FOOTBALL: Week 1 previews

FRIDAY

Carrizo Springs (1-0) vs. Edison (0-1) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Veteran senior Andres Aguilar stepped up for Edison in Week 0 as both a featured back and receiver, but the Golden Bears will be gearing toward developing some reliable offensive company for him with an eye toward district season.

Carrizo Springs features Freddy Longoria, who rushed for 218 yards in the opener against Cotulla. The Wildcats gained 302 of their 452 total yards on the ground. After allowing Pleasanton to gain 555 yards last week, Edison will need to shore up its defense to prevent Carrizo Springs from controlling the ball and the clock. But the Wildcats aren’t one-dimensional. Quarterback Jesse Rodriguez threw for 151 yards and Angel Gonzalez reeled in two receptions for 90 yards.2012 score: Edison 44, Carrizo Springs 12.

East Central (1-0) vs. Marshall (0-1) at Farris Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

East Central concludes its tour of the Northside ISD with a trip to Farris Stadium to face Marshall, one of the surprise teams of 2012. Under new coach Clint Hartman, the expectation for the Hornets’ offense was an aerial display, but they were pretty balanced in the 21-14 win over Jay. Back Javion Polk emerged as the other half of a 1-2 punch with Jonathan Jackson. Now the expectation will be for more EC points on the board. The Rams also are under new leadership in first-year coach Tim Williams. Marshall back Dafida Jostin made a dazzling debut in the Rams’ 17-16 loss to Lee last week. Jostin ran for 177 yards. 2012 score: East Central 50 Marshall 0.

Floresville (0-1) vs. Brackenridge (1-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Brack returns to Wheatley Heights, the scene of Week O fireworks for the Eagles. They set the bar high for an expected test against always-solid Floresville. The Eagles averaged nearly nine yards per carry and 20 yards per catch in their opener against Sam Houston, so the Tigers defense will have its hands full with Ramon Richards and his crew. Floresville led after three quarters against Highlands, but lost on a last-second field goal as the Owls scored the last 10 points. The Tigers’ defense gave up 319 yards to Highlands and will need to improve significantly to have a chance to beat Brack and it’s big-play capability. Floresville only averaged about two yards per rushing attempt in its opener and will face a defense that limited Sam Houston to fewer than 100 yards. 2012 score: Brackenridge 41, Floresville 14.

Fredricksburg (0-1) vs. Memorial (1-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7 p.m.

Memorial did the things it needed to do to snap a losing streak last week. Despite returning home, the Minutemen will have a much greater task ahead against a Fredericksburg team that returns 19 starters from 2012. The Battlin Billies lost 40-27 to Burnet in their opener. Memorial, which also returned a bevy of 2012 starters, stayed fairly basic in their 31-14 win over Pearsall and should show more of their offense against the Billies. Fredericksburg has won all five games in the series to date. 2012 score: Fredericksburg 45, Memorial 12.

Holy Cross (1-0) at Antonian (0-1), 7:30 p.m.

A meeting between TAPPS District 3-II favorite Holy Cross and the 2-I favorite Antonian. Holy Cross won’t exactly catch a break after opening with a 21-14 win over Central Catholic. The Apaches will pose another tough test. Success for the Knights will start with ground game. Quarterback Cisco Flores and running back Greg Scott both ran for more than 100 yards last week, while Antonian gave up 299 rushing yards to Navarro in a 27-21 loss. Daniel Rosenfeld is a key player for Antonian, whether running or receiving the ball. 2012 score: Antonian 35, Holy Cross 6.

Sam Houston (0-1) at Southside (0-1), 7:30 p.m.

Both teams will be looking for growth from Game 1 to Game 2. Both offenses are capable of producing bigger numbers than they did in their openers. Both defenses could use some tightening. That should make for an intriguing contest at Southside. Watch for a more consistent performance from Southside sophomore quarterback Johnny Trevino. When the Hurricanes have the ball, watch who’s getting the snaps at quarterback, Raymonte Prime or Jvoni Badie-Jones. 2012 score: Southside 18, Sam Houston 12.

Southwest (0-1) at Central Catholic (0-1), 7:30 p.m.

Southwest has won all three games in the series and only one has been close. This should be the second, and don’t be surprised if the Buttons claim their first win.

Central Catholic had an encouraging start last week in a 21-14 loss to Holy Cross. Josh Godfrey has settled into the quarterback job and threw for 166 yards. Joseph Nava ran for 119. The Buttons biggest problem to overcome is commiting four turnovers to the Knights’ two.

