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
Byron Nelson (0-0) vs. Frenship (0-0), 6 p.m., Shotwell Stadium, Abilene
Last May Bryron Nelson lost its head coach Travis May to a sudden death so emotions will be on a high level for coach Zachary Woodard and the Bobcats. Meanwhile, Frenship lost to graduation a ton of offense off its 10-2 team a year ago. But the Quaid Ferris ERA (yes, the QB at Bushland last year) starts and he will find impressive wide receiver Chase Campbell enough in this neutral site game for the W. … Frenship 38, Byron Nelson 34.
Palo Duro (0-0) vs. Tascosa (0-0), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
What a 2025 opener for the 63rd meeting of this city rivalry. PD has owned the off-season hype by qualifying for state in 7-on-7, having two-way star Darien Lewis commit to North Carolina and defensive back Vern Blair commit to UNLV. Tascosa is loaded on the defensive front led by Texas Tech commit Krush Johnson and this group will impact the game in a big way. Remember, PD won this one last year and Tascosa has heard about it for 365 days. This is a must see for football fans. … Tascosa 28, Palo Duro 27.
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Hereford (0-0) at Lubbock High (0-0), 7 p.m., PlainsCapital Park-Lowrey Field, Lubbock
With veteran QB Kalub Ramirez back for his third year starting for The Herd look for a strong start to the season, much like last year’s opener vs. Lubbock High. … Hereford 42, Lubbock High 21.
Class 4A
Perryton at Canyon, 7 p.m., Happy State Bank Stadium
These two teams opened last year in Perryton with a wild one, which Perryton won 45-44 with a touchdown and a two-point conversion with 22 seconds remaining. There’s potential for something similar in this one, as Perryton’s all-around quarterback Cooper Schilling returns. Canyon has yet to settle on a quarterback, but the Eagles will present the Rangers with probably as stout a defensive challenge as they’ll face all season. That and home field advantage gives the edge to Canyon. … Canyon 27, Perryton 14.
Class 2A
Shamrock (0-0) vs. Sundown (0-0), 7 p.m., Younger Field, Tulia
This has become a yearly opener for both teams. The Irish have a lot of question marks especially at the quarterback positions. The Roughnecks are always a very physical football team. … Sundown 34, Shamrock 13.
Class 1A
Nazareth (0-0) vs. Westbrook (0-0), 6 p.m., Jayton
Both teams lost significant players to graduation but the losses for the Swifts were mainly along the lines. Nazareth lost a lot of size and that’s one thing the Wildcats have plenty of. This will be a tough start for Nazareth on the turf in Jayton. … Westbrook 46 Nazareth 6.
Wildorado (0-0) at Lefors (0-0), 7 p.m.
A new year brings a new look for the Mustangs under new head coach Deke Carter. On the other sideline the Pirates bring back a large contingent of players and want to make a statement to start the season. … Lefors 62 Wildorado 38.
White Deer JV (0-0) at Hedley (0-0), 7 p.m.
Starting the season out with a win would create some positive momentum for the Owls. Despite a small roster this is a team that has some players who can help get this win. … Hedley 42 White Deer JV 36.
Happy (0-0) vs. Rankin (0-0), 7:30 p.m., Klondike
Experience will be a big factor in this one. The Cowboys kick off the season with six new starters while the Red Devils look primed for a big season. This will be a tough start for Stacy Perryman’s group as their inexperienced roster gets accustomed to the varsity level. … Rankin 56 Happy 20.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
Odessa High (0-0) at Amarillo High (0-0), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
This is the 57th meeting between this two dating back to the stat of the series in 1945. AHS gave up 40 or more points five times last year, so the D has to figure things out. Odessa gave up 50 or more points six times last year in a 2-7 season, so the D has figure things out. Even if Odessa breaks 40, AHS has the hefty o-line averaging 300 pounds and terrific triplets – QB Jett Lopez, RB Jude Dunavin and receiver Oliver Parsons – to win a shootout. … AHS 45, Odessa High 31.
Randall (0-0) at Plainview (0-0), 7 p.m. Greg Sherwood Memorial Stadium, Plainview
Two of the top QBs go head-to-head in Randall returning starter Kaison Benton and Plainview four-year starter Seth Mayberry. Randall won 11 games last year and has an entire new offensive front. Go with the Raiders in a tight one. … Randall 24, Plainview 21.
Lubbock Coronado (0-0) at Wichita Falls Legacy (0-0), 7 p.m., Memorial Stadium. Wichita Falls
Legacy opened its doors in WF new two-school system last year and struggled going 0-10. Coronado was 3-7 under first-year coach Andrew Roy and will be improved with seven starters returning on each side of the ball. A little trivia for you: Who is the dad of Legacy starting QB Knox Hodges? Former Hereford star Slade Hodges. … Coronado 21, Legacy 14.
