There is nothing like the pageantry and excitement of big time high school football. But the passion of the fans in smaller towns or with small schools is what truly shows how football unites communities.
This week's Game of the Week vote celebrates those programs.
In 3A, Big Sandy (1-1) visits Mineola (2-0) in a game featuring teams with unresolved questions.
Both teams played only two games after having their September 7 games canceled due to weather.
Big Sandy is coming off a 30-14 victory last week over Timpson. The two teams were tied at six in the middle of the second quarter in what looked to be a defensive struggle. However, the Wildcats went on to score 24 unanswered points. The Bears, meanwhile, would score only once more, late in the final quarter.
Conversly, the Wildcats were embarrassed by San Augustine in the first game of the year, losing 28-6. While Big Sandy took the early 6-0 lead in the second, it was the Wolves who scored 28 unanswered points on the heels of 325 yards rushing.
Meanwhile, Mineola comes into the game after a 42-13 blowout victory against Farmersville.
The Yellowjackets took a 22-13 halftime then proceeded to shutout the Farmers in the second half. Mineola's rushing attack was superb against the Farmers. Three different players scoring on the ground, including three touchdowns by Trevion Sneed.
Mineola had a similar performance in their season opener against Wills Point, with the offense putting up 42 points and the defense giving up only 120 yards of total offense.
In 4A, Carthage (3-0) will travel about 60 miles north to visit Gilmer (2-1).
Carthage is coming off their closest game of the season, a narrow 35-32 victory over a tough Marshall team. Of their three games, it is the only one to be decided by less than two touchdowns.
Part of the reason for the Bulldogs' success is an explosive offense that is averaging 46 points per game. It features the one-two punch of quarterback Gunner Capps and running back Tucker Smith, who combined have sixteen touchdowns. Three of those scores are passes from Capps to Smith.
Capps has 650 yards passing through their three games while Smith has put up 293 yards on 46 carries.
Meanwhile, Gilmer comes into the game following a 27-21 loss to Paris.
Paris jumped to a 21-7 halftime lead. By the fourth quarter, the score stood at 27-14. Gilmer would score again and have the ball towards the end of the game with a chance to take the lead. But Paris's defense stood strong, handing the Buckeyes their first loss.
Notably, Gilmer's loss against Paris marked the first time the Buckeyes neither scored nor allowed more than forty points. However, it is also the third consecutive game decided by less than a touchdown.
Finally, in six-man football, Leverett's Chapel (2-0) will head to Longview to take on Trinity School of Texas (3-0).
While both teams are undefeated, Trinity has been much more dominant.
In their three games this year, only Trinity's first game, a 62-20 route of Fruitvale, did not end prematurely due to the mercy rule.
Titans running back Tucker Konczak has been the strongest point of their offense, putting up 516 yards and five touchdowns through three games.
Meanwhile, Leverett's Chapel is coming off a 28-20 victory two weeks ago against Apple Springs. While the Lion's defense allowed eleven points less than they did against Willowbend, the offense scored 49 points less.
Then, tune into Under the Lights Friday night at 11 p.m. on the CW. The full show will re-air Saturday before coverage of the SEC on CBS. You can catch an abbreviated version Friday night at 10:20 on CBS 19.
You can also watch the full show online on the CBS 19 Facebook page and cbs19.tv
