Educated Guesses: 5A DII
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 5A Division II.
Lubbock Cooper was a last minute Abilene High touchdown away from winning a 5A Division I district title last year, and the Pirates should be the favorites to get the job done in 2-5A Division II this season.
The competition will be fierce, however, as just about everyone else in the district feels they have a shot at making the playoffs.
Wylie, Cooper, and the two new Wichita Falls schools will have the most to say about it.
Both Wylie and Cooper have experienced quarterbacks returning in Bear Meng and Austin Cummins. I’d give Wylie the edge on offense and Cooper the edge on defense. Their Southtown Showdown could be another very important meeting this season.
Memorial welcomes Rider stars Joe Castles at quarterback and Kenji Johnson at running back for what could be a dynamic offense.
Legacy will have weapons as well, as many former Hirschi playmakers will suit up for the Leopards.
Palo Duro welcomes back 13 starters, while Plainview has 14 back under new head coach Wyatt Martinez. Quarterback Seth Mayberry has started since he was a freshman and the Bulldogs could make some noise in district as well.
BIG COUNTRY BLITZ COACHES POLL
1. Lubbock Cooper
2. Wylie
3. Abilene Cooper
4. Wichita Falls Memorial
5. Wichita Falls Legacy
6. Palo Duro
7. Plainview
DISTRICT DECIDING GAMES
9/27 - Cooper at Memorial
10/4 - Wylie at Cooper
10/11 - Cooper at Lubbock Cooper
10/18 - Wylie at Memorial
10/25 - Memorial at Lubbock Cooper
11/1 - Lubbock Cooper at Wylie
11/8 - Memorial at Legacy
11/8 - Wylie at Plainview
