Hays Rebels (1-0) vs. Dripping Springs Tigers (1-0)
When: Friday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Hays 28, San Marcos 17; Dripping Springs 48, Kerrville Tivy 38
Last meeting (2017): Dripping Springs 21, Hays 17
High-tempo meets methodical in a battle of two programs with opposing offensive styles. However, if the last two meetings are any indication, the third-straight installment of the Hays-Dripping Springs rivalry should be just as entertaining. Hays brings a run-first Slot-T offense that dominated time of possession last week against San Marcos. The team’s three-headed rush attack of Nash Danford, Sam Scott and Xavier Green, mixed in with the play of quarterback Xavier Martinez, will be a critical test for a Tiger defense still getting used to varsity play. Dripping Springs, on the other hand, counters with dual-threat quarterback Tanner Prewit, who accounted for 437 of the team’s 600 yards on offense and six of the seven touchdowns against Tivy. Hays’ defense, which stood fast at times against San Marcos, will contend with a high-energy offense brimming with talented athletes, such as running back Jake Cox and wide receiver Parker Alford. Friday’s game could come down to a pair of simple questions – who can come up with a defensive stop in crunch time and who can win the turnover battle?
Lehman Lobos (0-1) at McCallum Knights (1-0)
When: Friday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: House Park
Last week: NB Canyon 51, Lehman 10; McCallum 21, Anderson 20
Last meeting (2017): McCallum 55, Lehman 17
Struggles in stopping the run game, along with some self-inflicted wounds, hurt the Lobos as they opened the Bruce Salmon era last week. They’ll look to rectify those problems when they host a McCallum program that’s still trying to find its own footing. Lehman will be tasked in halting dual-threat quarterback Cole Davis, who amassed 226 of the Knight’s 360-plus yards last week against Anderson. Meanwhile, Lehman’s offense will look to mirror the consistency and output they had in the second half against New Braunfels Canyon. Quarterback Bryant Lewis’ dual-threat capability, along with the sure hands of Jake Cude and Daniel O’Neal, will be called upon against a Knight defense that kept Anderson below the 300 yard mark. But can the Lobos put together four full quarters of football? If so, the Lobos could have a prime chance to put the team’s eight-game losing streak to rest.
Wimberley Texans (1-0) at Giddings Buffaloes (1-0)
When: Friday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Buffaloes Stadium
Last week: Wimberley 32, Burnet 25; Giddings 17, Rockdale 16
Last meeting (2017): Wimberley 45, Giddings 28
With its quarterback questions now answered, Wimberley can now set its sights on a Giddings program fresh off a big upset. They’ll look to do so by placing its hopes on quarterback Cooper McCollum, whose late-game heroics helped the Texans surpass Burnet in their season opener. They’ll take on a Giddings defense that kept perennial power Rockdale to only 16 total points last week. Meanwhile, the Texan defense will take on a Giddings group that, despite putting up 17 points in a win, was limited to less than 200 yards total offense. If McCollum finds the hot-hand early, the Texans could be on their way to a 2-0 start to the season.
