Week 2 Football Outlooks

Cameron Yoe (1-0) Vs. Bye

I was pleased with the way the Yoemen opened the 2018 season on the road. Mexia is certainly a quality team and Cameron managed to maintain a two to three touchdown lead most of the night. There were more positives on the offensive end, where Cameron managed to stay balanced on the night with the run and the pass. If this team can grown from there on that side of the ball, there should be some big time numbers put up throughout the 2018 season. The defense had good and bad moments Tackling is still somewhat of an issue and there were multiple cases of broken coverages. But, as Coach Brashear noted after the game, those are things that are correctable and there is still are plenty of opportunities to show improvement before we get into district play. Cameron will be playing in Gatesville in two weeks and that game is always a challenge.

Rockdale (0-1) Vs. Caldwell (0-1)

Both of these teams are coming off of season opening losses. Rockdale fell in what was a tight battle to Giddings, 17-16, while the Hornets had a few more problems with Edna, 42-21. Rockdale did have a chance to tie the game late, but missed an extra point. Neither result surprises me and this game could be competitive. With Caldwell, Lexington and Hyde Park left on the non-district schedule, I believe this is going to be the most winnable game for the Tigers. I’m not saying that this is going to be easy by any means, but if there is a time to get into the win column, this would be it.

Josh’s Pick: Rockdale by 7.

Bremond (1-0) Vs. Thorndale (0-0)

The Bulldogs will finally get their season underway after having to sit out week one. Meanwhile, Bremond did not have many problems with Normangee in their opener, cruising to the 64-23 win. Thorndale lost this game a year ago, 42-7. Bremond is still good, but not quite what they were when they won back-to-back-to-back state titles from 2014 to 2016, so I anticipate this one being more competitive.

Josh’s Pick: Bremond by 10.

Burton (0-1) Vs. Milano (0-1)

Both of these teams are coming off of early losses, but Milano’s would be more concerning to me. Burton lost to Lexington (54-20), which is expected to be a contender to come out of region IV in 3A division II. Meanwhile, Milano was shutout, 27-0 to Grapeland. Grapeland is a quality team, but they are in 2A division II.

Josh’s Pick: Burton by 14.

Mexia (0-1) Vs. Teague (0-1)

What we saw from Mexia is they certainly have potential to be dangerous and will cause teams that have any weak links on defense some problems. Though Mexia gave up 49 points in their loss, Teague managed to give up more when they fell to Malakoff, 60-30. That result does notsurprise me much as Teague is breaking in a bunch of new players while Malakoff is more seasoned. I do believe Mexia will just be too much for Teague to handle this week.

Josh’s Pick: Mexia by 14.

Lexington (1-0) Vs. Troy (1-0)

This matchup got a bit more interesting after seeing Troy defeat Salado in week one, 15-6. Salado may be down but this is a game that Troy lost a season ago, 33-0. Regardless, this is going to test the Trojans defense in an entirely different way. Salado is a run-heavy offense while Lexington is going to spread you out more. Troy does not have to win this game to prove to me they could be a contender, but they need to be competitive and prove they can handle the moments when the lights shine the brightest.

Josh’s Pick: Lexington by 10.

Lorena (1-0) Vs. Franklin (1-0)

Lorena picked up one of the more impressive wins in week one, knocking off China Spring by two touchdowns. This sets up an interesting match with Franklin, whom had no problems with Hearne in week one, 50-6. I do anticipate this being a close game, but right now I believe Franklin is just on another level and will prove why they are the favorites as of this point to come out of region III.

Josh’s Pick: Franklin by 14.