Three Monday Games To Know in Week 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the week that keeps on giving! Murky weather reports spread Week 1's games out, with some teams moving to Thursday, others getting games in Friday, and still others having to punt to Saturday and, yes, Monday. There are about 20 games across the state on Monday night, so here I'm looking at three to pay special attention to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the Top Monday Night Football Games in Week 1?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ashley @ Sanderson</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashley wasn't far from a stronger season last year, with six of its eight losses coming by 10 or fewer points. These teams went in opposite directions after a close 13-6 Sanderson win in Week 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashley allowed around 22 points per game, but scored fewer than 18, while Sanderson both scored and allowed over 30 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Could we get more of the same in 2026?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashley returns most of its defensive starters, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687441' first='Tyson' last='Hammonds']</strong>, one of the top defensive backs in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344345' first='Oliver' last='Hartzler']</strong> returns after 3.5 sacks last season. Fellow defensive lineman <strong>Dobry Mason</strong> had seven tackles for loss. It's a smaller front, but one that was productive last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That makes for a fascinating matchup with Sanderson's offensive front. Neither team is that big up front, but both <em>love</em> to be physical. Neither <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2233034' first='Curtis' last='Andre']</strong> nor <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2233033' first='Caden' last='Ikerd']</strong> is the biggest guy, but they can impose their will. That said, quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2112654' first='Chase' last='Bowie']</strong> has the arm talent to make defenses pay for loading the box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanderson's defensive front could be the X-Factor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2151238' first='Javon' last='Hicks']</strong> clogs up the middle, opening space for guys like <strong>Goodness Okwusa</strong> to clean up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Brevard @ A.C. Reynolds</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a rebuilding year for last year's 4A runners-up, as Brevard loses its quarterback, top receiver, top two running backs, and an elite tight end from the offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2078853' first='Simon' last='Robinson']</strong> returns as a two-way player and one of our favorite players in the 2029 class. Expect him to take a bigger role at running back this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344138' first='Akai' last='Agyapon']</strong> is an excellent athlete, the top returning tackler on defense, and a guy with explosive capabilities on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've heard great things about rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1695121' first='Brooks' last='Gutch']</strong>, and I personally am excited to see how he fares in the regular season. Linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344330' first='Alex' last='Fitzgerald']</strong> leads a fairly experienced unit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brevard won in blowout fashion last year, but I think this year's matchup should be closer. I still have the Blue Devils in the top 5 of my <a href="https://x.com/whelms21/status/2090060467985166785?s=20">4A Power Rankings</a>, but I think we'll learn a lot about them early in this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">D.H. Conley @ Laney</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conley and Laney had to postpone Friday's game, choosing to make it up on Monday. I'm intrigued by the Laney offense, which has a trio of returning receivers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344030' first='Kilby' last='Theiss-Dixon']</strong> led the Buccaneers in catches last year, with 32 receptions for just over 400 yards and five touchdowns. He's a smaller, shiftier guy who can operate underneath. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1969813' first='Niko' last='Warren']</strong> is the speedster with downfield ball skills and kick return prowess. Then, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1788133' first='Jayden' last='Walker']</strong> is the bigger guy, the guy who can go up and get it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Buccaneers ran it a ton last year and were more consistent than explosive. I think they'll find some bigger plays this year behind the three receivers and running back <strong>Emery Brown</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conley loses plenty of talent, but I also like the Vikings' receiving corps. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2169854' first='Harris' last='Jones']</strong> is one of our top 2028 tight ends, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2224630' first='Anderson' last='Thomas']</strong> should have a much bigger role in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, these teams played a tight, low-scoring contest. Can the offenses find more success in 2026? I think we may see some more points, highlighted by a few big plays in a close game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Which other games need to be on our radar? Let me know on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>). Lock in on Prep Redzone for more preview content.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->