Blitz Picks - Week 1
Game week is finally here, and, wow, do we have some great games lined up across the Big Country. At least we think we do. It’s always tough to tell just exactly how good teams will be when certain players graduate and new players try to fill their shoes.
There are some very tough picks to make in Week 1, which means outstanding action for folks to get out and see across the area.
Blitz Picks were pretty decent overall last year (429 for 513), which means I picked correctly at an 83.6% clip. That’s up from 79.5% in 2021.
Here’s to a great season for all our area teams and, to a lesser extent, the success of the Blitz Picks (only if I’m picking your team...).
*Rankings are from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. Spreads for 11-man games are also from DCTF. 6-man spreads are from both DCTF and sixmanfootball.com.
**Thank you to Budget Blinds of Abilene for being the first sponsor of weekly content for 2023. Four weeks have been taken so far, and seven more are up for grabs. Reach out if you’d like to sponsor a week of content on bigcountryblitz.com and Big Country Blitz social media!
ABILENE HIGH AT ODESSA PERMIAN
SERIES: PERMIAN LEADS 37-19
These two old rivals meet again to kick off the season, with the Warbirds hoping to avenge a 17-3 season-opening loss to Mojo to start 2022.
The Abilene High offense only gained 44 yards and picked up just three first downs in that game, but expect things to be different this year. The offense was EXPLOSIVE in the Eagles scrimmage against Wylie and should be tough to stop as they continue playing together this season.
The Eagles have lost seven straight season openers and will be tested by a Permian squad that is picked to be a playoff team out of District 2-6A.
FYI, I’m excited to be on the Abilene High streaming call doing color commentary with Chuck Statler again this year. You’ll be able to watch and/or listen to all the Eagle games this season on AISD Live again this year.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
ABILENE HIGH #24 IN 5A D1; PERMIAN #71 IN 6A
THE SPREAD: PERMIAN BY 5
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH
COOPER AT KELLER (THURSDAY)
SERIES: KELLER LEADS 4-3-1
The Cougars have had a rough time in season openers the last two years against Keller and will hit the road for a Thursday night opener against the Indians in 2023.
Keller went three rounds deep in the playoffs last year and beat the Cougs 34-16 at Shotwell Stadium in week one. They return seven starters on offense but just two on defense.
Cooper has some weapons on offense that could give an inexperienced Indian defense some issues, but they did not score in two live quarters against Odessa High last week. Scrimmages obviously do not count, but you do take away some questions. We will see if the Cougars can turn it on when the games begin to count.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
COOPER #37 IN 5A D2; KELLER #88 IN 6A
THE SPREAD: KELLER BY 12
THE PICK: KELLER
BROWNWOOD AT WYLIE
SERIES: WYLIE LEADS 13-6
This is another great game on the schedule for week one, with two teams that have high hopes for 2023.
Both are coming off great runs a year ago, but both also have some question marks entering the new season.
Brownwood is stacked on offense but inexperienced on defense. Wylie has big-time playmakers on both sides of the ball but will have to replace quarterback KJ Long to replicate last year's great run.
The Bulldogs struggled to stop Abilene High in scrimmage action Friday, while Brownwood bounced back from a scoreless first scrimmage against Decatur to score three touchdowns against Lampasas.
There are plenty of questions for both teams in this one. The squad that can answer some of those questions best will emerge victorious at Hugh Sandifer Stadium Friday night.
Wylie has won the last three in the series.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
BROWNWOOD #17 IN 4A D1; WYLIE #15 IN 5A D2
THE SPREAD: WYLIE BY 24
THE PICK: WYLIE
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
Photo: Snyder ISD
SNYDER AT SLATON
SERIES: SNYDER LEADS 11-5
The Tigers open the season against Slaton for the fourth straight season and hope to extend their winning streak in the series to three.
Snyder beat the opposing Tigers from an hour up Highway 84 by a couple touchdowns last season, but lost some key players to injury in the process.
Snyder is poised to make another playoff run this year in 4A Division II, while Slaton is picked to be the final playoff team out of District 4-3A Division I.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
SNYDER #48 IN 4A D2; SLATON #84 IN 3A D1
THE SPREAD: SNYDER BY 27
THE PICK: SNYDER
IDALOU AT SWEETWATER
THE SERIES: IDALOU LEADS 1-0
2022 was about as rough as seasons get for the Sweetwater Mustangs, but plenty of experience was gained by young players. Coach Russell Lucas and company are counting on that to make a difference in 2023 as they open the season against Idalou.
