Educated Guesses: 3A
I took a look at how things would pan out in Big Country Class 5A and 4A districts yesterday, today: Class 3A.
3A DIVISION I
3-3A DIVISION I COACHES POLL
1. Jim Ned
2. Iowa Park
3. Breckenridge
4. Clyde
5. Vernon
6. Bowie
EDUCATED GUESS
1. Jim Ned
2. Breckenridge
3. Iowa Park
4. Clyde
5. Vernon
6. Bowie
Photo: Texpix.com
CIRCLE THE CALENDAR
10/7 Breckenridge at Iowa Park
10/7 Vernon at Clyde
10/21 Jim Ned at Breckenridge
11/4 Clyde at Breckenridge
11/4 Jim Ned at Iowa Park
The Indians look like the team to beat, but Breckenridge looks to make a big jump to contend and Iowa Park will be legit and drops from 4A to 3A this season. Jim Ned has to travel to face both teams, which could make their goal of a third straight district title tougher to attain. The winner of the district opener between Iowa Park and Breckenridge will emerge as the top contender. Clyde looks to be much improved this season and their district opener against Vernon, another 4A dropdown, will go a long way towards determining the final playoff spot out of this competitive district.
PLAYERS TO WATCH (from Big Country teams)
Breckenridge RB/WR/DB Anson Rodgers
Breckenridge FB/DL Jerry Lawson
Breckenridge QB/DB Chase Lehr
Breckenridge WR/DB Alexis Franco
Clyde RB Austin Hastings
Clyde QB Blake Carr
Clyde WR/DB/K Pedro Altamirano
Jim Ned OL/DL Gage Stanaland
Jim Ned WR/DB Troy Duran
Jim Ned RB/LB Sergio Hernandez
Jim Ned LB Tanner Hussman
Photo: Brownwoodnews.com
3A DIVISION II
2-3A DIVISION II COACHES POLL
1. Early
2. Wall
3. Brady
4. Ballinger
5. Grape Creek
6. TLCA San Angelo
EDUCATED GUESS
1. Early
2. Wall
3. Brady
4. Ballinger
5. Grape Creek
6. TLCA San Angelo
CIRCLE THE CALENDAR
10/14 Early at Brady
10/28 Early at Wall
11/4 Grape Creek at Ballinger
11/4 Wall at Brady
The Longhorns have the makings of a special season, and the district title could come down to their visit to Wall on Oct. 28. Early took down the Hawks a year ago, but Wall is expected to be much better this season and eager to avenge that defeat. Brady should be very good as well and and in the district title mix. Ballinger, Grape Creek and TLCA San Angelo are likely going to be battling it out for the fourth playoff spot out of the district.
Photo: Ballinger News
PLAYERS TO WATCH (from Big Country teams)
Early QB Jaxyn Price
Early WR/DB John-Stewart Gordon
Early DE/WR Caleb McCullough
Early OL/DL Chris Fernandez
Ballinger RB/LB Nathan McDuffee
Ballinger WR/LB Martin Quiroga
Photo: Tiffany Beard
5-3A DIVISION II COACHES POLL
1. Eastland
2. Dublin
3. Jacksboro
4. Millsap
5. Comanche
6. Merkel
EDUCATED GUESS
1. Eastland
2. Jacksboro
3. Dublin
4. Merkel
5. Millsap
6. Comanche
CIRCLE THE CALENDAR
10/7 Eastland at Jacksboro
10/14 Merkel at Eastland
11/4 Merkel at Millsap
11/4 Jacksboro at Dublin
This district stayed exactly the same after realignment and will be about as hard to handicap as it was last year. Eastland is the defending champ and poised to three-peat, with Jacksboro and Dublin as the likely top contenders. Merkel, Millsap and Comanche will be in the mix for the final playoff spot. The Badgers have plenty of returning talent and are my pick to emerge and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
PLAYERS TO WATCH (from Big Country teams)
Eastland OL/DL Nathan Taylor
Eastland RB/LB Cason Browning
Eastland DL/RB Jesus Lopez
Eastland WR/DB Derrick Harris
Eastland WR/DB Grady Galyean
Merkel QB/CB Joey Zink
Merkel WR/LB Jack Travis
Merkel WR/S Maddox O’Malley
Merkel TE/LB Bryan Jones
