LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The 2026 high school football season, and second year of “Thursday Night Throwdown” gets underway this evening in a cross-town matchup as the Lubbock High Westerners take on the Estacado Matadors.
The Mats will be led by sophomore QB Jayric Ward, son of head coach and former Texas Tech WR Eric Ward, and the Westerners will rely on their star RB Anthony Boyd.
Pete’s Pigskin Preview: Estacado Matadors
Pete’s Pigskin Preview: Lubbock High Westerners
Both teams had success on TNT last year. In Week Three, Lubbock High gained its first victory with a 48-21 blowout over Snyder. Estacado had three Thursday Night wins, 14-7 over Randall, 28-20 against Andrews, and a 58-51 shootout win over Perryton.
Tonight’s season opener kicks off 7 p.m at PlainsCapital Park. The game is airing on KCBD, KCBD 11.1, Optimum 34, DirecTV 34, UVERSE 1034, and SIMULCAST KJ-CD 32.1.
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