The Wildcats beat the Mustangs a year ago and will be a challenging foe this year as the favorites to win District 4-3A Division II.
Sweetwater should have the advantage in depth as they are the bigger school, but the Wildcats went three rounds deep in the playoffs a year ago and hope to keep building in their second season under head coach Clay White.
Sweetwater will be better this season, but it may take a little time for the Mustangs to get things rolling.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
IDALOU #19 IN 3A D2; SWEETWATER #72 IN 4A D2
THE SPREAD: IDALOU BY 13
THE PICK: IDALOU
Photo: Breckenridge Texan
BRECKENRIDGE AT JACKSBORO
THE SERIES: BRECKENRIDGE LEADS 10-7
The Buckaroos are coming off their best season under Casey Pearce, and they’ll kick off the season against Jacksboro and former Breckenridge head coach Casey Hubble.
Breckenridge has to replace some big-time contributors to the 2022 squad and likely will be in the playoff mix, but Jacksboro is poised for a breakthrough season in 2023 and will be looking to avenge a 42-13 loss they suffered to the Bucks a year ago.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
BRECKENRIDGE #41 IN 3A D1; JACKSBORO #16 IN 3A D2
THE SPREAD: JACKSBORO BY 16
THE PICK: JACKSBORO
CISCO AT CLYDE
THE SERIES: CISCO LEADS 17-13
Cisco has had their way in season openers against the Bulldogs over the past three seasons, but that could change this time around.
This year, it is Clyde that has the returning star power, while the Loboes are looking to replace a talented senior class that went to the state quarterfinal round in each of the past three seasons.
It is hard to imagine Cisco ever being down, but their numbers certainly are this season. The lack of depth and experience for Cisco should be a big advantage for an experienced Clyde squad this week.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
CISCO #14 IN 2A D1; CLYDE #67 IN 3A D1
THE SPREAD: CISCO BY 16
THE PICK: CLYDE
#3 HAWLEY AT JIM NED
THE SERIES: JIM NED LEADS 20-5-2
This matchup is one of the best on the schedule for week one again this season as the Bearcats make the short trip to Tuscola.
A year ago, it was Jim Ned who was looking to replace a talented group of seniors; this time, it is Hawley with some holes to fill.
The Indian defense should be very good again this year but will be challenged by the Bearcat offense and the Keagan Ables to Diontay Ramon and Chandlin Myers passing attack.
Hawley is young on the line, while Jim Ned is very good in their front seven and could cause issues in that matchup.
Hawley’s 30-7 victory last season snapped an eight-game Jim Ned winning streak in the series dating back to 1992.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
HAWLEY #3 IN 2A D1; JIM NED #23 IN 3A D1
THE SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 7
THE PICK: JIM NED
SONORA AT BALLINGER
THE SERIES: SONORA LEADS 23-21-1
The Bearcats hope to make a jump in year two under Ty Lang, but week one is a tough matchup against a very good Sonora squad.
The Broncos are just outside the top ten in 2A Division I and the pick to win District 2, while Ballinger just missed the postseason in a tough 2022 season in which they went 1-9.
The great Cinco Cinco Productions (follow him for great highlights every week) tells me the Broncos looked very good in their scrimmage with Merkel and Sweetwater last Thursday.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
SONORA #11 IN 2A D1; BALLINGER #71 IN 3A D2
THE SPREAD: SONORA BY 23
THE PICK: SONORA
BANGS AT EARLY
THE SERIES: EARLY LEADS 34-28-1
These two Brown County rivals square off once again to kick off the season in what will be the debut for Jason Cole as head coach of the Dragons.
Early has kicked its program into high gear over the past few seasons under Daniel Price, but will have to see how they can keep building without star quarterback Jaxyn Price. The good news is that his younger brother Rohyn is also a talented quarterback and got the start in the Longhorns scrimmage against Albany last week.
