FRIDAY

Brackenridge (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Watch for big plays from electrifying Oklahoma State recruit Ramon Richards and Brack as well as the Hurricanes after a year of growth. Trey Mathis and Romonique Anthony will help keep the Eagles’ offense potent, while dynamic Devante Lewis and the defense make Brack the favorite. But Sam Houston should be much more potent as an experienced team. With Wheatley Heights making its high school football and a huge turnout from the community expected, the fun quotient should be extremely high for this one. 2012 score: Brackenridge 33, Sam Houston 6.

Burbank (0-0) at Hays (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

A very tough opening game for what should be an improved Burbank team. The Rebels were an area finalist last year and now are under the direction of former Roosevelt coach Neal LaHue. Six-foot-7 Hayden Cagle could start at quarterback. The defense seems to be especially loaded. 2012 score: Hays 57, Burbank 20.

Crystal City (0-0) vs. Kennedy (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

The Rockets will rely on fullback/linebacker Matt Avalos in their season debut. A key for Kennedy will be the performance of sophomore Eric Lira in his first start, but the Rockets return 15 starters from last season and should be ready for a big night on their home field. Crystal City also will be experienced, but the Javelinas are trying to rebound from a winless season. 2012 score: Kennedy 46, Crystal City 12.

Devine (0-0) at Southside (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Southside will try to control the tempo behind a defense that returns eight starters and is led by linebacker Diego Avila. Junior running back Aaron Porres will get the bulk of the carries and should be ready for a workhorse role. Either Brandon Herrera or Jonathan Trevino will get his first start under center. Most of the key Warhorses from their powerhouse team of two years ago have graduated, but Devine nonetheless is favored to win District 29-3A. Two-way starter Pat Mares is a player to watch for the Warhorses. 2012 score: Devine 45, Southside 6.

Harlandale (0-0) at South San (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Harlandale is gearing up for a big year behind quarterback Brandon Ramon and running back Nick Martinez. Speedy James Mendoza will help stretch the Bobcats’ defense for Ramon. The Indians’ defense also should be formidable with eight returning starters. South San should be a stronger team in its second year under Marcus Booker, but the improvement may not be as visible tonight against a seasoned Indians team. The top two receivers, Thomas Fonseca and Juan Zamarripa, should be the Bobcats to watch offensively. 2012 score: Harlandale 31, South San 6.

Highlands (0-0) at Floresville (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Highlands will be led by third-year quarterback Jordan DeLuna and will hope to build on a 2012 playoff season. Transfer Elijah Garces will bolster the defense and Quindon Boston will see increased carries out of the backfield. Floresville will pin its hopes on District 29-4A co-MVP running back Hector Villegas and a huge offensive line in Jeff Luna’s debut as coach. 2012 score: Floresville 17, Highlands 0.

Jay (0-0) at East Central (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

The excitement around East Central’s first game under alumni coach Clint Hartman will be palpable. With a wide-open passing game built around 6-7 Rice recruit Jeremy Jones the Hornets will have a different approach than during their successful run under Robert Walker. The ground game still should be strong, though, with  New Mexico State commit Johnathan Jackson returning. The Hornets plan to start 11 seniors on defense. They’ll want to set the tone for an outstanding season against a solid Jay team with EC alum Gary Gutierrez at the helm for his first game. The Mustangs will be young at the skill postions, but have a promising sophomore quarterback in Moses Reynolds. 2012 score: East Central 31, Jay 10.

Jefferson (0-0) vs. McCollum (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Defenses could dominate as two offenses try to find themselves. McCollum returns quarterback Ralph Vidal, which should help the process as the Cowboys learn first-year coach Juan Hinojosa’s offense. Jefferson will seek to get off to a fast start after struggling out of the gate in 2012. The Mustangs return five defensive starters from a team that was 5-1 in District 28-4A. Jefferson coach Doyle Redding’s son, Weston, or Brian Sebus will get his first start at quarterback. Don’t be surprised if this turns out to be another thriller. 2012 score: McCollum 22, Jefferson 21.

Memorial (0-0) at Pearsall (0-0), 7 p.m.

The Minutemen begin their second season under Albert Guerra with their big three offensive weapons – Alfred Ramos, Manases Cano and Raul Rangel – all in place. Sixteen starters return in all and Guerra was pleased with their offseason work. Memorial should be competitive again against a Pearsall team that went 3-7 last year and is breaking in a new coach, David Silva. 2012 score: Pearsall 48, Memorial 34.

Somerset (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Lanier should be a much better offensive team with quarterback Nick Garcia returning for his second season as a starter. The tandem of Steven Veliz and Matthew Carson should assure the Voks of a good ground game while Rodrigo Garcia will be a reliable target downfield. Somerset will be a tough test. The Bulldogs are favored to win District 28-3A. Junior quarterback Koy Detmer should solidify his status a major-college prospect in his second year as a starter. He was the district offensive MVP and threw for more than 2,000 yards last year. 2012 score: Somerset 42, Lanier 21.