Choctaw, Okla. (0-0) at Lubbock Monterey (0-0), 7 p.m., Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park: Interesting one here. Jason Sims (former Childress coach) takes over as head coach for Monterey and opens with the Oklahoma defending state champs in 6A-II. No easy task here in the Sims debut. …. Choctaw 42, Monterey 28
Lovejoy (0-0) at Lubbock-Cooper (0-0), 7 p.m. Pirates Stadium at First United Park, Lubbock
Last years game was an up and down shoot out with Lovejoy coming away with a 46-43 wild win. This time around, the Leopards make the long trip up to the South Plains giving the Pirates the momentum. Look for round two to be another great battle between two teams ready to make some noise heading into the 2025 season. … Lovejoy 35, Cooper 30.
Class 4A
Seminole at West Plains, 7 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
There’s a whole lot of symbolism in this one, as these schools were district rivals for two seasons and last season Seminole crushed the Wolves 56-21 to start the year. That beating made the Wolves wise, as they made a historic run to the 4A Division I state semifinals. Nobody’s expecting a similar result this week, as these are two teams coming off of at least 10 wins last season with strong returning casts. Incentive and the home opener will fuel West Plains. … West Plains 41, Seminole 26.
Caprock at Dumas, 7 p.m., Friday: Caprock is hoping that the third season under coach Rowdy Freeman can be a charm with some veteran returners. The road opener figures to be a significant challenge, as Dumas has one of the area’s top quarterbacks in Colton Mills and a good supporting cast who could be a dark horse to unseat West Plains in District 2-4A Division I. Caprock’s defense has the ability to keep it close, but homefield in the opener will give the Demons an emotional boost. … Dumas 22, Caprock 13.
Iowa Park at Pampa, 7 p.m.
It’s something of a homecoming for Iowa Park coach Bryan Wood, a Vega graduate who had a successful coaching run at Randall and Sunray and was head coach at Pampa for one season. Both teams have a fairly equal amount of experience returning, but Pampa has the homefield advantage and the confidence of playing a second year in coach Floyd White’s system. Expect a close one regardless. … Pampa 21, Iowa Park 19.
New Home at Lubbock-Cooper Liberty, 7 p.m.
This is an odd case of Class 4A Liberty hosting Class 2A New Home in a clash of schools just south of Lubbock proper. Liberty shows signs of building a competitive program in only its second year of existence, and New Home is an established contender. With almost everybody back and a year of experience under their belts, the host Patriots have the edge. … Liberty 26, New Home 18.
Class 3A
Borger (0-0) at Bushland (0-0), 7 p.m.
It’s a much different looking Falcons team than a year ago and a Bulldog squad that is ready to make a turn. Look for Bushland to play both quarterbacks Colton Strickland and Kannon Aven at quarterback and rely on a physical offensive line and an aggressive defense. … Bushland 34, Borger 14.
Levelland (0-0) at Dalhart (0-0), 7 p.m.
The Lobos make a long trip north to face a Golden Wolves team hungry to kick off the season in a big way. Expect to see QB Hunter Trusler have a huge night for Dalhart. … Dalhart 37, Levelland 18.
Lubbock Estacado (0-0) at Jim Ned (0-0), 7 p.m.
This was a very close opener a year ago with the Matadors edging out a defensive battle. Estacado has great team speed, and the Indians are traditionally solid. … Estacado 21, Jim Ned 20.
Shallowater (0-0) at Monahans (0-0), 7 p.m.
This is one of the better Week 1 matchups with big expectations surrounding both teams in their respective classifications. Give the edge to the Mustangs. … Shallowater 28, Monahans 24.
Memphis (0-0) at Dimmitt (0-0), 7 p.m.
Both have these programs have struggled over the past few years and a season-opening win may help one of them get a leg up. Head coach Jimmy Arias has taken over at Dimmitt and hopes to bring some positive momentum. … Dimmitt 32, Memphis 20.
Slaton (0-0) at Friona (0-0), 7 p.m.
Look for the Chieftains to be an improved football team but the Tigers are going to be on another level. … Slaton 38, Friona 16.
Tulia (0-0) at Floydada (0-0), 7 p.m.
This is one of the more intriguing Week 1 matchups. Head coach Fred Jordan hopes to see the strides being taken at Tulia but going on the road is never easy. Let’s see if the Hornets can get it done. … Tulia 28, Floydada 27.
Elk City, Okla. (0-0) at Canadian (0-0), 7 p.m.
These two had a very close game in last year’s opener so expect the same again this year. Expectations never change in Wildcat land, and the Elks are always big and physical. … Canadian 34, Elk City 30.
