The Tyler Lions and Marshall Mavericks are set to renew their football rivalry for the fourth consecutive season and the eighty-ninth meeting overall. The matchup will take place Friday night at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. The series currently favors the Lions, who hold a 54-31-3 advantage. Last year, the Mavericks won in a rain-affected contest, 41-14. In their last meeting in Tyler in 2023, the Lions earned a victory after five overtimes with a score of 36-30.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Earl Campbell Field. At halftime, Kendall Hunter, a former John Tyler Lion who achieved all-state status, All-America honors in college and played in the NFL, will be inducted into the Tyler ISD Athletics Hall of Fame.
Lions head coach Rashaun Woods is entering his third season leading Tyler High. Woods said, “We’re excited about opening the season (…) What better job in the world than having the opportunity to coach these young men.” Both teams will use this non-district game as preparation for district competition.
Marshall finished last season with a record of ten wins and three losses and is ranked No. 24 in Class 5A Division II according to TexasFootball.com/Jerry Forrest’s PigskinPrep.com computer rankings. The site also predicts that Marshall is favored by seven points in this contest.
Tyler ended last season at four wins and six losses and is aiming to return to the playoffs this year. The Lions are ranked No. 45 in Class 5A Division I.
Senior quarterback Caden Granberry will begin his third season as starting quarterback for Tyler High School. Running backs include junior Cadrius McMiller and senior Ashton Arriaga.
The receiving unit features junior LaTreyson Haralson, sophomore Markeithan Potts, senior Davion Sirles, and tight end Christopher Moore. Joshua Coats serves as H-back.
The offensive line consists of center KeLynn Merrick, guards Trusten Mallard-Foreman and Elijah Campbell, along with tackles Mason Stewart and Da’Korrian Hart.
Defensively, standout safety Braylen Ford leads the secondary along with Ashtyn Carraway at safety positions. Cornerbacks are Jordan Cheatham and Jaice Newman; JaKayden Miller plays nickel back.
Linebackers Ahmari Bennett and Ken’Drelyn Quinsey are expected to contribute significantly on defense.
On the defensive line are nose tackle Tristen Taylor, tackle James Collier, ends Julio Rojo and Abisandro Cornelio.
Kicker Marvin Espinal returns after two seasons as starter; he may also handle punting duties with Haralson available as backup punter.
