Coahoma 51, Kermit 0 — Coahoma rushed or 126 yards and two scores and Austin Joslin threw for 178 yards and three TDs to help the Bulldogs improve to 3-0 on the year.
Author: Evan Ren
DISTRICT 7-2A DIV. II WEEK 3 REPORT: Albany, Winters and Hamlin notch Week 3 wins
Albany 69, Seymour 6 — The Lions rushed or 399 yards as a team, led by Bennett Neece’s 155 yards and three TDs on only six carries.
Lyle Wheeler led the Lion passing game with 101 yards and three scores to help push Albany to 3-0.
Trailing 62-0 with seven minutes to play, Seymour notched its only score of the evening on a 45-yard rushing TD by Slade Tucker.
DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I WEEK 3 REPORT: Hawley, Anson and Cisco pick up victories
Hawley 51, Merkel 34 — This was projected to be a shootout and those in attendance were treated to exactly that.
Jesse Nieto threw for 249 yards and five TDs to lift Hawley (2-1), which held off the Badgers after building a 37-13 third-quarter lead. Brycen
Stofel was another key contributor for Hawley with 170 yards rushing on 20 carries.
DISTRICT 3-3A DIV. I WEEK 3 REPORT: Indians notch first win of the season behind Smith
Comanche 42, Eastland 14 — Ladanian Smith rushed for 102 yards and two scores and Zaden Tello rushed or 72 yards and two more TDs as Comanche (1-2) earned its first win of the year.
The Mavericks dropped to 0-3 with the loss.
Eastland trailed 28-14 at the break before Comanche put things away with a pair of second-half touchdowns.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Wall defense sets the tone in 24-0 win over Jim Ned
TUSCOLA — With all the press coverage garnered by the Wall offense in recent weeks, the Hawks dished out a stark reminder during Friday’s Big Country Preps Game of the Week: They can play a little defense too.
Handing Jim Ned a 24-0 loss on its homefield, the third-ranked Class 3A DII Hawks limited the Indians to 153 total yards (including 20 yards rushing on 26 carries) and just eight first downs to get the win.
FEATURE: Santo fullback-linebacker trio giving the Wildcats a leg up on the competition
SANTO — Any football coach who utilizes the triple option (and any coach trying to defend against it) will tell you that the fullback is the key.
And in Class 2A, one good fullback is generally worth his weight in gold.
So at flexbone-based Class-2A Santo, an effective three-man combination at fullback in Jackson McKinnerney (5-9, 190, Jr.), Colt Bridges (5-10, 175, So.) and Justin Hollingsworth (6-0, 175, Sr.), is not only rare, but potentially devastating.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Wall takes on Jim Ned in battle of unbeatens
LAST WEEK: 53-15, .780
SEASON TOTAL: 107-29, .787
This week’s Big Country Preps Game of the Week, Wall at Jim Ned, has a checkmark in most of the key boxes.
A high-profile game? Check. A battle of unbeatens? Check. A rivalry game? Check. A game of importance? Check, yes, check —even for a non-district game. Is a large crowd expected? Check.
So even during a week where there are multiple matchups of interest in our area, the spotlight game was relatively easy to select.
Here’s this week’s Big Country Football Forecast. I’ll see you on the road.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Big Spring quarterback takes the top spot
Our Big Country Preps Player of the Week is seldom an easy choice and this week was no exception. But Big Spring senior quarterback Marcus Rios had the numbers to snag the top spot in a brilliant performance against Lubbock High on Friday.
Rios hit 11 of 19 throws for 261 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-27 win. But that’s just the beginning.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS NOTEBOOK: Wall, Jim Ned have “value game” approaching
Some people like to write off the non-district portion of their football schedules, labeling it as meaningless. Some people even like to refer to it as “preseason.”
Well, that’s a misnomer. Preseason games are known as scrimmages.
Nondistrict games count on your official record, they are part of players’ season statistics, they contribute to our state records, they influence statewide rankings and like it or not, many of them are quite important.
I’ll give you a prime example.