Southwest musrtered little more than 200 total yards last week in a 42-14 loss to Laredo United, playing without running back Erin Mack. Mack gained 1,477 rushing yards last year and could make a big impact on the Dragons if he’s ready to go. 2012 score: Southwest 44, Central Catholic 7.

South San (0-1) vs. McCollum (1-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Both teams have looked stronger than their 2012 versions in their respective debuts last week, but McCollum was a revelation. The Cowboys limited Jefferson to 53 total yards while pitching a 35-0 shutout.

McCollum quarterback Ralph Vidal threw for 124 yards in Juan Hinojosa’s debut as Cowboys coach. Mike Ramirez ran for 92 yards and two touchdowns in his first start at running back. The Cowboys gained 352 total yards.

South San gained a respectable 242 total yards while Harlandale won 31-13 as Brandon Ramon threw for 215 yards. McCollum’s offense isn’t as potent as the Indians’, but the Bobcats will need to limit their turnovers. They commited four a week ago, including three interceptions.

The Bobcats picked up a huge win over McCollum last year and should be confident with a solid start behind them. The Cowboys have a 22-14-1 lead in the series, which dates to 1968. 2012 score: South San 21, McCollum 20.

Jefferson (0-1) at Pleasanton (1-0), 7 p.m.

Jefferson never got its offense rolling in a 35-0 loss to McCullom in Week 0. The Mustangs managed just 53 total yards. Quarterback Jacob Areval and running back Grant Jackson ran for o189 and 158 yards, respectively. The Eagles amassed 494 rushing yards in a 40-7 win over Edison. On paper, it looks like a mismatch, but Jefferson should have the ability to compete with Pleasanton. 2012 score: Pleasanton 27, Jefferson 6.

SATURDAY

Harlandale (1-0) vs. Lanier (0-1) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

Harlandale was predictably tough in its opener last week and should be a handful for the Voks.

The Indians scored on both quick strikes and sustained drives in a 31-13 win over South San. Brandon Ramon threw for 215 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Nick Martinez provided offensive balance with 150 rushing yards. Harlandale’s defense only allowed one touchdown until the Bobcats scored as time elapsed. Lanier gained 257 yards with a balanced attack, but only produced one touchdown in a 39-6 loss to Somerset. The Voks’ defense again will be under assault after Bulldogs quarterback Koy Detmer passed for 377 yards. The Voks haven’t won in the series since 1976, and the prognosis doesn’t look good for ending the Indians’ 10-game winning streak this year. 2012 score: Harlandale 58, Lanier 16.

Uvalde (0-1) vs. Highlands (1-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

Highlands had a feel-good performance in its opening game against Floresville and will want to keep the goodwill flowing versus a team it beat handily last year. Uvalde, though, improved througout the year last year and is capable of making this a close game. Getting over the hump might be a challenge for the maturing Coyotes after losing a 21-20 decision to Eagle Pass Winn in Week 0. They ran for 259 yards, but passed for just 35 and were beaten by a more-potent running game. Winn gained 411 yards on the ground.

The Owls have a more balanced offense guided by third-year quarterback Jordan DeLuna. Their balance was admirable last week and they may be able to exploit Uvalde’s rush defense for bigger gains this week. Highlands will need to avoid a letdown and build on last week’s defensive effort. 2012 score: Highlands 55, Uvalde 19.

FOOTBALL ROUNDUP: Memorial claims first win since 2010, defeating Pearsall

Highlands beats Floresville with late field goal

East Central, McCollum coaches win debut games

Teams included: Brackenridge, Burbank, East Central, Harlandale, Highlands, Jefferson, Kennedy, Lanier, McCollum, Memorial. Sam Houston, South San.

Memorial not only won its first on-field victory since 2010 Friday at Pearsall, it did so in decisive fashion.

The Minutemen (1-0) led the entire way to claim a 31-14 victory over the Mavericks. It was the first road victory for Memorial in, possibly, a decade.

“We never let (the lead) go, but it was interesting,” second-year Memorial coach Alex Guerra said. “With the history of the school and the program, you want the kids to be excited but you need to keep them grounded. Being able to keep them focused on the sideline is crucial.”

The previous on-field win for the program was Sept. 16, 2010 at Frank Mata Stadium over Austin Eastside Memorial.

“You’d have to go way back,” Guerra said. “It was a little bit before my time. I imagine it’s been a while.

“It’s been a long time coming, and the kids have been working very hard. We stress the little things every day, and everything fell into place.”

The seeds of the win were planted during the offseason.

“These kids have a lot of character,” Guerra said. “Last year, when our season ended on a Friday, by Monday they were back in the weight room – and they never left. We have our core group of guys, and they’ve worked very hard. They knew we’d have to get physically stronger to compete.

