Every year, one of the things I look forward to most, is mapping out the upcoming football season — charting the games I believe will have the greatest impact. 

First and foremost, it’s a preseason menu for area fans who enjoy driving to some of the Big Country’s best football games on a weekly basis. Call it a football roadmap of sorts.

But be advised: This roadmap almost always begins taking some detours by Week 4 or 5 when some of the area’s surprise teams emerge. And make no mistake, there are always surprises. 

That’s half the fun.