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Kilgore is BIG, Kilgore is talented and Kilgore will improve from their performance last week. I watched the film. Their Carthage game was a lot closer than the scoreboard indicated. But Kilgore looked like a WEEK 1 team and Carthage looked to be in mid season form. They took what Kilgore gave them and really capitalized on those soft edges on the Kilgore Defense. That is what good and well-coaches teams do. They force mistakes, limit their own and create advantageous matchups and situations. Kinda like what the Black Flag did against Chapel Hill. I didn’t see anything on film from Kilgore that was scarier than those two “Super Sophs” wearing yellow and blue last week. Both of those kids (and their entire team) are absolute STUDS. Kilgore has two very good DTs, and the Buckeye O-Line will get a real test on Friday for sure! But it is the first home game, and the Buckeyes will Get better too. As in any matchup with good and talent filled teams, it will come down to the team that wins the turnover battle, wins at the LoS, limits mistakes while forcing some from opponents that will win. Gilmer has a GAUNTLET of a pre district schedule, but things could not have started any better for this team. Kilgore is going to have to BEAT the Buckeyes, on the road, without much mental momentum. Home Field advantage on all fronts. Good luck and stay healthy to all!

The Buckeyes are coming off a game that simply was not a good matchup for Chapel Hill. SEVEN TURNOVERS is not a deficit many teams will overcome and win. The confidence the Black Flag gained cannot be understated IMO. Coach Edwards and the defensive staff have that Black Flag cooking white hot now, and Kilgore will closely resemble the CH matchup trying to establish the running game and throwing at their own peril with Ro lurking back there. Gilmer’s offense behind a Soph QB did not have to do a lot Friday night, which was not a bad thing. They stayed pretty clean and ahead of the chains for the most part. Haynes is an absolute BEAST, and the speed that Will Henderson brings is borderline unfair. If the Buckeyes can lean on their running game and open up things for Tennison’s quite capable arm, Kilgore will need to score 40 points to win. That formula just doesn’t work out for the K-Dawgs I’m afraid. Same as last week for the Buckeyes. Play clean up front and take care of the ball, TACKLE and ball hawk on defense, and make Kilgore play from behind on the scoreboard and behind the chains. Avoiding “Negative Plays” will be key for both teams, but the Buckeyes are off to the start they wanted this season. Coming home, I think GRAVITY may be key in continuing the momentum. Too much Gilmer this year for Kilgore to stop the skid just yet.

The most improvements a team sees in between weeks 1-2. The Gilmer offense was so limited in their number of offensive plays in the 1st half against CH, they never had a chance to even get acclimated and warmed up. But in the second half, they found their stride. CH brought pressure EVERY third down with great success. The BUX OL will be expecting the same this week. But all said, the staff had to be pleased with the poise and confidence of the Soph taking the reigns in his first start. He took care of the ball and did not make mistakes. Cool as the other side of the pillow. The Buckeye defense simply played lights out against an incredibly talented and explosive CH team. Nothing Kilgore has is gonna scare or intimidate Gilmer. Offensively, there is still a lot of brand new stuff that hasn’t come out of the box yet. I haven’t watched much of Kilgore/Carthage yet. But I have no idea why they never adjusted to the quick hitch route. From the first look, that game could have been a lot closer than it actually was. But the BUX are home and picking up where they left off in 2021. I look for a lot of improvement from Gilmer. Gilmer 42-28

My turn to agree. I happen to know first hand what a GREAT KID Brisbon is. He and the Stewart kid are absolute “PLAY ON SUNDAY” talents. And the rest of that CH squad is very, very talented as well. CH should realize this was just a pre-district game. Nothing else. Put it behind you and move forward. The talent that got you “one play away” last year is still there. And possibly better than ever. Trust it. Use it. Be who you are now. You don’t need to live up to anybody’s expectations… not even your own. CH has a very tough district to play in. So get yourselves ready and go win it. One game at a time. One play at a time. One practice at a time. One rep at a time. Adversity is going to come. But it must be faced together, or it will win. Don’t be your own toughest opponent or critic. Just be positive, put your head down and go to work. Y’all will be fine. Good luck Bulldogs.

