Lakeland (6-4 last season) at Wilson (2-8) – 7 p.m.

Wilson opens its second season at its new football stadium under new head coach Curtis Williams.

Lakeland and King’s Fork get their one non-district game to lead off their slates, but both the Cavs and Bulldogs face familiar foes. Lakeland put together a fourth-quarter touchdown drive to take the lead in a 20-17 win over the Presidents to open last season.

The Cavaliers held the President offense to 74 yards last year and Lakeland’s defense got steadily stronger as last fall moved along.

Grassfield (9-3) at Nansemond River (2-8) – 7 p.m.

The Warriors jump right into Southeastern District play and take on last year’s district runner-up to boot.

Grassfield’s rise to the quarterfinals of the regional playoffs last year was rapid and the Grizzlies likely have more depth and experience this year. Third-year starting quarterback Tyler Clark leads the Grizzlies and it’ll remain tough to get points against Grassfield’s defense.

The Warriors are building off their last few games from last season. Getting good production running and passing keyed the Warriors late last season and NR has good players returning at running back and receiver. Getting the ball to them in good spots will be a big test versus the Grizzlies, who beat the Warriors 33-6 last season.

Churchland (7-3) at King’s Fork (3-7) – 7 p.m.

The Truckers and Bulldogs met in a rain storm to open last season with Churchland prevailing 10-8. Will Hurricane Earl make all of Thursday night’s games into sloppy messes? If so, would it turn the game in King’s Fork’s favor this time around?

Maybe, as the Bulldogs looked good with their new option attack on the ground during its preseason scrimmage versus Matoaca. The Bulldogs were dangerous going up the middle or around the outside.

The Truckers were co-champions in the Eastern District last season and have a lot of main playmakers back, led by running back Cedric Cradle, Jr. who scored 12 touchdowns last year.