5.) Terry Gambill takes over the reigns at Allen
The Allen Eagles had quite a bit to do this offseason after losing long-time head coach Tom Westerberg. Taking over for the four-time state champion coach is one of his former assistants—Terry Gambill. In fact, Gambill was an assistant head coach for the 2008 state championship team. For nine years, Gambill served as an assistant at Allen before taking the head coaching position at Waco Midway in 2010. There, Gambill enjoyed a successful stint going 67-13. Now it’s time to see if Gambill can fill the void and take Allen to another state championship game. The Eagles open the season against Hoover (AL) on Aug. 26.
4.) Shawn Robinson’s First Game with the DeSoto Eagles (Aug. 26)
The 6-foot-1, TCU commit is starting his senior year in a new uniform. Robinson played his sophomore and junior season for Denton Guyer in the 5A classification. Now, the four-star recruit via 247 Sports Composite will look to impress his new teammates as he plays his first game with the No. 6 ranked DeSoto Eagles. Robinson, a dual-threat quarterback, thrives in the read-option. Another strength of Robinson is his lightning-fast feet and ability to make something out of nothing. If you need proof, feel free to watch his Hudl tape. The Eagles open their season on Aug. 26 against a robust Dallas Jesuit side.
3.) No. 15 Longview vs. No. 18 Lufkin
For the third time in the length of a year, Longview and Lufkin meet again. The two teams met twice last season as Longview won both games. The second game, Longview eliminated Lufkin from the opening round of the 5A D1 state playoffs 31-10. Now, Lufkin gets a chance for revenge at their home stadium.
2.) Texas vs. The World
On Aug. 26, the Allen Eagles will host arguably one of Alabama’s finest high school football programs—the Hoover Buccaneers. Both sides have been extremely successful in the recent past. The Eagles are five-time state champions, their latest title occurring just two seasons ago in 2014-2015. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have collected an astonishing 11 state championships—their latest was also in the 2014-15 season under a 7A classification.
The next Texas versus the rest matchup is between two of the most recognized high school programs in the country. It will feature the No. 12 ranked Carroll Dragons versus the No. 1 ranked team in the state of Oklahoma—the Union Redskins. Both of these teams are no strangers to success. The Dragons have won eight state championships but none while in the 6A classification. Meanwhile, the Redskins have won eight state championships as well but seven of those have been while in 6A. The game is set to take place on Aug. 26 at Carroll Stadium.
1.) Bishop Gorman (NV) vs. No. 3 Cedar Hill (TX) (Aug. 27)
There’s no question here. The biggest game of the young season will be the nation’s No. 2 ranked Bishop Gorman Gaels versus Texas’ No. 3 ranked Cedar Hill Longhorns. There’s no surprise that it’s TexasHSFootball.com Game of the Week. The game is also being broadcast on ESPN 2 for those who can’t make it. Both sides are littered with talent. Quarterback Tate Martell—an Ohio State commit—leads Bishop Gorman. Martell threw for 2,608 yards and 32 touchdowns last season. Meanwhile, the Longhorns will lean on their dual-threat quarterback in Avery Davis. The Notre Dame commit accumulated 2,148 yards passing and 25 touchdowns, while running for 873 yards and 13 touchdowns. Depending on who has the better day—Martell or Davis—will likely be the deciding factor on Aug. 27.
