Football previews
NAVASOTA RATTLERS (0-0) AT NAVARRO PANTHERS (0-0) Friday, Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Erwin Lee Field, 5895 N. State Hwy 123, Geronimo TX, 78115 *2023 Season Opener*
2022 RESULTS: Navasota (6-4, 3-3) fifth place in District 12-4A Division I; Navarro (8-5, 4-1) second place in District 13-4A Division II. Lost in regional semi-finals.
PREVIOUS MATCHUPS: The series is tied 1-1. 2022: Navasota (W) 41-14; 2020 Navarro (W) 27-0; KEYSTOTHEGAME: Navasota’s offense is much improved and will feature two returning quarterbacks, senior Hudson Minor and junior Javyn Jessie. The Rattler rushing attack begins with senior Jamall Thomas who missed last season’s matchup with an injury. Defensively the Rattlers must play assignment football to stop the Panthers Wing-T offense.
NEXT WEEK: Madisonville at Navasota, Cuero at Navarro.
HEARNE EAGLES AT ANDERSON-SHIRO OWLS Friday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.
Owl Stadium, 1345 FM 149, Anderson TX 77830 *2023 Season Opener*
2022 RESULTS: Hearne (5-6, 3-3) fourth place in District 13-2A Division I. Lost in bi-district playoffs. Anderson-Shiro (7-5, 3-3) fourth place in District 12-3A Division II. Lost in bi-district playoffs.
PREVIOUS MATCHUPS: Hearne leads the series 3-0. 2022: Hearne (W) 21-12; 2017: Hearne (W) 41-0; 2016: Hearne (W) 48-6; KEYS TO THE GAME: The Owls return junior quarterback Connor Daley who is a dual threat quarterback. The passing game improved with him under center and will need to have a big night. Daley will look to senior tight-end Jordan Coronado to move the chains against an athletic secondary.
NEXT WEEK: *Homecoming 2023* Danbury at Anderson-Shiro, Hearne at Burton.
IOLA BULLDOGS (0-0) AT SNOOK BLUEJAYS (0-0) Friday, Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Bluejay Stadium, 10110 FM 2155, Snook TX 77878 *2023 Season Opener*
2022 RESULTS: Iola (2-9, 1-4) fifth place in District 13-2A Division II. Missed playoffs. Snook (4-6, 2-4). Fifth place in District 14-2A Division II. Missed playoffs.
PREVIOUS MATCHUPS: Iola leads the series 5-4. 2022: Snook (W) 12-0; 2021: Iola (W) 7-6; 2020: Snook (W) 42-14; 2013: Iola (W) 28-25; 2012: Iola (W) 26-0; 2011: Snook (W) 17-14; 2010: Iola (W) 53-7; 1950: Iola (W) 13-0; 1940: Snook (W) 19-0.
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Bulldogs once again have a new head coach to begin the season. Rex Sharp takes over for Bo Barrow who took over the basketball program after a midseason staffing change. Sharp is building on the spread offense implemented last season under Barrow and trying to find the right pieces for a successful season. Offense needs to catch on quickly to begin the season with a win.