By Kevin Lonnquist
NTX Varsity Sports Columnist
The blazing inferno that is August continues to oppress all North Texas with more 100s than a stack of Benjamin Franklins. However, I can assure you there is a glimmer of hope.
The high school football fall camp season is upon us. Usually, you can feel the excitement of the upcoming pigskin campaign when the temperatures are in the 90s. But this summer hits different. Harder. More miserable.
But we get it going this week for games that count. That’s on the private school side. Then on Aug. 27, everybody is set for play.
Just bring plenty of water, spray bottles, fans and pray that the sun sets fast. For the NTX Varsity Sports Coverage area, we highlight some of the notable opening week contests on tap for the 2026 season.
We’re giving you this a week early because of the season starting on Friday. Plus, if you have no affiliation with any team but are a fan of the Texas High School pastime and want to venture out to a game, you can start planning now.
Aug. 21, Parish Episcopal at Fort Worth All Saints, McNair Stadium
Noteworthy: While TAPPS leadership completely blew it with starting the season this early – there is some poetic justice on this decision with August being what it is but hope the players are safe – maybe the intent was to steal the spotlight before the season begins with notable matchups. Well, this is one of them. All Saints has won the last two meetings, 39-35 and 24-21. It should be this way again. It’s good that these two facing each other annually. A big crowd is expected.
Aug. 28, Aledo at North Crowley, Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium
Noteworthy: This is Aledo’s debut as a Class 6A school. What better way to be baptized than to face the 2024 Division I state champions and 2025 Division I state quarterfinalists. Aledo has a new QB in Lewisville move-in Tre Williams. The Panthers DeMarcus Harris makes his debut as the new head coach replacing Ray Gates who went to North Texas. Harris was the defensive coordinator.
Aug. 28, Springtown at Brock, Eagle Stadium
Noteworthy: The opening week of the Texas High School football season features some great matchups. This 4A battle should be a beauty. Both programs believe they can make a run to a state title. This matchup features two of better senior QBs at this level of football that you’re ever going to enjoy. Springtown’s Kaine Hill has thrown for nearly, 5,000 yards in his first two seasons. Brock’s Holt Frazier is coming of an amazing 2025 where he threw for better than 3,400 yards and 50 touchdowns.
Aug. 28, Decatur at Eagle Mountain, Knights Stadium
Noteworthy: Again, with the opening week major matchup. Two storylines are in play. For the Eagles, Cliff Watkins makes his debut as the new head coach after spending the past 10 years in Glen Rose. He must break in a new starting quarterback since the 2025 starter Rhys Ragan moved to Indiana. Eagle Mountain is only in its third year of varsity competition. But it makes the big jump and debuts in Class 5A Division II. It opened in 2024 as 4A Division II school.
Aug. 28, Grandview at Glen Rose, Tiger Stadium
Noteworthy: Glenn Rose’s Jeff Pair, who was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach after Watkins’ departure, makes his debut. He is also armed with intriguing junior QB Judd Connally who is a bona fide dual-threat. Glen Rose had a tough start in 2025 but finished 6-6 and won its district as Connally kept improving. But the Tigers are facing the Zebras, who played for the 2025 Division I state championship and finished 13-3. Grandview QB Mason Landers is poised to have another strong season.
Aug. 28, Vernon at Mineral Wells, Rams Stadium
Noteworthy: There are thresholds that programs cross when they know they are ready to compete at higher levels. This is that moment for the Rams who entertain the Lions. In his first two seasons, head coach Cody Worrell’s program needed to stack non-district wins against lesser opponents just to get them to start feeling good. Mineral Wells accomplished that and made the playoffs. But this opener against the traditional power Lions signals Worrell wants to see how this intriguing group can handle expectations. Maybe the Rams don’t have to win it. But if they play this one tight, then it will go a long way in 2026.
Aug. 28, Ponder at Paradise
Noteworthy: This is a renewal of former district rivals. For Ponder, the Lions are moving up to Class 4A Division I. In his two years, Paradise’s Tommy Koch has delivered the goods. A state semifinal and state quarterfinal appearance in his first two seasons. The expectations remain that there is more works. It helps when quarterback Ayden Olalde returns for his junior year. Paradise should again be solid on defense.
Just writing about these openers replenishes the energy to be a part of the upcoming season. Many stories and surprises will surface as they always do.
Spot the ball!