Aug. 26 | El Paso Eastwood

7 p.m., Dragon Stadium

The Troopers won 8 games last season and pushed three rounds deep into the Division II playoffs. The Troopers must find a new leading passer and rusher this season, but receiver Curtis Murillo had 100 catches and 11 TDs a year ago. Michael Caldera and Evan Macias had a combined 67 catches.

Sept. 2 | Flower Mound Marcus

7 p.m., Marauder Stadium

The Marauders entered the playoffs on an 8-2 roll but ran into a defensive buzzsaw in Prosper. Marcus’ offense couldn’t get going in a 28-21 bi-district defeat. Quarterback Cole Welliver gets his turn this season after throwing 5 TD passes as a backup last year. Ashton Cozart (36 catches) figures to be Welliver’s main target.

Sept. 9 | Cedar Hill

Green Out

7 p.m., Dragon Stadium

The Longhorns found ways to go 8-5 last season without being particularly flashy. Quarterback Cedric Harden was a consistent playmaker, but he’s suiting up for rival DeSoto now. Anthony Edwards will likely be under center, but he’ll need a consistent target. Joshua Manley is among several young receivers who emerged a year ago. Linebacker Kylan Salter scored 2 TDs on fumble returns.

Sept. 22 | Haltom *

7 p.m., Birdville ISD Fine Arts/Athletics Complex

Haltom is the lone realignment newcomer to 4-6A that took the district from seven to eight teams. The Buffalos’ top four pass-catchers, led by Jeremiah Sanders (22 catches, 497 yards, 6 TDs), are all back, along with quarterback Angel Moreno (1,553 yards, 16 TDs passing). Moreno must cut down on 12 interceptions, and more could be expected from 800-yard rusher Devan Ramirez-Powell (5 TDs). Haltom (3-7) surrendered less than 42 points just twice.

* Thursday game

Oct. 7 | Keller

7 p.m., Dragon Stadium

The Indians drew Trinity first in last year’s playoffs and exited. They seemed better than 6-5 with quarterback Tre Guerra, who is back after throwing for 2,021 yards and 22 TDs. Amarion Henry heads a strong receiver group after 78 catches, and Cameron Rayford is an emerging force at RB. DE JohnMarc Cabello (6 sacks) and LB Taylor Brannan (84 stops) lead a defense with questionable secondary depth.

Oct. 13 | Keller Central *

7 p.m., Keller ISD

Athletics Complex Central was among those teams to give Carroll little or no challenge a year ago, losing 63-7. The Chargers will be young at quarterback, running back and receiver, the exception being senior Braden Manners (56 catches). Sophomore Kelden Ryan split time at QB and threw for 711 yards and 5 TDs.

* Thursday game

Oct. 21 | Haslet Eaton

Pink Out

7 p.m., Dragon Stadium

To contend for a playoff spot again after last year’s 8-3 mark, the Eagles have to fill holes everywhere. Only Rockwall-Heath and Duncanville scored more points (both 35) than Eaton (24) had against Carroll last season. But it could be an uphill slog this season, with TE Jaden Platt and RB Logan Wright as the top returners on offense.

Nov. 3 | Keller Fossil Ridge *

District 4-6A game

7 p.m., Keller ISD Athletics Complex

The Panthers return one of the more experienced teams in 4-6A, and they’ll rely on a steady diet of two offensive standouts. RB Landen Chambers had 267 carries for 1,757 yards and 25 TDs. Logan Cundiff threw for 1,440 yards and 10 TDs. On defense, Fossil Ridge dipped heavily into its junior/sophomore ranks in 2021, so that experience could play big this season.

* Thursday game