’s favor this week, but Dumas is unlikely to struggle on both sides of the ball the way the Demons did last week. Both teams have a sense of urgency and something to prove, but more experience and four-year starter Colton Mills at quarterback tilt things toward Dumas. … Dumas 28, Plainview 23.
Hereford (1-0) at Friona (1-0), 7 p.m.
By contrast, this one’s a clash between two teams coming off impressive opening wins, as Hereford routed Borger on the road and Friona did the same at Muleshoe. These teams could use all the confidence they can get to build momentum toward district play, making this one more interesting than it might seem on the surface. With Hereford being 4A and Friona 3A, depth will be a key in the early season heat, and the Whitefaces figure to use more fresh bodies, giving them the edge. … Hereford 34, Friona 19.
Pampa (0-1) at Dalhart (1-0), 7 p.m.
These two teams opened against bigger schools last week with contrasting results. Pampa’s offense struggled early in losing to Class 5A Caprock, while 3A Dalhart pulled off a big road win against 4A Perryton. Dalhart would appear to have all the momentum heading into this one with victory to carry into the home opener for the Wolves. Pampa, though, may have learned some valuable lessons from last week’s loss, giving the Harvesters plenty of incentive to grow. … Pampa 21, Dalhart 20.
Borger (0-1) at Dimmitt (1-0), 7 p.m.
It would appear that these two teams are headed in opposite directions following their respective season openers. Borger is looking to generate any kind of momentum following a winless 2025 and a rout at home by Hereford to open the season, and Dimmitt returns significant talent and routed Sundown last week. Dimmitt presents plenty of problems offensively, and while Borger should improve this week, it won’t be enough to break the losing streak. … Dimmitt 37, Borger 25.
Seminole (1-0) at Shallowater (1-0), 7 p.m.
This could be one of the more interesting games of the week, and certainly has the potential to light up both sides of the scoreboard. Both South Plains schools are perennial playoff teams and are solid favorites to win their respective districts, making this one tough to call. Since it’s the home opener for Shallowater, give the Mustangs the slightest of edges in what figures to be an entertaining game. … Shallowater 34, Seminole 30.
Hugoton, Kan. (0-0) at Perryton (0-1), 7 p.m.
Perryton might be considered an early enigma since the Rangers fell 27-20 to Dalhart at home in last week’s season opener. This week is Hugoton’s season opener and the Eagles will have to cross two state lines to face Perryton. The Rangers are game-tested and home again, and two disappointing results in a row on their own field doesn’t appear likely. … Perryton 35, Hugoton 15.
Lubbock Estacado (1-0) at Sweetwater (0-1), 7 p.m.
These teams have strong postseason hopes but had quite opposite results last week, as Estacado routed fellow Lubbock ISD school Lubbock High, and Sweetwater was routed by Idalou. Another high-scoring game looks possible with the returning talent on both sides, so the key will be who can come up with stops, and Estacado has the edge. … Estacado 27, Sweetwater 21.
– Lee Passmore
Last week: 5-3 (.625)
Season: 5-3 (.625)
CLASS 3A
Childress (0-1) at Iowa Park (0-1), 7 p.m.
Both teams are coming off tough opening losses. The Bobcats did some good things against Shallowater in the opener and just need to make some adjustments to find the win column. … Childress 35, Iowa Park 26.
Idalou (1-0) at Monahans (1-0), 7 p.m.
Another case of annual contenders coming off strong wins to open the season, as Idalou thumped Sweetwater 31-6 and Monahans beat Stanton 36-12. These teams figure to provide a much-needed early season test for each other, making this an intriguing matchup. … Idalou 38, Monahans 27.
Littlefield (1-0) at Denver City (1-0), 7 p.m.
Expect a track meet in Denver City on Friday. The Wildcats posted 60 on Lamesa in the season opener while the Mustangs outlasted Abernathy 49-44 in their opener last week. These two teams like to push the pace. … Littlefield 45, Denver City 40.
Canadian (1-0) at Bushland (0-1), 7 p.m.
One of the best small school non-district rivalries rekindles at Falcons Stadium on Friday. The Wildcats offense looked tremendous against Panhandle last week. The Falcons defense struggled against Seminole but don’t expect that same result this week. Also, look for Bushland to QB Parker Hall for a different look to manage the offense. This will be a dandy. … Canadian 35, Bushland 28.
