Flatonia vs. Shiner St. Paul

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: Shiner 2021 Records: Flatonia was 5-5. Shiner St. Paul is 11-1.

Of Note: What a tough way to start the season for Flatonia, which opens against defending private school state champ St. Paul, which returns eight starters on each side of the ball from last year’s title team. But Flatonia can counter with some experience of its own as eight offensive and nine defensive starters return from last year’s team that went to the second round of the playoffs. Fidel Venegas, a hard-nosed quarterback leads a big group of Bulldogs seniors, who should be able to throw the football on anyone. This opener is part of a very tough non-district schedule for the Bulldogs, who also tangle with 3A power Hallettsville and defending state runner-up Falls City, which should prepare Flatonia well for life in a very tough new 13-2A.

Last Meeting: These two teams last played in 2017, when St. Paul beat Flatonia 35-8.