Friday in Tuscola, our Big Country Preps Game of the Week will feature the Wall Hawks (2-0) facing Jim Ned (2-0) in a contest that doesn’t mean a thing in terms playoff seeding. Yet it will mean a great deal for both teams to prep for what they hope will be lengthy playoff runs.
Continue reading “BIG COUNTRY PREPS NOTEBOOK: Wall, Jim Ned have “value game” approaching”
DISTRICT 14-2A DIV. I WEEK 2 REPORT: San Saba falls to Junction in Week 2; Goldthwaite now awaits the Armadillos
Junction 20, San Saba 6 — The Eagles improved to 2-0 with a dominating defensive effort, limiting San Saba to 155 yards in total offense.
Jason Everett led San Saba (1-1) with 76 yards rushing and one score.
DISTRICT 10-2A DII WEEK 2 REPORT: Goldthwaite scores first win of the season, will meet archrival San Saba next
Goldthwaite 59, Center Point 0 — Landry Sanderson rushed for 157 yards and three scores and Owen Campbell added 113 yards and three more TDS to help Goldthwaite level off at 1-1.
The Eagles led 39-0 at the break and never looked back, holding Center Point to only one first down and forcing four turnovers.
Gatesville 30, Glen Rose 7 — The Tigers managed only 123 yards in total offense while dropping to 0-2. 
DISTRICT 4-3A DIV. II WEEK 2 REPORT: Merkel, Coahoma, Wall, Grape Creek all victorious
Merkel 29, Bangs 26 — The Badgers are off to a 2-0 start following their narrow win over Bangs on Friday.
Easton Malone threw for 157 yards and four scores to lead Merkel, which earned the win with only 235 yards in total offense.
Bangs (0-2) was led by Jason Tidwell, who rushed for 183 yards and two scores.
DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I WEEK 2 REPORT: Stamford, Anson, Cisco all victorious in Week 2
Stamford 33, De Leon 20 — Trailing 20-14 at the end of three quarters, Stamford rallied with 19 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to beat the Bearcats.
Mason Mueller threw for 213 yards and two scores and Brayden Jimenez rushed for 121 yards and another TD to lead the Bulldogs (1-1).
Heston Jobe led De Leon (1-1) with 140 yards passing; Lane Couch rushed for 118 and two scores.
DISTRICT 3-3A DIV. I WEEK 2 REPORT: Clyde, Jim Ned both score Week 2 wins to remain unbeaten
Clyde 52, Eastland 28 — The Bulldogs used a 20-0 first quarter to gain control of this contest and never looked back.
Clyde (2-0) rolled up 521 yards in total offense while limiting Eastland (0-2) to 279.
Harley Griffin rushed for 124 yards and two scores and Miles Wilsher rushed for 107 and another TD to lead the Bulldogs.
DISTRICT 7-2A DIV. II WEEK 2 REPORT: Hamlin, Coahoma, Cross Plains, Miles and Albany all chalk up wins in Week 2
Hamlin 35, Seymour 21 — Isaiah Hutchings threw for 190 yards and two scores and rushed for 127 yards to lead the Pied Pipers (1-1) to their first win of the year.
Kyson McGee rushed for 107 yards and one TD and Reece Rainey rushed for 68 yards and another score to bolster the Hamlin offense.
The Pied Pipers will travel to Crosbyton next Friday; Seymour (1-1) will play host to Albany (2-0) on the same evening.
DISTRICT 4-4A DIV. I WEEK 2 REPORT: Wall hands Brownwood a 25-point loss; Stephenville routs Everman
Wall 35, Brownwood 10 — Landon York hit 18 of 21 passes for 249 yards and three scores to keep the Hawks (2-0) unbeaten.
Leading 21-3 heading into the fourth quarter, Hawks put the game away with a pair of fourth quarter scores.
The Lions (0-2) were limited to 169 yards in total offense, including 69 yards rushing on 27 carries.
GAME STORY: Yellow Jackets win easily in lightning-shortened debut of Art Briles Stadium
STEPHENVILLE — Mother Nature has no sense of nostalgia.
