NEW BOSTON, Texas-A bit of a rivalry game will be on tap to open the season here at Lion Stadium.
Hooks travels to New Boston today in an East Texas matchup of Class 3A schools at 7:30 p.m.Senior quarterback Philip Sissons is the Lions' offensive leader. Sissons is a dual threat who can pass or run the ball.
Senior transfer Cameron Gray will get most of the carries at tailback, and senior Deandre Dedmon transitions to fullback for New Boston.
The two top targets for Sissons at receiver are senior Jaylon Huff and junior Jake Bobbitt.
New Boston head coach Jamey Thomas said that the offensive and defensive lines are the strength of the team.
Tackles Dedmon and Cole McCool along with returning senior nose guard Lonnie Hurd provide speed and lead the Lions' defense.
New Boston looks to improve upon a 1-9 record from a year ago. The Lions run a run-oriented set offense and a 3-4 defense.
Hooks is led by senior quarterback Jordan Johnson and the speedy senior wide receiver/defensive back Montrell Estell. Johnson runs the ball like a fullback and has a good arm. Estell totaled 1,400 all purpose yards last year.Seniors Malik Estell and Seth Mahar will rotate at running back for the Hornets. Estell and Mahar were both all-district inside linebackers last season and lead the defense.
The Hornets are defending district champions and went 9-2 last season. Hooks returns six starters on both sides of the ball, run a multiple-formation spread offense and a 4-3 defense.
-Brian Tyl
Tonight's Games
(All kickoffs 7:30 p.m.)
Atlanta at Henderson
Mount Pleasant at North Forney
Hooks at New Boston
Elysian Fields at Redwater
Paul Pewitt at Gladewater Sabine
Prairiland at DeKalb
Cushing at Queen City
Linden-Kildare at Harleton
Maud at Ore City
Clarksville at Edgewood