The District 7-3A schedule opens September 25 at Commerce. The Red Raiders come in with a 4-0 record against non-district opponents with a 31-0 shutout against Leonard, 43-12 over White Oak, 59-8 against Lone Oak, and 38-6 over Hooks.
The Winnsboro offense has averaged 43 ppg while employing a multitude of weapons. A stingy defense has repeatedly overcome missing pieces with others stepping up and holding opponents to a less than seven ppg. It is a terrific start by any measure. While the Raiders should be a very solid contender versus district foes, it is worth noting these early victories have come against teams that have collectively recorded a single win in 16 games.
It’s a clean slate once the lights come on for district play. Who is coming up? By order of schedule …
Commerce is coming off a district championship. The up-and-coming team enters district play with a 3-1 record that began with a 49-6 thumping over Lone Oak. A 64-14 loss against Class 4A Canton in Week Two probably revealed more about the exceptional Eagles (4-0 record) than it did about Commerce. The Tigers rebounded with a 49-28 win over Edgewood and defeated Blue Ridge 52-37.
An October 2 bye will be followed by an October 9 homecoming contest versus Eustace. The Bulldogs enter district competition with a 3-1 record. That is a good start for a team that has posted a 1-29 record over the last three seasons.
The Red Raiders will visit Malakoff on October 16. These Tigers have had a very good run with a state championship in 2023, a state semifinalist appearance in 2024, and state quarterfinalist in 2022. The team comes into district with a 4-0 record. They averaged 47 ppg while allowing 13 ppg against average opposition.
Mt Vernon reeled off wins in their first three non-district contests including a 22-21 win over Blue Ridge. Canton tagged the purple Tigers 55-0 in Week Four. This year’s Hwy 37 clash takes place October 23 at Red Raider Stadium.
Mineola enters district play with a 2-2 record starting with a loss, an 89-49 stunner at home against Hooks. In common opponents, the Yellowjackets beat Lone Oak 59-29 in Week Four. They could be sleepers for a playoff berth. This year’s meeting takes place October 30 at Meredith Memorial Stadium.
Rains recorded their lone non-district win against Rice on Sept 4. In the other three games, they were outscored 52 to 16. The Red Raiders will host the Wildcats in the district finale.
Early expectations would have Winnsboro, Commerce, Malakoff and Mount Vernon as favorites to advance into the postseason.
