Friday Football Previews for Central Teams, Week 9

The districts are getting heated up with head-to-head rivalries, blowouts, and close games! It’s no wonder football is KING in Texas. With that said, let’s take a look at who’s playing where this Friday night for Week 9.

District 11-3A, DI Rockdale Tigers (1-1, 4-3) at Cameron Yoe Yoemen (0-2, 2-5) 7:30 p.m. at Yoe Field

No doubt about it, when these two teams meet on the gridiron there’s more than just the game at stake. This week is the Battle of the Bell. Winner takes home the prize of a bright shiny bell to keep for the entire year, and bragging rights that go along with it. Last season, the Yoemen left no doubt who the winner was, beating the Tigers in command fashion, 35-10. The year has passed and time for Coach Aaron Babino’s team to defend the trophy, and Yoemen honor. Last week, the Yoe dropped their district road game with the Troy Trojans, 42-24. QB Jacoby Scott, and RB De’marques Lopez-Pinchback continue to lead the Yoemen offense, while Jax Aguirre, Edgar Velasquez, and Mykel Keith keep the defense pushing forward. These next three games are going to be tough for sure. Hopefully, that Yoemen pride kicks in. Winning the next three contests would surely put Cameron in the playoff race.

Rockdale has an even record (1-1) in district competition, after they were barely able to run the McGregor Bulldogs out of town in a 36-35 win. Tiger QB Greyson Williams had a decent night under center, completing 12 passes on 24 attempts for 240 yards, four TDs, and two interceptions. But the Tigers run game was held in check for the most past. Jeramiah Butler only finished with 15 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown, and Deandre Stephens had four carries for 41 yards. It should undoubtedly be a close game Friday night, especially playing inside the confines of Yoe Field, and the noise hundreds of fans resonate throughout the game. It’s going to be loud!

District 14-2A, DI Johnson City Eagles (1-1, 4-3) at Thorndale Bulldogs (1-1, 4-3) 7 p.m. Bulldog Stadium

It’s all even when these two teams meet up this Friday night. Both sit at 1-1 in the district standings, and both have 4-3 overall records. So, who’s it gonna be? Who’s gonna take this game to the very end and go up 2-1? The Eagles picked up their first district win last week, beating Holland, 4928, after losing to San Saba the week before. QB Wyatt Lorenzen is closing in on the 1,000-yard mark for the Eagles, and Luke Lorenzen doesn’t do too bad in the rushing department with 31 carries for 263 yards and eight TDs. Backfield mate Cody Spence leads Johnson City’s ground game with 80 carries for 489 yards and six touchdowns, while Brady Odiorn is the leading receiver with 22 catches for 373 yards and four TDs. Through seven games, the Eagles have piled up a little over 2,000 yards of offense.

Thorndale enters Friday night still gnawing on their big upset win over San Saba last week, 28-24. This was a huge win for Coach Kovar’s squad. The run game hit a stall, but QB Case McDaniel made sure the offense stayed on track, completing 12 passes for 246 yards and three TDs. Will Cloud had a big game receiving. He caught five passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, while Ethan Schramm grabbed four passes for 69 yards and a TD. Last season, the Dawgs embarrassed the Eagles in front of their home crowd, 40-13. Thorndale is bound for sure that that’s not going to happen in their house. This week, the Bulldogs need to get their rushing more up to speed, even though McDaniel has the passing attack under control, there needs to be that smash mouth effect to keep the opposition confused. Balance is the key!

District 13-2A, DI Marlin Bulldogs (1-1, 1-6) at Riesel Indians (0-2, 1-6) 7:30 p.m. Legion Stadium in Riesel Is Marlin turning things around? After an 0-6 start to the season, the Bulldogs find themselves at 1-1 in the district standings, and face a somewhat depleted Riesel team this Friday night. This could possibly be win number two for Marlin come waking up Saturday morning. Oh what a great feeling that would be for Coach Jeff Rogers team. Last Friday night, Marlin’s offense came alive as they put a beat down on Bruceville-Eddy, 40-8, the most points the Bulldogs have scored in a game so far this season. Come to think of it, this team is one touchdown away from being 2-0 in district, after dropping the district opener to tied for No. 1 seed, Crawford Pirates, 2721. See what I mean. Maybe that game was the start of the Bulldogs coming to life. QB De’Angelo Wright seems to be settling into his role now, and is second to RB Keyshaun Massington in rushing. Massington and Jaden Ray lead the receiving corps, while Ivan Ricks and Brysen Maxwell-Steele make sure the Bulldog defense keeps it for real in the trenches.

Did I leave enough room for the Indians? Maybe a little. I mean, there’s not much to tell other than the fact Riesel is having a down year. Arious Landrum is the team’s workhorse in the backfield, and helps keep the air attack going. But even that doesn’t seem to be enough as the Indians have been shutout the past three games, and have only scored 32 points through seven games this season. On the plus side, the underclassmen should be getting a chance to gain valuable experience for next season.

P.S. – Marlin shutout Riesel in last year’s game, 200.

