Friday's game has already generated a lot of local buzz as one of the top matchups of the week, but comparing either of the teams involved to their squads from a year ago would be a mistake. In fact, the two couldn't be more different from the teams that met to open the 2018 schedule.

The Friars open the 2019 season tomorrow at Roffino Stadium (7:00 PM) against the two-time defending TAPPS D2 state champions from Trinity Christian-Cedar Hill, the first game under new head coach Greg Price. The Tigers – winners of 23 straight games – also bring in a new coach in Andre Hart.

TCCH topped the Friars 23-19 in last year's meeting, and while both teams ended their season playing in a state championship game, the Tigers were the only team fortunate to leave with the trophy.

A vast majority of players from last year's meeting between the Friars and Tigers are gone, leaving a lot of new faces to hopefully make this year's contest as thrilling as the first. However, each team has key players to lean on.

The Tigers – 26-1 over the past two seasons – haven't lost since Sept. 22, 2017, when they traveled to Brock for a non-district game and received a 57-21 beating. 

Quarterback Shadeur Sanders – son of offensive coordinator and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders – is back to lead the offense with a lot of new faces. Sanders passed for 3,088 yards and 42 touchdowns a year ago.

But after the signal-caller, few contributors from last season return. The Tigers' leading returning rusher is Marques Buford, who gained just 137 yards and carried the ball 15 times. Buford did have 30 catches for 571 yards and eight scores, while CJ Thompson (32-507-7) also returns after a decent year catching the ball.

Defensively, the Tigers lost a lot, but return Buford, who registered 52 tackles and eight tackles for loss to go with two interceptions, along with Marques Ingram (three sacks). 

The Friars will put an 11-game home win streak on the line Friday, hoping their new look is enough of a mystery to cause fits for TCCH. 

Junior quarterback Michael Light is the top returning passes after throwing just three attempts a year ago, and also the top returning rusher with four carries for 17 yards. Will Oge is the only returning player to have caught a pass last season, having totaled one reception.

However, while the offense has been totally rebuilt, the defense brings back a couple of key pieces to help maintain order – senior Ayden Howard and junior Logan Monroe.
Monroe is the top returning tackler, posting 82 stops from his linebacker position in 2018, while Howard anchors what should be a strong defensive line. The senior end had 67 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 16 hurries and four sacks a year ago.

Both teams will be putting new placekickers on the field, as well as new players returning kicks for each side. 

While the buildup for tomorrow's game has certainly revved up this week, it's probably accurate to say that what's to be expected is a mystery to all. One thing's for sure, given the recent tradition of the two programs, it should be a great matchup.