“Pearsall is a physically tough team. Coach (David) Silva has those guys going. Our kids stood up to the challenge.”

The Minutemen took an early lead on a long pass from junior quarterback Alfred Ramos to David Manzano.

“It was a botched play and a quarterback scramble,” Guerra said. “The defensive backs seemed to come off their coverage, because Alfred can run. He kind of stood up and found David wide open. David had stayed on his route.”

Ramos later broke a 65-yard touchdown run.

“He’s deceptively fast,” Guerra said. “I like to say he has football speed. If you throw him in a track meet, I don’t think you’d win a100-yard dash with him. But, on a football field, he’s hard to contain.”

Pearsall (0-1) eventually closed within 14-7.

“They moved the ball very well,” Guerra said. “We probably had two or three fourth-and-goal series inside the red zone. It was one of those days, but our defense stood up. It was difficult because a lot of our kids play both ways.”

Memorial sophomore Raymond Garcia returned one of his two interceptions Friday 100 yards for a key touchdown.

“He had some great blocks along the way,” Guerra said. “He was very excited. I’ve been him from Day 1, telling him he was going to have to grow up fast. He told me afterward, ‘Coach, I think I’ve grown up.’ I said, You grew up a little more today.’ ”

The Minutemen increased their lead to three touchdowns and added a field goal before Pearsall scored a late touchdown. Gabriel Robles was successful from 35 yards.

“We got that input from special teams, so that was good,” Guerra said. “Our kicker doesn’t do anything else. He just kicks and punts. He was champing at the bit to get a shot. He got a shot and he nailed it.”

The Memorial coach pointed out that his Edgewood district rival Kennedy also won. The Rockets defeated Crystal City 27-7 Friday in their opening game.

“I don’t know how long its been since both Edgewood schools won their first game,” Guerra said. “They’ve handled their business. It’s been a while for us.”

Memorial takes the field again next Friday with a 7 p.m. game at Mata Stadium against Fredericksburg, hoping to sustain the forward momentum.

“Now we have to get ready for Fredericksburg Friday,” Guerra said. “We need to get healthy. If we do and we have a good game plan, I think we have a chance.”

Highlands 17, Floresville 14

Senior Americo Ayala kicked a 32-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Owls a season-opening victory Friday in Floresville.

Highlands (1-0) didn’t take the lead until Ayala made the kick, although they tied it twice. Floresville jumped ahead with a touchdown from Gilbert Ortiz on a four-yard run at the 8:14 mark of the second quarter.

The Owls first 2013 score came on a 40-yard pass play from veteran quarterback Jordan DeLuna (20 of 36, 184 yards) to Sabian Santos (3 receptions, 54 yards).

Highlands answered again after the Tigers scored on a 35-yard pass from Koby Wilkerson to Zach Frantz that put the Owls behind 14-7 entering the fourth quarter. Elijah Garces re-tied it on a five-yard run with 6:46 remaining.

Qunidon Boston led Highlands in rushing with 55 yards on seven attempts. Tavon Johnson caught six passes for 52 yards.

Brackenridge 63, Sam Houston 0

The Eagles (1-0) announced their presence in a definitive way, routing neighborhood rival Sam Houston in the first high school football game to be played at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex.

Any concerns about Brackenridge’s ability to replace the backs and ends it lost to graduation rapidly were put to rest. The Eagles rolled to 29 points in the first quarter, scoring on each of their four possessions.

Brackenridge gained 430 total yards while limiting the Hurricanes to 95.

Standout Eagles quarterback Ramon Richards (4 of 9, 91 yards) threw 34 yards to Jonathan King for the first touchdown. Richards also scored on runs of 15 and one yard in the quarter. He finished with 108 yards on 12 carries.

Junior Trey Mathis (68 yards, 6 carries) capped the first-quarter scoring with a 22-yard sprint. Brack ran for 330 yards on 39 tries.

Richards added a 43-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and threw a 28-yard scoring pass to speedy senior Rominique Anthony (3 receptions, 57 yards) 1:28 before halftime. The latter increased the Eagles’ lead to 42-0.

Brandon Toston (71 yards, 10 carries) ran for a pair of second-half touchdowns. Tyrus Mathis (55 yards, 7 carries) also recorded a touchdown run.

For Sam Houston, Jvoni Badie-Jones ran nine times for 36 yards. Erin Mack caught three passes for 29 yards.

East Central 21, Jay 14

The Hornets (1-0) pulled out a victory in East Central alum Clint Hartman’s first game as its coach.

A 30-yard touchdown run from Javion Polk (145 yards, 21 carries) provided the winning margin. East Central preserved the win by stopping the Mustangs (0-1) at the EC 30 on their final drive.

