Prep football kicks off Thursday

Lets take a look at the three Class 5A schools from Las Cruces and their chances in the season’s opening games.

Chapin at Mayfield, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Last year the Trojans absolutely pummeled Chapin 51-8 in the season opener in El Paso.

One would think Mayfield could handle them again, this time at home at the Field of Dreams.

While Chapin looks like one of the better Class 4A teams in El Paso, Mayfield is ranked No. 1 in New Mexico and is coming off yet another state title. I expect them to take care of business on their home field Thursday.

Las Cruces High at El Dorado, Thursday, 7 p.m.

This is a tricky game and has the potential to be a very good game.

LCHS looks loaded and should have a strong season, but the last time they faced El Dorado at the SAC two year ago they lost 48-3.

El Dorado loses some key players on the offensive side of the ball from a season ago — namely wide receiver M.J. McFarland, who committed to the University of Texas — but still has athletes and numbers.

I expect Las Cruces High to win here, but it’s far from a gimme.

Franklin at Oñate, Friday, 7 p.m.

Boy, Caleb Hull and the Knights sure drew a tough Week 1 opponent.

Franklin is a good team and last year beat OHS 49-2 in El Paso.

Hull will coach his first game at Oñate. What are the expectations here?

For one, be competitive. It would be nice if the Knights fought and battled hard against a better football team.

No. 2, implementing a new, entertaining system on both sides of the ball. Expect Oñate to spread the field on offense — similar to Las Cruces High but with a bit more passing — and play a base 3-4 defense.

With that being said, I just can’t see the Knights winning here. They’ll have their hands full with the Cougars.