Category: Area football

by Daniel Youngblood

SIX-MAN LOOKAHEAD: Zephyr-Strawn matchup headlines solid area slate in Week 5

Week 5 is upon us, and we have another strong slate of six-man games in the Big Country Preps coverage area. 

Topping that list this week is a high-profile Division II matchup between unbeaten Zephyr and perennial power Strawn, our “Six-Man Lookahead” Game of the Week, but there are a number of others worth diving into as well. 

So let’s stop wasting time and do just that. We hope you enjoy this look at the Week 5 schedule and encourage you to check out our Six-Man/Class 1A Central page for more information on your favorite team(s).

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by Daniel Youngblood

Big Country Preps’ Pick ‘Em Panel (Week 5)

Each week here at Big Country Preps, we’ll post our picks for all of that week’s 11-man games, in addition to the results of our weekly fan polls for each matchup.

For those interested in voting, polls go up on Sunday night each week and close Thursday evening.

Disagree with our picks or the fan poll consensus? Let us know in the comments section below.

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Anson plays host to Albany in 2A showdown

LAST WEEK: 38-10, .791
SEASON TOTAL: 199-56, .780

ALBANY (3-1) AT ANSON (4-0)

Nothing stirs my interest early in the football season more than having a surprise team square off with an established powerhouse. 

So when selecting our Big Country Preps Game of the Week for Sept. 26, Albany’s visit to Anson (4-0) was a big blip on the area radar screen. 

Albany (3-1) a perennial power coming off a loss to unbeaten Coahoma, will now face an Anson club that some believe is the biggest surprise in the Big Country thus far. 

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by Yale Youngblood, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Tidwell a two-way difference-maker for improving Bangs program

When Bangs visits Colorado City at 7 p.m. Friday, the Dragons will have a chance to take a giant step toward something that hasn’t happened in recent years: three football victories and a winning record heading into district play.

Bangs has finished each of the past two seasons with a 2-8 record. But after splitting their first four games, the Dragons are primed to create the foundation for a campaign that could extend beyond the first week of November. In fact, coach Colton Buzzard said, save for some first-game jitters and an unfortunate bounce or two in Week 2, the Dragons could be undefeated.

“We had chances to be 4-0,” he said as his team was preparing to wrap up preparation for the game against the 0-4 Wolves. “But that’s how it goes sometimes. Our offense is starting to jell, and our defense understands what needs to be done. If we continue to improve and cut down on the mistakes, we could be pretty competitive moving forward.”

Speaking of “moving forward,” no Dragon has done that better this fall than senior fullback Cason Tidwell. While he is only 16 years old — and a newcomer to the position — the 5-foot-11, 175-pound Tidwell has rushed for 464 yards and six touchdowns. He has been Bangs’ most prolific player on both sides of the ball during the team’s recent two-game win streak that included a 31-26 victory over San Angelo Grape Creek and a 71-0 rout of Abilene TLCA.

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by Daniel Youngblood

SIX-MAN REWIND: High-profile matchups deliver in wild Week 4

Week 4 yielded a number of eye-popping results and statement wins.

Whether it was May knocking off unbeaten Newcastle in our “Six-Man Lookahead” Game of the Week or Gordon going up a classification to thump Thorndale in a 11-man game, there was no shortage of intrigue for area six-man fans.

As has become custom the past two years around here, it’s time to recap the week that was in our “Six-Man Rewind” column. We hope you enjoy this look back at last week’s action and encourage you to check out our Six-Man/Class 1A Central page for up-to-date standings, results and upcoming matchups. 

Continue reading “SIX-MAN REWIND: High-profile matchups deliver in wild Week 4” →

by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Wylie junior takes the top spot

Wylie junior Haddie Mock was at her very best against difficult competition last week, helping the Lady Bulldogs to wins over seventh-ranked 3A Bushland (25-8) and 21st-ranked 4A Stephenville last week. 

Mock finished a whopping combined total of 19 blocks in the two matches to help the Lady Bulldogs improve to 24-7. She also had 16 combined kills. 

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS NOTEBOOK: Coahoma defense among top area surprises

Prior to the season starting, much of the attention garnered by Coahoma came through its offense, with veteran quarterback Boyd Cox expected to put up some of the best numbers in the area. 

As it has turned out, Cox is gone for the season with an injury suffered in a season opener with Forsan. But the Bulldogs have found compensation with a defense that has been nothing short of spectacular.

Coahoma enters this week at 4-0, having topped Forsan (60-8), Roscoe (14-3), Kermit (51-0) and perennial power Albany (15-12). 

Continue reading “BIG COUNTRY PREPS NOTEBOOK: Coahoma defense among top area surprises” →

by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 4-3A DIV. II WEEK 4 REPORT: Coahoma, Merkel, Stanton and Wall earn Week 4 wins

Coahoma 15, Albany 12 — The Bulldogs earned an always-tough win at Albany (3-1) by limiting the Lions to only 131 yards in total offense.