So did seven turnovers and 51 points. Good luck next week and the rest of the season.

Spot on as usual CO70. A few additional thoughts: 1) Shout out to Coach Metzel and the coaching staff. The kids were poised, prepared, disciplined, and as locked-in as we have seen them. They played clean and had very few “self-inflicted” issues, especially for week 1. MAJOR KUDOS… A++ coaching! 2) The Buckeyes didn’t blink. Of course with as many “Big Games” as they have played the last 30 outings (2 years), these Seniors showed their maturity and experience. Chapel Hill was simply “NEXT” from the time they got on the bus Friday afternoon. They know who they are and when the lights came on, they just showed up and showed out. The Seniors KNOW this road, and they showed tonight why they have had more success than any group in Buckeye history. That is saying something folks. And by the looks of things, this gauntlet of a pre-district schedule just looks like an appetizer for them. MAJOR KUDOS… A++ Senior Leadership. 3) CH has some BEASTS athletes. As good as you will find anywhere in the country for a high school with 1,000 kids or so. But pound for pound, give me these Buckeyes all day long and twice on Sundays. The speed, skill, toughness and TEAM wearing white last night was punching above it’s weight, but there was ZERO physical intimidation. In fact, Gilmer not only matched up physically… they were the dominant team. It is said that “Everybody has a plan… until they get punched in the mouth.” Well, let’s just say the Buckeyes won the battle and the war last night… mentally, physically, emotionally. They went on the road, faced the seasoned and talented #3 ranked team in the state in a LARGER DIVISION, and “TCB”. MAJOR KUDOS… A++ Big Time Talent, Speed and Skill on display for the Buckeyes. 4) Game MVPs. Ashton Haynes offensively. 140+ yards on 10 carries. Rohan Fluellen defensively. 3 INTs in the first half alone. BIG TIME PLAYERS make BIG TIME PLAYS in BIG TIME GAMES. These two senior captains are not “Little Brothers” anymore. And they put their stamp on this game last night and showed the world what kind of legacy they intend to leave. They were not alone. From KJ to Seth and Braylon and the rest of the Seniors…. EVERYBODY stepped up and just did what they do. This group of Buckeyes is still “young”. But we need not worry about it. Ashton, Ro… the seniors… y’all know the way to Arlington. You have been twice already. NO SENIOR CLASS has done what you have done… and you ain’t done yet. But MAJOR KUDOS!! A++ PLAYMAKERS! 5) l know. Haters gonna hate. What comes around goes around. Every dog has his day. And all that… and yes. Eventually, all that is generally true. But let me add one to that list for you. Gilmer is Gilmer. See y’all next week.

Let me tell you something… whoever the CLASSLESS people at Chapel Hill were that turned off the stadium lights while Gilmer was loading buses are IDIOTS!!! You could have gotten people HURT trying to get out of your CRAPPY facilities in the dark! Take your butt kicking with class! your superintendent, school board and administrators should be EMBARRASSED! You have a talented football team, but you are worse than sore losers!

Yes. ETEX website or www.gilmerbuckeyes.com.

