Games of the Week (Week 0)

#12 Garland @ #5 Allen

    This is a match-up between two programs that reached the state semi-finals a year ago.  Allen lost to Southlake Carroll, and Garland dropped a last second heartbreaker to Cedar Hill.  Both teams are considered to be two of the best in the Metroplex again this season, and this is another great opening week match-up this Saturday.

    A majority of Allen's experience is on offense, and it is the exact opposite for Garland.  The Owls look good on defense, but must generate offense if they want to move into the top ten with a road win over a strong Allen team.  Stephen Payne takes over full-time at QB for Allen.  He gained some experience last year.  Junior RB Jeremiah Williams was one of last season's revelations, and the receivers are terrific.  Senior Dan Buckner is a big time talent.  Garland combats that firepower with some of the best defensive talent in the state.  Senior DE Chancey Aghayere and senior DB Jarret Ben are two of the leaders.  All-purpose star Jacques Caldwell is one of the fastest and most versatile players in the state. 

    When these two teams meet, there's rarely much separation at the final whistle and we don't think it'll be any different this year.  We favor Allen to win a tight game, but this is likely going to be a four quarter battle between programs we'll hear a lot from this season.

OUR PICK- ALLEN

#17 Austin Westlake @ #9 Abilene

    The 2006 Division 1 State Finalist Westlake Chaparrals visit Shotwell Stadium to kick the new season off against Abilene.  These two state-ranked powers closed last season as two of the hottest teams in the state after modest starts.  Abilene picked up steam in district play after a tough non-district, and Westlake took off in the playoffs after finishing third in district.

    While Westlake graduated most of its key talent from last year, Abilene returns one of the most experienced teams in the state.  The offense looks to start fast with returning experience at all positions.  Senior QB Spens Lackey leads the Eagle attack.  Abilene is loaded at the skill spots with talents such as senior RB Keith Flye and senior WR Kortney McDow.  Junior LB Chris Williams and senior Mark Weaver are two of the most experienced on defense.  The Eagles look poised to fly into 2007 on paper, but should receive a tough opening test from the Chaps.

    The Westlake offense is now led by senior QB Walker Kobelan after Nick Foles graduated.  Junior Ryan Swope takes over at RB.  Senior WR Jordan Etier is one of the most experienced players on the roster.  Senior K-DB Justin Tucker is widely considered to be the best place-kicker in Texas this year.  Senior LB Mike Joyce is a top player for the Chaps on defense. 

    The Chaps face a real challenge in containing the Abilene offense.  As the saying goes, the best defense may be a good offense in this case.  Westlake’s balanced approach on offense will test the Eagle defense as well.  On paper, this has the look of a high scoring game.  We favor Abilene to win this game at home.  Normally, experienced teams start well and Abilene has a big edge in that category over the Chaps.

OUR PICK- ABILENE

Cy Fair @ Houston Stratford

    Most of the headlines are dedicated to Sam McGuffie (Cy Fair RB) and Andrew Luck (Stratford QB), but it may be wise to remember the two defenses carried the day when the two played last year (21-6 Cy Fair win).  Tully Stadium won’t have to borrow the Toyota Center’s scoreboard if that’s the case again this year.

    This is an intriguing match-up given the contrasting style of each team on offense.  Stratford will air the ball out with Luck and receivers such as BJ Griffin and Ben Bredthauer.  Cy Fair will obviously be perfectly content to keep the ball moving on land with McGuffie and senior fullback Wesley Cobb.  Cobb’s contribution is underrated.  He is an outstanding compliment to McGuffie.

    Stratford’s defense faces a tough task to bottle up the Bobcat attack, but senior leadership in the form of DT Jimmy Burge will certainly help.  Burge is one of the best interior linemen in the Greater Houston area.  Senior Terrence Lloyd adds more talent up front, and that’ll be very important for the unit overall.  Any good defense starts up front.  The Bobcats look sufficiently equipped to cover downfield with experienced players like senior DB Michael Elliott and Andrew Hegarty roaming the back.  Up front, senior Austen Wozniak will be one of those in charge of pressuring Luck.

    This game was moved from Friday night to Thursday night due to the fact it’ll be nationally televised.  Two of the very best players in Texas will be on display, and these are also two programs making steady progress in recent seasons.  We like Cy Fair to win this game because of their strength in the ground game in addition to what’s been a consistently strong defense under the direction of head coach Ed Putejovsky. 

OUR PICK- CY FAIR

#13 San Antonio Reagan @ San Antonio O’Connor

    Reagan and O’Connor are two of the top ranked teams in San Antonio, and meet in a rematch of what was one of the games of the year in 2006.  The two met in the second round of the playoffs with Reagan prevailing 49-47 in triple overtime.  Both teams return key players from that game, and are obviously looking to start 2007 on a high note. 

    The Reagan Rattlers enter this season with higher expectations than they’ve ever had in their young existence, and any discussion of their team has to begin with senior RB Marcus Wright.  Wright exploded onto the statewide scene as a junior last year with his effort in the playoffs.  Wright nearly willed the Rattlers to their first ever region championship.  Junior QB Derrick Walls is another experienced returning player.  For O’Connor, senior QB Bruno Reno is a veteran.  He has help in senior RB Aaron Casanova and senior WR Sean Luchnick.  His line should also be very good.  Senior DE Erik Salinas is one of the players to watch on defense for either team.  He is a proven talent. 

    Defense is a big question for both teams, and the offenses won’t do anything to help that.  Both units will be thrown to the fire right away against the most talented offenses they are likely to see unless they meet for another rematch later on.  Reagan gets the slight nod, but this should be a very good and possibly high scoring game.

OUR PICK- REAGAN