High School Football is Back
Week One Preview
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
EAST TEXAS – After a long, cold winter in which area players and coaches pondered the what ifs while watching other teams play for a championship, football is back. Hopes are high and the slate has been wiped clean from 2018.
Everyone thinks this could be the year if only … Several new coaches will dot the sidelines as some familiar faces have retired or moved on. After four grueling weeks under the East Texas sun, it’s time for the players to strap up. This week, the games matter as teams take their first steps on the road to Arlington.
Buffalo Bison vs. Crockett Bulldogs – The Bulldogs are flying under the radar at the beginning of the season after a 7-4 year in 2018 coupled with an early exit from the playoffs. However, with Jordan Bedford back at quarterback, Joseph Porter in the backfield and a bulked up Allen Horace out wide, the Dawgs will be seeking a little payback from last year’s 33-28 loss to the Bison.
Meanwhile, Buffalo is seeking to duplicate the success they had last year when they reached the Regional Semifinals. To have success against Crockett, wide out Jamaul Randle will have to get going on offense and the return game, while linebacker Eric Beshears tries to keep the Bulldog running game in check.
Grapeland Sandies vs. Milano Eagles – The Sandies are coming off of back-to-back Regional Semifinals appearances and are hoping to continue the success under new head coach Terry Ward who took over the helm after Wayne Mahaffey retired.
Mahaffey didn’t leave the cupboard bare, however, as Grapeland opens the season ranked #5. BJ Lamb takes over at quarterback and will give the Sandies a new look in the backfield. Cadarian Wiley looks to build on a stellar freshman year at running back while Cooper Sheridan will anchor a solid defense.
Grapeland will have to contend with Kameron Funburg at running back and QB Noah Benavides if it hopes for a repeat of last year’s 2018 27-0 win. A solid defensive line led by Darius West along with a stout line backing corps will hope to keep the Sandies running game in check.
Groveton Indians vs. Lovelady Lions – In what is probably the game of the week in East Texas, two longtime rivals will collide as the Groveton Indians travel to Lovelady to take on the Lions. The Lions will be led by first year Head Coach Will Kirchoff who hopes to get a repeat performance from last year as the Lions shellacked the Indians, 48-6.
The Lions will have to do it with several new faces as Seth Murray takes over at QB. The line will once again be anchored by Carter Murray who can clear some space for the Lovelady backs. Defensively, LB Logan LeBlanc will have to continue his high level of play from 2018 if the Lions are to pick up their second victory over the Indians.
Groveton will be looking to right the ship from last year when the Indians had a 5-6 record. Cade Steubing and Trenton Torregrossa return to lead the Groveton offense. If the Indians hope to pull off the upset in Lovelady, however, it will be up to the defense led by Trevion Bloodworth and Martin Chavez.
Elkhart Elks vs. Centerville Tigers – The Elks hit the road on Friday night as they travel to Centerville looking to get the season off to a good start, but a battle-tested Tigers’ team stands in their way. Elkhart has speed out of the backfield with RJ Moore and on the outside with Messiah Birdow. Throw in Ky Thomas at tight end along with Cade Starr under center and you have a potent offense.
The Tigers, meanwhile, also bring back a ton of talent in quarterback Dillon Denman, running back Caidenn Boss and Alan Skipworth. The team barely lost to Tenaha in last year’s area round playoff game.
Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].
