The wait is finally over.
The Texas high school football season kicks off Thursday, and the West Texas, San Angelo-area schedule is filled with plenty of intriguing matchups.
Whether it’s high-caliber contests between state-ranked teams or an old-fashioned skirmish between longtime rivals, Week 1 has it all.
Here are the best Week 1 games the San Angelo Standard-Times is looking at in the West Texas, San Angelo area.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Richland Springs vs. Gordon
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Priddy Athletic Complex
The 1A DII No. 3 Coyotes and the 1A DI No. 1 Longhorns locked in this matchup late in the summer because Gordon had to reschedule most of its games after a tornado in May damaged its stadium.
Even though Priddy is not known for hosting season-opening blockbuster matchups, it will be the venue for what could be one of the best football games of the season.
Eight players from last year’s Class 1A all-state teams will highlight this Week 1 matchup, including Air Force commit Stryker Reed and five other all-state returners from the back-to-back state champions.
Spread rusher Billy Perry and spread back Cohen Ethridge highlight the returning all-state talent for Richland Springs, with a host of other starters from last year’s team, including 1A discus champion Brice Roesler.
The Week 1 test against the presumptive best six-man team in the state is a change of pace for the Coyotes, who typically struggle scheduling other top-tier opponents in non-district play. The game will also be the ultimate measuring stick for the team’s progress under new coach Harley Ethridge, who took over for Shawn Rogers this summer.
If the Coyotes can pull off an upset or keep the game close, another state title season could be closer than some think.
Week 1 games to watch for the San Angelo area
San Angelo Central at Abilene High
7 p.m. Friday, Shotwell Stadium
The Bobcats took one on the chin against Abilene last season in Mark Smith’s first game at the helm. Central has been waiting for its get back since spring.
Wall at Mason
7 p.m. Friday, Hawk Stadium
One of the best rivalries in West Texas gets another run this season with a cast of new faces for the tradition-rich Punchers. The Hawks want to start off their expectation-heavy season with a bang.
Goldthwaite at Junction
7 p.m. Friday, Eagle Stadium
A big showdown between two teams with Eagles as their mascots in Week 1. Class 2A DII No. 12 Junction wants to prove it belongs at the top in Region IV, and No. 17 Goldthwaite aims to make headway in a crazy district race.
Fort Stockton at San Angelo Lake View
7 p.m. Friday, San Angelo Stadium
A fourth-quarter comeback from the Chiefs fell just short last year after Christopher Alvizo took over at quarterback mid-game. The Panthers face a ton of turnover on their roster and coaching staff.
Christoval at Eldorado
7 p.m. Friday, Larry Mitchel Stadium
The Eagles got the best of the Cougars by one score in this rivalry matchup last season. Can new Christoval coach Tanner McLean pull off an upset to start his tenure? Or will Eldorado make it four wins in a row?
Paul Witwer covers high school sports and Angelo State University sports for The San Angelo Standard-Times. Reach him at sports@gosanangelo.com. Follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @Paul_Witwer.
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Game of the Week: Two of the best six-man high school football teams clash, plus 5 others
Reporting by Paul Witwer, San Angelo Standard-Times / San Angelo Standard-Times
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