Top Match Ups of Week 1
Presented by PME Fabrication
Holliday at #7 Windthorst - Friday at 7pm
The Archer County rivalry returns after a five-year hiatus. Although this will be just the 20th meeting between the two programs, Holliday has dominated the series, winning 15 of the previous 19 matchups. Windthorst begins the season ranked in the Top 10 in Class 2A Division II and has high expectations with the return of many key players. Holliday had put together an eight-year streak of double-digit-win seasons before falling short of 10 wins last season. The Eagles return an explosive backfield, but the biggest question mark will be how the offensive and defensive lines play. This should be a great opening game between two great programs. For myself, I’m going with QB Brock Belcher and the Trojans to begin the 2026 campaign with a win. Computer Pick: Pick ’Em.
Grapevine at WF Legacy - Friday 7pm (Game of the Week)
A season ago, I traveled to Memorial Stadium week 1 and watched Legacy defeat Lubbock Coronado for its first-ever win in program history. This year, the Leopards are looking to do more than just win a game or two. Three-year starting QB Knox Hodges could be on the verge of a breakout season with one of the most athletic WR rooms in the area. This team is loaded with talent, and the hype only grew during their two scrimmages, with reports of a better-looking offensive line and improved run game. Grapevine has won just one game over the last two years. The Mustangs return just four defensive starters, including two quick defensive linemen who are tough to block. It will be interesting to see how those two match up against the Legacy offensive line. I am high on Legacy this year and believe they start the season 1-0 once again. Computer Pick: WF Legacy by 1.
#7 Muenster at Lindsay - Friday 7pm
One of the biggest storylines of the UIL realignment cycle was two-time defending state champion Muenster moving up to Class 2A Division I. But the Hornets will open the season against a very familiar foe. Both Lindsay and Muenster graduated a large and talented senior class and will be looking for new names to fill key roles. This is a rivalry that has been dominated by Muenster since 2010, with the Hornets winning 16 of the last 19 meetings. The Kraut Bowl never fails to deliver a competitive game. I will have my eye on this game Friday night as both teams look to establish a new identity with plenty of new starters on the field. I’m rolling with Muenster in this one, as I expect Dustyn Croft to be a breakout player for the Hornets this year. Computer Pick: Muenster by 9.
Whitesboro at City View - Friday 7pm
City View Mustangs are opening up the 2026 season with no easy challenge. Whitesboro returns 17 total starers with many of them being three year starters. QB Colt Fagan will be the leader of the Bearcats offense once again after throwing for 1,889 yards and 26 TDs a season ago. For City View Keylan Marks will take over QB duties for the Mustangs as he will be counted on to be a star two-way player. All-State DL Jayden Bradford is poised to have a monster year after tallying 115 tackles and 8 sacks a season ago. In this matchup I expect it to be a good one but I am rolling with Whitesboro as the more experienced team in Week 1. Computer Pick: Whitesboro by 5.
Shallowater at Childress - Friday 7pm
Childress is very optimistic about this season as they will field a team led by a large senior class. The Bobcats open Week 1 against Shallowater, which always fields a good team. Childress returns several key pieces, including QB Koen Galligan, RB Lucian Davis, and WR Crewz Keys. Coach Helm is hopeful the Bobcats can be more explosive through the air with the returning production. On the other side, Shallowater will be breaking in a new QB, but the defense should be the strength of this team as the Mustangs return their top tackler and seven total starters. This one can go either way and was one of the tougher games to pick this week. For me, I’m going with Shallowater in a close one, but if Childress comes out on top, the hype could start getting real for what could be an exciting season for the Bobcats. Computer Pick: Shallowater by 3.
#6 Borden County vs Newcastle - Thursday 6pm at Jayton
The 2026 940 Gameday season officially begins with the opening game of the Jayton Gridiron Classic. Two Top 12 teams in Class 1A Division I meet in Week 1. Borden County returns all but one starter on the defensive side of the ball and will be led by a deep senior class. Newcastle also returns a good amount of production and has high expectations of making a deep playoff run in 2026. I believe this one could go the distance, but Borden County has the edge in terms of depth and experience, which is why I’m picking the Coyotes. Computer Pick: Borden County by 6.
Other Games to Watch
Pilot Point at Peaster, Computer Pick: Peaster by 8
Vernon at Mineral Wells, Computer Pick: Vernon by 11
Iowa Park at Henrietta, Computer Pick: Henrietta by 20
Era at Petrolia, Computer Pick: Petrolia by 2
Knox City vs Lefors (at Jayton), Computer Pick: Knox City by 9