CHS in the meantime, finished with 268 total yards, led by Austin Joslin, who threw for 167 yards and two TDs. 

Coahoma improved to 4-0 with the win.  

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by Daniel Youngblood

DISTRICT 8-2A DIV. II WEEK 4 REPORT: Santo stays unbeaten with win over Rio Vista

rioSanto 19, Rio Vista 14 — Rylan Griffith ran for 114 yards and Dillan Branham added 92 yards as the Wildcats amassed 346 yards rushing in a hard-fought win over the Eagles.

Santo also got 60 yards and a touchdown from Jackson McKinnerney and 33 yards and two scores from Justin Hollingsworth in improving to 4-0 on the year.

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by Daniel Youngblood

DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II WEEK 4 REPORT: Anson takes down Haskell; Hamlin halts Munday’s momentum

Anson 26, Haskell 8 — Hunter Teichelman passed for 260 yards and two touchdowns, and Levi Diaz ran for 86 yards and two scores to lead  the Tigers to a three-score win over the Indians. 

Haskell held a brief 8-6 lead after rushing for its only touchdown in the first quarter, but Anson closed the first half with 14 unanswered points, before putting the game away with touchdown pass in the final period.

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by Daniel Youngblood

DISTRICT 3-2A DIV. I WEEK 4 REPORT: Wink pulls away from Forsan; Grape Creek too much for C-City

Wink 48, Forsan 14 — Leading just 7-0 at halftime, the Wildcats put up 20 points in the third quarter and 21 in the fourth to turn a previously competitive game into a lopsided win over Buffaloes.

Wink’s big second half left Forsan with its third loss in four games after rallying for the first win of the Casey Thompson era last week at Stanton.

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by Daniel Youngblood

DISTRICT 5-3A DIV. II WEEK 4 REPORT: Brady bounces back with rivalry win over Ballinger; rest of league goes 0-5

Brady 36, Ballinger 19 — Sean Jacoby passed for 134 yards and four touchdowns and added 101 yards on the ground, while Ashton Taylor ran for 156 yards to lead the Bulldogs to a three-score win over the Bearcats.

As a team, Brady (3-1) ran for 351 yards on 39 carries, getting 61 yards and a TD from Johnny Roque in addition to what Jacoby and Taylor provided. Taylor also also had a 40-yard TD reception for the Bulldogs, who got two TD catches from Rylan Pedigo (2-39 receiving).

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 7-2A DIV. II WEEK 4 REPORT: Hamlin carries district torch in an otherwise tough week

Hamlin 48, Munday 14 — The Pied Pipers improved to 3-1 with a convincing win over Munday. 

Isaiah Hutchings threw for 222 yards and two scores to lead Hamlin. Reece Rainey led Hamlin on the ground with 116 yards and two scores on only eight carries. 

The Moguls fell to 3-1.

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by Daniel Youngblood

DISTRICT 3-4A DIV. II WEEK 4 REPORT: Brock blasts Southwest to stay unbeaten; Graham, Mineral Wells both fall

Brock 69, Fort Worth Southwest 0 — Holt Frazier passed for 258 yards and six touchdowns, and the Eagles defense pitched a shutout in a runaway win over the Raiders.

Colt Matlock (2-87 receiving) and Braden Ray (4-63) both had two receiving touchdowns apiece to lead Brock, while Davis Lee (2-43) and Charles Hibbler (3-37) also caught scoring passes.

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by Daniel Youngblood

DISTRICT 1-4A DIV. II WEEK 4 REPORT: Clyde runs away from Snyder; Greenwood, Fort Stockton cruise to victory

Clyde 49, Snyder 7 — The Bulldogs piled up 242 yards rushing while limiting the Tigers to 118 yards of total offense on their way for a comfortable win.

Clyde scored the first 19 points of the game and led 27-7 at halftime, before shutting out coach Anthony Gonzales’ squad in the second half.

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by Daniel Youngblood

DISTRICT 3-4A DIV. I WEEK 4 REPORT: Mother Nature intervenes in Big Spring-Bel Air game; Lake View stays unbeaten

Big Spring at El Paso Bel Air (no contest) — Lightning cut a potentially thrilling game short here as both coaches mutually decided to call this one a no contest despite playing 2½ competitive quarters.

Big Spring trailed by seven when the game was stopped midway through the third period, but the Steers were on the Bel Air 4-yard line with a chance to tie. 

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 4-4A DIV. I WEEK 4 REPORT: Brownwood falls to La Vega

Waco La Vega 38, Brownwood 16 
The Pirates limited Brownwood to only 148 yards in total offense and seven first downs to improve to 3-1. 
La Vega rushed for 224 yards via committee and got 202 yards passing and three scores from Kourtney Parr. 
Brownwood (1-3), was led by Judson Coalson with 99 yards passing.

