Fort Bend Bush, Pasadena, Texas City and Clear Creek -- all of which missed the playoffs in 2009 -- are 3-0.
Eisenhower and Wheatley -- both playoff teams a year ago -- are 0-3. Dayton, which advanced to the 4A, Region III quarterfinals, is 0-2.
As the halfway point of the regular season approaches, much is left to be decided; for the undefeated, the challenge of district play looms, a comfort to those in search of their first win.
With that in mind, here’s what we’re looking at for Week Three:
*Eisenhower meets Dayton in a contest that assures someone gets on the winning wagon. Defense has been the bane of the Eagles, who have allowed 149 points. The Broncos have struggled on the offensive side of the ball, as QB Andres Herrera has been unable to get the ball downfield despite completing 63 percent of his attempts. This will be a make-or-break game for each, as both programs are in need of a momentum boost before starting district play next week.
*Without question, the spotlight game in the area will pit Katy (2-0) at Beaumont West Brook (3-0) in a Saturday evening clash of explosive offenses. The Lions defense must prepare for a Bruins attack that ranks among the area’s top teams with 1,257 total yards as QB Bruce Reyes has completed a whopping 77 percent of his passes, while junior RB Percy Johnson has averaged 9.3 yards per carry and has scored five times.
Katy’s backfield duo of Donovonn Young and Adam Taylor have combined for more than 400 yards and seven touchdowns in their first two games as the defending state champs look to keep pace with 19-5A rival Cinco Ranch.
*Regarded as one of the toughest districts in the state, the teams of 24-4A have lived up to the reputation, going a combined 16-4 in the first three weeks. Texas City, state-ranked Friendswood, Manvel and Santa Fe are each 3-0 entering the week, while La Marque is 2-0. Injuries have slowed down Dawson (1-2), which should get WR Marcus Vaughn back in a couple of weeks, while a loaded Galveston Ball (1-2) squad has struggled to hold on to the ball.
*Texas City coach Tim Finn has two potential gems for the class of 2014 in freshman WR Armanti and RB D’Onti Foreman. The twins have made an impact in the Stingarees’ start, as Armanti leads the team with 10 receptions, while D’Onti has averaged 6.1 yards per carry and had a 64-yard run in last week’s thrilling win over Port Neches-Groves.
*Longtime rivals Yates and Wheatley resume plesantries at Butler Stadium on Saturday evening. Both teams have struggled to find the end zone in the early going, but there will be quality talent on display. Yates junior RB Thadarius Limbrick has averaged 14 yards per carry, while Wheatley’s defense has a pair of potential Division I players in sophomore DT DeXavier Lancaster (6’5, 250) and junior DE Wayne Blount (6’4, 230).