Educated Guesses: 1A DI
Kickoff to the 2024 season is getting closer and closer, and the time has come to take a stab at how things will play out in each district featuring Big Country football teams.
I call them educated guesses, like your teachers used to, because I feel I have at least a little bit of knowledge about the upcoming season after speaking with area coaches for the 2024 edition of Big Country Blitz.
For the record, last season I got six out of a possible eight playoff picks correct in 1A Division I.
Knox City aims for a third consecutive district title, but up and coming Newcastle may have something to say about it.
The Bobcats are up to 1A Division I this season and ranked #8 in the preseason poll, just behind the #7 Greyhounds.
Knox City has a lot of talent returning, but even more that they’ll have to replace. Newcastle welcomes back seven total starters and gets to host this key contest. They’re also the only team that did not get 45’d by Benjamin last season, falling in a 112-84 shootout in the area round of the playoffs.
Bryson was a playoff team in 2023 and should be in the mix for a postseason berth, but expect the Bobcats and Greyhounds to emerge as the top two teams in the district.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Knox City
2. Newcastle
3. Bryson
4. Perrin-Whitt
5. Northside
DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES
10/18 - Knox City at Newcastle
10/25 - Bryson at Knox City
11/8 - Bryson at Newcastle
This all-Big Country district is always a competitive one, and, in recent memory, one dominated by Westbrook.
The Wildcats have won it three years in a row on their way to the 1A Division I state championship game, and they have the firepower to do it again.
The race for the second playoff spot is where it gets interesting. Ira, Hermleigh and Highland seemingly have the inside track, with rebuilding Roby and Rotan on the outside looking in. Ira welcomes back some great athletes from its 1A state championship baseball team. Hermleigh will be young and has some big holes to fill, as will Highland after the transfer of two of their biggest stars to Roscoe.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Westbrook
2. Ira
3. Highland
4. Hermleigh
5. Roby
6. Rotan
DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES
10/11 - Highland at Hermleigh
10/18 - Ira at Westbrook
11/1 - Hermleigh at Ira
11/8 - Westbrook at Hermleigh
11/8 - Ira at Highland
Defending state champion Gordon is the heavy favorite to repeat as district champ and as 1A Division I champ when the dust settles.
Like District 7, the race for the second playoff spot will be intriguing.
Baird, Ranger, Gorman, and Lingleville should all be in the mix, and Baird, with its great size, is my pick to emerge from the pack.
Ranger is back in a district for the first time in four years. The Bulldogs and Gorman will make it hard for the Bears to nab that playoff spot.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Gordon
2. Baird
3. Ranger
4. Gorman
5. Lingleville
DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES
10/11 - Gorman at Baird
10/25 - Ranger at Baird
11/1 - Baird at Gordon
11/1 - Gorman at Ranger
Jonesboro and May are together again as top-ten ranked teams in the same district.
The Eagles, #4, and the Tigers, #7, met twice last season, with Jonesboro winning them both on their way to the state semifinals.
May is replacing head coach Craig Steele, who left for Borden County after 20 years, with James Ball. Ball knows ball, and the Tigers, with the addition of former all-district Rising Star quarterback Kobey Morris, should be able to pick up where they left off.
Those two are favored to claim playoff spots, while Lometa and Santa Anna could put together very good seasons again and miss out on the playoffs.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Jonesboro
2. May
3. Lometa
4. Santa Anna
DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES
11/1 - May at Lometa
11/8 - Jonesboro at May
UPCOMING EDUCATED GUESSES SCHEDULE
Wednesday, 8/20 - 2A Division II
Thursday, 8/21 - 2A Division I
Friday, 8/22 - 3A Division II
Saturday, 8/23 - 3A Division I
Sunday, 8/24 - 4A Division II
Monday, 8/25 - 4A Division I
Tuesday, 8/26 - 5A Division II
Wednesday, 8/27 - 5A Division I
Thursday, 8/29 - Week 1 Blitz Picks
Friday, 8/30 - College Football
