The Pirates open their home schedule seeking their first victory—and redemption for last season’s 63–13 loss to the Tigers.
Two teams with urgent but different objectives will meet under the Pirate Stadium lights Friday night.
Crandall is searching for its first victory after beginning the season with two road losses. Terrell is trying to regain momentum after a decisive defeat knocked the Tigers out of the Class 5A Division II state rankings.
The Terrell Tigers and Crandall Pirates will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday at Pirate Stadium.
The contest is Crandall’s home opener and a rematch of Terrell’s 63–13 victory at the same stadium last season.
Terrell enters with a 1–1 record. The Tigers lost to Argyle, 55–27, last week. Crandall is 0–2 following a 26–15 defeat against Rowlett eight days ago.
A Rivalry With a New Status
Terrell and Crandall met as district opponents last year, but UIL realignment separated the programs. Crandall now competes in District 7-5A Division I, and Terrell is a member of District 6-5A Division II.
Crandall wants to avoid an 0–3 start and establish confidence before opening district play at Dallas Sunset. Terrell wants to demonstrate that its loss to Argyle was a temporary setback before beginning district competition against Texarkana Texas High.
Players to Watch: Terrell
Antwian Thomas, running back: Thomas leads Terrell with 277 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries. He rushed for 196 yards against Seguin and has averaged 8.15 yards per attempt.
Julian Ashley, running back: Ashley has gained 195 yards and scored a team-leading three rushing touchdowns on 24 carries. He ran for 120 yards against Crandall last season.
Lebron Tucker, fullback: Tucker gives the Tigers a physical interior runner. He has accumulated 137 yards and two touchdowns on 28 attempts.
Oscar Soto, running back: Soto has turned 12 carries into 111 yards and two touchdowns, an average of 9.25 yards per attempt.
Nolan Hall, quarterback: Hall has completed 4 of 7 passes for 62 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in the Dallas Morning News season totals. His selective passing becomes dangerous when defenses commit additional players against the run.
Tyson Hooper, receiver: Hooper has two receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown. His size gives Hall a valuable target on play-action passes and critical downs.
LaKevin O’Bryant, defensive back and returner: O’Bryant returned the opening kickoff of Terrell’s season 90 yards for a touchdown. Crandall cannot allow special teams to provide Terrell with immediate points or favorable field position.
Players to Watch: Crandall
Darrik Ward, junior running back: Ward has rushed 40 times for 154 yards and three touchdowns. He produced 125 yards and two scores against Braswell and remains the foundation of Crandall’s running game.
Carlton Lewis, quarterback: Lewis has completed 32 of 50 passes for 305 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Crandall will need his accuracy, decision-making and ability to distribute the ball against a Terrell defense that allowed 55 points last week.
Jeremiah Douglas, receiver: Douglas leads Crandall with 123 receiving yards and one touchdown on eight catches. He gives the Pirates their most dangerous downfield target.
Hezekiah Jordan, receiver: Jordan has caught a team-high nine passes for 110 yards. His ability to find space underneath could prevent Terrell from concentrating its coverage on Douglas.
Jamari West, receiver: West has four receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown. His production becomes increasingly important if Terrell devotes extra defenders to Douglas and Jordan.
Cayson Hardman and Justice Lawry, linebackers: Crandall’s inside defenders face the demanding assignment of handling Terrell’s rotating group of running backs. Maintaining gap discipline will be essential.
Keys to the Game
1. Crandall Must Slow Terrell’s Running Game
Terrell has accumulated 728 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns through two games. The Tigers have four runners with at least 111 yards.
Crandall does not need to completely eliminate the run. The Pirates must prevent the long gains that allow Terrell to score without facing difficult third downs.
2. The Pirates Need an Early Start
Crandall was held scoreless during the first half against Rowlett. Terrell led Argyle 14–7 after one quarter before the game turned.
An early Crandall touchdown would energize the home crowd and force Terrell to respond. Another slow start could allow the Tigers to control the game with their rushing attack.
3. Lewis Must Protect the Football
Lewis has completed 64% of his passes, but he has also thrown two interceptions.
Crandall cannot give Terrell short fields or additional possessions. The Pirates need Lewis to remain aggressive without forcing throws into crowded coverage.
4. Douglas and Jordan Must Create Balance
Terrell cannot be allowed to concentrate exclusively on Ward.
Douglas has the ability to stretch the field, while Jordan can sustain drives with shorter completions. If both receivers are productive, Crandall can force Terrell to defend the entire field.
5. Crandall Must Win on Special Teams
O’Bryant’s 90-yard kickoff return against Seguin showed Terrell can score without putting its offense on the field.
Crandall must maintain coverage lanes, avoid costly penalties and prevent special-teams plays from changing the game.
6. The Pirates Must Finish Drives
Crandall has recorded 529 offensive yards but only 39 points. Terrell has produced 790 yards and 76 points.
Moving the football will not be enough. The Pirates must convert scoring opportunities into touchdowns instead of allowing sacks, penalties or turnovers to end promising possessions.
Game Information
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Pirate Stadium, located at 520 W. Lewis St. in Crandall.
Advance tickets are $5 for adults and students. Online sales close at 4 p.m. Friday. Tickets purchased at the gate are $8, and Crandall ISD athletic events use a cashless system. Debit and credit cards are accepted.
Pirate Stadium has a listed capacity of 3,300, including 1,900 seats on the home side and 1,400 for visitors.
Coming Saturday: Shop in Seagoville will publish a complete Terrell-Crandall game recap with the final score, scoring summary, turning points and leading individual performances.
