Week 1, Aug. 25 Sulphur Springs @ Jacksonville Year 1 under Coach Brandon Faircloth and company was a huge success for the Sulphur Springs Wildcats, which started out with a home win against Jacksonville. This year they will be looking for a similar outcome, though they will have to do so on the road this time. Coming off a 7-3 regular season in 2022 and their first playoff appearance since 2018, the expectations are high for the Wildcats this season, and Week 1 is no different, as Sulphur Springs is currently a 15-point favorite in their season opener according to Dave Campbell’s. Last year it was running back Malachi Roland who stole the show in the season opener, rushing for a pair of touchdowns and finishing just shy of 100 yards on the ground in the Wildcats 21-6 victory. Quarterback Brady Driver also had a strong showing, passing for 145 yards and a touchdown, while also picking up 83 yards on the ground. Defensively the Wildcats were led by safety Ty Bybee, who racked up nine tackles in the season opener. Entering his junior year and stepping into a leadership role in the secondary, Bybee will look to once again start his season off with a strong outing. In the front seven it was Larren Vaughan who shined, leading the way with three QB hurries. Juinors Zac Taylor and Daedae Hall were each able to put pressure on the quarterback as well, and will be looking to open their senior campaigns by doing so once again. Last season it was a 15-point win in the season opener that set the tone for a great season for the Wildcats.