So, hands up, who else was so excited with anticipation?
I’ll be the first to admit that for me, the countdown to the first week of the high school football season began when we finished publishing our high school season previews two weeks ago.
I’ve been filling the football void of the last two weeks by rewatching the TV version of Friday Night Lights. And with clear eyes and full hearts, we can all say that Week 1 is finally here, and man, does it feel good to say that.
I can’t find my exact record in the picks column from last season, but I’m confident I finished my second season with a win. Let’s hope I can do it again, otherwise I might change my portrait photo back to one where I’m wearing a brown paper bag over my head in shame.
With that being said, let’s make these tips for Week 1, where I hope not to lose.
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1. Klein Collins in College Station, Friday, 7 p.m.
If you live in Bryan-College Station, there are only three games in your area on Friday: College Station-Klein Collins, Allen Academy-Baytown Christian and Brazos Christian-Legacy Prep.
All three are expected to be close, hard-fought games and it was difficult for me to choose them for my column, but in the end, the previous season’s matchup between the Cougars (5A-I No. 4) and the Tigers (6A No. 16) won the bid.
The two questions fans might be asking heading into Week 1 for College Station seem to revolve around the quarterback and the defense. Two-year starter and Memphis quarterback Arrington Maiden is gone, meaning Cade Corcoran takes over at quarterback.
The good news is that the senior has experience, as he completed 72 of 95 passes for 1,018 yards with 12 touchdowns and one interception in two years on the varsity team.
Corcoran and the offense may have to try to establish the run first, as the Tigers return first-team All-District linebackers Luis Vasquez and Trent Spence, as well as second-team linebacker James Brady and defensive back Larry Hankton.
On defense, College Station returns only three starters from last fall. Defensive back and now safety Braylen Wortham is joined by linebackers Jack Stavinoha and Cole Flanagan. However, the Cougars have made great strides, starting with spring football, the state 7-on-7 and fall training camp.
I think College Station has done enough to answer those questions, and while it won’t be easy, I believe they can walk away with a win, especially in front of their home crowd.
Forecast: College Station: 28-24
2. A&M Consolidated at Lake Belton, Friday, 7 p.m.
As I said when picking the first game, if you live in Bryan-College Station, you may have to put in some miles on the road this week.
No. 9 A&M Consolidated and Lake Belton is a duel that will be worth watching.
As we previously described in our match preview, the two teams thought they would be in the same district, and even though that wasn’t the case, they still agreed to play against each other.
Lake Belton is interesting because they no longer have 5-star receiver Micah Hudson, but senior quarterback Eli Mascarenas is a playmaker in his own right. He accounted for 41 total touchdowns last season.
Consol’s secondary probably suffered the biggest loss in terms of returning players from last season, but the team’s top seven players have been talked about a lot throughout the offseason and could make things difficult for the passing attack.
On offense, the Tigers are heavily loaded with experienced players, including quarterback Will Hargett, receivers Darius Roberts and Colton Chmelar, who have returned to the team after several years, and offensive linemen Johnny Brown and Nathan Hailey.
Consol must be pretty nervous, not only because it’s their season opener, but also because they’re playing away, but I think once they get into their stride, the Tigers should come out on top.
Forecast: A&M Consolidated: 24-17
3. Franklin at China Spring, Friday, 7pm
Last time I picked a Franklin game, I was wrong. Let’s hope this trend doesn’t continue.
The No. 3 3A-I Lions have a brutal out-of-district slate that starts with No. 11 4A-II China Spring.
Franklin’s pedigree is well known by now, as the Lions have been to four straight state championships, winning two of them. There will be many new names and faces on this year’s team, as many of the well-known players from the past four years are no longer with the team, including the five seniors who were on the varsity team the past four years.
Franklin only returns three players on its offensive line, and that could be a sign of trouble for the Slot-T Lions. However, during the preseason, Franklin head coach Mark Fannin felt the offensive line was coming together well with plenty of quality competition.
Iron was also sharpened at the quarterback spot, as Noah Tart and Walker Anderson fought for the starting position.
However, Franklin fans can breathe a sigh of relief because running back Jayden Jackson is back for his final season with the Lions. Last season, he ran for 2,432 yards and 33 touchdowns.
The same cannot be said for China Spring, as the Cougars have a returning offensive line but a completely new backfield.
Given the many question marks on offense – not to mention the questions on defense about how to fill the gaps at linebacker – it may seem crazy to take Franklin, but the Lions know the expectations and know what is needed.
Forecast: Franklin: 35-28