Idalou (0-0) at Sweetwater (0-0), 7 p.m.
There’s not a better setting in high school football than the Mustang Bowl in Sweetwater. The Wildcats lost a lot from last year but will still be a dangerous team to watch for in Class 3A Division II. … Sweetwater 27, Idalou 20.
Brownfield (0-0) at Muleshoe (0-0), 7 p.m.
The Bo Dickinson era kicks off in a big way for the Mules. … Muleshoe 48, Brownfield 13.
Wellington (0-0) vs. Alpine (0-0), 7 p.m., Tigers Stadium, Snyder
The Skyrockets are going to blast a lot of teams this year. Lift off starts with Alpine. … Wellington 40, Alpine 23.
Childress (0-0) at Midland Greenwood (0-0), 7 p.m.
This will be a tough opener for the Bobcats but let’s see if they can hang. … Greenwood 30, Childress 14.
Class 2A
River Road (0-0) at Sanford-Fritch (0-0), 7 p.m.
Both teams open new eras with new head coaches taking over the football programs. Both teams will have their work cut out for them as the season moves forward. However, in this battle let’s give the edge to the Wildcats. … River Road 35, Sanford-Fritch 20.
Sunray (0-0) at Hooker, Okla. (0-0), 7 p.m.
This is a much different looking Bobcat team than the past two years. Sunray will be better than people expect and will only get better as the season goes on. With that said, a young squad will take some lumps early starting with a very talented Bulldog team. … Hooker 36, Sunray 21.
Panhandle (0-0) at Clarendon (0-0), 7 p.m.
This isn’t the game new Clarendon head coach Jeff Caffey wanted to see to open the year when he took over the Broncos program. The Panthers are stacked with talent, and it begins and ends with quarterback Broxton Robinson. … Panhandle 45, Clarendon 16.
Lockney (0-0) at West Texas High (0-0), 7 p.m.
Keep an eye out for the Comanches. QB Cayde Winters is extremely talented and has weapons all over the field. WT High makes an early Week 1 statement on Friday. … WT High 48, Lockney 14.
Gruver (0-0) at Spearman (0-0), 7 p.m.
This is the 36th chapter of the Hansford County rivalry. It was all Greyhounds last year as Gruver blistered Spearman 49-15. While the Lynx seem improved the Greyhounds are loaded and ready for another run. … Gruver 42, Spearman 21.
Highland Park (0-0) at Wheeler (0-0), 7 p.m.
It took a physical second half for the Mustangs to pull away from the Hornets a year ago in this matchup. Look for the same again this year. … Wheeler 28, Highland Park 14.
Abernathy (0-0) at Stratford (0-0), 7 p.m.
Any football fan would love to be on Eddie Metcalf Field at E.L. Sam Bass Stadium watching two tremendous, small school programs battle it out in a season opener. This is a very good quarterback matchup between Jagger Wiley and Chase Lantelme. … Stratford 27, Abernathy 23.
New Deal (0-0) at Farwell (0-0), 7 p.m.
The Derek Shelton era begins for the Farwell Steers, and it begins with a tough challenge from an always competitive New Deal team. This will go all four quarters and will be very physical. … Farwell 22, New Deal 21.
Bovina (0-0) at Texico, N.M. (0-1), 7 p.m.
The advantage the Wolverines have is they did play last week though they came up short to Santa Rosa. The Mustangs boast a great player in Angel Lara who can make all the difference. … Bovina 28, Texico 26.
Vega (0-0) at Crosbyton (0-0), 7 p.m.
The Longhorns make a long road trip worth by going home with a W. … Vega 20, Crosbyton 12.
Hale Center (0-0) at Ropes (0-0), 7 p.m.
The Owls won their first district title in 38 years last season. The Eagles are a program on the rise after advancing to the Class 2A Division II regional championship last year. This should be a fun one. … Ropes 38, Hale Center 28.
Class 1A
Anton (0-0) at Lubbock Christ the King (0-0), 5 p.m.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff, known as the Golden Lions, will struggle in Lubbock mightily Saturday night against Texas Tech. Unfortunately, former Red Raider Brian Duncan’s team will struggle with another Golden Lions team on Friday in Lubbock Christ the King. … Lubbock Christ the King 52 Anton 22.
Holy Cross Catholic Academy (0-0) at Lazbuddie (0-0), 5 p.m.
It was 2022 the last time the Longhorns posted a win after not playing in 2023 and going winless last year. These two teams met up last year in a barn burner with the Mustangs coming out on top 36-33. This will be another tight game but look for the folks in Lazbuddie to be celebrating a big win Friday night. … Lazbuddie 38, Holy Cross 36.