Rice University commit Jeremy Jones (10 of 14, 205 yards) ushered in the new era of Hornets football with an 81-yard scoring pass to junior Wanya Ward (153 yards, 3 receptions) midway through the first quarter. Jones also accounted for the second touchdown in the defense-dominated game. The senior ran 13 yards with 6:13 left in the third quarter.

New Mexico State recruit Johnathon Jackson (112 yards, 12 attempts) ran for the key two-point conversion, giving East Central a 14-0 lead. Jay tied it, strangely enough, with back-to-back fumble returns. Luis Trujillo’s 60-yard return with 5:04 remaining made it 14-14 while Jones was sitting out because of an injury.

Jay sophomore Moses Reynolds made an impressive debut as quarterback, completing 18 of 36 passes for 240 yards.

Like Hartman, Jay coach Gary Gutierrez is an East Central alum.

McCollum 35, Jefferson 0

In the night’s other stunner, in terms of margin of victory, the Cowboys (1-0) trounced Jefferson (0-1) in Juan Hinojosa’s coaching debut with McCollum.

McCollum scored twice in each of the first two quarters to win the non-district game at Harlandale Memorial Stadium. Sophomore running back Mike Ramirez (94 yards, 10 carries) accounted for the first two Cowboys touchdowns with runs of one and 42 yards.

Cowboys junior quarterback Ralph Vidal increased the lead to 21-0 with a 15-yard run. Vidal (8 of 13, 124 yards) also connected with Robert Salas with a 25-yard touchdown pass in the second half.

Stevie Diaz added the other McCollum score with a 27-yard touchdown run 25 seconds before halftime. Diaz finished with 44 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards on two catches. Jeff Valdez made three receptions for 33 yards.

Jefferson mustered 53 total yards while McCollum amassed 352.

Harlandale 31, South San 13

Senior quarterback Brandon Ramon engineered a season-opening victory for Harlandale, throwing for 215 yards and three touchdowns Friday at South San Stadium.

South San took the early lead, scoring on a 14-yard run from Christian Morales (50 yards, 10 carries). The 6-0 advantage lasted only until Harlandale ended the ensuing possession. Ramon threw 55 yards to Eddie Pedroza (70 yards, 3 receptions) to give the Indians a 7-6 lead.

Ramon also threw a pair of touchdown passes to James Mendoza (48 yards, 3 receptions), following a 77-yard touchdown from senior back Nick Martinez (150 yards, 15 carries). A 26-yard catch by Mendoza gave Harlandale a 21-6 halftime lead.

In the fourth quarter, Rueben Garcia kicked a 24-yard field goal for Harlandale and the Bobcats got on the board again when Justin Acosta scored from four yards away as time ran out.

Ian Martinez made four receptions for 50 yards and Nick Perez caught two passes for 47 yards for the Indians.

For South San, Darren Tinajero ran for 49 yards and passed for 38.

Kennedy 27, Crystal City 7

Senior Matthew Avalos ran 17 times for 166 yards and a touchdown as the Rockets romped at Frank Mata Stadium.

Avalos got things started for Kennedy with a 12-yard scoring run less than four minutes into the game. Fabian Flores returned an interception 13 yards to give the Rockets a 13-0 lead after a quarter.

Tomas Garcia also scored on an interception for Kennedy.

Isaiah Garcia (2 catches, 46 yards) notched the Rockets’ final touchdown with a 30-yard pass play from Blade Alvarado.

Somerset 39, Lanier 6

Major college prospect Koy Detmer Jr. completed 20 of 25 passes for 366 yards and five touchdowns, leading Somerset (1-0) to victory over the Voks (0-1) at the SAISD Complex.

Justin Guerra and Rocky Reyna each accumulated 170 reception yards for the Bulldogs.

Lanier gained 257 total yards, led by 128 passing yards and a touchdown from Nick Garcia. Garcia connected with Rodrigo Garcia (82 yards, 7 receptions) on a 29-yard touchdown with 6:22 remaining in the game.

Stephen Veliz ran 12 times for the Voks, gaining 80 yards.

Hays 61, Burbank 7

The Rebels (1-0) scored six first-half touchdowns on the way to a decisive victory over the Bulldogs (0-1) Friday in Buda.

Burbank senior Jeremy Sanchez completed four of nine passes for 149 yards in his first start at quarterback. He teamed up with Marcos Luna (2 receptions, 98 yards) for an 87-yard touchdown with 10:15 left in the third quarter.

Tru Bradford caught two passes for 51 yards for the Bulldogs. Hays limited Burbank to five rushing yards.

FOOTBALL: Week 0 previews

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.