Lions, Panthers Both Host Key Games
Last year, St. Mark’s and Fort Worth All Saints each advanced to the SPC title game in different brackets, with different results.
All Saints won its second straight title, while St. Mark’s was ousted by Houston Kinkaid for the second consecutive season.
The expectations of both schools to finish near the top of the standings again makes Friday’s clash at Hunt Family Stadium a critical early-season test. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Saints (1-2) defeated St. Mark’s handily in each of the last two years, but that was with a high-powered offense led by quarterback Foster Sawyer and running back Daniel Gresham, and both have since signed with Big 12 college programs.
All Saints dropped a pair of high-scoring games to Houston St. Pius X and Trinity Christian to start the season before before bouncing back with a 51-6 drubbing of Greenhill in its SPC divisional opener last week.
Ryan Suitt has taken over at quarterback for the Saints with nine touchdown passes through three games, including five to Isaiah Harris.
Meanwhile, the Lions (2-1) also rebounded last week from a loss to rival ESD by rolling past Fort Worth Country Day 42-21.
Since taking over for Walter Johnson at quarterback during the ESD game, Hyer Thomas has thrown four touchdown passes for St. Mark’s. Justin Jones has emerged as the top running threat with 173 yards and three scores a week ago.
Other key games this week:
ESD (3-0) at Whitesboro (0-3)
7 p.m. Friday
The Eagles will try for their first 4-0 start since 2007 with an offense averaging more than 46 points per game, including 63 last week against San Augustine. The Bearcats have given up 35 points in consecutive road losses to Paris North Lamar and Gunter.
Glen Rose (2-1) at Parish Episcopal (2-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Panthers will debut the blue turf on their home field after winning consecutive road games against Carrollton Ranchview and Ferris. Dominic Williams and Xavier Suggs lead the Parish offense. The Tigers earned a 23-14 win at Mineral Wells last week.
Greenhill (1-2) at FW Country Day (2-1)
7 p.m. Friday
After falling 51-6 to Fort Worth All Saints in their SPC divisional opener last week, the Hornets will try to bounce back behind a rushing attack led by Ryan Bradberry, who has 506 yards this season. The Falcons started SPC play with a 42-21 loss to St. Mark’s.
Trinity Christian (1-1) at Ferris (0-3)
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Trojans split a pair of shootouts at home to open the season against All Saints and Denison, and play their first road game against the winless Yellowjackets, who fell to Parish Episcopal last week. Christian Hutzler and Nashshon Ellerbe lead the TCA offense.
