Top 5 high school football games to watch in West Texas in Week 1
Here are our top high school football games to watch in West Texas in Week 1 of the 2022 season:
1. Coleman at Mason
Let's get the 2022 high school football season started by watching a couple of the state's top teams at the Puncherdome in Mason. Coleman is ranked No. 9 in Class 2A Division I, while Mason is No. 13. This is believed to be the first their matchup since they met in the second round of the 2004 playoffs with Mason winning 33-6.Coleman returns 15 starters from a team that went 11-1 and won two playoff games. Among those coming back are dual-threat junior quarterback Jadin Jackson, who accounted for over 1,834 total yards last year, and senior Ryland Gentry, a standout at running back (870 rushing yards, 13 TDs) and linebacker (113 tackles). Mason returns 10 starters from a 9-2 team last year that lost its playoff opener. It was only the second time since 2007 that Mason failed to reach the second round of the playoffs. The Punchers are led by junior running back Ryne Todd, who rushed for 928 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. Mason's defense allowed 11.6 points per game last season, but Coleman's defense was even stingier at six points per contest. This is a great test for both teams where points could be at a premium despite all of the offensive talent on the field.
The pick: Coleman 21, Mason 14
2. Eldorado at Christoval
This has been an awesome district rivalry the last few seasons. It had to end this year when Christoval was realigned into Class 2A Division I, but they didn't wait long to play again. Christoval is ranked No. 17 in the state, while Eldorado is No. 18 in 2A D-II. Both teams return six starters, but Christoval would seem to have the edge in experience as the Cougars return their quarterback, Kyle Loehman, and have continuity with seventh-year head coach Casey Otho. Eldorado is replacing its quarterback and learning under a first-year head coach, Chad Tutle. The Eagles are riding the momentum of their most successful season in 71 years after reaching the third round of the playoffs, while Christoval went into the offseason with the sting of a one-point first-round playoff loss. Christoval romped to a surprisingly lopsided 46-22 win in this game last year when Eldorado was ranked No. 8. The Eagles should keep it closer this time, but Christoval will be tough to catch.
The pick: Christoval 26, Eldorado 20
3. Wall at Eastland
These teams are often among the best in their classification, and that respect will carry over into this fall despite each program coming off sub-par seasons by their standards. Wall was 5-5 last year, while Eastland was 6-6, but each is ranked in the Top 25 in Class 3A Division II -- Wall at No. 18, Eastland at No. 23. They've played eight times since Eastland's 15-14 playoff win in 2011, and Wall has managed to win every time, including last year's 28-21 victory. The Mavericks bring back six starters on each side of the ball, though they'll have to find a new quarterback. Wall returns eight starters on offense and 10 on defense, but the Hawks will also have to replace their QB, along with All-West Texas fullback Dominic Garcia. This should be a close-fought game, but Eastland is going to have to prove they can get the best of Wall before they get picked to win again in this rivalry.
The pick: Wall 28, Eastland 17
4. Garden City vs. Turkey Valley (at Jayton)
This easily looks like the best six-man game of the week with No. 5 Garden City and No. 9 Turkey Valley locking horns in Jayton. Each of these teams has aspirations of a deep run in the Class 1A Division I playoffs. Valley went 9-4 last year and reached the state quarterfinals, and the Patriots return five starters on offense and four on defense. Garden City brings back all but one starter from a 7-4 team that lost in the first round (but also showed what it was capable of with a win over eventual state champion Westbrook). These two teams have what it takes to put on a playoff-caliber game in Week 1.
The pick: Garden City 50, Turkey Valley 46
5. Ballinger at Sonora
This game was a down-to-the-wire thriller last year with Ballinger coming up just short near the goal line in a 28-21 loss that allowed the Broncos to leave town with a share of the district title. Both teams went on to win a playoff game. The rematch will have no title or playoff implications this time, but it is the continuation of a longtime rivalry between these schools that dates to the 1920s. Sonora was realigned down into Class 2A Division I during the offseason, but the Broncos may have the advantage over 3A D-II Ballinger as Sonora returns 15 starters, including its 1-2 punch of quarterback Jaime Buitron and running back Hunter O'Banon. Ballinger has only nine returning lettermen following a big hit from graduation as the Bearcats begin a new era under head coach Ty Lang. Ballinger has also earned wins over programs like Jim Ned and Llano the last two seasons, so the Bearcats' ability to pull off an upset shouldn't be overlooked.
The pick: Sonora 31, Ballinger 21
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Top 5 high school football games to watch in West Texas in Week 1
