Educated Guesses: 2A 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 2A Division I.
With Colorado City getting realigned out west, we now have three 2A Division I districts to keep our eyes on this season.
The Wolves have been through a tough stretch, but I feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and Colorado City will be in the playoff mix when November rolls around.
Sonora was the district champ a year ago and, with their tradition, the Broncos should compete for a title again this year. Forsan and Ozona should also be very competitive.
Christoval welcomes back ten starters on both sides of the ball and many feel like they will make a playoff run. The Wolves got the best of the Cougars last season, however, and their battle on October 11 will be a big one in the playoff chase. Reagan County was a .500 team last season and may make a run towards a playoff spot as well.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Forsan
2. Reagan County
3. Ozona
4. Sonora
5. Christoval
6. Colorado City
DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES
10/11 - Colorado City at Christoval
10/11 - Forsan at Sonora
10/18 - Sonora at Ozona
10/18 - Christoval at Reagan County
11/8 - Ozona at Forsan
One of the most competitive districts in the area and even the state remains that way in 2024.
Hawley held off Stamford to win the district last season, but the Bulldogs just may have what it takes to get the job done this time around.
The Bearcats have been good for a long time and will continue to be, especially with quarterback Keagan Ables back for his senior season. He had two amazing talents at receiver to throw to last season, and the departure of Diontay Ramon and Chandlin Myers will surely be missed.
Stamford returns 15 starters, many of them experienced upperclassmen led by quarterback Christian Duran and running back/linebacker Kaston Vega. Many feel things are shaping up for a special season for the Bulldogs.
Cisco weathered the storm of low numbers and made the playoffs yet again last year and should be just behind the Bearcats and Bulldogs as a district title contender. Anson may have a say in things as well, as the Tigers look to make another big jump after improving from two wins to five a year ago.
Olney only returns five starters, and TLCA Abilene is coming off a 1-9 season as a 2A Division II team.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Stamford
2. Hawley
3. Cisco
4. Anson
5. Olney
6. TLCA Abilene
DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES
10/11 - Cisco at Stamford
10/11 - Hawley at Anson
10/18 - Stamford at Anson
10/25 - Hawley at Cisco
10/25 - Olney at Anson
11/1 - Cisco at Anson
11/8 - Hawley at Stamford
This will be another very interesting district to follow.
De Leon has rebuilt the program and seems poised to challenge Coleman for the district title. The Bluecats have had plenty of success lately and hope to keep things rolling in 2024.
The Bearcats return a ton of offensive firepower, while the Bluecats seem to be a bit better on the defensive side of things.
Hamilton was a playoff team a year ago, as was Hico in 2A Division II.
Ballinger suffered through an 0-10 2023, but their move to 2A from 3A Division II makes the Bearcats return to glory more possible. They also return 18 starters under third-year head coach Ty Lang.
Bangs welcomes a new head coach and a new offensive system. Colton Buzzard has installed a ground based attack and the Dragons won’t be an easy team to beat, either.
There should be plenty of close ballgames between six teams worthy of making a trip to the playoffs.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. De Leon
2. Coleman
3. Hamilton
4. Hico
5. Bangs
6. Ballinger
DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES
10/11 - Coleman at Hamilton
10/11 - Ballinger at Bangs
10/18 - De Leon at Coleman
11/1 - Hico at Hamilton
11/8 - Hamilton at De Leon