West Texas Tornadoes (0-0) at Hart (0-0), 5:30 p.m.
It’s tough to know what to expect out of West Texas but they were a competitive team last year. Coming off a winless 2024, the Longhorns would like to get that bad taste out of their mouth, but it looks like the losing streak continues. … West Texas Tornadoes 48, Hart 36.
Valley (0-0) vs. Strawn (0-0). 6 p.m., Jayton
At first glance this would appear to be a rout as former Silverton coach Dewaine Lee has a loaded roster in Strawn. However, don’t look past the Patriots as Dax Allen returns home and will have his team ready to play. The Greyhounds take the win, but it won’t be a cake walk. … Strawn 66, Valley 38.
San Jacinto Christian Academy (0-0) at Wichita Christian (0-0), 6 p.m.
As the season goes on the Patriots will be a team to watch but not this week. The Stars start the season as the top ranked team in TAPPS Division III. As defending state champs, Wichita Christian will extend their win streak to 14 games but San Jacinto won’t lay down. … Wichita Christian 56, San Jacinto 20.
Booker (0-0) at Miami (0-0), 7 p.m.
This is the game of the week to start the season. A new look Kiowas team hits the road wanting to implement more of a running game. However, how well they do in the trenches will determine the winner of this one. This one is a coin flip but I’ll take the home team in a mild upset. … Miami 46, Booker 44.
Loop (0-0) at Kress (0-0), 7 p.m.
Another good matchup in week one as the Kangaroos bring back some talent while the Longhorns are reloading. How quickly the Roos can “hop on” Loop will determine the winner. … Kress 50, Loop 42.
Groom (0-0) at White Deer (0-0), 7 p.m.
Back-to-back three-win seasons don’t’ sit well with the Bucks and they want to get back to the winning ways. Numbers are thin for Tory Peet’s Tigers but the effort will be there but White Deer will have too much for them to overcome. … White Deer 42. Groom 30.
Lorenzo (0-0) at Roby (0-0), 7 p.m.
It was 2017 the last time the Hornets had a winning record, and they’ve only been above .500 three times since dropping to six-man action. They are hungry to prove something and will have a shot against the Lions, but the home team has too much talent returning to start the season with a win. … Roby 42, Lorenzo 27.
Boys Ranch (0-0) at Silverton (0-0), 7 p.m.
This could be a very entertaining game that lives up to the reputation that six-man has of high scoring. The offense for the Roughriders is dangerous but can they stop anyone? Jeremy Holt returns to his hometown wanting to start the season strong. Last team with the ball might win this one. … Boys Ranch 82, Silverton 76.
Whitharral (0-0) at Springlake-Earth (0-0), 7:30 p.m.
The Wolverines always surprise folks in week one and this year may be no exception. Froylan Agundiz is a playmaker for Juan Salas’ club, but this is a dangerous Panthers squad. Whitharral may take a little time getting their footing under first year head man Josh Watson, but the road team gets the win in this one. … Whitharral 38, Springlake-Earth 34.
Amherst (0-0) at Lubbock Kingdom Prep. (0-0), 7:30 p.m.
The Warriors won a tight one over Amherst last year to start the season and this one may be just as tight. Joel Garcia is a beast for the Bulldogs but the fourth ranked team out of Lubbock just has too much depth. … Lubbock Kingdom Prep 46, Amherst 36.
O’Donnell (0-0) at Petersburg (0-0), 7:30 p.m.
With little experience coming back the Buffaloes may take some lumps early in the year. There’s still some talent leftover from last year for the Screamin’ Eagles so look for them to roll in the opener. … O’Donnell 62, Petersburg 27.
Motley County (0-0) at Claude (0-0), 7:30 p.m.
The Mustangs bring a lot of talent back and are looking for a Six-Man playoff berth for the first time in school history. This is the type of game that will test their mettle, and the Matadors are locked and loaded. … Motley County 54, Claude 20.
Klondike (0-0) vs. McLean (0-0), 8 p.m., Jayton
Talk about starting your season with a tough one that’s exactly what the Tigers are doing. The Cougars are the consensus number two team in the state in Division II with a legitimate chance to win a state title. McLean is scrappy and plays hard, but the talent difference will be just too much. … Klondike 60, McLean 18.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
Saint Jo (0-0) vs. Follett (0-0) at Jayton, 10 a.m., Jayton
A rare morning tilt for these two squads as the kickoff the final day of the Jayton Gridiron Classic. The Panthers are going to lean on Wyatt Terrell and that big offensive line to start the season and he will need them against Saint Jo linebacker Lee Yeley who flows sideline to sideline. In a closely contested match Follett’s defense is the difference. … Follett 36, Saint Jo 32.