Carthage at Kilgore: Two of East Texas’ top 4A programs will renew acquaintances in Kilgore to open the season as defending 4A-Division II state champion Carthage comes to town where they will get a test against a Kilgore squad that’s been a regional finalist in 4A-Division I the last two seasons. Carthage will have one of the state’s top ground attacks with the return of its top three backs from 2022 in KJ Matlock, LaRandion Dowden and super sophomore KJ Edwards. Those three plus a big offensive line will take the pressure off sophomore QB Jett Surratt and a young, but talented group of Carthage receivers. Carthage’s defensive line will be a handful for opponents and that’ll make life easier while their young and talented secondary matures. Kilgore’s secondary may be one of the best in the state with the return of DB Zaylon Stoker, who picked off 10 passes a year ago, and Jayden Sanders, who is a legit FBS level recruit. Kilgore will be solid up front and in the receiving corps but inexperience at QB and RB along with the defensive line will be question marks going into 2023. This will be a closer game than last year’s 35-point Carthage win, but CHS is a completer and more talented team and they’ll pull away down the stretch. Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 16

Hamshire-Fannett at Lumberton: Two teams in the Golden Triangle coming off good 2022 seasons with high hopes for 2023 matchup in Week 1 in what amounts to a measuring stick game for both programs. Hamshire-Fannett battled through injuries and a brutal district to post a 10-3 mark a year ago, and expectations are sky high with seven starters back plus help from a stellar 10-0 JV squad. Versatile ATH D’Onte Zeno is the headliner and a four-year starter for the Longhorns; he played QB after an injury a year ago. But if the ‘Horns are able to move him around and create matchup problems, the offense could hit another level in 2023. Lumberton broke through in 4A-Division I in 2022, advancing to the regional semifinals with an 11-2 record. The Raiders offense expects to be lethal with the return of QB Lucas Powell, RB Jaddon Ward and WR Trey Kersh. The defense has a few holes to fill, but they have a game-changer in DL Brock Jackson, a Baylor commit. Last year’s game was a close, high-scoring affair and I expect no different this time with the slightest of edges going to Lumberton. Stepp’s Pick: Lumberton by 2

Canyon West Plains at Bushland: Upstart West Plains will now have to deal with being squarely on the radar of the entire state in 2023 as it surprised nearly all the experts with a 7-5 campaign and an area round playoff appearance in its debut. WPHS returns 18 starters overall led by QB Reid Macon, who broke out as a freshman and has a huge upside. His favorite target is two-way playmaker WR/DB King Tallant. Bushland suffered some key losses on offense, but the Falcons do return the guy who makes them go in QB Dawson Jaco, who returns after throwing for 3,360 yards and 41 touchdowns a year ago. Bushland’s defense, which brings back six starters, expects to be improved and will be key as they try and repeat as district champions. A year ago, Bushland spoiled West Plains’ varsity debut with an easy 52-6 win. That’s not lost on West Plains, which will be out to set that score right in 2023. Stepp’s Pick: Canyon West Plains by 6

Franklin at Woodville: Two-time defending state champion Franklin heads into the Piney Woods where it will tangle with an always tricky and talented Woodville squad to open the 2023 campaign. Junior RB Jayden Jackson will lead the Lions Slot-T offense; he’s a big, bruising back between the tackles. But finding that dynamic speedy back to compliment him will be key for the offense to continue its torrid pace of the past two seasons. Franklin’s defense expects to be improved with the return of six defensive starters and the return of LB Braden Smith, who missed much of 2022 with an injury. Woodville expects to challenge Diboll in 9-3A Division I for the district title as Coach Ty Robinson welcomes back seven starters on both sides of the ball. QB/DB Ralon Williams is a four-year starter leading the offense and he’s got some dynamic weapons on the outside, led by WR Christian Bean. Speed is rarely an issue for the Eagles, but the trenches is where they’ve struggled matching up with elite teams and Franklin is certainly elite. Expect the Lions to control the game up front and grind Woodville down. Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 17

Blanco at Poth: Second year head coach Jamie Dixon welcomes back a strong core from a Blanco squad that started slow but found its footing down the stretch going 8-5 and advancing to the regional semifinals in 3A-Division I. The Panthers offense is led by dual-threat QB Cameron Anderson, who tallied over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first year in the offense. Expect that Year 2 jump from Blanco as the Panthers will be much more well-versed in Coach Dixon’s system. Poth surprised much of the state in 2022 with a surprise run to the 3A-Division II state title game behind a big offensive line and strong ground attack. The Pirates will rely more heavily on the pass in 2023 with TE Bryce Burke and WR Adrian DeHoyos leading the way, but the defense, which brings back seven starters, could be the real star of the show for Jeff Luna’s bunch. This will be a tight game. These two look evenly-matched on paper. The game was originally scheduled to be played in Blanco, but due to delays in replacing the turf at Blanco’s stadium the game was moved to Poth. We’ll give Poth the three-point bump for being at home in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Poth by 3

Gilmer Harmony at Hooks: Harmony was the surprise story in East Texas a year ago; after a 5-5 regular season, the Eagles got red hot and advanced all the way to the state semifinals in 3A-Division II. 2023 is a different challenge as Harmony returns 19 starters and will have to deal with the expectations of a team that many believe can play for a state title. QB Boston Seahorn is back to lead an offense that is expected to be among the state’s best in 2023. The key for Harmony will be improving on the defensive side of the ball. Hooks is a real under the radar contender in Region III. The Hornets will be led by RB Keyshawn Walls and QB Michael Baysinger, while nine starters return on defense from a group that was solid in 2023. Expect a lot of fireworks in this one with Harmony winning a close, high-scoring game. Stepp’s Pick: Gilmer Harmony by 7

Hitchcock at Refugio: Many were throwing dirt on Refugio after the Bobcats were blown out by Hitchcock in the season opener a year ago. But both teams ended up turning out just fine. Hitchcock finished 11-2 and advanced to the regional semifinals in 3A-Division I, while Refugio wound up playing for a state title in 2A-Division I. This year Hitchcock will have to head south into a tough environment at Jack Sportsman Bobcat Stadium where Refugio will be out to make amends for last year’s loss. Hitchcock is one of the state’s most experienced teams led by QB Lloyd Jones, WR/DB Damien McDaniel and WR/DB Bryce Dorsey. The Bulldogs are as loaded as anyone at the skill positions, but if they want to challenge for the regional title, their play in the trenches will need to improve. Refugio brings back 17 starters from a team that played for a state title, and that includes maybe the fastest player in Texas in WR/DB Ernest Campbell, a Texas A&M commit. ATH Isaiah Avery and junior QB Kelan Brown return as well for a veteran Bobcats squad. This one will be closer. Expect Refugio to try and control the pace of the game and keep Hitchcock’s explosive attack off the field. Hitchcock is just too versatile and dynamic, and they’ll win what I think turns in to a second half track meet.

Stepp’s Pick: Hitchcock by 10

Quick Picks

Kaufman at Lindale Stepp’s Pick: Lindale by 3

El Campo at Cuero Stepp’s Pick: El Campo by 2

Tyler Chapel Hill at Gilmer Stepp’s Pick: Tyler Chapel Hill by 5

Brock vs Texarkana Pleasant Grove Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Pleasant Grove by 10

West Rusk at Malakoff Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 16

Anahuac at Newton Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 4

East Bernard at Edna Stepp’s Pick: Edna by 13

Honey Grove at Howe Stepp’s Pick: Honey Grove by 11

Goliad at Tidehaven Stepp’s Pick: Tidehaven by 9

Beckville at Timpson Stepp’s Pick: Timpson by 18