CEDAR CREEK LAKE–Tis the season once again for East Texas football, and schools all over the Cedar Creek Lake area are getting ready. Many have held workouts and camps for future players during the summer, and practices begin July 31.
Mabank, Kemp, Malakoff, Eustace and Cross Roads have each released two-a-day schedules, and football schedules for all have been released. The first week of practice will be an acclimation period, which entails practices with only t-shirts, shorts and helmets. Full equipment and full contact practices will begin the following week, per UIL.
Mabank will face Aubrey in a scrimmage Aug. 17 and will play its first game against Bullard Aug. 25. Panthers will face Brownsboro Sept. 8 in a non-district away game and Sept. 15, Panthers will play Canton at home. The first district game will be game six this season against Anna. A date for homecoming has not yet been announced.
Kemp is slated to kick off its season against Westwood Aug. 25 in non-district play and will play Blooming Grove Sept. 1 at home. Sept. 8 brings another non-district away game against Quitman. Game five of the season will see district play between Kemp and Malakoff Sept. 22.
Malakoff’s schedule begins with games against West Rusk Aug. 25, Grandview Sept. 1, Salado Sept. 8 and Gladewater Sept. 15. Homecoming is to be determined.
Eustace begins its season with scrimmages against Edgewood Aug. 11 and Mt. Vernon Aug. 17. Sept. 22 will bring the team’s first district game against Fairfield and homecoming has been slated for the Sept. 8 game against Blooming Grove.
Cross Roads will also begin its season with two scrimmages: one against Frost Aug. 11 and one against Leon Aug. 17. District play will begin Sept. 21 against Bruceville-Eddy. Homecoming is scheduled for Sept. 1 during the non-district game against Meridian.