Rosebud-Lott Cougars (2-0, 6-1) at Bruceville-Eddy Eagles (0-2, 1-6) 7:30 p.m. at Eagle Field

Can you hear the Cougars roar? Apparently so, as Rosebud-Lott has reeled off three straight wins to improve to 6-1 this season. Not to mention, they are 2-0 in district play. RB Zaylon Wells is churning up the turf and could blast over the 1,000-yard mark this Friday night. QB Pryce Rabroker ain’t doing too bad himself, nearing 1,000 yards passing and is second on the team in rushing yards. Kaiden Johnson isn’t doing too shabby in the receiving corps, as he leads the team in yards. He’s followed close behind by Daniel Rincon. The defense has played outstanding all season long, recording three shutouts, and holding opponents under 10 points in five of their seven games thus far. The Cougs have numerous players on defense that have over 30 plus tackles. Those include Labron Washington, Maleek Knox, Bo McGinniss, Colby Colbert, Kaleb Chaney, and Orrin Pomykal to name a few. This team doesn’t look to let up anytime soon, and may not at all the way they’ve been playing.

The Eagles have a long road ahead of them, and this upcoming game doesn’t help. Nor the next one against Crawford. They might have a chance in the last game against Riesel. Key players to watch on the Eagles side are QB Robert Gail III, RB Michaul Salinas, OLBs Mateo Valle, Travis Lopez, and receiver Ethan Dockstader.

Last year, the Cougars shutout the Eagles, 47-0.

District 13-2A, DII Bartlett Bulldogs (2-3, 3-5) at Milano Eagles (2-3, 2-6) 7 p.m. at Pruitt Field in Milano

Did you know the Bulldogs have won three state titles? The last one was in 1999. The last 11 seasons have not even come close to the glory Bartlett has experienced. During that time, the team has won a total of 13 games. The Bulldogs have lost to the Eagles four consecutive years. The closest game they’ve played against them was last season when they lost 34-31. This year, they might have a chance to pull off a victory since Milano has been hit with numerous injuries to starters. The key word is MIGHT.

Despite their record, and last Friday’s loss to undefeated Burton, the Eagles seem to be getting a bit more healthier. The 14 points they scored against Burton was the most in any game so far this season. This week, Milano will have a chance to make this their largest touchdown total when they face up with the Bulldogs. Peyton Steinbecker has been a dual threat this year for the Eagles; Sophomore QB Ayden Fernandez takes the most snaps under center, and senior Troy Montoya and Dylan Magee add to the Eagles rushing attack. Yes, this could be the week Milano gets back on track, and they need it if the team has any hopes of making the playoffs this season. That third and fourth seed are gonna be tough to grab with several teams vying for those spots.

10-2A, DII No. 6 Chilton Pirates (4-0, 7-0) at No. 3 Bremond Tigers (4-0, 7-0) 7 p.m. at Featherston Field in Bremond

What a season the Pirates are having so far! The last time Chilton went undefeated in the regular season was 2022, when they were 12-1 under current head coach Bennie Huitt. After a down year in 2024, when they won only three games, it seems the Pirates have regained their winning form again. It’s no wonder with guys like QB Marneko Thomas, Jr., RB X’Zavion Taylor, and athlete Nathan Wuebker putting up great numbers on offense and defense. This week will be a huge test for the Pirates, who have only allowed opponents to score a total of 22 points all season. If I had a game of the week/year, this undoubtedly would be it!

Bremond comes in with zero losses… period. After a somewhat shaky start to the season, allowing 56 points combined in their wins over Kerens and Grapeland, the Tigers have three consecutive shutout victories. Mart gave them a run for their money in Week four, winning by only eight points. But, that’s Mart – never underestimate them even in a down year. Bremond is led by QB Sam Kasowski (1,241 yards passing, 13 passing TDs), RB Tank Scott (877 rushing yards, 17 rushing TDs), and WR Tristan Morehead (462 yards, four TDs). Tank also leads the defense with 57 total tackles, followed by sophomore Jaden Scott (54 total tackles). So this Bremond team is a lot to deal with for opposing teams. They defeated Chilton by 20 last season, 34-14. Did I mention, the Tigers are ranked No. 3 in Class 2A, DII? This game will be a fight to the last second.

District 16-1A/Six- Man, DII

Calvert Trojans (0-0, 2-4) at Buckholts Badgers (0-0, 2-5) 7 p.m. at Jim Hauk Field in Buckholts

This has to be one of the most unique districts in Six-Man football. I’ve never seen so many “Byes” as there have been this year in any district. Six-Man or 11-Man. Even DCTF can’t keep up with them, nor what games have been changed or cancelled, or team records in the standings. What’s a sportswriter supposed to do? Well, we just go with the flow. According to DCTF, the Trojans have only played two games this season. Shoot on over to MaxPreps, and they have the purple and white playing six games. That’s when you finally go to the website you should have checked out to begin with. The “Bible” of Six-Man football. Spot on correct, six games; 2-4 record, and now they take on the Badgers Friday night. Ain’t gonna lie, this game is up for grabs however, it’s also the district opener. Calvert is coming off losses to Bryan St. Joseph and Oakwood. The Trojans are capable of putting up large numbers on the scoreboard, but it’s the defense that has the most problems in holding teams under 50 points per game. If MaxPreps has it right, keep your eyes peeled for WR Tyderrius Thomas, QBs Jertorious Blair and Jcourie Porch, and C Jose Raimundo.

The Badgers are a scrappy team that has had its share of injuries this year. Yet they find ways to stay in games and put up a fight to the very end. Leading the Buckholts charge are QBs Blade Duarte, Joseph Hansen- Blum, RB Miguel Hernandez, WRs Jaxson Sliger and Johandy Ventura. The Badgers will be out to avenge their 67-22 loss to Calvert last year.

P.S. – I wonder why old Bubbles shies away from predicting Six-Man games? ( Grinning) That’s it for this week. Hope all teams have safe games, and travels to and fro from the towns they’re visiting this Friday night.