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: De Leon scores convincing win over Hawley

DE LEON — Both schools have Bearcat mascots. Both wear maroon and both entered Friday’s Big Country Preps Game of the Week with 2-1 records. 

The similarities, however, ended there. 

De Leon dominated their guests from Hawley in a 52-34 win that saw DHS substitute liberally after building a 44-14 lead through three quarters. 

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by Daniel Youngblood

GAME STORY: Stephenville starts fast, never lets up in homecoming rout of Wylie

STEPHENVILLE — Hosting Wylie for homecoming Friday at Art Briles Stadium, the Stephenville football team put on a heck of a show for those in attendance, dominating every phase in a 52-13 win over the Bulldogs.

The Yellow Jackets started fast, scoring two touchdowns in the first eight minutes of the game, and were never threatened after in growing their lead to 31-7 by halftime and 45-13 by the start of the fourth quarter.

SHS outgained Wylie 442-251 for the game, limiting the visitors to just 36 yards rushing on 26 attempts in improving to 4-0 on the season.

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by Evan Ren

FEATURE: UTEP-bound Matlock has developed into a triple-threat weapon for Brock

BROCK — Ask Brock two-way senior Colt Matlock which position he prefers to play — wide receiver or safety — and he may have to think it over for a while. 

Ask the Brock coaching staff where the 18-year-old is better-suited to play and you may find yourself waiting again. 

The final say might be determined by the coaching staff of the University of Texas at El Paso, where Matlock has committed to play beginning next season. At present, the Miners plan to use him as a safety. But the option of using him at receiver or as a weapon on special teams will always be there.

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by Daniel Youngblood

SIX-MAN LOOKAHEAD: Top-10 clash between Newcastle, May takes top billing in Week 4

Week 4 is upon us and the area six-man picture is starting to take shape.

Disparate schedule strengths still makes judging teams against one another difficult, but each week provides more data by which to compare teams’ respective bodies of work. 

This week’s slate, headlined by a top-10 clash between Newcastle and May, will give us a number of intriguing matchups that should add more clarity to the area picture as we approach the season’s midway point. 

It’s time now to jump in and preview some of those games in this week’s “Six-Man Lookahead.” When you’re done reading, you can find area standings and results on our Six-Man/Class 1A Central page.

Continue reading “SIX-MAN LOOKAHEAD: Top-10 clash between Newcastle, May takes top billing in Week 4” →

by Brandon McAuliffe

GAME STORY: Special teams, long drives key Quinlan Ford win over Mineral Wells

MINERAL WELLS — The Quinlan Ford football team entered Thursday’s nondistrict contest with Mineral Wells at Ram Stadium having scored 49 points in each of their first three games this year.

After being shut out in the first quarter for the first time all season, the Panthers dominated the second quarter and took a 35-21 win over the Rams.

The second quarter saw Quinlan Ford score a touchdown on a blocked punt and put together a pair of scoring drives of more than 90 yards as the Panthers moved to 4-0 on the year while Mineral Wells fell to 2-2.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Reed, Gordon excited for 11-man challenges 

Gordon coach Mike Reed admits he may have bitten off more than he can chew this time.

The two-time defending state champion Longhorns are taking a break from six-man football this week.

Gordon is used to being a heavy favorite these past two years, but it’ll be an underdog Friday night when the Longhorns travel to Thorndale to play 11-man football.

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by Daniel Youngblood

Big Country Preps’ Pick ‘Em Panel (Week 4)

Each week here at Big Country Preps, we’ll post our picks for all of that week’s 11-man games, in addition to the results of our weekly fan polls for each matchup.

For those interested in voting, polls go up on Sunday night each week and close Thursday evening.

Disagree with our picks or the fan poll consensus? Let us know in the comments section below.

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Hawley travels to De Leon

LAST WEEK: 54-17, .760
SEASON TOTAL: 161-46, .777

Not all weeks are created equal in high school football, and this week is a good example of it. 
There are at least 5-10 games that could easily fit as our Big Country Preps Game of the Week. But at the end of the day, you have to submit your choices and move on. 

Our top choice: Hawley (2-1) taking on De Leon (2-1) in a matchup between two clubs that are capable of deep playoff runs. 

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by Daniel Youngblood

SIX-MAN REWIND: Gordon, Jayton continue to separate themselves from pack

Week 3 has come and gone, and the area six-man picture continues to get clearer.

Defending champs Gordon and Jayton continue to be the class of Division I and II, respectively, but others throughout the Big Country Preps coverage area are making names for themselves at both levels as well.

