Storied programs lead Top 10 high school football games in Fort Worth-area in Week 1
Another great Texas high school football season is ready to kick off in 2021 with top showdowns all across the Fort Worth-area, including state finalists, state ranked teams and new coaches.
As you get set for the season opener Thursday, let’s look at some of the marquee matches in the area.
Here is a look at the Fort Worth-area’s Top 10 games in Week 1:
1. Southlake Carroll vs. Highland Park
7 p.m. Thursday, AT&T Stadium
The Carroll Dragons return to Jerry’s World, the site of their last game, a loss in the Class 6A Division 1 state championship to Austin Westlake in January. It’s a chance to see 6-4 junior quarterback Kaden Anderson, following the early departure of Quinn Ewers. The Scots, a regional finalist last season, are familiar with AT&T Stadium having won three straight titles in Arlington from 2016-18.
2. Jenks (OK) vs. Mansfield Summit
7 p.m. Friday, RL Anderson Stadium
The Summit Jaguars come out of the gates tested by hosting Oklahoma powerhouse school Jenks from the Tulsa area, which won another state title last season. Summit, meanwhile, is coming off its best season with a trip to the Class 5A Division 1 state semifinals, giving a scare to eventual champ Denton Ryan.
3. Arlington Martin at Austin Lake Travis
7 p.m. Friday
The Martin Warriors are ranked No. 9 in Class 6A while the Lake Travis Cavaliers are No. 8. The teams combined to win 16 of 19 games last season. Despite only playing seven games, LT averaged over 50 points per game. Martin has one of the top defenses in the state led by 5-star cornerback Javien Toviano, 4-star Stanford commit Ernest Cooper IV and Texas commit Trevell Johnson.
4. Colleyville Heritage at Grapevine
7 p.m. Friday
Another edition of the Battle of the Red Rail returns to Mustang-Panther Stadium after last season’s game at Globe Life Park. The Colleyville Heritage Panthers had a big second half to get the win in Kirk Martin’s team debut. The Panthers have beaten Grapevine two straight years and eight of the last 10. Watch for CH’s Isaac Shabay and Grapevine’s Caleb Texada to run the ball well.
5. Argyle vs. Nolan Catholic
7 p.m. Saturday, Allen Eagle Stadium
It’s a matchup between two programs that reached the state championship game in their respected divisions in the second game of the Tom Landry Classic in Allen. Argyle finished undefeated and won the Class 4A Division 1 title while Nolan made it to the TAPPS Division 1 final, falling short against Dallas Parish Episcopal. This game features some of the top linemen in the state in Argyle’s Sheridan Wilson (Texas Tech commit) and Jadon Scarlett (A&M) and Nolan’s Curlee Thomas (Cal) and Kaleb James (21 offers).
6. North Crowley at Crowley
7 p.m. Friday
A showdown between cross-town rivals. The Crowley Eagles are looking for a jump up after missing the postseason last year while North Crowley had its first playoff win in 17 years. North Crowley’s Quinton Jackson can do it all from running the ball to playing defense. But will he score against a Crowley D that returns all 11 starters? Winner gets bragging rights for the next year.
7. Richland vs. Haltom
7 p.m. Friday, Birdville FA/AC
Another matchup between cross-town district rivals features the Richland Royals and Haltom Buffalos. Both teams had a less than ideal 2020 going 5-5. Haltom did go 5-2 in district with a playoff game while Richland settled for 2-5 and staying at home. Friday’s game marks the 60th meeting in the series. Richland has taken the last two games, including a 36-3 beat down last season.
8. Brock vs. Bushland
7:30 p.m. Friday, Fair Park Stadium (Childress)
The Brock Eagles come in as the No. 2 ranked team in the Texas high school football state rankings for Week 1. Coach Billy Mathis makes his debut after coming over from Weatherford. Both teams reached the third round of the playoffs last season. However, the Eagles did beat the Falcons, 55-7, in the season opener. Brock also beat Bushland, 20-17, in the 2019 playoffs.
9. Joshua vs. FW Eastern Hills
7 p.m. Friday, Scarborough-Handley Field
It’s the Joshua Owls debut for head coach Danny DeArman, who came over earlier this year after a long stint with Arlington Bowie. He looks to turn the football culture around in Joshua and this is the first step against the Highlanders. EH is led by new coach and alum Devvin Anderson, who coached the running backs at Duncanville and helped the team become one of the best in the state.
10. Glen Rose vs. Springtown
7 p.m. Friday, Porcupine Stadium
A first-week showdown between two top-ranked teams in the Glen Rose Tigers, which Dave Campbell’s Texas Magazine ranked No. 17 in Class 4A Division 2, and the Porcupines (No. 13 in 4A D1). Both teams combined for a 20-5 record last season. Springtown reached the regional finals and both are predicted to win their districts.
This story was originally published August 25, 2021 at 2:12 PM.
