Rowlett scored only seven points in its season opener. Crandall cannot judge the Eagles’ offense by that number alone. Samuel Loera and a deep receiving corps give Rowlett real firepower.

The Eagles fell 27-7 to Hurst L.D. Bell in Week 1. Four turnovers and a stalled running game were the biggest issues. The passing game still produced real yardage.

Crandall travels to Homer B. Johnson Stadium in Garland on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Both teams enter the night at 0-1.

Loera Directs the Rowlett Offense

Samuel Loera is the most established player on Rowlett’s offense. He earned 2025 District 9-6A Offensive Player of the Year honors. Last season he passed for 2,378 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Loera completed 152 of 266 attempts a year ago. That is a completion rate of 57.1 percent. He also threw only four interceptions all season.

He added 453 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. That dual threat forces defenses to defend the pocket and the perimeter. Crandall’s front seven must contain him without overpursuing.

Loera’s season opener was uneven but still productive. He completed 14 of 31 passes for 216 yards. He also threw one touchdown and one interception.

His completion rate dropped to 45.2 percent against Bell. His 216 passing yards still show real explosive potential. Loera averaged just under seven yards per attempt.

Weapons in the Passing Game

Rowlett’s receiving corps gives Loera several dangerous options. Micah Pearson led all Rowlett receivers against Bell. He caught four passes for 83 yards, a 20.8-yard average.

Pearson earned Second-Team All-District honors in 2025. He finished last season with 40 receptions for 668 yards and three touchdowns. He remains a constant deep threat for the Eagles.

Zayden Moughalian added two catches for 52 yards in the opener. His 26.0-yard average led all Rowlett pass catchers. Braxton Moore caught three passes for 47 yards, including the team’s only touchdown.

Loera hit Moore for a 31-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Bre’sean Clewis caught two passes for 27 yards. Matthew Hicks and Braylon Griffith combined for three catches and seven yards.

Six different Eagles caught a pass against Bell. That balance makes Rowlett difficult to defend with one coverage plan. Crandall cannot simply shade its defense toward Pearson.

Rowlett also returns Rhyan Hamilton this season. Hamilton earned First-Team All-District honors in 2025. He caught 30 passes for 695 yards and five touchdowns a year ago.

Hamilton did not record a catch against Bell. His track record still makes him a serious threat on Thursday. Crandall must account for him regardless of the box score.

Braxton Moore’s Versatility

Braxton Moore may be Rowlett’s most versatile offensive weapon. He is officially listed as a running back and defensive back. Against Bell he was also the team’s third leading receiver.

Moore carried four times for 15 yards in the opener. He also caught three passes for 47 yards and a touchdown. That mix shows how Rowlett can move him around the formation.

Moore produced 421 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season. He also earned Second-Team All-District honors at cornerback. Crandall’s defense must locate him before every snap.

The Running Game Remains a Question

Rowlett’s rushing attack struggled significantly in Week 1. The Eagles gained just 25 net yards on 15 carries. That works out to only 1.67 yards per attempt.

Moore led all rushers with 15 yards on four carries. Edwin Aseidu added 13 yards on a single attempt. Loera contributed 12 yards on five carries, and Aiden Holland gained 10 yards on two carries.

Kahli Smith managed one carry without a gain. Rowlett also lost 25 yards on two team rushing plays. Those negative plays cut the Eagles’ final net total significantly.

Turnovers Were the Biggest Problem

Ball security hurt Rowlett more than anything else. The Eagles lost three fumbles and threw one interception against Bell. Hurst L.D. Bell did not commit a single turnover.

Rowlett finished with 241 total yards but only 11 first downs. The Eagles also managed just one touchdown. Turnovers repeatedly erased promising drives.

Crandall’s Defensive Priorities

Rowlett’s scouting report points to four clear priorities for the Pirates defense.

Rowlett’s seven points against Bell should not lull Crandall into comfort. Loera and his receivers have already shown they can produce explosively. The bigger question is whether the running game and ball security improve.

If Rowlett solves those issues, the Eagles could present one of the toughest passing attacks on Crandall’s schedule. If the same problems continue, the Pirates should have real chances to control Thursday’s game.