If she did, she wouldn’t have interrupted a special night in Stephenville that saw the christening of Art Briles’ Stadium and Mike Copeland Field in a 45-0 win for the Yellow Jackets over Everman.
While Zyler McClendon was rushing for 132 yards and two scores and backup quarterback Hud Price was delivering a pair of touchdown passes, weather intervened with two lightning delays and intermittent showers, eventually leading to an early finish (agreed to by both coaches) with more than six minutes left in the game.
“Before the first (lightning) delay, I thought this place was electric,” Stephenville coach Sterling Doty said. “The place was full on the home side, we had some great momentum and then we got popped.”
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Abilene High, Cooper clash in Crosstown Showdown
LAST WEEK: 54-14, .794
SEASON TOTAL: 54-14, .794
Hitting nearly 80 percent accuracy in Week 1 is considerably better than the .705 I stumbled out of the gate with last year.
Hopefully, it will be a good omen.
This week, the Crosstown Showdown between Abilene and Cooper shares the spotlight Stephenville opening the gate of its new football digs — named after the architect of the SHS dynasty, Art Briles.
Here’s this week’s forecast. I’ll see you on the road.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Comanche senior crosses 500-kill milestone while helping CHS to tourney win
Photo provided by Randy Day
Milestones catch our eye when selecting our Big Country Preps Player of the Week, as do great weekly performances. But when both occur at the same time, you can rest assured that player will be in the running for the top spot.
This week the spotlight goes to Comanche senior outside hitter J’Lee Salinas, who not only helped the Maidens to the Heart of Texas Tournament Championship in Brownwood, but she also hit the 500-kill milestone in process.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS NOTEBOOK: My five biggest surprises in Week 1
Surprises are an important part of football, and the intrigue they provide is the biggest source of interest the game has. Admit it, if you picked 100 percent every week and never got to use the word “upset,” how fun would it all be?
Well, true to form, the Big Country Preps coverage area supplied us with our share of head-turners in Week 1 — several, in fact, that point to an even more interesting season than some of us anticipated.
There were upsets, dazzling comebacks, stunning blowouts and an assortment of other unexpecteds.
Let’s take a quick look at the five Week 1 games that surprised me the most.
Continue reading “BIG COUNTRY PREPS NOTEBOOK: My five biggest surprises in Week 1”
DISCTRICT 14-2A DIV. I REPORT: Armadillos open with two-score win over Grape Creek
San Saba 27, Grape Creek 12 — Luke Tharp rushed for 142 yards and two scores and Jason Everett added 74 yards rushing and another touchdown to lead the Armadillos to a win in their season opener.
San Saba finished with 323 yards in total offense.
DISTRICT 10-2A DIV. II WEEK 1 REPORT: Junction topples Goldthwaite in opener
Junction 40, Goldthwaite 16 — Trailing 16-13 with five minutes left in the third quarter, Junction blew this game open with 27 unanswered points over the last 17 minutes of play.
Goldthwaite will play host to Center Point next Friday night. Junction will travel to San Saba (1-0) on the same evening.
DISTRICT 4-4A DIV. II WEEK 1 REPORT: Tigers fall to Grandview on the road
Grandview 28, Glen Rose14 — Though the Tigers were favored by two scores, this early season loss wasn’t entirely unexpected for a very young team on the road in its season opener.
With the score knotted at 14-14 at the break, Grandview took control of the game with a pair of third-quarter touchdowns and never looked back.
Glen Rose will face Gatesville at home next Friday.
DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I REPORT: Tigers open with big win over Hamlin
Anson 49, Hamlin 6 — The Tigers rolled up 431 yards in total offense, including 377 yards through the air to hand Hamlin a lopsided loss.
Grayson Feagan was the top gun for Anson, throwing for 349 yards and five scores. Alexander Lozano and Malachi St. John were his top targets. Lozano finished with three catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns while St. John had nine catches for 99 yards and two more scores.
DISTRICT 4-3A DIV. II WEEK 1 REPORT: Merkel opens with surprising win at Ballinger
Merkel 38, Ballinger 26 — Sophomore standout Easton Malone threw for 319 yards and four scores as Merkel stunned Ballinger on the road to snap a 10-game losing streak.
