By: Nick Gradney (National Scout) @StatZ_G
5. Ball and Manvel is an intriguing because it’s their first meeting on the gridiron. The Mavericks were once a power in the Houston area and they are looking to get back to that in 2024. They have some really good athletes who are expected to have a spectacular year. The Galveston Ball Tornadoes have stars on both sides of the ball that people will come see play, no matter the opponent. I predict both schools will make the playoffs and this is a statement game for both programs. This game could steal the show, so don’t sleep on these two rising programs.
Ball Key Players: S Jonah Williams, QB Kyden Barker, WR London Deyon
Manvel Key Players: DB Grant Stewart, QB Cam Renfro, S Brian Robinson Jr
4. The matchup between Legacy School of Sports Science and Hitchcock features two of the best QB/WR duos in Texas. Legacy is a perennial powerhouse in the private school division. Hitchcock is a really good team in 3A that can make a run at a state title in December if everything clicks at the right time. There will be Division I collegiate level talent on the field at all times. Take the over for points in this one, this game may end up being a shootout.
Legacy Key Players: QB Keisean Henderson, WR Mike Brown, S Joseph Smith
Hitchcock Key Players: QB Lloyd Jones, WR Kelshaun Johnson, DL Malcolm Simpson
3. The Texans season will begin the same way it ended in 2023 – a matchup against the Atascocita Eagles. Both squads lost a lot of great talent from the previous year but still have more than enough playmakers coming back, as well as some promising newcomers to make for an exciting game. Lamar has been running the 18-6A district for a while and is undoubtedly the cream of the crop in HISD. Meanwhile, Atascocita is a threat to make deep postseason runs every year and on the verge of kicking down the door. This will be a test for both teams going forward.
Lamar Key Players: OT Dramodd Odoms, WR Trey Douglas, WR Ja’Carsten Landor, DB Rob McFarland, QB Vaurice Young
Atascocita Key Players: QB Isaiah “Rocket” Rasheed, RB Tory Blaylock, RB Cardae Mack, WR Kyran Pate, WR Broderick Malone
2. The Dallas vs. Houston rivalry continues as South Oak Cliff travels to take on the Mustangs of Galena Park North Shore. Neither team is a stranger to tough matchups early on, and both are championship caliber teams in their own respective divisions. Both teams are defensive minded but have the ability to run the score up as well. This could be the most attended game of week one, not only in Houston but in the state of Texas. Make no mistake about it, the North Shore Mustangs are heavy favorites. However, SOC’s under dog mentality has the fans attention and will keep everyone interested. This is the hottest ticket in town and must-see TV.
SOC Key Players: EDGE Kamauryn Morgan, LB Jayden Shelton, CB Marcell Gibson, OT Emeka Ugorji, WR Jaylen Moore
North Shore Key Players: CB Devin Sanchez, QB Kaleb Bailey, WR Quanell Farrakhan Jr., EDGE Cedric Henderson, LB Charles Ross
1. In a rematch of a 2nd round playoff game in 2023, it’s the battle of the “Creeks.” The Shadow Creek Sharks are looking to get back in the title hunt this year with a loaded roster, specifically at wide receiver and in the secondary. Meanwhile, the Summer Creek Bulldogs are coming off of a historic season last year that earned them their first trip to AT&T Stadium. These are two evenly matched teams but very different in their approach to the game. Shadow Creek will likely air it out, while Summer Creek loves to keep it on the ground. Both defenses have primary playmakers, so it should be a fun one, to say the least.
Shadow Creek Key Players: WR Jacorey Watson, CB Cobey Sellers, LB Anthony “Deuce” Williams, QB Joseph Stewart
Summer Creek Key Players: ATH Blake Thomas, EDGE Chad Woodfork, S Brandon Jones, WR Larry Brown
