The Cooldown- Week Four
It’s officially game week for 5A and 6A schools! That also means that 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A schools have been able to play games successfully for the most part. We have a long way to go before we start crowning champions, but I believe we can get there if everyone continues to socially distance and wear masks. Now let’s recap some games and preview our first full weekend of the football season.
Melissa defeats Stephenville in a shootout
A back-and-forth affair ended with a Melissa touchdown run from Jaylen Williams as the Cardinals escaped Stephenville 65-58. Melissa jumped out to an early 22-7 lead after the first quarter but trailed 58-50 in the fourth quarter before scoring the final 15 points. Each team put up over 600 yards of offense.
Braeden Smith finished with 170 yards and a touchdown on the ground while Williams added 62 yards and the final two touchdowns of the night. Sam Fennegan passed for 129 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 86 yards. Stephenville quarterback Gavin Rountree had an impressive night, passing for 306 yards and rushing for 120 more while contributing five total touchdowns. Melissa improved to 4-0 on the season.
Argyle tops Waco La Vega
This matchup will be one to watch later on this season. Waco La Vega ousted Argyle in the playoffs last season and the Eagles will have to beat the Pirates again this season if another state championship run is in the cards. With that being said, Argyle’s initial showing against La Vega was an impressive one.
Argyle’s defense only allowed one score in a 35-7 win for the Eagles. Argyle’s offense got it done on the ground with three players rushing for at least 50 yards. Braden Baker led that trio with 78 yards and a score. C.J. Rogers finished with 95 yards passing with two touchdowns, but also two interceptions. I know I talk about Argyle every week, but the Eagles have played a tough schedule and have impressed in every game. This team is absolutely one to keep an eye on as one that could be playing for a state championship in December.
Games to Watch
Thursday Night
Euless Trinity @ Arlington Lamar
The first high school football game to be played at Globe Life Park should be a good one. Valentino Foni will lead Trinity’s ground attack against a stout Lamar team. Lamar wide receiver Cam Brady will be tough for Trinity’s defense to contain and we’ll get our first look at Jack Dawson’s replacement at quarterback for Lamar.
Burleson @ Burleson Centennial
When is the Battle for the Boot not fun? The latest installment of this rivalry will kick off on Thursday night at AT&T Stadium. Jalen Kitna will be fun to watch this season and his dad is the head coach. I will have my eyes on Burleson this season, but Centennial is just as good. Senior quarterback Hank Meyer returns to lead a team that finished 10-2 last season.
Frisco @ Frisco Independence
I am really looking forward to seeing how this season plays out for both of these teams. Frisco had a great season last year and I think the Raccoons are poised for another big season. Starting off 1-0 will be no easy task having to face dynamic quarterback Braylon Braxton and tight end Elijah Arroyo. I love this Independence team and I think this will be a great game between two squads with high expectations.
Crowley @ North Crowley
North Crowley will be looking to start its season off on the right foot after a 3-7 record last year. I am looking forward to seeing the North Crowley defense in action with defensive backs Ronald Wilson and Coryon Francis and linebacker Kobe Ranson. Crowley will be a tough test for North Crowley to open the season. Quarterback Jacobe Robinson will lead a Crowley team that finished 9-2 last season. Both teams have plenty of talent and this should be a great game.
TC Byron Nelson @ Mansfield Legacy
Mansfield Legacy will be looking to get off to a fast start against Byron Nelson. Legacy finished with a 4-6 record last season and isn’t in an easy district, so opening with a win is crucial. Byron Nelson will be looking to match its win total from last season in week one and I think the Bobcats could be a team to keep an eye on as one that has improved significantly and could challenge for a playoff spot in District 4-6A.
Friday Night
Denton Ryan @ Arlington Martin
The first game of a doubleheader at AT&T Stadium on Friday will be between the Raiders of Denton Ryan and the Warriors of Arlington Martin. Denton Ryan might be the most talented 5A team in the area and will begin its season against a quality 6A opponent. Martin will be favored to win its district, but Ryan has state aspirations. The Raiders fell fingertips short of winning a state championship last season and I can’t wait to watch Denton Ryan pursue that elusive state championship this season. Both of these teams are very talented and well coached, and this game should be an absolute treat to start our Friday night.
Dallas Jesuit @ Flower Mound Marcus
Garrett Nussmeier and J. Michael Sturdivant will kick off their farewell tour against a good Jesuit team. Jesuit made a deep playoff run last year but doesn’t return many starters. I am interested to see how Jesuit responds to playing one of the best teams in the area in Flower Mound Marcus. On the other hand, this won’t be a stroll in the park for Marcus. It will be good for this team to play a Jesuit squad that will push them and could even win the game.
Rockwall @ Denton Braswell
Rockwall fell short of a state championship game appearance last season and will kick off the post Rodney Webb era against a really good Denton Braswell team. I will be keeping my eyes on the Rockwall receiving corps to see who steps up. I will also be keeping my eyes on Braswell as they take on one of the better teams in the area. The Bengals are in a really tough district and will need to play well in this early season tune-up.
Ennis @ Red Oak
Ennis is a historically good program and made a deep playoff run last year. Meanwhile the Chris Parson era starts in Red Oak this weekend as the former Duncanville quarterback takes the field for the first time at Red Oak. Parson inherits a good Red Oak team, but it is important to point he has only started one game and is just a sophomore. I am interested to see how he plays against an Ennis squad that returns a lot of starters from a team that pushed eventual state champion Aledo to the brink.
Jenks, OK @ Mansfield Summit
Mansfield Summit has moved down to 5A after playing in 6A last year. The Jaguars finished with a 7-4 record last season and will look to build on that in 5A. The first game for Summit comes against one of the better Oklahoma programs in Jenks. I had to throw this game in here because we always love to see Texas schools assert dominance over Oklahoma. If only some of these Oklahoma schools ventured over to play against teams in District 11-6A.
Other Friday Night Games to Watch
Denton Guyer @ Hebron
Flower Mound @ McKinney Boyd
Rockwall- Heath @ Lewisville
Aledo @ Weatherford
Grapevine @ Colleyville Heritage
Prosper Rock Hill @ Frisco Heritage
North Forney @ Frisco Lone Star
Galena Park North Shore @ Alvin Shadow Creek
I know this game is in the Houston area but it’s the best game in the state this weekend. We’ll have plenty of coverage over at @IHSS_Houston
Let us know which games you will be at this weekend in the comments!