Football previews

Navasota Rattlers (0-2 ) at Bellville Brahmas (2-0)

Friday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.

Brama Stadium, 850 Schumann Road, Bellville, TX. 77418

2023 Results: Navasota – vs Madisonville (L) 26-16, at Navarro (L) 34 – 8; Bellville – vs LaGrange (W) 68-20, at Stafford (W) 38-0.

Previous Matchups: Navasota leads the series 4-2, 2022: Bellville (W) 35-0; 2012: Navasota (W) 24-7; 2009: Navasota (W) 24-14 Bellville 7; 2007: Navasota (W) 35-25; 1982: Navasota (W) 24-7; 1938: Bellville (W) 83-0.

Keys to the Game: Navasota has to find a way to establish an offensive game against a Brahma defense that has only allowed 20 points in two games, one of which was a shutout. The Rattlers have only scored 24 points so far. Bellville is tough offensively as well scoring 106 points in two games. Javyn Jessie looked good for the Rattlers in his start at quarterback against Madisonville but will need help from his receivers and offensive line to build on that performance. 

Next Week: Hargrave at Navasota, Bellville at Cameron Yoe.

Anderson-Shiro Owls (2-0) at Snook Bluejays (0-2)

Friday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.

Bluejay Stadium, 10110 FM 2155, Snook, TX. 77878

2023 Results: Anderson-Shiro – vs Hearne (W) 24-6, vs Danbury (W) 50-0; Snook – vs Iola (L) 27-24, at Brazos Christian (L) 39-6.

Previous Matchups: Anderson-Shiro won their only matchup against Snook in 2022, 13-7.

Keys to the Game: Anderson-Shiro has established a dominant run game and passing attack. Defense also pitched a shutout against Danbury. Snook will have to win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball to have a chance in this game. 

Next Week: Anderson-Shiro at Evadale, Snook at Weimar.

Lovelady Lions (2-0) at Iola Bulldogs (2-0)

Friday, Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Bulldog Stadium, 22771 FM 244, Iola, TX. 77861

2023 Results: Lovelady – at Groveton (W) 20-14, vs Grapeland (W) 38-28; Iola – at Snook (W) 27-24, vs Normangee (W) 27-6.

Previous matchups: Lovelady leads the series 19-12; 2022: Lovelady (W) 54-14, 2021: Lovelady (W) 15-6, 2020: Lovelady (W) 28-12, 2009: Lovelady (W) 46-0, 2008: Lovelady (W) 51-0.

Keys to the Game: Iola is off to its best start in years under new head coach Rex Sharp. The Bulldogs have improved offensively and defensively. Although 2-0, Iola has given up more turnovers than they would prefer. If the Bulldogs can protect the ball, they have a legitimate shot to compete with Lovelady.

Next Week: Normangee at Lovelady, Iola at Thorndale.