Malone, who also rushed for 26 yards and another score, hit six different receivers, including six passes to Kaden Blubaugh for 190 yards and four scores.
Merkel’s last win came on Nov. 3 of 2023 in a season finale at home against Millsap (41-20).
DISTRICT 3-3A DIV. I WEEK 1 REPORT: Jim Ned stuns Estacado by three scores
Jim Ned 42, Lubbock Estacado 21 — Cash Gwinn was 8-of-15 through the air for 187 yards and three scores and Aiden Ellis rushed for 113 yards and another TD to lift Jim Ned to an impressive win over Lubbock Estacado.
With the score knotted at 21-21 at the break, the Indians took command with three unanswered scores in the second half.
DISTRICT 7-2A DIV. II WEEK 1 REPORT: Lions top Stamford behind Billington
Albany 21, Stamford 7 — Breylon Billington rushed for 119 yards and two scores on 19 carries to lift Albany to a win over Stamford in a tough, defensive battle on Friday.
Lyle Wheeler led the Lions through the air with 101 yards passing and one score.
DISTRICT 4-4A DIV. I REPORT: Yellow Jackets dominate Heritage behind great defensive effort
Stephenville 28, Midlothian Heritage 7 — Trot Jordan threw for 212 yards and three scores and the Stephenville defense limited Heritage to 251 yards in total offense to lift the Yellow Jackets to a win in their season opener.
Zyler McClendon led SHS on the ground with 78 yards and one TD on 20 carries. Caden Monk was the most popular target for Jordan, hauling in four catches for 140 yards and another TD.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Wall crushes Mason in lightning-delayed season opener
WALL — While Mother Nature wasn’t cooperative for the Wall Hawks before their season-opener with Mason on Friday, a lightning delay of more than an hour didn’t appear to hurt WHS’ efficiency.
The Hawks rolled up 409 yards in total offense while limiting the Punchers to only 208 in a 48-7 rout at Hawk Stadium in the Big Country Preps Game of the Week.
Landon York threw for 168 yards and three scores while four different Hawk running backs found the end zone to highlight the Wall offensive effort.
“A great win,” Wall coach Craig Slaughter said. “We got out of it healthy, it’s a great start, the snowball is rolling and let’s get ready for next week against the Brownwood Lions.”
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Wall plays host to Mason in BCP Game of the Week
LAST WEEK: 0-0, .000
SEASON TOTAL: 0-0, .000
I can scarcely believe it, but it’s that time again — time to begin taking a weekly look at high school football games in our area, making my choice for BCP Game of the Week and doing my level best to pick the winners.
Last year (after a dreadful start), this column hit with more than an 80 percent accuracy for the season. But I’d rather not be forced to overcome the early handicap again.
Enough small talk.
Let’s dive into the 2025 season, shall we?
EVAN REN: Top games worth traveling for during the 2025 football season
Got the truck started yet?
Ready to jump on one of those farm-to-market roads to watch high school football into the late hours on a Friday night?
You’re not alone.
And, as tradition would have it, I tip my cap to those of you who will be hitting the trails each week in search of pigskin. My method: a preseason menu of sorts.
Each week for the next 11 weeks, Big Country Preps will be searching for its Game of the Week, and we’re already looking ahead. We now present our preliminary list of Big Country Games worth traveling for, but keep in mind: the following list is subject to change as surprises and disappointments emerge.
And as we all know … surprises and disappointments always emerge.
So, without further delay, here is our list of Big Country games worth traveling for in 2025.
I’ll see you on the road.
STEPHENVILLE FEATURE: Art Briles Stadium prepping for its grand opening
STEPHENVILLE — After roughly 18 months of construction and 119 years of waiting, Stephenville High School will officially have a home of its own for football in 2025.
Art Briles Stadium, a $40 million facility surrounding Mike Copeland Field, will have its grand opening of sorts on Sept. 5 with a home date against long-time rival Everman. While the venue has already played host to Stephenville’s 2025 graduation ceremony and will host a scrimmage with Brock on Aug. 21, the big night is reserved for Everman — one of five regular season games to be played there this year.
