The 2008 East Texas high school football season opens on Thursday night. The Gilmer Buckeyes take on the Jasper Bulldogs to open the Trinity Mother Francis East Texas Classic at Trinity Mother Francis Rose Stadium. It marks the return of former John Tyler head coach Thomas Brooks. Brooks now guides the Jasper program. The game kicks off at 7:30pm. Gilmer is ranked 10th in the state's Class 3A preseason poll.
The East Texas Classic continues on Friday night when Tyler Lee hosts Lufkin on KTBB-AM 600 where you can also hear Saturday night's matchup between John Tyler and Texas High.

The Gladewater Kickoff Classic on Thursday features the host team against Center.
The event continues on Friday when Lindale takes on Spring Hill and Saturday with Troup matched against Elysian Field.

The third annual Tyler Classic opens on Thursday at Mewbourne Field on the All Saints
campus with Grace Community matched against Eustace. The Tyler Classic is sponsored by Azalea Orthopedic and Texas Spine and Joint Hospital. The Friday schedule pits All Saints against Buffalo. The Saturday doubleheader starts with Brook Hill against Hawkins at 2pm and T.K. Gorman facing Big Sandy at 7:30pm.