An old rivalry on the eastern edges of the Houston area gets rekindled this week as 5A power Crosby takes on a C.E. King squad that emerged in 2021 with a third-round playoff appearance in Class 6A.

Expect Crosby to be plenty explosive on the offensive side of the ball with the return of QB Cyrin Myles, who accounted for 52 touchdowns as a junior in leading Crosby to a state semifinal appearance. Many of his key weapons return, but Crosby’s defense is young and full of major question marks.

C.E. King went through a coaching change this off-season as former HC Derek Fitzhenry moves into an AD-only role and DC George Young gets promoted to the big chair. The Panthers strength will be on the defensive side of the ball as King welcomes back three outstanding defensive linemen, including Texas commit Dylan Spencer, who are capable of changing the game up front. They’ll rely on that group to slow down the opposing offense, while their young offense that returns just two starters matures.

King is plenty talented at the lower levels and their depth is key in this early season matchup. Expect a close one with King pulling it out late with a key defensive stop.

Stepp’s Pick: Houston C.E. King by 3