“Everybody is really excited,” coach Sterling Doty said. “Stephenville has never had its own home. We always rented Tarleton out. We began playing football in 1906, so this is our first opportunity to have our home team at a home game on a turf that has blue and gold on it.”
2025 STEPHENVILLE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Yellow Jackets could field Big Country’s top defense
STEPHENVILLE — For decades, the Stephenville football program has been known as a quarterback factory that can consistently be counted on to score with the best 4A teams in Texas.
And while that may eventually prove to be the case again in 2025, this year could produce something that the media often overlooks: dominating defense.
BROWNWOOD FEATURE: Brixey aiming for a more diversified offense than what some might believe
BROWNWOOD — Many of those who follow high school football in Texas are familiar with the program at Katy and the reputation the Tigers carry — an I-based, smashmouth style behind which KHS has won several of its nine state championships.
They are, however, a bit more diversified than what the general public believes. And first-year Brownwood coach Jeryl Brixey (a former Katy offensive coordinator) doesn’t intend to carry the Lions back the Stoneage.
Yes, the Lions will pound the football, but they will also work to build an efficient passing game to go with it.
2025 BROWNWOOD FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Brownwood facing several questions heading into new season
BROWNWOOD — Where the Brownwood Lions finish in 2025 will be dependent on how well a host of new faces perform under new coach Jeryl Brixey and how quickly he can get that talent to jell under a new system.
It won’t be easy. The Lions have had multiple players transfer out, so the number of vacancies is larger than initially projected. As of this writing, the Lions are expecting five offensive and three defensive starters back from last year’s 6-5 team. There are also 10-12 juniors from last year’s JV team and perhaps a half dozen sophomores that could add some additional help.
GLEN ROSE FEATURE: Tigers may have to go “old school” behind huge offensive line
GLEN ROSE — When the subject of “old school” football comes up in Central Texas, the name of Cliff Watkins is one of the last you can expect to hear in the conversation.
Using a modern diversified offense, Watkins has tallied 11 straight playoff berths with two coming at Eastland and the last nine coming at his current job as head coach of Glen Rose. So you’re unlikely to see him hosting a seminar on the wing-T anytime soon.
This year, however, might be a bit different in the Tiger camp, with a very green set of skill personnel behind a massive, experienced offensive line.
Entering the 2025 season, Glen Rose’s projected starters up front are left tackle Kaden Gray-Dias (6-0, 220), left guard Clark Anderson (6-5, 325), center Chase Alexander (6-2, 275), right guard Braxtin Knight (6-3, 270) and right guard Jack Jewett (6-2, 235)
2025 GLEN ROSE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Young Tigers should remain dangerous
GLEN ROSE — In nine years as the head coach of the Glen Rose Tigers, Cliff Watkins has taken nine straight district titles. In his 11-year overall career (including two years at Eastland), he has never had a losing season and has won nine games or more nine times.
So even after being hit hard by graduation with the bulk of his key skill personnel having received their diplomas, Watkins isn’t talking about rebuilding. Nor is he talking about taking a short step back.
The Tigers, as far as he’s concerned, will enter 2025 with the same set of goals they always do: win district and push as hard as possible to reach Arlington.
EVAN REN: Brock’s success is virtually perpetual and there’s no end in sight
BROCK — It is hard to fail at something when you have a good belief system in place, a good work ethic, support from friends, family and your entire community, and an attitude that failure is unacceptable.
That applies to virtually any endeavor, whether it be an individual or team effort. So when trying to explain the perpetual success of the Brock football team or of its entire athletic program, it’s really not that complicated.
2025 BROCK FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Young talent should keep Brock’s ship on an even keel
BROCK — With only seven of 22 starters back from a year ago, one’s first inclination may be to say that the Brock Eagles will be taking a step back from last year’s 13-2 squad.
Hold that thought.