Both teams have high hopes of returning to the playoffs, and there’s nothing like a rivalry game to help shake off the cobwebs and get a new season started.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
BANGS #89 IN 2A D1; EARLY #33 IN 3A D2
THE SPREAD: EARLY BY 39
THE PICK: EARLY
EASTLAND AT #6 WALL
THE SERIES: WALL LEADS 9-1
Bobby Schuman draws a tough opponent to make his Eastland head coaching debut as the Mavericks travel to sixth-ranked Wall to open the season.
Eastland returns a lot of talent, but there are question marks after a 1-9 2022 season, which was the first losing year for the program since 2007.
Wall is a heavy favorite to win a district title and make a deep playoff run with eight starters back on offense and nine returning on defense.
The Hawks have won their last nine meetings with Eastland, with the lone Maverick victory coming in the 2011 playoffs.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
EASTLAND #57 IN 3A D2; WALL #6 IN 3A D2
THE SPREAD: WALL BY 44
THE PICK: WALL
MERKEL VS. CLIFTON (AT DUBLIN)
THE SERIES: CLIFTON LEADS 1-0
The Badgers and Cubs meet in the middle to open the season for a second straight year, this time in Dublin instead of Cisco.
Merkel fell 20-12 in the contest last season but rebounded to make the playoffs.
The Badgers welcome back a lot of talent and are poised to make a big jump in year three under Will Kates.
Clifton was also a 3A D2 playoff team a year ago and is picked to finish fourth in District 13.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
MERKEL #72 IN 3A D2; CLIFTON #70 IN 3A D2
THE SPREAD: PICK ‘EM
THE PICK: MERKEL
SEYMOUR AT ANSON
THE SERIES: SEYMOUR LEADS 12-6-1
The Tigers begin their second season under head coach Cory McCombs and hope to show improvement.
They have a tough season opener against Seymour, who was an eight-win team in 2022 and is expected to reach the postseason again.
The Panthers won last year's game 47-22, which was the first meeting between the two schools since 1993.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
SEYMOUR #19 IN 2A D2; ANSON #75 IN 2A D1
THE SPREAD: SEYMOUR BY 21
THE PICK: SEYMOUR
ROSCOE AT COLORADO CITY
THE SERIES: COLORADO CITY LEADS 17-12-3
Roscoe heads west to face a Colorado City team entering year two under head coach Monty Leaf.
The Plowboys took care of the Wolves 46-20 a year ago on their home field and hope to jumpstart what could be a very good season for them with a road win Friday night.
The meeting last season was the first between the programs since a 62-0 Wolves win in 1967.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
ROSCOE #41 IN 2A D2; COLORADO CITY #86 IN 2A D1
THE SPREAD: ROSCOE BY 14
THE PICK: ROSCOE
HAMLIN AT STAMFORD
THE SERIES: STAMFORD LEADS 55-39-2
Jason Botos makes his head coaching debut against a Stamford squad led by a coach making an encore in Wayne Hutchinson.
Hutchinson took over in June for Britt Hart and has been working on installing more of a spread offense than what the Bulldogs ran under Hart.
Hamlin made a large leap last season, going from zero wins in 2021 to five in 2022. They’d love to kick off the Botos era with a bit of an upset victory on the road over their Jones County rivals.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
HAMLIN #67 IN 2A D2; STAMFORD #20 IN 2A D1
THE SPREAD: STAMFORD BY 36
THE PICK: STAMFORD
Photo: Gary Ford
WINTERS AT CROSS PLAINS
THE SERIES: WINTERS LEADS 14-6-1
The Buffaloes got a road win at Winters to start the 2022 season, and now they welcome the Blizzards to Cross Plains to get 2023 going for both teams.
Cross Plains has hopes of getting back to the playoffs and staying awhile this year, while Winters would like to put a rough 2022 behind them and get on track before they start playing in a brutal district.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
WINTERS #96 IN 2A D1; CROSS PLAINS #48 IN 2A D2
THE SPREAD: CROSS PLAINS BY 23
THE PICK: CROSS PLAINS
MASON AT COLEMAN
THE SERIES: MASON LEADS 6-3-1
Coleman kicks off the year with what could be another slugfest against the Punchers.
The Bluecats earned a 7-6 victory in 2022 and will have to be on top of their game as they welcome the District 14-2A D1 favorites to town.
