Five Big Things in #txhsfb: 8/24/19 by Chris Doelle

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: August 24, 2019

Texas high school football breaking news

Five Big Things in Texas High School Football

It's that time again… time for my Five BIG Things! These are the things that stood out for me recently as it relates to Texas high school football. As usual, they are not listed in order of importance – just as they come to me. And yes, I know others have tried to one-up us with their 5 or 10 things... but as with just about everything cool surrounding "the greatest sport in the greatest state" ™ we did it here first and best!

NOTE: The opinions here are my own and do not represent any corporate interests, agenda and are not for sale.

1. The WAIT is over! - I don't know about you but in the 39 years (yes, I'm old) I have been involved in Texas high school football, this has to be the longest offseason I remember. Yes, I know it took the same amount of time but it sure felt long.

I think its likely because I was busier than I have ever been in the offseason. Between dropping my latest book, attending a bunch of conferences and conventions, and greatly expanding the LSG Sports Network, I just haven't been able to even unwind. Don't get me wrong, I took my share of time off and spent time with loved ones, but even then, it just seemed like there was always something going on in the background.

Regardless, the wait is over and teams are hitting each other with pads. I, for one, am grateful. I wish each of you the very best for the 2019 season!

2. Mini-Helmets now from LSG – One of those offseason tasks that kept me busy (and traveling the country) was setting LSG up with the ability to sell custom made mini-helmets of your football team. I am so pleased to be able to offer a couple hundred Texas high school football mini-helmets currently (with more teams coming on board all the time.) I am excited to be adding a dozen new helmets over the course of the next few months. Be sure to check back often to see if your helmet is there - OR contact your coach and suggest they get some created as it is a great fundraiser for their booster clubs.

3. Friday Night Legends is ONE – yes, the first every high school football board game has officially turned one (Yay - Happy Birthday FNL!!) In that time, the FNL library grew from 10 teams to over 200 and counting. High school football fans from around the nation (and the world) have jumped all over this super fun game. Heck, we even had our first every FNL BOWL in Schulenburg this Summer and had a great turnout competing for the title of FNL Champion. (That went to Ricky Prine's 2018 Newton team over Duane Moore's 2018 Mart in FOUR OVERTIMES!!!)

As a birthday present to all of you, we are going to offer a HUGE discount on the base box set. Use the code HAPPY and you will get the game for 50% off!! (valid for new customers only) Then be sure to join our Friday Night Legends Facebook Group and see what matchups people around the country are playing.

4. Week One Matchups - There is nothing bigger than Galena Park North Shore versus Katy. These two storied programs again face off to start the season. They meet up 7:00 pm Thursday, August 29th and Galena ISD Stadium. It will also be televised on ESPNU.

Katy leads the series 5-4 including a 2-2 record in the playoffs, but Galena Park North Shore has won the last two and three of the last four.

2008 North Shore 10, Katy 6
2009 Katy 9, North Shore 7
2010 Katy 44, North Shore 6
2010 Katy 32, North Shore 27 Regional Playoffs
2011 Katy 34, North Shore 6
2016 North Shore 20, Katy 17 Regional Playoffs
2017 Katy 31, North Shore 3 Quarterfinal Playoffs
2018 North Shore 35, Katy 21
2018 North Shore 49, Katy 38 Regional Playoffs

This is just one of the many amazing week one matchups. I love the trend of teams scheduling blockbusters to kick off the season. That said, I still don't put much stock in the result of any week one game because so many teams are still trying to figure out what players fit into which roles. On the flip-side though, these programs that schedule these marque meetings in opening week are usually programs that are pretty honed in and know where they are heading.

5. LSG Network to add more great shows - I really wish I could reveal some of the new shows that will debut this season. I can say that we are very excited about the broadcasts that are coming on board. We will be rolling out new Coach's Shows around the state and even a couple that only peripherally touch on high school football but fit our audience demographic. The one I am most excited about will be revealed very soon - HINT (The ___ on LSG.) It is going to be fun and extremely informational.

It is going to be another great season and I look forward to running into you in the press box, stands, sidelines, stadiums, conventions, conferences, studios - all the places where I get my fix of Texas high school football and its fans.

by Chris Doelle