CH Fans are hungry… and rightfully so. They have a lot of young talent. But they play in a VERY tough District, and a 4A Div 1 Bracket that is NAILS in December. They are believing they can, and that is 1/2 the battle. The other half is on the field, where they have to conquer their opponents and themselves. Gotta play the season a week at a time! And tomorrow doesn’t really count for any team anywhere, except for in their own minds and locker rooms. I watched the CH run last year… and they had a lot of things fall just right for them (as ALL TXHS teams do that make runs into December). You have to be good, but you also have to be lucky and catch the matchups just right. And IDK if Gilmer is a place to start? For one, Gilmer is Gilmer. Once the lights come on, ain’t nobody wearing that G on their helmet thinks they are EVER going to have a quiet bus ride home. Like CH, this Soph class is loaded with talent, speed, size, and are used to 15 game seasons. For two, Gilmer walks into CH as an underdog with nothing to lose and everything to gain. I don’t think CH sees things that way. CH comes in thinking “we need to WIN!” Gilmer gets off the bus thinking “Bring it.” And for three, CH is going to see an offense that is as good or better than their defense sees in practice every day. (You think CH has any 10.4-100m Sophs over there??? Uh, no.) Fundamentally, CH’s advantages of offensive speed and athletes on offense is matched or bettered at the skill positions. The battle will be won or lost up front and between the ears on both sides. The team that doesn’t make mistakes, tackles well and protects the ball will win…. All in an over-hyped Week 1 matchup that features a pair of 16 year old Soph QBs. Translation? Anything can happen… This, CH Coach scheduling this young Gilmer team in week 1 is a roll of the dice and shows a lot of confidence! Their objective is to “set the stage” for the season by handing the Buckeyes a LOSS to open the season and then riding the momentum they established last year to December again. Makes sense! But the Buckeyes are thinking the same thing. Heck, Gilmer’s motto this year is #WarReady. Have you seen Gilmer’s pre-district schedule? Kilgore, Paris and Lindale? Not exactly trying to move down in weight class… They are being thrown straight into the fire with more than just this season in mind. Don’t forget, that other “Bulldog” team a little further south with a “C” on their helmet will be the real test of #WarReady for the Buckeyes for the next 2 seasons at least. And THAT is what Coach Metzel is preparing for. I think Mike Tyson once said, “Everybody has a gameplan until they get punched in the mouth.” Well, a lot of hay-makers are gonna fly from the opening bell tomorrow night. CH may be making plans for a State Title, but it seems like all of these teams ain’t scared of being tested WAY before it matters. Gilmer will be as much of a test for CH as CH will be for Gilmer. Answering questions… that’s the only reason for that strategy. Get your popcorn ready and enjoy the answers!

There will be a major difference in both sides if this were not a Week 1 Matchup. CH feels like they were within a play of Jerry’s World with 10 offensive starters back. They will try to pick up where they left off. Gilmer was a fluke play (Blocked FG for a TD) away from actually winning a state title after two straight trips to Arlington. So expectations are sky high on some really young players for both sides. This will feel like a life or death December playoff game from the time Gilmer gets off the bus. But the reality is, this is week 1 and both teams have a ton of questions to answer. Both teams will be in the mix at the end of the season, for sure. As for this game? Basic fundamentals will win as both sides are crazy athletic and talented. The team that tackle well, takes care of the ball, plays clean and does not beat themselves will win. Both teams will RUN THE BALL, leading to a faster, lower scoring game. CH has an athletic QB but he is no Brandon Tennison throwing the ball. CH will try to run it and catch the Buckeye secondary cheating up on occasion. Caden is not on that level yet either, but he can throw it well when given time. But Gilmer will just try and stay in this fight until the 4th Qtr and keep all the emotion in check, minimizing mistakes and keeping their composure. Toss-Up here. I say Gilmer 36-34 on a last second field goal. This will be one of the more entertaining games of the whole year. Buckeye fans remember 2020 Lindale game in Gilmer? Buckle up… that is about what I expect.

BUX are 100%, ready to roll.

Insanity reigns on Smoak too I see? East Texas = every grain of Texas soil in the “Right Third” of the state on your map.

Follow the population demographics. There are not many 4A Schools anymore in the metro areas, and the few 4A-5A schools that are there “opt up” so they will not be forced to travel great distances for District Play.

Get it straight. I think the kid is a fantastic HS Player. He is getting the most out of his ability, and those of his teammates. He is a proven winner, a gamer, he is tough and has a ton of heart. No question he has earned a ton of respect! But the response was to a quote that he will be the best QB on the field. That simply is. It an accurate statement. I don’t think he’ll be the 3rd best QB on the field. How whomever is playing the position for either team will certainly determine the outcome of the game. And I agree that will be a hard fought contest. But he likely won’t even be playing QB at Lamar. So don’t mix up 2 totally different arguments.

