Games to Watch Each Week in the 2018 Concho Valley Football Season

SAN ANGELO, TX-- As the season inches closer, we at San Angelo Live want you to be well aware of the big games coming up this season in the Concho Valley.

With plenty of storylines heading into the 2018 season, it’s easy find big games throughout the Concho Valley.

Here are the games we feel you should keep an eye on for each week of the 2018 season.

Week 1

Mason @ Wall

This game will undoubtedly draw attention from around the state. It features two of the most storied programs in the state’s smaller classifications. To add to the savory matchup, it’s right out of the gate. Mason is ready to make their first trip back to Arlington since 2014 and the tradition of the Wall Hawks will have them ready for this colossal matchup.

Week 2

Christoval @ Grape Creek

The Christoval Cougars could be pretty dangerous in 2018 with starting quarterback Brayden Wilcox back for his sophomore season. Wilcox accounted for more than 2,000 yards of total offense and 22 touchdowns last year. For Grape Creek, they’re looking to establish an identity. Entering their 21st season of varsity competition, the Eagles have had just two winning seasons and three playoff berths with no postseason success. This game will show exactly where each team is at in 2018.

Week 3

Sonora @ Mason

This is the second game of the Mason-Sonora-Wall triangle for 2018 and it’s just as savory as the first. Sonora and Mason are the two teams who look poised to make a deep run in the playoffs. It’ll also be a clash of polar opposites in terms of offensive schemes. Sonora loves throwing the ball around the yard while Mason will run the ball right down your throat and make you like it.

Central @ Cedar Park

The Central Bobcats face a stiff challenge in their new Dallas-Fort Worth district. With blue blood Euless Trinity staring the Bobcats down, Central will need to be prepared. That’s why this trip to Austin will be a great litmus test for Central. They get a blue blood Cedar Park team from Class 5A who’s been to three of the last six state championships. If Central can prevail against them, fan focus should shift toward a district championship.

Week 4

Wall @ Sonora

This is the final game of the Mason-Sonora-Wall series. It’s the first time the two teams have played since 2015 and it’s a fairly big rivalry. In other sports like basketball, the two teams go back-and-forth with physical play and fairly tight results. This game should be no different.

Iraan @ Eldorado

It’s been almost seven years since the Eagles had a winning season. Heading in to the 2018 campaign, things look good for the Eagles under Head Coach Michael Johnson. The question isn’t whether or not the Eagles will improve from their 2-8 mark last year. Rather, it’s how much they will have improved with 15 starters returning. Eldorado is picked as a playoff team from District 8-2A DII in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine. This week four matchup with a storied Iraan program will show just how much the Eagles have improved.

Week 5

Brady @ Tuscola Jim Ned

The Bulldogs had a rough year in 2017 to say the least. But that’s not to say 2017 didn’t come with it’s bright spots. Ryan Decker rushed for over 1,000 yards and returns to anchor the Bulldog offense. For Brady, this game could be the point where they show they are truly ready for a playoff push in the wide open District 13-3A DII.

Week 6

Euless Trinity @ Central

It’s a resurgent West Texas power versus a Metroplex blue blood. This game is widely regarded as the defacto District 3-6A championship. It’s also a chance for Central to prove to the state they are ready to get over the Metroplex hump that has stumped them the last five years.

Week 7

Central @ Abilene

It’s the battle of the two outliers in District 3-6A. It’s also a game that could be a trap. Abilene has quietly climbed back up the ranks and, if Central can knock off Trinity the week prior, there could be a high that the Bobcats have yet to come down from.

Week 8

Rocksprings @ Menard

This game will likely be for the district championship in 8-2A DII. Rocksprings is the lone outlier in this six-team district which features five playoff teams from a year ago. Menard is poised to make one of its deepest runs in school history with the likes of bruising running back Christian Salazar and their towering offensive lineman Mason Stanley.

Week 9

Menard @ Christoval

You can’t overlook Christoval this year, even if you’re as dominant a team as Menard. The Cougars are a scrappy team that can pull out a result against anyone this year.

Week 10

Ballinger @ Coleman

This game could be for the final playoff spot in District 4-3A DII. Coleman has a chance to make the playoffs this year, but they still have to deal with the likes of Ballinger, Cisco, Anson and Grape Creek to get there.

Week 11

Big Spring @ Lake View (Thursday, Nov. 8)

With Lake View in a four team district, this game could have huge implications to playoff seeding. Both teams went 0-10 last season. The winner of this game will likely get the third seed from District 2-4A DI and play Clint Mountain View, while the loser will get a Clint High School team that went 8-3 a year ago and returns 14 starters.