Jadin Jackson and his senior class have had a great run in their Coleman careers and would love to get their final one started with a victory.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
MASON #13 IN 2A D1, COLEMAN #23 IN 2A D1
THE SPREAD: MASON BY 5
THE PICK: COLEMAN
#1 ALBANY AT #10 LUBBOCK TRINITY CHRISTIAN
THE SERIES: ALBANY LEADS 1-0
The Lions outlasted Trinity Christian 19-15 in the season opener last season, and they know they’ll have their hands full again, this time on the road.
Trinity Christian is ranked #10 in Dave Campbell’s preseason rankings of 11-man private schools and lost in the TAPPS D3 semifinals last season to eventual state champion Dallas Christian.
The Lions are reloaded after winning it all last season and hope to get off to a good start against a tough opponent in week one.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
ALBANY #1 IN 2A D2; TRINITY CHRISTIAN #10 IN 11-MAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS
THE SPREAD: TRINITY CHRISTIAN BY 17
THE PICK: ALBANY
WATER VALLEY AT TLCA ABILENE (AT MCMURRY)
THE SERIES: WATER VALLEY LEADS 1-0
The Eagles begin their second season of 11-man football with a new home field, Wilford Moore Stadium, on the campus of McMurry.
Their first game a year ago was one to forget, an 80-19 loss at Water Valley. Both teams had just made the move from the six to 11-man ranks.
TLCA really should be much better this season, and we will see how much they’ve narrowed the gap against the Wildcats in week one.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
WATER VALLEY #76 IN 2A D2; TLCA #94 IN 2A D2
THE SPREAD: WATER VALLEY BY 5
THE PICK: WATER VALLEY
Photo: Haskell CISD
HASKELL AT #3 NEW HOME
THE SERIES: HASKELL LEADS 1-0
The Indians got off to a hot start a year ago with a 27-7 victory over the Leopards, who did not lose again until falling to Albany in the state semifinals.
Beating New Home in week one will be a tougher task this season for Haskell, as the Leopards return seven starters on both sides of the ball and check in as the preseason number three team in the state in 2A Division II.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
HASKELL #40 IN 2A D2; NEW HOME #3 IN 2A D2
THE SPREAD: NEW HOME BY 40
THE PICK: NEW HOME
MUNDAY VS. MERCY CULTURE PREP (AT GRAHAM)
THE SERIES: MUNDAY LEADS 1-0
The Moguls kick off the season against Fort Worth Mercy Culture Prep, a TAPPS Division IV team, for the second straight year.
Munday got past the Royals 18-14 a year ago in Webb Murphy’s head coaching debut and would love to earn a victory for new head man Brandon Langston this time around.
Mercy Culture Prep went 0–10 a year ago and is picked to finish last in its district this year.
The Moguls hope to keep building a program that jumped from zero wins in 2021 to three in 2022.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
MUNDAY #86 IN 2A D2; MERCY CULTURE #100 IN 11-MAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS
THE SPREAD: MERCY CULTURE PREP BY 13
THE PICK: MUNDAY
Photo: Sixman Fan
#6 KNOX CITY VS. #1 WESTBROOK (AT JAYTON)
THE SERIES: FIRST MEETING
The 6-man season starts with a bang, as usual, this year at the Jayton Gridiron Classic.
Two-time defending state champ Westbrook will be tested by preseason number six Knox City in a great way to get 2023 going.
The Greyhounds return just about everyone from a district championship-winning team, while the Wildcats return quite a bit but do have to replace the likes of 1A D1 state player of the year Cedric Ware and state defensive MVP Pahton Dominguez, among others.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
KNOX CITY #6 IN 1A D1; WESTBROOK #1 IN 1A D1
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
KNOX CITY #11 IN 1A D1; WESTBROOK #1 IN 1A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: WESTBROOK BY 12
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: WESTBROOK BY 45
THE PICK: WESTBROOK
Photo: Texas 1A Fan
Photo: Texas 1A Fan
SANDS AT HERMLEIGH
THE SERIES: SANDS LEADS 15-3
The Cardinals host the Sands Mustangs in week one and hope to knock them off like they did a year ago, 71-39.
Sands went just 2-8 in 2022 and failed to make the playoffs.
Hermleigh also missed the postseason but still went an impressive 7-3.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
HERMLEIGH #30 IN 1A D1; SANDS #55 IN 1A D1
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
HERMLEIGH #24 IN 1A D1; SANDS #55 IN 1A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: HERMLEIGH BY 21
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: HERMLEIGH BY 45
THE PICK: HERMLEIGH
Photo: Texas 1A Fan
HIGHLAND AT #6 LORAINE
THE SERIES: HIGHLAND LEADS 16-11
Another huge game in the area this week is Highland at Loraine.
