Game of the Week: Abernathy football clashes with New Home for district pole position

Week 7 of the high school football slate marks the start of district play for much of the Lubbock area. Here's a look at the top matchups, including some that could dictate the district championship race.

GAME OF THE WEEK

New Home (2-3, 0-0) at Abernathy (3-2, 0-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Antelope Stadium

Both New Home and Abernathy are starting their journeys in Class 2A Division I with a bang.

The Antelopes dropped down from 3A D-II and loaded their schedule accordingly. Abernathy's losses were against teams still in the top 10 of their division, Stratford and Sunray. Now the Antelopes will take on the local king of 2A in recent memory.

New Home was the South Plains' class of 2A D-II, going 24-3 the past two seasons with a 2022 state semifinal appearance. Many of those contributors have graduated. Add in a challenging non-district schedule and the result has been an uncharacteristic start.

Friday brings a blank slate and will be a critical result in the District 2-2A D-I race. Dave Campbell's Texas Football projected Abernathy and New Home to finish first and second, respectively. Surprise 5-0 squad Post will also have a say, while New Deal and Olton lurk as well.

The Antelopes have righted the ship since starting 0-2, thanks in part to the running of Rolando Martinez. The Leopards are looking to get back on track, especially offensively, after losing three of the past four. Outside a 63-6 shellacking of winless Denver City, New Home hasn't scored more than 21 points in a game.

Every district matchup in this league will be a dogfight, and that starts with an intriguing showdown at Antelope Stadium.

Week 7 games to watch for Lubbock area

Ropes (5-0, 0-0) at Tahoka (4-1, 0-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Bulldog Stadium

Last week: Both teams open

The Eagles, ranked No. 8 in Class 2A Division II, have been rolling with three consecutive shutouts. The Bulldogs represent Ropes' biggest threat to a district title — and an undefeated regular season.

Midland High (4-1, 0-0) at Frenship (4-1, 0-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Peoples Bank Stadium

Last week: Midland High 56, Lantana (FL) Santaluces 31; Frenship, open

The Bulldogs sent Frenship to an 0-2 start in district with a 38-28 win last season. At the same site, the high-powered Tigers will look for payback.

Levelland (4-2, 0-0) at Estacado (2-4, 0-0)

7 p.m. Thursday, Lowrey Field

Last week: Levelland 55, Snyder 21; Estacado 42, Andrews 22

The Lobos surpassed expectations in non-district, while the Matadors struggled. Estacado will try to build on last week's skid-snapping victory.

Post (5-0, 0-0) at New Deal (3-2, 0-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Noland Stadium

Last week: Both teams open

The Antelopes won't sneak up on anybody after an undefeated run through non-district. The Lions have won the past three meetings, eking out a 29-26 win in the regular-season finale last year.

Muleshoe (4-2, 0-0) at Roosevelt (5-1, 0-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Eagle Field

Last week: Dalhart 50, Muleshoe 21; Roosevelt 65, Lamesa 35

The Mules played a tougher non-district schedule, but they enter off a humbling loss. The Eagles fly in on a four-game winning streak.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Game of the Week: Abernathy football clashes with New Home for district pole position