Kaz's Fearless Forecast

Joe Kazmar

For The Record

Games This Week

WEST ORANGE-STARK over NEDERLAND—This game is always a rock-‘em-sock-‘em affair and Friday’s season opener at Dan Hooks Stadium in West Orange shouldn’t be any different. This game usually is decided late in the second half, but because the Mustangs are defending their state championship, the outcome could be decided much sooner.

BRIDGE CITY over HAMSHIRE-FANNETT—Although the Cardinals begin the season on the road, they should be able to outgun the Longhorns Friday night if they find a quality replacement for departed quarterback Camden DuBois.

LITTLE CYPRESS-MAURICEVILLE over JASPER—The Bulldogs are historically slow starters and if that remains true this year, the Battlin’ Bears should have a good chance to begin the new season with an upset victory.

ORANGEFIELD over BUNA—This seems to be the usual season opener for both teams. Almost every year the Bobcats and Cougars lock up in a battle royale and this Friday night should be no different at F.L. McClain Stadium in Orangefield.

BARBERS HILL over VIDOR—The Eagles’ program continues to get bigger and better each season and they should give the Pirates all they want and maybe more Friday night at Pirate Stadium.

DEWEYVILLE over COLMESNEIL—The Pirates are thrilled to be playing teams their own size this season after dropping down a classification in February. They should get the 2016 campaign started on the right foot Friday night in front of the home folks at Pirate Stadium.

ORANGE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN over SPRING PROVIDENCE—The Lions hope to get the season started with a big victory Friday night at home after compiling a 4-6 worksheet in 2015.

HIGH SCHOOL—Coldspring over Hardin-Jefferson, Beaumont West Brook over Beaumont Central, Beaumont Ozen over Houston Episcopal (Sat.), Lumberton over Porter, Port Arthur Memorial over Panama City, Port Neches-Groves over Silsbee, Newton over Kirbyville, Grapeland over Kountze, Huntington over Warren, Corrigan-Camden over Woodville, Liberty over Anahuac, East Chambers over Beaumont Kelly, Hardin over Hull-Daisetta, Evadale over Logos Prep Academy of Sugar Land, Pasadena First Baptist over Sabine Pass, West Hardin over Burkeville, West Sabine over Timpson, High Island over Houston Emery-Weiner.

COLLEGE—California over Hawaii (Fri.).