The Bulldogs are coming off the best season in program history as 1A D2 state runner-ups, while Highland has the makings of a good season as it hopes to bounce back from going 3-7 in 2022.
Jake Popham has some big-time players to replace, but having AJ Williams on your side is always a good thing. He is one of the most explosive offensive talents in the state and will be tough to stop.
I believe this one will be much closer than the spreads think, but that the Bulldogs are able to hold off the Hornets in week one.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
HIGHLAND #26 IN 1A D1; LORAINE #6 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
HIGHLAND #44 IN 1A D1; LORAINE #2 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: LORAINE BY 34
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: LORAINE BY 45
THE PICK: LORAINE
Photo: David Gonzales
Photo: Texas 1A Fan
ROBY VS. CLAUDE (AT PADUCAH - THURSDAY)
THE SERIES: CLAUDE LEADS 1-0
The Lions gave up a big lead and fell by two to Claude in Matador last season; this time around, the two squads will meet in Paducah on Thursday night.
Roby is looking for growth in year two under Israel DeLeon, while the Mustangs hope to build on a 4-6 2022.
Both will have tough roads to reaching the playoffs. Roby will have to contend with two-time defending state champ Westbrook, Ira, Hermleigh, and Highland, and Claude is in District 2 with Happy and Nazareth.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
ROBY #63 IN 1A D1; CLAUDE #47 IN 1A D1
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
ROBY #64 IN 1A D1; CLAUDE #53 IN 1A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: CLAUDE BY 16
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: CLAUDE BY 45
THE PICK: CLAUDE
ROBERT LEE AT ROTAN
THE SERIES: ROTAN LEADS 13-5
The ‘Hammers kick off the Joe Thomasson era at home against the Steers Friday night.
Robert Lee went 8-2 but still missed out on the postseason a year ago, while Rotan struggled to a 2-7 mark in its final season under Dale Means.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
ROBERT LEE #33 IN 1A D1; ROTAN #68 IN 1A D1
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
ROBERT LEE #45 IN 1A D1; ROTAN #65 IN 1A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: ROBERT LEE BY 25
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: ROBERT LEE BY 45
THE PICK: ROBERT LEE
MEADOW AT BAIRD
THE SERIES: MEADOW LEADS 1-0
The Bears did not get to play at home until week six last season, but they’ll make up for it with the first of four consecutive home games to kick off 2023.
Meadow is the opponent in week one. The Broncos beat the Bears 46-0 a year ago, but Baird has a much more experienced squad this time around.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
MEADOW #60 IN 1A D1; BAIRD #54 IN 1A D1
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
MEADOW #51 IN 1A D1; BAIRD #48 IN 1A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: BAIRD BY 9
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: BAIRD BY 8
THE PICK: BAIRD
GORMAN AT LOMETA
THE SERIES: GORMAN LEADS 27-5
The Panthers head to Lometa to fire up 2023 as they begin what they hope is a third straight playoff season.
Gorman cruised to a 58-12 week one victory last season on their way to a 4-0 start.
The Hornets look to be improved this season, and this one should be much closer than the 2022 opener.
Gorman has won 15 straight in the series, last dropping a game to the Hornets in 1985.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
GORMAN #27 IN 1A D1; LOMETA #48 IN 1A D1
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
GORMAN #29 IN 1A D1; LOMETA #30 IN 1A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: GORMAN BY 11
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: GORMAN BY 1
THE PICK: GORMAN
SANTA ANNA AT VERIBEST
THE SERIES: SANTA ANNA LEADS 8-1
The Mountaineers visit Veribest to begin 2023, hoping to start the year with a win over the Falcons like they did in 2022.
Veribest returns five starters on both sides of the ball and has a chance to be much better this year after a 2-8 2022.
