Hays Rebels vs. San Marcos Rattlers
When: Friday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last meeting (2018): Hays 28, San Marcos 17
A longtime Hays County rivalry is renewed Friday as Hays and San Marcos square off for the only the second time in the last eight seasons. Plenty of questions surround a Rebel offense that features a handful of new faces, some of whom are seeing varsity action for the first time. That includes an offensive line that does not have a starter returning from last year. What isn’t new, however, is head coach Les Goad’s Slot-T attack, which is helmed by quarterback Durand Hill and running back Xavier Green. Meanwhile, the Rebel defense will be led by linebacker Jake Lopez and cornerback Pi-Ellei Henderson. On the opposite side, San Marcos looks to improve from last season’s dismal 1-9 campaign on the shoulders of quarterback Alex Garcia, who led the team with 900 yards passing. But the Rattlers also face inexperience questions at running back, as well as at wide receiver. San Marcos will also be pressed to stop opponents, too. The Rattlers allowed 44 points per contest last year.
Dripping Springs Tigers at Kerrville Tivy Antlers
When: Friday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Antler Stadium in Kerrville
Last meeting: Dripping Springs 48, Tivy 38
If last season’s 86 point, 1,091 combined total yard track meet was any indication, Friday’s meeting between Dripping Springs and Kerrville Tivy could be equally as thrilling as the first one. In one corner is a Tivy team that’s placing its district title defense hopes on dual threat senior quarterback Cole Miears who returns after amassing more than 2,600 yards and 20-plus touchdowns last year. Tivy, which heralded one of the area’s most prolific offenses in 2018, also returns wide receivers Colton Drake and Bruce McCoy. In the other corner is a Dripping Springs team that’s looking to find answers at a handful of positions on offense. Dripping Springs only returns a handful of starters from last season’s team that amassed more than 4,900 yards. Junior Zach Tjelmeland take the reins at quarterback, helped by junior Curtis Cox and sophomore wide receiver Cameron O’Banan. But who will be able to make a key stop at critical moments? Whoever can might have the upper hand in a matchup between two powerhouse 5A programs.
Wimberley Texans vs. Burnet Bulldogs
When: Friday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Texan Stadium
Last meeting (2018): Wimberley 32, Burnet 25
After a 2018 season filled with growing pains, Wimberley opens 2019 with high expectations and the hopes of putting last season’s 4-7 mark, the program’s first sub-.500 mark since 2015, far behind them. Guiding that path is a team that gained a plethora of varsity experience last season. That includes quarterback Cooper McCollum who threw for more than 1,200 yards in seven games before succumbing to injury. Joining McCollum is sophomore running back Moses Wray and sibling senior wide receiver Luke Wray, both key playmakers for a team that struggled offensively last year. But can the Texan defense halt opponents? Wimberley allowed 39 points per contest a year ago. Meanwhile, Burnet, which limped to a 2-8 record in 2018, is expected to be led by the combo of quarterback Jaxson Denton and wide receiver Blaine Burkhalter. Sophomore running back Marcus Escamilla is also slated to return for the Bulldogs.
Lehman Lobos at New Braunfels Canyon Cougars
When: Friday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Cougar Stadium in New Braunfels
Last meeting: Canyon 51, Lehman 17
After suffering through an winless campaign last year, Lobo Nation hopes there’s nowhere else to go but up for a team that’s on a 17-game losing streak. Optimism arrives Friday in a Canyon team that’s trying to fill some big shoes as they recover from a disappointing campaign in 2018. Lehman will turn to running back Keyshaun Williams who returns after rushing for 464 yards last year. Returning wide receivers Keon Bailey and Jacob Urrutia are expected to be anchors for either Joey Guajardo or Logan Travis, who are battling for the quarterback job. But can the Lobo defense give their offense a chance to stay in the game? Lehman allowed 52 points per game last year. Meanwhile, Canyon is looking to fill the gaps left by running backs Seth Leeper-Haney and Nate Culbreath, who comprised 2,200-plus of the 4,800 yards gained a year ago. Cameron Lucas, who only gained 69 yards in 2018, is slated to pick up the slack. Canyon will also try to find a new signal caller, too.
