Every year there are a handful of heavyweight non-district clashes that pack stands and determine who drops in the rankings and who rises.
The UIL determines districts in the state, so the coaches determine non-district games. While examining teams for season previews, we’ve come across a handful of games that are can’t-miss matchups.
Some of these aren’t traditional matchups or old rivals. These 3A non-district games are based on last year’s results and this year’s projections.
Sept. 1
4A Monahans at Wall
Monahans won this matchup last year convincingly, but this year the Loboes must travel to Wall, which made it to the state semifinals in 2016. Though Wall is 3A, they can probably hang with the 4As.
Mineola at 4A Van
Van made it to the state quarterfinal in 4A DI last year while Mineola went on to win a 3A DI state championship. These East Texas schools will clash again. The Vandals won last year’s game, 41-21.
2A Mart at Lexington
Before Lexington rolled to the fourth round last season, the Eagles lost the season opener to Class 2A powerhouse Mart, 22-20, at Mart. Both had young teams, and this year could be one of the best inter-classification games as each squad is a favorite to win its respective state championship.
Sept. 8
Pottsboro at Gunter
Gunter’s 16-0 state championship run in 2016 included a 37-21 win over a young Pottsboro team that should be even better this season. Pottsboro’s only losses were to Gunter, eventual 3A state champion Mineola in the state quarterfinal and an overtime loss to rival Whitesboro. The towns of Gunter and Pottsboro will probably shut down for this game.
Wall at Cisco
Wall won a thriller in this game, 19-18, last season and marched to the state semifinals. Cisco had a great season with a young team and these two will both be out for blood — and to prove something in Week 2.
Elysian Fields at Winona
Elysian Fields won this meeting at home last year, 20-17. Elysian Fields went 12-1 with a regional appearance while Winona made it to the state quarterfinals before falling to state champ Gunter. Winona and Elysian Fields will both be good again, but this year Winona has the home-field advantage.
Sept. 15
Lexington at 4A Rockdale
Lexington lost just two games in regular season last season, both in non-district. The first was to Mart and the other to nearby 4A stalwart Rockdale, 62-35. Expect another shootout this season as both teams will better and each has high expectations.
Cameron Yoe at 4A China Spring
Why this game when China Spring absolutely destroyed Yoe last season, 63-13? Because Yoe has the talent to make a patented state championship run — something they’ve done so often since 2010. Yoe will be salty and China Spring will be down a little this year, but the Cougars — a 4A state semifinalist last year — will still be pretty good. The road trip isn’t the easiest, but the game will be well worth the money and drive for the Yoemen faithful.
Boling at Hallettsville
Boling made it to the state championship game last year while Hallettsville is the favorite to play in Jerry World this season. Boling’s only non-district loss en route to a state runner-up finish was 35-21 to the Brahmas. Hallettsville went 13-1 last year and fell to a district foe in the state semifinal. Both teams have something to prove before district starts, and this will be a great springboard game for the winner.
Sept. 22
Wall at Eastland
Eastland had a good year last season despite two non-district setbacks, including a 28-14 loss at Wall. This year Wall travels to Eastland, which will be improved and ready for revenge.
4A Giddings at Yoakum
Yoakum is locked and loaded with talent in 2017, and so is the Bulldogs’ schedule. Giddings is a tough 4A team that’s supposed to be better in 2017 than last year, and Yoakum is set out to show last year’s run to the state title game wasn’t a fluke.
Yoakum gets this game at home, and the Bulldogs could send a message to district rival Hallettsville with a win over the Buffaloes in this game.
Newton at 4A Bridge City
Newton beat their upper-classification foe, 38-16, last season on the way to the state quarterfinals. Bridge City won a tricky 10-4A DI last year, and this year the Cardinals host Newton down on the coast. Expect Gulf moisture and haze, a great Game Day atmosphere in Bridge City and an even better game.
Sept. 29
Gilmer Harmony at White Oak
Both of these teams went three rounds deep last season. The White Oak Roughnecks defeated Harmony, 55-34, on the road, and each team has high expectations heading into this fall. This matchup is especially important as it’s the last tune-up before district starts for each team.
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