Hays Rebels (1-0) at Dripping Springs Tigers (1-0)
When: Friday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dripping Springs
Last week: Hays 41, San Marcos 13; Dripping Springs 14, Kerrville Tivy 13
Last meeting (2018): Hays 35, Dripping Springs 34
Points might be at a premium Friday when Hays and Dripping Springs lock horns in what could be a defensive stalemate. But if last season’s thriller, decided on a blocked extra point, was any indication, expect the unexpected when these two in-county rivals meet for the fourth time in as many years. Hays enters with a defense that limited San Marcos to 13 points and less than 300 total yards. Playing a key role was a group that secured key turnovers, including a critical third quarter interception from Justin McMahon. Fellow DB Pi-Ellei Henderson and LB Zac Hobert are also players to watch for the Rebels. It could be problematic for a Tiger offense that generated yards against Tivy but few points to show for it. QB Preston Alford and RB Curtis Cox will be leaned on as the Tigers try to improve upon last week’s slow start. Defense, however, is where the Tigers could hang their hats Friday. Dripping Springs’ defense kept an explosive Tivy program from converting a third down last week. But can the Tigers slow down a Rebel offense that found its groove down the stretch? Dual threat QB Durand Hill is one of a handful of weapons on the Rebel Slot-T arsenal, which could include Nate Green, Bryant Lewis and Bobby Green.
Lehman Lobos (1-0) vs. McCallum Knights (0-1)
When: Friday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Lehman 24, New Braunfels Canyon 21; Anderson 29, McCallum 7
Last meeting (2018): McCallum 40, Lehman 27
Armed with confidence following a program-defining victory last week, Lehman will be on the prowl for something the program hasn’t done since 2011 – win two games in a row and go 2-0 to start the year. To do so, the Lobos take on a McCallum program that couldn’t stop Anderson from tossing the rock around in Week 1. Anderson amassed 239 yards and three scores against the Knights. That could bode well for a Lobo squad that looks to bolster its pass attack. QB’s Joey Guajardo and Zack Caserez both saw action in the win over Canyon. The Lobos could turn to their ground game for stability. RB’s Kanui Guidry and Keyshaun Williams accounted for 151 of the Lobos’ 243 total yards on the night. On the other end, Lehman’s defense, which kept Canyon to less than 300 total yards, will try to stop a McCallum offense that limped to a late fourth quarter touchdown against Anderson. With district play on the horizon, a win here could give Lehman what it needs to prepare for a brutal opening stretch in 25-6A.
Wimberley Texans (1-0) vs. Giddings Buffaloes (0-1)
When: Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Texan Stadium
Last week: Wimberley 41, Burnet 7; Rockdale 48, Giddings 24,
Last meeting(2018): Giddings 63, Wimberley 13
Following a lopsided week one win, Wimberley gets its first true test when they take on a Giddings program slated to be a contender in the 4A ranks. Wimberley’s defense, which limited Burnet to only one touchdown, will be tasked with stopping a high-tempo Giddings team that amassed 360-plus yards on 72 total plays. Buffs QB Alex De La Torre and RB Chad Adams carried much of the load, but ultimately struggled keeping up with Rockdale. Meanwhile, Texan QB Cooper McCollum and the Wimberley offense could thrive against a Giddings team that have up more than 500 yards to Rockdale.