Muleshoe (0-1) at Lamesa (0-1), 7 p.m.
It wasn’t the start either team was looking for last week with both taking lopsided losses in their respective season openers. Let’s go with the Mules to bounce back. … Muleshoe 36, Lamesa 14.
Tulia (0-1) at River Road (1-0), 7 p.m.
What a comeback for River Road last week. Trailing by double-digits, head coach Aaron Wampler’s team found a way late to rally past Sanford-Fritch. QB Joseph Trevino can sling it for the Hornets and will have to keep the Wildcat secondary on their toes. This one may also come down to the fourth quarter. … Tulia 29, River Road 21.
– Kale Steed
Last week: 6-3 (.666)
Season: 6-3 (.666)
CLASS 2A
Lubbock Roosevelt (0-1) at New Deal (1-0), 7 p.m.
Look for the Lions to roar once more and move to 2-0. … New Deal 35, Roosevelt 13.
Clarendon (0-1) at Sanford-Fritch (0-1), 7 p.m.
Both teams could easily be 1-0 instead of 0-1. Let’s see who is ready to rebound and get their first W. … Sanford-Fritch 23, Clarendon 20.
Sunray (0-1) at Vega (1-0), 7 p.m.
The Bobcats were beat up in more ways than one against Stratford last week. Look for Vega running back Omar Segovia to have another big outing. … Vega 37, Sunray 20.
Gruver (1-0) at Spearman (0-1), 7 p.m.
A lot of eyes will be on Hansford County for a great rivalry with two towns that don’t have a lot of love for one another. The Greyhounds have gotten the better of the Lynx of late and Spearman is ready to put an end to it. These two teams play at a completely different pace. Whoever can play their game and takes over the second half wins. … Gruver 28 Spearman 13.
Highland Park (0-1) at Hale Center (1-0), 7 p.m.
The Owls are coming off a very emotional win last week at Seymour. The Hornets took their lumps and want to see some improvement after being blanked by Wheeler. I think Highland Park shows that improvement but the Owls prevail. … Hale Center 33, Highland Park 12.
Stratford (1-0) at Panhandle (0-1), 7 p.m.
What a game to be at. Two small school powers with high expectations meeting up for an early season showdown. A year ago, the Panthers embarrassed the Elks on this same field 61-19. Those Stratford returners haven’t forgotten that. … Stratford 34, Panhandle 30.
Texico, N.M. (2-0) at Farwell (0-1), 7 p.m.
The rivalry of two towns separated by a state line and a train track is back. The Steers stumbled late in a loss to New Deal last week. The Wolverines are off to a hot start and had a solid win over Sudan. This one won’t disappoint. … Texico 24, Farwell 21.
Abernathy (0-1) at Seagraves (1-0), 7 p.m.
It has to be frustrating for a team like Abernathy to post 44 points and put up 494 yards of offense and take an L, but that’s exactly what happened to the Antelopes in their season opener to Denver City. You know this week was about tightening the defense against another talented team in Seagraves. … Abernathy 35, Seagraves 31.
Ropes (0-0) at New Home (0-1), 7 p.m.
A lot of football fans have been highly awaiting to see what the Ropes Eagles are going to look like. They have been a South Plains darling with all the noise in the offseason. This is a very tough opener against an always talented Leopards team that got beat up against Slaton in the opener. … Ropes 42, New Home 21.
Bovina (1-0) at Tahoka (1-0), 7 p.m.
Head coach Wade Wilson and the Mustangs picked up where they left off last season and are wanting a 2-0 start. A long road trip toward the South Plains won’t be easy but Bovina gets it done. … Bovina 28, Tahoka 22.
West Texas High (1-0) at Shamrock (1-0), 7 p.m.
The Comanches have something cooking on offense with QB Brady Layne and TE Zach Bryant. … West Texas High 45, Shamrock 14.
Oklahoma City Knights (0-0) at Wheeler (1-0), 7 p.m.
This game came about very quickly. I don’t know much about the Knights, but I know the Mustang defense is legit. … Wheeler 45, OKC 6.
Vernon (0-1) at Wellington (1-0), 7 p.m.
The Skyrockets have never been intimidated by playing up a classification and they won’t be against the Lions. I like Wellington this season and I like them in this one. … Wellington 23, Vernon 21.
