Games of the Year, No. 16: Palestine, Waco La Vega Open Season With Playoff Rematch

Fans of Class 3A football won’t have to wait too long for what could shape up as a playoff preview when La Vega and Palestine open the season following last season’s bi-district playoff.

The Wildcats cut a 21-0 halftime deficit to 21-14 heading into the fourth quarter, but La Vega pulled away for a 35-20 win. Both teams have big numbers coming back.

The Pirates, whose season ended a round later in heartbreaking fashion against eventual state champion Chapel Hill, return 16 starters from last year’s 11-1 squad.

Headlining the returning nucleus is running back Randy Gober, who ran for 1,376 yards and 17 touchdowns last season as a junior. The defense should be solid as well, led by defensive tackle duo D’Andra Minnitt and Shaquille Walker.

Palestine, which brings back a ton of experience and athleticism on offense, must be able to find enough space to operate against a La Vega defense that was one of the best in 3A in 2011.