He is a tough runner, athletic and a decent enough passer. But there are 136 D1 Programs out there. How many offers does he have at QB? Much respect to CS QB. Gilmer will have their hands full tackling him and CS offense will be a hand full for GILMER to stop. But as far as QB play goes, if he were suddenly playing for Gilmer, he would not take a snap at QB. Nor as the backup QB. Both of those guys for Gilmer have multiple D1 offers, they share the same last name, and one is a freshman.

You would think after a time or two running man concepts, you’d run tow high safeties, drop 5 and keep that speed in front of you. But what do I know.

Carthage, PG and Celina are bigger than CS. The Cougars have a very deep set of really good athletes who play with their hair on fire for 48 minutes. They are not small by any means, but they are very fast to the ball. That is what impresses me. They get 100% out of the talent they have.

Not even close. China Spring has a good athlete who is playing QB. The best QB in the State two years running wears a G on his helmet. China Spring hasn’t seen a team with a real QB… yet.

I think GILMER has played Celina in 5 times now: 2003 GILMER won 45-22 2014 GILMER won 67-15 2015 CELINA won 44-49 2016 GILMER won 43-17 Then again last night. So GILMER is 4-1 against the Bobcats.

CS is an impressive team. Every guy on the field is going all out with their hair on fire, they know their assignment and they are knocking themselves out to do their job. They have good athletes across the board, and the staff is getting the most out of the talent they have. That is the key. The Cougars are playing as well as they are capable of playing since the Carthage win, and their confidence is sky high. The Cougars are playing their very best going into the Championship game. I don’t think you can say the same about Gilmer. Defensively, the Black Flag has matched up two weeks in a row against smash mouth teams, and they have really stood up to it. Gilmer has the size and athleticism up front to compete with anybody, and the schemes have been perfect. The execution especially on the offensive side has not. The Buckeyes have to tackle the Cougars and get them off the field, but they match up well on that side of the ball. Normally, holding an opponent to even 35 points would get the Buckeyes a W. Last night, the defense gave Gilmer opportunities to blow Celina completely out. That could have been a 3 TD each second and third quarter for Gilmer, but the Ferrari offense kept blowing tires. It wasn’t just uncharacteristic for the Gilmer offense, it was inexplicable. Just unforced error after unforced error. It was a mental thing, and yet the talent level still pulled Gilmer through. Big time players making big time plays in big time situations. But it was not even close to a “Best Effort” performance offensively. Bottom line is China Spring is going to have to keep playing their best to beat Gilmer and hope that is enough. For Gilmer to win, they are simply going to have to play their best game when it counts the most. Just like AT&T is supposed to be. 16 weeks into the season, it’s right where it started. It’s #OvO.

Exactly

Shout out to that Black Flag. Coach Edwards was a fluke play away from goose egging a Final 4 opponent. Fantastic job and MVP performance for the Gilmer didn’t have a good offensive game. But they did enough. Now, they have a week to straighten it out and go play 4 more quarters, 55 snaps or so of executing at a high level. As it should be to get you a ring! Unfinished business for these Seniors. But they are now the FIRST team to go to back to back Title games in school History. And congrats to Coach Metzel and this staff. Best start ever for a Buckeye Coach, and most wins in a 2 season span ever. ONE MORE!!!!! Let’s Go Buckeyes!

The rantings of “TCU44”… His predictions always turn out so poor…. He spouts them so proudly, Then they crash and burn so loudly That nobody sees him anymore? (What’s up with that?)

Live video will not be available on GilmerBuckeyes.com. But we have been informed that you can watch live video at www.CW33.com. KADF-TV is carrying the game live and streaming as well. NFHS is also streaming but requires a subscription.

Everybody is ready to roll in Tater Town.