Week 1 Football Outlook

Bellville Vs. Cameron Yoe

Hurricane and tropical storm Harvey has had a major impact on games across the state of Texas. A long-list of contests have already been cancelled and Cameron’s season opener versus Bellville was one of the first to be pushed back to Saturday. The feel of the game will definitely be different for myself as well as other fans as you just don’t see Cameron playing on Saturday very often. For the actual game, it’ one of the best small school matchups in week one. The Brahmas are known for their slot-t offense, but things may be changing up a bit this season. Don’t be surprised to see some of the heavy-run formations, but there also appears to be some shotgun in the mix for 2017. Bellville’s strength will be its defensive front. Can the Yoemen generate some yards on the ground or will the big plays come via the pass? Bellville will still run the ball a majority of the time, so this will be a good test for the Yoe defensive front.

Josh’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 14.

Rockdale Vs. West

With Friday night open, this would be an excellent game to attend. I myself will be in attendance. Rockdale is going to be favored in this game, but it should be somewhat competitive. In their two scrimmages, the Tigers have struck with the big play through the air. If there is one thing West must do here, it is limit those explosives from quarterback Torry Locklin to future Sooner JaQuayln Crawford. Nathan Gerik (nearly 1,200 yards passing) does return, so West should also have an adequate passing threat to test this Tiger secondary.

Josh’s Pick: Rockdale by 14.

Mart Vs. Lexington

There are a ton of great opening week matchups across Central Texas, but this one may very well take the cake. Mart is up there with the likes of Cameron and Temple in terms of football tradition, and have been ranked as the number one team in 2A DI. Meanwhile, it appears that Lexington may be back on the rise, as they have also garnered the number one ranking in 3A DII. If Lexington is truly the number on team in their division, they should win this game by a score or two.

Josh’s Pick: Lexington by 7.

Navasota Vs. Franklin

It was the shocking result of week one games last season, as the Franklin Lions upended Navasota on the road, 38-22. As the season went along, it all started to make more sense as the Rattlers were just not themselves, finishing with just a 2-9 mark and bi-district playoff finish. Though Navasota is not getting much preseason hype, I do expect this team to be improved. The top matchup to watch here will be the Rattlers passing attack versus the Franklin secondary.

Josh’s Pick: Navasota by 1.

Academy Vs. Rogers

If you're looking to get your football fix a little early, then you can travel over to Belton for this rivalry contest at The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. My plans are to be there tonight (Thursday) to see what these two programs are going to bring to the table. Last season, Rogers started out extremely slow out of the gate with losses to Academy (34-0), Bosqueville (14-7) and Marlin (24-8). With yet another offensive system being implemented, the execution may not be there in week one. If Academy expects to be a playoff contender in 10-3A, this is a game they need to win.

Josh’s Pick: Academy by 10.

Groesbeck Vs. McGregor

Just like Rockdale/West, this is another 9-3A versus 10-3A matchup that will be one to watch. What makes this intriguing is you could see these same teams matching up in the bi-district round of the playoffs. McGregor actually beat Groesbeck by a couple of TDs last year, but it was the Goats in the playoffs while the Bulldogs were left watching from the sideline. Despite the loss, I was impressed by what I saw from Groesbeck in their game with Rockdale in the playoffs. McGregor will be with a new head coach for the first time in 11 years as Judd Thrash replaces Tim Seward. Seward has moved into administration at McGregor.

Josh’s Pick: Grosebeck by 7.