AUGUST
Aug. 26 Highland Park
7 p.m., AT&T Stadium, Arlington
The Scots, one of the most famous names in Texas high school football, are coated in history. Bobby Layne, Doak Walker and Matthew Stafford all wore the gold and blue. This year, they’re a largely new group with a new QB, but at HP, it’s literally next man up. There’s a reason they’ve lost only three times total in the previous three years.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 2 Rockwall-Heath
7 p.m., Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium
The Hawks surprised opponents a year ago by pouncing on unknowing defenses. Rockwall-Heath put together one of the best offenses in all of Class 6A Texas. Opponents should know what to expect this year. The bad news is that Josh Hoover, the guy who led the assault, is back for more.
Sept. 10 Prosper
7 p.m., Prosper ISD Stadium
The Eagles are expected to move the ball down the field more efficiently in 2021 with eight returning offensive starters from a team that scored an average of 28.1 points a game in 2020. Junior quarterback Harrison Rosar is expected to get the snaps this season. Prosper was a Class 6A regional finalist a year ago in a difficult District 5-6A.
Sept. 17 Arlington Martin
7 p.m., Dragon Stadium
The Warriors gave the Dragons all they wanted last season before succumbing in the postseason’s third round. They are tough to move the ball against. Defensive end R.J. Cooper is sought after nationally as a pass rusher extraordinaire; linebacker Trevell Johnson has committed to Texas. Cydd Ford takes over at QB. This game will be a good one.
Sept. 24 Byron Nelson
7 p.m., Dragon Stadium Homecoming
The Bobcats are vying to return to the playoffs with a blend of seniors and key sophomores off an unbeaten freshman team. Wide receiver Gavin McCurley is a junior with two varsity seasons of seasoning. Quarterback Jake Wilson returns after missing all of 2020 with an injury.
Sept. 30 Keller
7 p.m., KISD Athletics Complex
The Indians lost four games by four points or fewer in 2020 and will lean on an experienced defense. Zac O’Day is a returning first-team all-district performer in a defensive backfield that also includes Austin Coleman and Matthew Anderson. Wide receiver Amari Henry is a constant threat as a returner with breakaway speed.
OCTOBER
Oct. 8 Keller Central
7 p.m., Dragon Stadium
Pink Out
What’s not to like about a football team coached by a guy with “Sports” as a last name. Mike Sports has what prognosticators believe might be a playoff-caliber team going into his second season. Eight players return on a defense highlighted by a linebacking corps led by Darius Graham and Tyler Balsarick, both all-district guys a year ago.
Oct. 21 Haslet Eaton
7 p.m., Northwest ISD Stadium
Winners of nine games in 2020 en route to the Class 6A Division II semifinals, the Eagles are primed to continue making the proverbial noise in District 4-6A. Ben Roberts, who can play linebacker or defensive back, linebacker Brock Hayward and defensive end Israel Kiwabonga will challenge the Dragons offense.
Oct. 29 Keller Timber Creek
7 p.m., Dragon Stadium
Senior Night
The Falcons have some playoff know-how after coach Marshall Williams’ successful debut season. Timber Creek believes that another trip to the postseason is in view with quarterback Jacob Porter returning. Timber Creek also rolled out the welcome mat for transfer running back Emeka Megwa.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 4 Keller Fossil Ridge
7 p.m., KISD Athletics Complex
Panther sophomores thrown into the fire of 6A varsity football last year have the right kind of scars — experience. Fossil Ridge is expected again to depend some on youth. They are like a box of chocolates, Forrest. Never know what you’ll get in that first year of varsity competition. Expect to see a bunch of Daniel Cobbs, a utility athlete.
2020 in review
Oct. 2
Carroll 72
Rockwall-Heath 57
Oct. 8
Rockwall 44
Carroll 42
Oct. 22
Carroll 57
Byron Nelson 21
Oct. 30
Carroll 42
Keller 10
Nov. 6
Carroll 49
Keller Central 20
Nov. 20
Carroll 45
Haslet Eaton 30
Nov. 27
Carroll 45
Keller Timber Creek 16
Dec. 4
Carroll 45
Keller Fossil Ridge 21
Dec. 11
Carroll 49
Haltom 14 (bi-district)
Dec. 18
Carroll 38
Odessa Permian 7
(regional quarterfinals)
Dec. 24
Carroll 30
Arlington Martin 26
(regional semifinals)
Jan. 2
Carroll 59
Euless Trinity 35
(regional final)
Jan. 9
Carroll 34
Duncanville 27
(state semifinal)
Jan. 16
Austin Westlake 52
Carroll 34
(state final)