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 four out of a possible four playoff picks correct in 4A Division I.

Brownwood rolled through a west Texas based district the past two seasons, but things will be more difficult in 2024. Mainly because rival and preseason #1 Stephenville is in the mix, along with #17 Lampasas.

The Lions check in at #7 in the 4A Division I polls and will be doing their best to replace quarterback Ike Hall, who led the team to 12 wins a year ago and a trip to the fourth round of the playoffs. Brownwood’s only regular season loss was a 27-17 decision to the Yellow Jackets, who return 13 starters and are poised to have an even better 2024.

Lampasas and Burnet both made the playoffs and made the area round. They will be tough competition in 4-4A Division I, while Marble Falls looks to bounce back with a new coach after going 1-9 a year ago.

Brownwood faces both the Badgers and Jackets on the road, two key games in the race for the district title and playoff positioning.

BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL

1. Brownwood
2. Stephenville
3. Lampasas
4. Burnet
5. Marble Falls

DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES

10/11 - Brownwood at Lampasas
10/18 - Lampasas at Burnet
10/25 - Stephenville at Lampasas
11/1 - Brownwood at Stephenville

Educated Guesses: 4A DI

BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL

DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES

Educated Guesses: 5A DII

Educated Guesses: 4A DII

BIG COUNTRY BLITZ