The reality is, the Eagles have 18 returning lettermen who saw significant playing time last year. They also have several promoted players from a 9-1 JV team to bolster this year’s varsity roster. In short, Brock will again be fielding a top-10 caliber team with a deep postseason push in mind.
SNYDER FEATURE: Motivated Five-sport athlete leading the charge for Tigers
SNYDER — There are versatile athletes, and then there is Snyder senior Ethan Rios — a 6-1, 185-pound ball of energy who has yet to demonstrate something athletically that he can’t do well.
Only 17, Rios heads into the 2025 season as a starting wide receiver and defensive back — both of which saw him earn honorable mention All-Big Country Preps honors a year ago. And if you look closely, you’ll see him playing some quarterback out of the Wildcat formation.
2025 SNYDER FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Tigers should benefit from numbers, experience
SNYDER — With slim numbers, low experience and a new coach from out of state who only had three months to prepare, the Snyder Tigers slipped to 1-9 in 2024. And few who follow Big Country football were surprised, given the scenario.
The upcoming season, however, offers several reasons for optimism in the Snyder camp, with a genuine opportunity to take a step forward in 2025.
Second-year coach Anthony Gonzales not only has the benefit of having his system in place, but he also has six offensive and seven defensive starters back among 22 lettermen.
SWEETWATER FEATURE: Hodnett set to take over for retired Russell Lucas at Sweetwater
SWEETWATER — If the name of Brian Hodnett sounds familiar to area football fans, it probably should.
The first-year head football coach of Sweetwater held the same position at Jacksboro for six seasons from 2011 through 2016, including three playoff appearances and a district title.
He followed that with a four-year stint at nearby Haskell from 2017 through 2020 that saw him guide the Indians to three postseason appearances.
2025 SWEETWATER FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Mustangs loaded with experience after injury-plagued season
SWEETWATER — Coming off a season filled with injuries, the Sweetwater Mustangs and new head coach Brian Hodnett have their fingers crossed that they can avoid the medical tent in 2025.
If they succeed, SHS could be on the verge of challenging for a district title and/or a deep playoff push, with nine offensive and eight defensive starters back among 21 lettermen.
“(The numbers) are very encouraging,” said Hodnett, a former head coach at both Haskell and Jacksboro who has been served former Sweetwater coach Russell Lucas as an assistant for the past four years. “In the years I’ve been here I think we’ve got more depth than we’ve ever had.”
JIM NED FEATURE: Indians’ offensive line again a strong point in Tuscola
TUSCOLA — Ten years ago, the Jim Ned football team was known more for its finesse than physicality. It was a basketball school or so went the prevailing wisdom of the time. And from 2005 through 2014, the Indians’ record reflected that, winning more than six games only once in that span with three seasons ending in 1-9 finishes and just two playoff berths.
Things began to change, however, with the arrival of coaches Jerod Womack in 2015 and Matt Fanning in 2018. The Indians were becoming known for outstanding, physical offensive line play, gradually building it into a tradition.
That tradition continues under second-year coach Johnathon McClure and heading into the 2025 campaign, the Indians’ offensive line is once again a key element of team leadership.
2025 JIM NED FOOTBALL PREVIEW: If Indians find a few key pieces, a district title could be in the offing
TUSCOLA — There are reasons to believe the Jim Ned Indians could produce a quality team in 2025, with six offensive and seven defensive starters back among 23 lettermen from last year’s 9-4 club.
For that to happen, a few pieces will need to fall into place by the time district play rolls around. At the top of that list: The quarterback position, where Jim Ned must find away to replace Gray Beasley, who has graduated and moved on to Hardin-Simmons University.
A retooled offensive line jelling by midseason will be vital as well. But second-year coach Johnathon McClure has his system established, so things should begin to run more efficiently.
EVAN REN: Facing a stacked deck, Escobar has a unique opportunity in 2025
COMANCHE — Since his arrival at Comanche in 2021, Jake Escobar has made a habit of proving people wrong —me being one of them.
Replacing Stephen Hermesmeyer, who had resigned to take the job at Troy, Escobar came in and was about to fix something that wasn’t broken — replacing Hermesmeyer’s successful wing-T offense with a spread look.