Santa Anna has started strong in each of the past three seasons and looks to replicate that as they get ready for a new year.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
SANTA ANNA #50 IN 1A D1; VERIBEST #56 IN 1A D1
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
SANTA ANNA #60 IN 1A D1; VERIBEST #70 IN 1A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: SANTA ANNA BY 2
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: SANTA ANNA BY 45
THE PICK: VERIBEST
Photo: Texas 1A Fan
BLACKWELL AT ASPERMONT
THE SERIES: ASPERMONT LEADS 1-0
Aspermont pulled off a bit of an upset to jumpstart a great 2022 season, now they get to host Blackwell to get 2023 going.
The spreads have this as one of the closest 6-man games in the Big Country this week.
Both squads will have to replace key players lost to graduation as they look to eventually get to the playoffs in November.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
BLACKWELL #25 IN 1A D2; ASPERMONT #32 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
BLACKWELL #25 IN 1A D2; ASPERMONT #22 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: BLACKWELL BY 6
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: ASPERMONT BY 6
THE PICK: ASPERMONT
FOLLETT AT #1 BENJAMIN
THE SERIES: FIRST MEETING
The defending state champs have toughened up the non-district schedule quite a bit this year and will open against Follett.
The Panthers are the favorites in District 1-1A Division I and made the playoffs last season.
Benjamin has some holes to fill, but anytime you have a talent like Grayson Rigdon in the backfield, you have to like your chances.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
FOLLETT #13 IN 1A D1; BENJAMIN #1 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
FOLLETT #18 IN 1A D1; BENJAMIN #1 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: BENJAMIN BY 20
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: BENJAMIN BY 37
THE PICK: BENJAMIN
TRENT AT LUEDERS-AVOCA (THURSDAY)
THE SERIES: TRENT LEADS 9-3
The Gorillas, rocking a new and improved Gorilla logo on their helmets this season, and Raiders meet on Thursday night in Lueders to fire up the 2023 season.
Both teams are under new leadership: Troy Sparks takes over for Chris Ellison at Trent, and Reese Wilson is the new head man at Lueders-Avoca.
They both have playoff aspirations and would love to build momentum with an early season victory.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
TRENT #53 IN 1A D2; LUEDERS-AVOCA #54 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
TRENT #60 IN 1A D2; LUEDERS-AVOCA #63
THE DCTF SPREAD: LUEDERS-AVOCA BY 2
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: TRENT BY 9
THE PICK: TRENT
PAINT CREEK AT HARROLD
THE SERIES: PAINT CREEK LEADS 5-4
The Pirates took down Harrold 57-12 to get 2022 going and would love similar results to get the new year started.
Harrold should be a lot better with six starters returning on both sides of the ball, while Paint Creek has just one back.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
PAINT CREEK #61 IN 1A D2; HARROLD #68 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
PAINT CREEK #65 IN 1A D2; HARROLD #67 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: PAINT CREEK BY 2
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: PAINT CREEK BY 1
THE PICK: HARROLD
#9 NEWCASTLE AT RULE
THE SERIES: NEWCASTLE LEADS 22-21-1
It’s a battle of the Bobcats in Rule in the season opener.
Newcastle knocked Rule out of the playoffs in a 97-49 shootout a year ago and is primed for an even better 2023, entering the year ranked in the top ten.
Rule is looking for a third straight playoff season, and getting a little revenge to start the year could help build momentum.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
NEWCASTLE #9 IN 1A D2; RULE #52 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
NEWCASTLE #21 IN 1A D2; RULE #37 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: NEWCASTLE BY 48
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: NEWCASTLE BY 23
THE PICK: NEWCASTLE
BRONTE AT ZEPHYR - THURSDAY
THE SERIES: BRONTE LEADS 1-0
Bronte handed Zephyr its only regular season loss of 2022 in a 44-37 season-opening decision; now the Bulldogs hope to return the favor as the squads meet to kickoff 2023.
Zephyr improved by nine games in the win column last season and looks to keep the program headed in the right direction.
Bronte went 4-6 a year ago and missed out on the playoffs.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
BRONTE #49 IN 1A D2; ZEPHYR #24 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
BRONTE #36 IN 1A D2; ZEPHYR #24 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: ZEPHYR BY 21
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: ZEPHYR BY 15
THE PICK: ZEPHYR
LOHN AT MORAN
THE SERIES: FIRST MEETING
Two teams coming off winless seasons meet in week one at Moran.
The Eagles have dropped 29 consecutive games. Their last victory was over the Paint Rock JV in 2017, and their last varsity victory dates back to 2014.
