When the Bishop Lynch Friars head into non-district play this fall, the schedule will look a bit different with three new opponents to start the season.
The Friars — coming off a 4-7 season — will replace one scrimmage from a year ago and one district foe, in addition to their three opponents before district play begins.
Two of the three new non-district teams were playoff teams in UIL last season, with one advancing to the third round. The other is currently on a 15-year playoff streak.
Bishop Lynch will take the field for the first time Aug. 13 for a Saturday morning scrimmage at Roffino Stadium against Carrollton Ranchview. The Friars will hit the road for scrimmage against Dallas Kimball on Aug. 19.
The regular season begins at home on Aug. 26 as the Friars host the Texas High Tigers from Texarkana. The Tigers finished 8-3 last season, falling to John Tyler in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. Texas High has made the postseason every season since 2001.
The Friars will alternate home and away games through the entire season, meaning Bishop Lynch will hit the road for the first time to face Irving High on Sept. 2. The Irving Tigers finished 2-8 overall last season and sixth in the loaded District 9-6A that includes Skyline and Jesuit.
Irving was held to seven points or less in six games and shut out twice in 2015. The game will be played at Irving Schools Stadium.
The final non-district game will take place Sept. 9 when the Friars host Kaufman High School at Roffino Stadium. Kaufman finished 11-2 last season in UIL's Class 4A, beating Paris and Alvarado in the playoffs before falling to Liberty-Eylau in the regional semifinal round.
The Friars will have their bye the following week and then open district play on the road against rival Bishop Dunne on Sept. 23. Dunne went unbeaten in the regular season before falling to Prestonwood Christian (PCA) in the state championship game.
The first district home game is Sept. 30 when the Friars host TCA-Addison, before heading to Plano on Oct. 7 to take on the defending state champions from PCA.
Homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 14 as Bishop Lynch hosts John Paul II. The next week — Oct. 21 — the Friars head to Argyle to take on Liberty Christian.
Bishop Lynch will honor its seniors on Oct. 28 when the Friars host Nolan Catholic for Senior Night. The final game of the regular season is scheduled for Nov. 4 at Parish Episcopal, which replaced Midland Christian in the district during realignment.
2016 Varsity Football Schedule
Saturday, Aug. 13 vs Ranchview, 9 a.m. (Scr.)
Friday, Aug. 19 at Kimball, 7 p.m. (Scr.)
Friday, Aug. 26 vs Texas High, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 2 at Irving, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9 vs Kaufman, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept 23 at Bishop Dunne, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 30 vs TCA-Addison, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 7 at Prestonwood Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 14 vs John Paul II, 7:30 p.m. (HC)
Friday, Oct. 21 at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 28 vs Nolan Catholic, 7:30 p.m. (SN)
Friday, Nov. 4 at Parish Episcopal, 7:30 p.m.