Week 2 Football Outlooks

Gatesville (1-0) Vs. Cameron Yoe (1-0)

For the second year in a row you have to feel good about the way the Yoemen looked in their season opener.  Was everything where you would have liked it to be?  Not quite.  However, for the first game out, I don’t believe you could have asked for much more.  My biggest takeaway from that game was the rushing attack.  There appears to be big improvements up front on the line, which led the way to over 200 yards rushing.  Cameron is at their best offensively when there is about a 50/50 split in production on the ground and through the air.  Bellville is still not quite there on the offensive end, but it was a solid performance by the Yoe defense.  Gatesville will be improved this season as shown in their week one win over Connally, 38-14.  The Hornets line up in a variety of formations and can run and throw, so this should be a stiffer challenge for the defense.

Josh’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 14.

Around Milam County

Lexington (1-0) Vs. Thorndale (0-1)

The only positive for Thorndale here is that this game is at home.  Lexington just got through taking down number one 2A Mart (40-38) in their season opener while Thorndale suffered a surprising loss to Milano, 47-28.  The problem here is that Lexington appears to be on a totally different level from Milano.  With that said, I would be really impressed with the Bulldogs if this were to stay within 28 points.

Josh’s Pick: Lexington by 28+

Milano (1-0) Vs. Thrall (1-0)

Milano has plenty of confidence after taking down Milam county counterpart Thorndale in week one, 47-28.  The Eagles will try to avenge another 2016 loss this week on the road at Thrall.  The Tigers had a very solid 2016 campaign, finishing with a 10-2 overall mark.  Thrall defeated Riesel in week one, 34-12.

Josh’s Pick: Thrall by 7.

Temple Holy Trinity (1-0) Vs. Buckholts (0-0)

It’s never easy not getting to play your first game during the opening week of the season, but now the Badgers will be playing every week up until at least November 10 when district wraps up.  Last season, there was not much to go on to determine how this game would play out.  It ended badly for the Badgers in a 71-26 loss.  Holy Trinity did defeat Round Rock Christian in week one, 58-12.  With every starter returning, will the Badgers have enough to get over the hump in this one?

Josh’s Pick: Temple Holy Trinity by 14.

Around 10-3A

Taylor (1-0) Vs. Rockdale (0-1)

The Rockdale Tigers had a rough start to 2017, falling to West on the road, 42-24.  I managed to get out to this game, and the score does not tell the whole story.  Rockdale was without three of their top starters, which included Jaquayln Crawford, the Oklahoma commit.  Despite that, Rockdale had a lot of issues throughout the night at the line of scrimmage.  Taylor did defeat Rockdale last season and knocked Robinson off in week one.  I believe the Tigers would have to be at 100 percent to pull out a win here.  

Josh’s Pick: Taylor by 10.

Marlin (1-0) Vs. Troy (1-0)

Marlin started their 2017 season with a 24-0 shutout win over Blooming Grove.  On the flipside, Troy was shutout by Salado, 33-0.  Does this mean that Marlin is going to cruise their way through this one?  I don’t believe so.  Salado went two rounds deep last season and is expected to finish near the top of their district.  Blooming Grove did not win a game last season and may not do so again.  This should be Troy’s most winnable game during non-district.

Josh’s Pick: Troy by 14.

Around the State

Teague (0-1) Vs. Mexia (0-1)

Rockdale losing to West was a surprise, but Teague falling to Madisonville was the biggest shocker out of region III.  It was not necessarily that Madisonville won, but that they did it with an eye-opening 24-0 shutout.  Teague changed offensive coordinators in the offseason and has a new quarterback, but this team has plenty of talent on that side of the ball.  Madisonville could be a team to watch and may very well contend with Bellville for a district championship.

Josh’s Pick: Teague by 1.