Jordon Ricker’s MacArthur Brahmas are still chasing their first win under him after a brutal 0-10 record last season, and the season opener pits them directly against his twin brother, Mitchell Ricker, and his Burbank Bulldogs tonight at Alamo Stadium. This isn’t just a regular season kickoff, folks. This is family squaring off on San Antonio’s biggest high school football stage for the very first time!
Ricker vs. Ricker: Bragging Rights and a Fresh Start
You can bet the Ricker household is buzzing. Jordon and Mitchell, both in their second season coaching their respective programs, are about to make history tonight, as it’s the schools’ first ever meeting. For Burbank, things are looking up. Mitchell’s Bulldogs went 4-6 in 2025 and are bringing back seven offensive starters. We’re talking about district MVP Edward Rodriguez, who absolutely torched defenses last season with 1,318 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s a monster!
On Jordon’s side, the pressure is real. MacArthur went 0-10 last year, an incredibly tough test for a first-year coach. They were stuck in a district with two-time reigning state champion Smithson Valley, so that explains some of it. But a new alignment into District 14-5A-I with Jay, Medina Valley, Southside, Laredo Nixon, South San, Eagle Pass Winn, and Laredo Martin should definitely help their fortunes this season. Tonight is their first look at filling critical spots at quarterback, running back, and receiver. They gotta show up.
Elsewhere in San Antonio: Top 10 Clashes and New Eras
Beyond the Ricker drama, Week 1 is stacked. We’ve got the Express-News Game of the Week featuring Austin Vandegrift and Brennan. Then, get ready for a heavyweight battle between No. 3 Steele and No. 7 Reagan at 7 p.m. Thursday at Comalander Stadium. Steele, coming off an 11-2 season, is absolutely loaded with talent, including Ohio State-bound senior defensive back Eli Johnson, and fellow senior Jayden Ghee, who’s got 12 offers himself. Their senior quarterback, DJ Green, threw for 2,000 yards and 39 touchdowns last year. Reagan, 6-5 last season, brings a stout defense led by two-way senior Ayden Fernandez, who plays both linebacker and running back. Plus, Ricky Armstrong and Jayden Bullock are serious playmakers in their secondary.
Friday also brings some intriguing matchups. No. 12 Alamo Heights, under new coach Rudy Nerio who served as an assistant since 2021, faces No. 9 Pieper, who also has a new head man in Eddie Salas. Over at Heroes Stadium, Judson takes on Johnson. Judson has been a hard team to figure out lately, struggling with a five-year losing season streak, the longest in program history. Yet, they’ve somehow pulled off two second-round playoff runs in the last five years. Talk about confusing!
The Stakes Are Set
The kickoff tonight for MacArthur and Burbank isn’t just about a win or loss. It’s about a clean slate for Jordon’s Brahmas, a chance to shake off that 0-10 nightmare. For Mitchell’s Bulldogs, it’s about building on last year’s success. Somebody’s getting that first W of the season tonight, and it’s gonna set the tone. This is what early season football is all about!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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