Coronado’s Sawyer Robertson squares off with Will Maynard and Amarillo High at 7:30 p.m. Friday night. [Photos by Chase Seabolt and John Moore]
The game: Lubbock Coronado Mustangs (3-3, 1-1) at Amarillo High Sandies (4-2, 1-0).
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Where: Dick Bivins Stadium.
Last meeting: Coronado defeated AHS, 27-10, last year.
The matchup: It’s the game of the night in the Texas Panhandle. Former Caprock coach Seth Parr brings his talented Lubbock Coronado Mustangs in to battle Amarillo High in a key District 2-5A Division I showdown. Could fans see a possible shootout? The Mustangs love to sling it behind quarterback Sawyer Robertson’s 1,984 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.
The Sandies defensive line will have to provide pressure, as the secondary will have to be on alert every play.
Offensively for AHS, quarterback Will Maynard (968 passing yards) has done a great job utilizing his receivers, and using his feet when called upon. The junior continues to grow with each start.
Joe Shaw and the undefeated Eagles travel to Andrews for a nondistrict matchup at 7 p.m. Friday. [Photos by John Moore and Tony Venegas]
The game: Canyon Eagles (6-0) at Andrews Mustangs (5-1).
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Mustang Bowl.
Last meeting: Canyon beat Andrews, 38-20, last year.
The matchup: This is the best test for Canyon before they open a very strong District 3-4A Division I at home with Dumas in two weeks. The Eagles defense has been outstanding through six games, limiting teams to 176 yards a game. But they haven’t seen an offense quite like Andrews and quarterback Brett Leach. Leach has thrown for 1,918 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Canyon counters with a balanced attack of quarterback Jay Defoor and running back Aidan Hildinger. Behind a solid offensive front Defoor has been able to throw for 1,373 yards with 15 TDs, while Hildinger has rushed for 701 yards with 10 scores.
Slaton comes to Bushland to open District 2-3A Division I action at 7 p.m. Friday night. [Provided photo and Ben Jenkins]
The game: Slaton Tigers (3-2, 0-0) at No. 5 Bushland Falcons (5-0, 0-0).
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Falcons Stadium.
Last meeting: Bushland defeated Slaton, 42-13, last year.
The matchup: No question No. 5 Bushland is the favorite opening District 2-3A Division I. The Falcons were unstoppable in the nondistrict on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jared Thomas, the son of coach Jimmy Thomas, is off to a great start tossing 19 touchdown passes on top of 1,267 yards. But it’ the Bushland defense that’s been the staple. Linebacker Noah Laurent (58 tackles, seven for a loss) and defensive end Jackson Espe (seven sacks) helped hold teams to 253 yards a game.
Both Laurent and Espe will have to slow down a very speedy Tigers team that features human highlight reel running back Kevondrick Gober.
The No. 9 Friona Chieftains travel to Childress for a District 3-3A Division II matchup at 7 p.m. Friday. [Ruben Flores and Mackenzie Teal]
The game: No. 9 Friona Chieftains (5-0, 0-0) at Childress Bobcats (0-5, 0-0).
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Where: Fair Park Stadium.
Last meeting: Childress beat Friona, 47-28.
The matchup: On paper this shouldn’t be much of district opener. But look for this one to be tighter ballgame than some may think. Yes, Friona is 5-0 and ranked No. 9 in the state why the Bobcats are still seeking their first victory. However, a young Childress team has grown through the season and plays gritty defense behind linebacker Morgan Holcomb’s 67 tackles.
Fair Park Stadium is a tough place to play. Ask the Friona, which hasn’t won in that stadium since 2009. The good news for the Chieftains is a run game travels and they have a great back in Jacob Bautista. The sophomore is the Texas Panhandle’s leading rusher with 922 yards and 13 TDs.
Notable games
Hereford (3-3) vs. San Angelo Lake View (3-3), 2 p.m. Saturday, San Angelo Stadium.
Clint (3-2) vs. Pampa (5-1), 2 p.m. Saturday, Mustang Bowl, Andrews
Stratford (5-1, 0-0) at Clarendon (4-2, 0-0), 7 p.m. Friday, Broncos Stadium.
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