Texas High School Football Games of the Week: Aug. 28-30

The Texas high school football season begins play this weekend, and the state’s opening weekend features a host of intriguing games. Here are the five biggest matchups from Week 1:

Lancaster vs. No. 1 North Crowley

When: Thursday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas

The defending Class 6A, Division I state champion Panthers begin their title defense against a solid Lancaster club at home in the midst of figuring out who will emerge as the starting quarterback.

North Crowley received news last week that signal caller Jacob Torres would be ineligible for the 2025 season, and now head coach Ray Gates will have to look elsewhere for his starter behind center. Gates will decide between to seniors DeMarcus Harris, CJ Alexander, and junior Hayes Cloutier, who transferred from Inglewood (Calif.) during the offseason.

Panthers do have one of the most talented defensive secondaries in the Lone Star State, which includes  Texas Tech commit Aaron Bradshaw, three-star safety Elijajuan Houston, four-star cornerback Jerry Outhouse and Colorado State commit Thomas Cook. 

Massey Prediction: North Crowley 43, Lancaster 14

No. 4 North Shore at South Oak Cliff

When: Friday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Alonzo Williams Stadium, Dallas, Texas

One of the Lone Star State’s more underrated matchups of the opening weekend is when the Mustangs travel to the Bears for a good ole Dallas vs. Houston matchup.

North Shore enters the post-Kaleb Bailey era as Kaleb Maryland is next in line behind center for the Mustangs. The three-star prospect saw plenty of snaps as Bailey’s backup in last season, throwing for nearly 700 yards and five touchdowns.

Last year’s meeting wasn’t too much of a contest between the two clubs as North Shore ran away with a 38-0 victory at home, using an explosive second quarter to cruise by South Oak Cliff. The Bears this season should be able to pose problems for the Mustangs, including at the line of scrimmage.

South Oak Cliff’s offensive line is led by a pair of Power Four recruits in senior three-star Cortavious Tisaby (Arizona State commit) and junior four-star Brian Swanson.

Massey Prediction: North Shore 40, South Oak Cliff 14

No. 13 Guyer at No. 12 Aledo

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Tim Buchanan Stadium, Aledo, Texas

Arguably the top matchup on the Texas high school football schedule is when the Wildcats and Bearcats clash to kickoff the season in a tilt that was a thriller last season.

Guyer opened up the 2024 season with a thrilling 35-30 victory over Aledo, setting the tone for what ended as a 10-4 record and playing deep into the Class 6A Division II postseason. The Wildcats feature one of Texas’ top defensive line units, led by a pair of juniors in four-stars Zane Rowe and Khyren Haywood.

The Wildcats will be trotting out a new starting quarterback in junior three-star Zephyr Kreye, who looks to replace Kevin Sperry, who graduated this past spring.

Flipping to the Bearcats’ side of the spectrum, Aledo return Notre Dame commitment Kaydon Finley back at wide receiver after he caught 81 passes for 1,432 yards and scored 21 touchdowns in 2024. Finley will have a new quarterback throwing him the rock as last year’s starter Gavin Beard transferred to All Saints Episcopal, which has opened the door for Nash McElree to emerge as QB1.

Massey Prediction: Aledo 35, Guyer 31

No. 18 Carthage at Kilgore

When: Friday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium, Kilgore, Texas

Class 4A Division II power Carthage opens up the season against a solid Kilgore club in what is a sneaky good matchup on the Texas high school football Week 1 docket.

The Bulldogs return senior quarterback Jett Surratt after he led the team to a 15-1 record last season. Surratt will have no shortage of talented skill players around him, with four-star running back KJ Edwards (Texas A&M) and three-star wide receiver Keymian Henderson (Arkansas) both returning on offense.

Carthage has talent to boot on the defensive side as well, bringing back senior linebackers DaQuives Beck (Texas A&M commit) and Carson Crawford (Colorado commit).

Kilgore will lean on the talents of three-star athlete Lakeyleon Graves, who amassed 761 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns last season at wide receiver.

Massey Prediction: Carthage 31, Kilgore 21

No. 14 Vandegrift at Dripping Springs

When: Friday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dripping Springs, Texas

Last but not least on our list is showdown between the defending Class 6A Division II champion Vandegrift going on the road to face Dripping Springs.

What makes this an interesting Texas high school football matchup is the number of new pieces that the Vipers will feature on both sides of the ball, including who will be the new receivers to emerge for Kansas State commit Miles Teodecki.

Teodecki had himself a strong 2024 campaign behind center for Vandegrift, completing 201 of 290 passes for 3,251 yards and 48 touchdowns. Next to him in the backfield will be three-star Nevada commit CJ Mooring, who will be a newbie on Vandegrift’s offense this fall.

Dripping Springs will look to a couple of three-star talents on offense in wide receiver Cooper Reid (Arizona State commit) and offensive lineman Hudson Whitenight to lead the way.

Massey prediction: Vandegrift 42, Dripping Springs 20

How to Follow Texas High School Football

For high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the country.