Football Game Preview: Eastland Mavericks vs. Clifton Cubs + How To Watch

Eastland is preparing for their first district matchup of the season on Friday. After each having a week off, they and the Clifton Cubs will shake off the cobwebs and hit the field against one another at 7:00 p.m. Eastland comes in still looking for their first win of the season.

Eastland lost 32-7 to Hawley last Friday. While losing is never fun, the Mavericks can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas football rankings (they are ranked 906th, while the Bearcats are ranked 422nd).

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Clifton). They simply couldn't be stopped last Friday as they easily beat Blooming Grove 35-6. The Cubs haven't had any issues with the Lions recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.

Eastland better keep an eye on Jackson Ritz. He was instrumental in Clifton's win, rushing for 145 yards and a pair of TDs on only 11 carries, while also throwing for 60 yards and one touchdown. Ritz really tore up the turf during one magnificent 76-yard run.

Clifton was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 291 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in November of 2024.

Clifton didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Zachary Sedberry and Corter Sweat.

Clifton's win bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Eastland, their loss dropped their record down to 0-5.

Eastland and Clifton were almost perfectly matched up when the teams last played back in October of 2024, but Eastland suffered an agonizing 14-13 defeat. Will the Mavericks have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.