Abernathy quarterback Bryson Daily, left, and Wellington tight end John Michael Holcomb are to of the top players in the area. [Photos by Steve Conway & Nicole Self]
The game: No. 4 Wellington Skyrockets (2-0) at No. 4 Abernathy Antelopes (2-0).
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Antelopes Stadium.
The matchup: On paper, it’s harder to find a better game in the 806 area code than this one. This game displays a matchup of two teams ranked in the top five of their respective classifications. Wellington is going to have to focus on slowing down do-it-all player Bryson Daily. Through two games, the dual-threat QB has totaled 510 yards of offense and seven touchdowns.
For the Abernathy’s defense, they’ll have to control a Skyrocket run game led by Marc Ramirez and Mason Folk. The duo have combined for 307 yards and four touchdowns.
Gruver’s Jalin Conyers and West Texas High‘s Avian Cruz are two of the most talented quarterbacks in the Texas Panhandle. [Photos by Justin Johnson & Tucker Stroud]
The game: No. 8 Gruver Greyhounds (2-0) at West Texas High Comanches (1-1).
When: 7 p.m Friday
Where:Comanches Stadium
The matchup: The storyline surrounding this game is Gruver quarterback Jalin Conyers going back to his old high school to face his former teammates. But there is so much more to this contest. Last year, West Texas High ralied to beat the Greyhounds, 34-29. Expect another close clash this year. Both teams have potent offenses. Conyers, an Oklahoma commit, has been lights out at the QB position, throwing for 528 yards with seven touchdowns.
WT High counters with its speedy receivers. Jonah Villanueva leads the way with nine catches for 143 yards and a score. Teammate Jaren Adams has snagged seven balls for 131 yards with two TDs.
Canadian has won seven of the last eight meetings in this clash of Highway 83 rivals. [Photos by Alan Hale & David Erickson]
The game: No. 2 Canadian Wildcats (2-0) at Perryton Rangers (1-1).
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Rangers Stadium.
The matchup: It’s a clash of old Highway 83 rivals between Canadian and Perryton. The No. 2-ranked Wildcats have owned this series of late winning seven of the last eight meetings. Canadian is banged up in certain spots but are only giving up only 267 yards a game defensively.
Perryton’s offense picked it up last week against Childress putting up 360 yards of offense. Defensively, the Rangers limited Childress to 118 yards on the ground.
Amarillo High goes on the road to face Wichita Falls Rider at 7 p.m. Friday night [Photos by John Moore & provided]
The game: Amarillo High Sandies (1-1) at Wichita Falls Rider Raiders (1-1).
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Memorial Stadium.
The matchup: The Sandies found their offense scoring 36 points in a thrilling 36-33 win against arch-rival Tascosa last Friday. AHS was able to put up 378 yards thanks to quarterback Will Maynard’s 208 yards passing.
The Sandies will need another good offensive performance against a Raiders team that can flat out score. In two games Rider is averaging 40 points a game, and averaging 500 yards of offense. Quarterback Jacob Rodriguez, who has been offered by Kansas State, is 32 of 45 for 385 yards with four TDs in two games.
The crosstown rivalry between Palo Duro and Tascosa started in 1958. [Photos by Ben Jenkins & John Moore
The game: Palo Duro (1-1) vs. Tascosa (1-1),
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Dick Bivins Stadium.
The matchup: Coming off a heartbreaking loss to AHS, coach Ken Plunk’s team hopes to rebound against crosstown rival Palo Duro. The Dons defense has their handful against Joseph Plunk (305 rushing yards, three TDs) and the Rebels run game.
Palo Duro did gain confidence last week with a comeback win against Plainview. Quarterback Dondray Degrate and the offense will need play mistake free for Palo Duro to have a chance.
The good news for Tascosa, is senior defensive end and Texas Tech commit LB Moore is expected to play. Moore has been sidelined with an injury since last spring.
Carson Kirkland and the undefeated Vega Longhorns host undefeated Highland Park at 7 p.m. Friday night. [Johnette Stribling/ For Press Pass Sports]
Notable games to watch
Caprock (0-2) at Lubbock Estacado (2-0), 7:30 p.m. PlainsCapital Park-Lowrey Field.
Randall (1-1) at Hereford (1-1), 7 p.m. Whiteface Stadium.
Wichita Falls High (0-2) at Dumas (2-0), 7 p.m Demons Stadium.
Bushland (2-0) at Borger (1-1), 7 p.m. Bulldogs Stadium
Highland Park (2-0) at Vega (2-0), 7 p.m. Longhorns Stadium.