 Without further adieu, let’s dive into last week’s matchups in this week’s “Six-Man Rewind” column. When you’re done reading, make sure you check out our our Six-Man/Class 1A Central page for more information on your favorite team(s). 

Continue reading “SIX-MAN REWIND: Gordon, Jayton continue to separate themselves from pack” →

by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Tolar quarterback takes the top spot

Since losing their season opener to Peaster (34-0), the Tolar Rattlers (2-1) have not only managed to improve, but they’re rapidly gaining momentum to go with that progress.

Our Big Country Preps Player of the Week, Briton Rice, is a part of that, having thrown for 197 yards and four scores in last week’s 42-18 win over Millsap. This, after missing a week with an injury.

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS NOTEBOOK: Brownwood, Comanche, Bangs, Forsan and Winters chalk up first wins

Believe it or not, there is a huge difference between a 1-2 start and an 0-3 start — especially when that victory comes in Week 3. 

So when a team has dropped its first two games, the players are facing a crossroads — one with momentum which is one win away from hitting the .500 mark. Or, one with an emotional hole to dig themselves out of — three games under .500 with no momentum and a battle to retain their confidence.

A number of teams in the Big Country Preps coverage area reached this crossroads on Friday, with Brownwood, Comanche, Bangs, Forsan and Winters all scoring wins.

Continue reading “BIG COUNTRY PREPS NOTEBOOK: Brownwood, Comanche, Bangs, Forsan and Winters chalk up first wins” →

by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 10-2A DIV. II WEEK 3 REPORT: Goldthwaite takes the Battle of the River

Goldthwaite 49, San Saba 34 — The Eagles quickly built a 35-7 halftime lead in the 108th “Battle of the River” before holding off a late San Saba rally attempt. 

Aidyn Lee rushed or 119 yards, threw for 76 and accounted for five TDs to lead the Eagles, who improved to 2-1 with the win.

San Saba (1-2) was led by Luke Tharp, who rushed for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 14-2A DIV. I WEEK 3 REPORT: Armadillo rally falls short at Goldthwaite

Goldthwaite 49, San Saba 34 — The Eagles quickly built a 35-7 halftime lead in the 108th “Battle of the River” before holding off a late San Saba rally attempt. 

Aidyn Lee rushed or 119 yards, threw for 76 and accounted for five TDs to lead the Eagles, who improved to 2-1 with the win.

San Saba (1-2) was led by Luke Tharp, who rushed for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  

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by Daniel Youngblood

DISTRICT 8-2A DIV. II WEEK 3 REPORT: Santo runs for almost 500 yards in rout of Bruceville-Eddy

rioSanto 53, Bruceville-Eddy 13 — Colt Bridges and Jackson McKinnerney both topped the 100-yard rushing mark as the Wildcats ran for 486 yards as a team to bury the Eagles.

Bridges led Santo (3-0) with 128 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries, while McKinnerney had 123 yards and two scores on three attempts. Other producers for the Wildcats include Colt Howry (3-88, 1 TD), Justin Hollingsworth (6-80, 2 TDs) and Rylan Griffith (9-67, 1 TD).

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 4-4A DIV. II WEEK 3 REPORT: The entirety of District 4 is swept in Week 3

Brownwood 34, Glen Rose 28 — Judson Coalson threw for 174 yards and two scores to help the Lions (1-2) earn their first win of the season.

Brownwood led 34-7 late in the second half before holding off a Glen Rose rally attempt that saw the Tigers chart three straight TDs in the fourth quarter. 

Ryder Ribitzki was the top weapon for Glen Rose, catching five passes for 78 yards and two scores. 

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by Daniel Youngblood

DISTRICT 3-2A DIV. I WEEK 3 REPORT: Forsan rallies for first win against Stanton

Forsan 34, Stanton 33 — Coy Evans passed for 285 yards and a pair of touchdowns, hitting Hayden Bowlin seven times for 183 yards and both scores, to lead FHS to its first win of the season in this battle of Buffaloes.

Stanton, which got big games from Isaiah DeLeon (18-26-1—289, 1 TD passing), Travis Palomo (30-103, 2 TDs rushing) and Vayden Pastrana (15-247, 1 TD receiving), raced out to a 33-14 halftime lead. But Forsan (1-2) scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to rally for the victory. 

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 4-4A DIV. I WEEK 3 REPORT: Brownwood gets first win of 2025, Stephenville improves to 3-0

Brownwood 34, Glen Rose 28 — Judson Coalson threw for 174 yards and two scores to help the Lions (1-2) earn their first win of the season.  

Brownwood led 34-7 late in the second half before holding off a Glen Rose rally attempt that saw the Tigers chart three straight TDs in the fourth quarter. 

Ryder Ribitzki was the top weapon for Glen Rose, catching five passes for 78 yards and two scores. 

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