It’s one of the most exciting times of the year: the return of high school football teams in the state of Texas. After many months of offseason drills, conditioning, summer workouts and 7-on-7 action, it was time to see how everyone looked on the field.
There were several big matchups across the state as well as some surprising results. Here’s a look back at the week that was in the world of Texas high school football.
Editor’s note: The start of the 2017 season has been greatly affected by the impact of Hurricane Harvey in Southeast Texas and the Gulf Coast. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those affected by this natural disaster. For more information on how you can help, click here.
Editor’s note #2: The Texas high school football community lost a star over the weekend with the passing of Texas High defensive end Leonard Parks. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, head coach Gerry Stanford and his team along with the entire Texarkana community as they continue to mourn and remember Parks.
Allen wins battle of heavyweights
Photo via Gordon DeLoach, TexasHSFootball.com
In a heavyweight showdown in the Metroplex, The Allen Eagles were able to deliver their big punch to the Cedar Hill Longhorns early. Grant Tisdale seemed to manage the game well in his debut as a starter, but that defense looks to be very tough and took advantage of some Cedar Hill mistakes.
As for Cedar Hill, it was a tough start to the Carlos Lynn era. They do have the playmakers but there is still some work to be done after the first game. It does not get any easier for the Longhorns as they travel to Mansfield to take on a Tiger team that looked impressive defensively against Mansfield Summit on Friday.
Julon Williams dazzles on big stage
Photo via Haley Whitt, TexasHSFootball.com
Speaking of stepping up in big moments, Converse Judson quarterback Julon Williams blasted on to the scene against the defending state champions in Lake Travis. When the spotlight was on, the senior responded with 501 total yards and four touchdowns in the Rockets 65-45 win that included some dazzling runs.
He's a magic man 🎩 no other way to describe this young man… @JudsonFootball in control mid way through the 3rd #TXHSFB #TXFootballDays pic.twitter.com/sMgenYRVLC
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) September 2, 2017
Expectations are high for the Rockets this season and if Williams is able to keep putting on performances like that, the sky could be the limit as to how far Sean McAulife’s team can go.
Aledo strong in opener
Photo via Joseph Nguyen, TexasHSFootball.com
The Aledo Bearcats had a big home opener themselves on Friday night hosting the Colleyville Heritage Panthers. There’s a bit of transition as Aledo stars a sophomore at quarterback but they were able to take care of business against a Heritage team that is also expecting big things this year.
Sophomore sensation Jase McClellan will be leaned on pretty heavily for Steve Wood’s bunch but the Bearcats look to be as strong as they have been in the past.
Streaks snapped
Two big losing streaks in West Texas ended over the weekend: one in probably the most dramatic finishes you’ll see.
TOUCHDOWN BRONCHOS pic.twitter.com/rbWqKyolxo
— Justin Lee (@ByJustinLee) September 1, 2017
In Odessa High’s opener at Lubbock Monterey, the Bronchos were able to take advantage of a Monterey miscue that snapped a 15-game losing streak dating back to 2015.
The Bronchos battled back from a 24-7 deficit and beat the Plainsmen 28-24 in a win that showed a lot of resiliency. Congrats to Danny Servance and his team on a win that the team will remember for a long time.
Photo via Tony Venegas, TexasHSFootball.com
Further west in El Paso, the Austin Panthers ended their long losing streak in dominating fashion, defeating the San Elizario Eagles by a score of 58-10. Head coach Eric Pichardo said during the offseason that one of the first goals for his team was to end the 25-game losing streak dating back 2014 and now he has accomplished that.
The Panthers are still rebuilding, but it’s a great start for Pichardo and his team as they try to rebuild the program.
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