Magdalena (0-0) at Melrose (0-0)

When: 3:30 p.m. today

Last meeting: 2008, Melrose won 54-14 to open its 13-0 state title campaign in eight-man.

What to expect: Lots of speed, Melrose coach Dickie Roybal said of the Steers, who went 4-5 last season. “They have probably the best speed we had seen. They’re very physical.”

Of note: The Buffaloes will be without the services of senior tight end-linebacker Sammy Lawrence for the next two weeks as a result of an off-field injury.

 

CCS (0-0) at Gateway Christian (0-0)

When: 7 p.m. today

Last meeting: 2008, the Warriors thumped CCS 44-18.

What to expect: A few early stumbles. Eagles coach Jason Swann calls himself the “anti-scrimmage guy” and didn’t schedule one for the Eagles.

“I feel like somebody gets hurt in a game that doesn’t count,” said Swann, who expects about three weeks for the team to get into a rhythm.

Gateway will do what it can to keep the Eagles off-balance. Swann said the Warriors historically have a great play-action game and rarely go out of the shotgun offense with their counters and off-speed plays.

Shifting chess pieces: Swann is hoping the Eagles can build some continuity on the offensive line while RG Mike Root is out with a broken collarbone. Kenny Duong moves from center to replace Root, while NG Conan Ashford will get the start at center. Root is expected to miss five weeks.

 

NMMI (0-0) at Fort Sumner (0-0)

When: 7 p.m. today

Last meeting: 2008, the Foxes rolled to a 26-7 win over the Colts in Roswell.

What to expect: A pair of teams in transition. The Foxes return five starters — two offense, three defense — as they welcome the Class 2A Colts in their first game since winning their fourth straight Class 1A title last year. The Colts, meanwhile, are always in flux as a boarding school.

Early scheduling: Due to scheduling conflicts for the Foxes’ other home games, tonight’s game is also Fort Sumner’s homecoming.

“We’re going to make the best of it,” coach Matt Moyer told the De Baca County News. “If we keep our focus, we’ll be fine.”

 

Texico (0-0) at Dexter (0-0)

When: 7 p.m. today

What to expect: After moving up from offensive coordinator, Texico coach Ryan Autrey said he and the team are anxious for the opener. “We’re just looking to get out on the field,” he said.

Last meeting: The teams ended last season with Texico winning a 28-26 decision in the Class 2A title game at Dexter. Autrey expects a tough matchup this time around.

“They’re going to run a lot of veer, a lot of option at us,” said Autrey, a 2001 Texico High graduate. “It’s just going to be hard-nosed football.”

Transition: Senior Seth Bailey takes over at quarterback for the Wolverines. It’s been an adjustment, Autrey said, but he’s confident for Friday night.

“Seth’s looking really good,” Autrey said. “It’s a transition he’s made well.”

 

Levelland (0-0) at Muleshoe (0-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. (CDT) today

What to expect: Veteran Mules coach David Wood said the goal for the defending Class 2A Division I champions is to come out with a win. But he noted the first few games, including Friday’s home game against the Lobos, are about self-discovery.

“Every team, you figure out who are your go-to guys,” Wood said. “You start developing your teams from there. We’ve got to figure out who our playmakers are. We’re really young, so we don’t know.”

The spread is spreading: Muleshoe plays the spread, and so do a large number of Muleshoe’s opponents. Levelland is going with it for the first time under new coach Gary Gutierrez. Wood said senior quarterback Ramiro Del Campo was successful last year in a run-oriented offense and has the tools to succeed in the spread.

Lucky seven: The Mules are ranked No. 7 in this week’s Associated Press Class 2A poll. Wood says it’s nice, but it puts a target on your back.

“We’ve been there,” he said. “I don’t think our kids pay a whole lot of attention to that.”

 

Olton (0-0) at Farwell (0-0)

When: 6:30 p.m. (CDT) today

What to expect: Coach Mark Anglin said Olton has plenty of experience at the skill positions, but lost three All-District 6-1A selections on the offensive line.

“I think that’s something we may be able to exploit,” Anglin said. “The area we know we have to attack is their offensive line.”

Otherwise, they’re in for a long night against Bobby Workman, last year’s offensive MVP in the district.

“You let him stay back for 3.5, 4.5 seconds, he’s going to complete a pass,” Anglin said.

Read and react: The Steers plan to take what Olton gives them on offense. Anglin said he expects the Mustangs to play cover three most times, but offensive sets are prepared for any other defensive alignment.

“We’re going to read what they give us, and try to take advantage of that,” Anglin said.

Getting healthy: The Steers will welcome back Joey Cuevas, who has missed time with broken toes, and Lincoln Devault and Luke Carpenter, both back from minor injuries.

 

Bovina (0-0) at Hale Center (0-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. (CDT) today

What to expect: The Mustangs are looking for their fourth playoff trip in five seasons. Coach Hector Guevara expects a test from the Owls.

“I expect a lot of speed,” he said. “Usually, they have some good skill kids.”

Guevara said the game will come down to time of possession and turnovers, and the Mustangs should be all right if they can stop a “shifty” backfield from the Owl offense.

“Our biggest goal is to contain them,” Guevara said. “If we can contain them on the perimeter, we’ll be in good shape.”

 

— Compiled by Kevin Wilson