Educated Guesses: 3A 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 three out of a possible four playoff picks correct in 3A Division I.
District 3-3A Division I should be a dogfight all season, and one of the tougher ones to pick in the preseason.
Sweetwater, a 4A playoff team a year ago, comes down to 3A DI this year and brings plenty of weapons. The Mustangs, in year three under head coach Russell Lucas, have a very difficult non-district schedule, but should be in the title mix when district play rolls around.
Jim Ned welcomes a new head coach as Johnathon McClure takes over for Matt Fanning, looking to keep the Tribe rolling. The Indians also face a brutal non-district slate which should help them get ready for district.
Comanche comes up from 3A Division II, where they made a playoff run that went three rounds deep. They lost some key pieces, but also have some very good talent returning that should keep them in playoff contention.
Breckenridge missed out on the postseason a year ago and is hungry to get back. The Buckaroos have the talent to make the postseason as well if they can stay healthy.
Clyde, coming off an amazing 2023 season, could very well be a postseason team again under new head coach Johnathon Haddock. They will need to replace star quarterback Blake Carr, but should have plenty of beef up front on the line to make a playoff run again. The district schedule gives the Bulldogs no favors, as they have to play on the road at Breckenridge, Jim Ned and Sweetwater this season.
TLCA San Angelo made the postseason as a 3A Division II team a year ago, but they will have their work cut out for them to contend for a playoff spot in this district.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Sweetwater
2. Jim Ned
3. Clyde
4. Breckenridge
5. Comanche
6. TLCA San Angelo
DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES
I might as well post the entire district schedule, as every week will feature multiple games that will decide the playoffs.
10/11 - Clyde at Breckenridge
10/11 - Jim Ned at Comanche
10/18 - Breckenridge at Jim Ned
10/18 - Sweetwater at Comanche
10/25 - Comanche at Breckenridge
10/25 - Clyde at Sweetwater
11/1 - Sweetwater at Breckenridge
11/1 - Clyde at Jim Ned
11/8 - Jim Ned at Sweetwater
11/8 - Comanche at Clyde