Moran is in good shape comparatively, having lost just ten straight.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
LOHN #69 IN 1A D2; MORAN #62 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
LOHN #68 IN 1A D2; MORAN #62 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: MORAN BY 8
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: MORAN BY 17
THE PICK: MORAN
WOODSON AT PANTHER CREEK
THE SERIES: PANTHER CREEK LEADS 3-2
The Panthers ended up in the playoffs in 2022 but did not get off to a good start a year ago.
They’d like to change that this time around, as they draw Woodson in week one.
The Cowboys are picked to make the playoffs out of District 7-1A Division II this year and return 11 total starters.
Panther Creek welcomes back ten starters, and this could be a great one to watch to begin the new year.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
WOODSON #39 IN 1A D2; PANTHER CREEK #37 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
WOODSON #50 IN 1A D2; PANTHER CREEK #49 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: PANTHER CREEK BY 5
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: PANTHER CREEK BY 1
THE PICK: PANTHER CREEK
RISING STAR AT BLANKET
THE SERIES: SERIES TIED 23-23-3
The Wildcats kicked off their fantastic 2022 season with a home win over Blanket and aim to do the same this year.
The Tigers ended up as an eight-win team and in the playoffs last year, and they have hopes of returning to the postseason again.
Rising Star could be one of the better 1A D2 teams in the Big Country this season.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
RISING STAR #14 IN 1A D2; BLANKET #28 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
RISING STAR #19 IN 1A D2; BLANKET #32 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: RISING STAR BY 13
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: RISING STAR BY 17
THE PICK: RISING STAR
MULLIN AT BROOKESMITH
THE SERIES: MULLIN LEADS 14-10
Brookesmith battled injuries and numbers to a 1-9 2022 season, but they hope the experience gained by the returning players will help them get back on track in 2023.
Mullin fell to the Mustangs 38-6 a year ago and also went just 1-9 in 2022.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
MULLIN #56 IN 1A D2; BROOKESMITH #64 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
MULLIN #51 IN 1A D2; BROOKESMITH #58 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: MULLIN BY 6
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: MULLIN BY 45
THE PICK: MULLIN
RANGER AT WALNUT SPRINGS - THURSDAY
THE SERIES: FIRST MEETING
Ranger begins year three of outlaw 6-man football with a road trip to Walnut Springs, which is just south of Glen Rose.
The Hornets won four games a year ago, while the Bulldogs earned just two.
Walnut Springs returns six starters on both sides of the ball and looks to contend for a playoff spot this season out of District 12-1A Division II.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
RANGER #109 IN 6-MAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS; WALNUT SPRINGS #43 IN 1A D2
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
RANGER #5 IN 6-MAN INDEPENDENT; WALNUT SPRINGS #23 IN 1A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: WALNUT SPRINGS BY 22
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: WALNUT SPRINGS BY 45
THE PICK: WALNUT SPRING
LUBBOCK TITANS AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN
THE SERIES: FIRST MEETING
A new era begins for Abilene Christian this week as the Panthers finally get to play under the Friday Night Lights on their own field.
The beautiful new Crain Field at Panther Stadium opens this week as ACS hosts the Lubbock Homeschool Titans.
The Panthers have legitimate state championship aspirations in their first season under coach Kirk Wade and can get a year to remember started against a Titan squad that went 4-8 in 2022.
DCTF COMPUTER RANKINGS:
LUBBOCK TITANS #79 IN 6-MAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS; ABILENE CHRISTIAN #5 IN 6-MAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM RANKINGS:
LUBBOCK TITANS #5 IN TAIAO D1; ABILENE CHRISTIAN #3 IN TAPPS D3
THE DCTF SPREAD: ACS BY 40
THE SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM SPREAD: ACS BY 28
THE PICK: ABILENE CHRISTIAN
COLLEGE
ACU, Hardin-Simmons, Howard Payne and McMurry will hit the field for the first time next week. Cisco College is the only local college team in action.
TWA COLLEGE AT CISCO COLLEGE
The Wranglers kick off the Stephen Lee era Saturday after a 3-6 season under John O’Mera.
Lee has cleaned house and tried to get recruits in to fit his system.
We will see how much change has been made as the Wranglers host TWA College, a prep school based in Austin that I believe is playing its first season of football.
THE PICK: CISCO COLLEGE
