Well, I finished Week 1 with a 56–34 record. It wasn’t exactly the start I expected—the 3A and 2A games gave me a good ol’ fashioned kicking! Now it’s time to shake it off and move on because Week 2 features several great matchups.
Monterey (1–0) vs. Abilene Wylie (0–1)
Monterey appeared to be in serious trouble last week after falling behind rival Coronado 28–9 at halftime. The Plainsmen came roaring back with 21 unanswered points in the third quarter and eventually escaped with a thrilling 36–35 victory.
Abilene Wylie, meanwhile, opened its season with a loss to Brownwood. Monterey is projected to finish third in District 2-5A Division I, while Wylie is picked second in District 2-5A Division II. The Plainsmen showed plenty of fight last week, but I believe the Bulldogs bounce back in this one.
My pick: Abilene Wylie
Abilene (0–1) vs. Abilene Cooper (0–1)
It’s an intercity showdown, and both teams are hungry for their first win of the season. Abilene was stunned by San Angelo Central, 28–23, while Cooper suffered a 28–24 loss to Azle.
Abilene is picked to win District 2-5A Division I, while Cooper is projected to finish third in District 2-5A Division II. The Eagles entered the season ranked No. 18, so I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt in this rivalry matchup.
My pick: Abilene over Cooper
Shallowater (1–0) vs. Seminole (1–0)
This could easily be one of the best games in the entire state this week. Both teams are ranked No. 15 in their respective classifications—Seminole in Class 4A Division II and Shallowater in Class 3A Division I.
Both teams earned impressive victories over ranked opponents last week. The Indians took down Bushland in a 62–42 shootout, while the Mustangs knocked off Childress, 35–21.
This one should be a battle from start to finish, but Shallowater has home-field advantage—and I believe that will be just enough to push the Mustangs over the top.
My pick: Shally
No. 4 Ropes (0–0) vs. New Home (0–1)
Ropes had its bye week to begin the season, so the Eagles will finally get their first taste of action in Week 2. New Home enters the matchup after suffering a three-point loss to Slaton.
On paper, Ropes has the advantage—but rivalry games have a funny way of throwing the paper right out the window. Expect plenty of emotion and intensity, but I’m sticking with the fourth-ranked Eagles.
My pick: Ropes over New Home
