Friday Night Lights Are Back: Full High School Football Preview

Well, back-to-school is in full swing now with all remaining students and districts heading back to the classroom this week. That means summer vacation is over, the learning begins, and the kiddos find themselves worn out again.

You know what else it means? Friday night lights are back! That's right, high school football returns as the players hit the gridiron. They've already been out there putting in two-a-days and getting themselves ready for the season.

Get our free mobile app

How Are The Area 5A Programs Projected To Do

Last season we had it all. Palo Duro High School emerged as a serious force, not just in the Amarillo area, but the state. The Dons head into the season ranked 18th in the state, a huge honor and responsibility, but they are confident they can live up to those lofty expectations behind star QB Julian Reese.

On the flipside, the Amarillo High School Sandies had a most interesting season after an ineligible player derailed their season. They made the playoffs on a coin flip, but they should've been a lock and seeded higher. This season, they are projected to be a force again, returning eight starters on defense, which caused fits for their opponents last season.

Amarillo and Palo Duro will get after it early in the season, as the schools will face each other on August 28th. You couldn't ask for a better matchup so early in the season.

Tascosa High School is also a projected playoff lock. The Rebels are expected to go toe-to-toe with Amarillo High and challenge them in the standings all season long. Circle your calendar for October 2 when they play one another to establish dominance in their district.

Predictions For The Area 4A Programs

The West Plains Wolves emerged as an immediate contender several seasons ago. Remember, the school is entering only its fifth year as a school. They are once again projected to be the class of 4A in the area and are highly favored to take at least a share of the district championship. West Plains is currently ranked as the number one overall team in the Texas Panhandle according to MaxPreps.

In their way could be the Randall Raiders. They're projected to finish in second behind West Plains as QB Kaison Benton returns. If you notice everyone is unavailable on October 30th, it's not because they're prepping for Halloween. They're probably at Happy Bank Stadium watching West Plains and Randall do battle.

Canyon High will have a new coach on the sidelines this year in Matt Lovorn, and had a pretty successful run to the regional semifinals last season. They're projected as a playoff team once again this season.

When Is The First Game For Each High School

With the anticipation building, I'm sure you want to know when each team will take the field for the first time. Below, you'll find each Amarillo & Canyon school, when their first overall game is, and when their first home game is if they're on the road for their first game of the season.

West Plains:
First game - August 20th vs. Amarillo
First home game - Same as first game

Randall:
First game - August 28th vs. Roswell
First home game - Same as first game

Canyon:
First game - August 28th @ Snyder
First home game - September 4th vs. Tascosa

Amarillo:
First game - August 20th @ West Plains
First home game - September 4th vs. Cleveland

Palo Duro:
First game - August 28th vs. Amarillo
First home game - Same as first game

Tascosa:
First game - August 28th @ Permian
First home game - September 24th vs. Frenship

Caprock:
First game - August 28th @ Pampa
First home game - September 3rd vs. Palo Duro

Bushland:
First game - August 28th @ Seminole
First home game - September 4th vs. Canadian