– Kale Steed
Last week: 9-1 (.900)
Season: 9-1 (.900)
CLASS 1A
Booker (1-0) at McLean (1-0), 7 p.m.
One of the top games in the Amarillo-area with mystery surrounding it as the Tigers will have an interim coach at the helm. What does that mean for the offense and defense is anyone’s guess. Regardless, the matchup of Axel Valdivia for the Kiowas against Stran Henderson for the Tigers is worth the price of admission. For now, I’ll take the more dynamic offense. … Booker 46, McLean 42.
White Deer (1-0) at Lefors (0-1), 7 p.m.
An intriguing matchup as the Bucks take on their second straight opponent out of District 1-1A in Division II. Lefors may be a slight upgrade over Groom but the Pirates will need all hands on deck to get a victory in this one. … White Deer 48, Lefors 36.
Claude (1-0) at Miami (0-1), 7 p.m.
Even if the Warriors were at full strength, I’m not sure they have enough horses to stay with Claude. The Mustangs proved last week they will be a tough opponent every Friday night. … Claude 60, Miami 6.
Paducah (0-0) at Springlake-Earth (1-0), 7 p.m.
It’s rare for a team to start the year on a bye so it’s hard to judge the Dragons but one thing you can’t deny is how good Ethan Garibaldi is at running back. He’s going to be a nightmare for the Wolverines to try and stop but Springlake-Earth always comes ready to play, especially at home. … Paducah 54, Springlake-Earth 38.
Happy (0-1) at Whitharral (0-1), 7 p.m.
A tough start to the year for both teams as they each dropped their opening games via the mercy rule. This will be a matchup of Happy’s size versus the Panthers speed. Go with the home team in this one. … Whitharral 62, Happy 38.
Nazareth (1-0) at Borden County (1-0), 7 p.m.
This game pits two top 10-ranked teams in this Six-Man marquee matchup. The Swifts will need to find a way to slow down the Coyotes Tye Stipe while playing ball control offense. If Lincoln Pohlmeier can put up a career night, Nazareth may have a shot but beating Borden County at home is a tough ask. … Borden County 52, Nazareth 42.
Valley (0-1) at Whiteface (1-0), 7 p.m.
Both of these teams are ranked in the top 10 which should mean a tight contest. However, the Antelopes are simply at a different level than most any other team in the state right now. All six starters are back and they are big and fast. Valley head coach Dax Allen will need to limit possessions and find a way to spring Patriot back Cole Walden to win this one. … Whiteface 56, Valley 20.
Kress (0-1) at Sands (1-0), 7 p.m.
The Kangaroos struggled to stop the speed of Boys Ranch and now they get a team that may be even faster. That doesn’t bode well. … Sands 72 Kress 18.
Groom (0-1) at Benjamin (1-0), 7 p.m.
Many wondered how good the Mustangs were going to be after star player Keegan Hayes transferred to Gordon. Benjamin looked good in a lopsided victory against Memphis that points to things will be just fine. The Tigers have a ton of guts and will play hard but just don’t have the horses to match up with the home team. … Benjamin 56, Groom 22.
Follett (1-0) at Memphis (0-1), 7 p.m.
It was a rough start to a brand new game of ball for the Cyclones but don’t read too much into last weeks score against Benjamin. With one game down, you should see quite a bit of improvement for head coach David Jurado’s squad. This one might be closer than folks think but the Panthers experience wins out in the end. … Follett 46, Memphis 34.
Amarillo PCHEA (0-1) at Hart (1-0), 7 p.m.
Head coach James Shelton has something going in Longhorn land as his team put up big numbers last week. Expect more of the same this week as Longhorns cruise to 2-0. … Hart 60, Amarillo PCHEA 13.
Meadow (1-0) at Petersburg (0-1), 7 p.m.
Don’t look now but the Broncos are playing well and hopes are high. The Buffaloes lost a tight one to Springlake-Earth last week so this game might come down to the final possession. … Meadow 48, Petersburg 46.
SATURDAY’S GAME
CLASS 1A
Holy Cross Catholic Academy (0-1) at Amarillo FFC (0-1), 11 a.m.
Both teams come in to this game with losses in the opening week but the Mustangs faced tougher competition and competed well under the mentorship of their veteran coach, Bryan Welps. That knowledge will lead to a victory this week. … Holy Cross Catholic Academy 42 Amarillo FFC 6.
