Article by: “Mr. Six-Man” Mason Hines / Twitter: @mason_hines57
Can anyone dethrone the Eagles?
The 2020 football season, much like the year itself, has been full of unprecedented challenges,
most revolving around COVID-19 concerns. Some schools have played only a handful of
games, while others have had the ability to play full schedules. This district is no exception, with
Jonesboro and Zephyr both playing all 7 games normally played before district play begins.
Evant and Lometa have had their share of cancellations, with the Elks only playing 4 games
total this season. The biggest question surrounding these teams is a simple one;
Who can beat Jonesboro?
In recent years, the Eagles have had a stranglehold on their district, winning 4 of the last 5, their
last runner up trophy being handed to them in 2018 by Evant. There’s no reason to bet against
the Eagles, who have made countless deep playoff runs, including 2 state finals appearances in
‘16 and ‘17 under Head Coach Eddie Gallegos, who always has his teams prepared to play at
the top level. That being said, let’s look at the teams and how each one could walk home with
some new hardware in 3 weeks.
Evant:
For Evant, the road to district play has not been easy. After a 3 week break over Covid
cancellations, the Elks have been left with only 4 games played entering this week. They’ve
adapted well, however, winning all 4 games they’ve played, winning by an average margin of 28
points per game. Opening district play this Friday at Jonesboro, followed by another big rivalry
game next week at Lometa, it’ll be an uphill climb towards a district title.
Jonesboro:
As mentioned earlier, the Eagles are on track towards another monster season, with impressive
wins over defending state champion Blum and Milford already under their belt. Jonesboro
stumbled last week after a 46 point loss to perennial power Borden County. They open district at
home against Evant, followed by road games at Zephyr and Lometa. Circle that date in three
weeks, we might have a de facto title game on our hands in Lometa.
My prediction: Jonesboro over Evant by 45
Lometa:
The Hornets are a surprising team this season to say the least. They had their best start since
1984 after going 4-0 before losing the Cedar Park Summit two weeks ago. Lometa has all the
tools to make a run at a district title, playing on the road at Zephyr to start, they’ll then get home games to finish the season. If Lometa can take care of the Bulldogs tonight, I anticipate the
Evant game next week to have major playoff implications.
Zephyr:
The only team on this list without a winning record, the Bulldogs have had a fall from grace this
season. After Covid related opt-outs, injuries, and coach turnover, Zephyr has limped to get to
this point in the season with a single win. Their silver lining is they get two of their three district
games at home, which always seems to provide a bit of an advantage. My Prediction: Lometa over Zephyr by 45
Final District Prediction:
Champion: Lometa (3-0)
Runner-up: Jonesboro (2-1)
Evant (1-2)
Zephyr (0-3)
