Games This Weekend

WEST ORANGE-STARK over NEDERLAND—I missed this pick last year when I didn’t figure in the monsoon that canceled the game in the second half with the Mustangs slightly behind on the scoreboard. This is always a tough game for WO-S, but I’m picking the Mustangs for two reasons: 1. Their rock-ribbed defense 2. Their homefield advantage. ‘Nuff said!!

LITTLE CYPRESS-MAURICEVILLE over HARDIN-JEFFERSON—The Battlin’ Bears had a better season than predicted in 2021 while the Hawks didn’t live up to expectations. Tomorrow in Beaumont the Bears are expected to be strong while H-J still has a long way to go.

ORANGEFIELD over BRIDGE CITY—Dropping down to Class 3A won’t help the Bobcats in this cross-county rivalry for the Buzzie Gunn Trophy, but they are bringing back several players from their 7-4 team last year and should ride to a narrow victory in this home opener.

VIDOR over SILSBEE—The Pirates look really strong again this year after posting an 8-2 record winning the district championship in 2021. But don’t count out Silsbee, which has been picked by Channel 12 Sports to win District 9-4A and break the Mustangs’ mile-long streak.

DEWEYVILLE over MOUNT ENTERPRISE—This gritty bunch of Pirates are bound and determined to better their 5-5 record of last season. They are expected to be led again on offense by the Berry Brothers—River at quarterback and Nathan at running back.

HIGH SCHOOL—Beaumont United over Brazoswood, Beaumont West Brook over Houston Lamar, Port Arthur Memorials over Port Neches-Groves, Lumberton over Hamshire-Fannett, Jasper over Kinkaid, Huffman over Spring, Newton over Anahuac, Kountze over Hull-Daisetta, Warren over Hardin, Woodville over Franklin, Corrigan-Camden over Buna, Kirbyville over Trinity, East Chambers over Beaumont Kelly, Evadale over Tarkington, Richland Springs over High Island, Galveston O’Connell over Chester, Sabine Pass over Frassati Catholic, North Shore over The Woodlands, Cleveland over Splendora, Barbers Hill over Magnolia West, Coldspring over Liberty, Crosby over C.E. King, New Waverly over Shepherd.

COLLEGE—Alabama Sate over Howard, Western Kentucky over Austin Peay, North Carolina over Florida A&M, Florida State over Duquesne, UNLV over Idaho State, Stephen F. Austin over Jacksonville State, Morehead State over Mercer.