Sports
WATCH LIVE: “Thursday Night Throwdown” kicks off tonight on KCBD, Estacado vs. Lubbock High
High school football's 2026 season kicks off tonight at PlainsCapital Park as the Estacado Matadors face the Lubbock High Westerners in the second year of the "Thursday Night Throwdown." This local matchup airs live on KCBD starting at 7 p.m. Estacado will be led by sophomore quarterback Jayric Ward, whose father Eric Ward is the head coach and a former Texas Tech wide receiver.
Estacado will be led by sophomore quarterback Jayric Ward, whose father Eric Ward is the head coach and a former Texas Tech wide receiver. Lubbock High will rely on star running back Anthony Boyd. Last year, the "Thursday Night Throwdown" series saw both teams achieve success. Lubbock High secured a 48-21 victory over Snyder, while Estacado earned three wins, beating Randall 14-7, Andrews 28-20, and Perryton in a high-scoring 58-51 shootout.
This cross-town rivalry means bragging rights for neighborhoods and a chance to scout the next generation of football stars. With a Tech connection like Eric Ward's son, Jayric, playing quarterback, local folks have an added reason to tune in. It offers an early glimpse into the high school football season and reinforces Lubbock's deep ties to the sport.
Tune in tonight to see which team starts the "Thursday Night Throwdown" season with a win, continuing a tradition of exciting games.
Common questions
Where can I watch the Estacado vs. Lubbock High game live?
- You can watch the game live on KCBD starting at 7 p.m. tonight. The cross-town matchup is being broadcast as part of the second year of the Thursday Night Throwdown high school football series originating from PlainsCapital Park in Lubbock.
Who are the key players to watch in tonight's Lubbock rivalry game?
- Estacado is led by sophomore quarterback Jayric Ward, whose father is head coach and former Texas Tech wide receiver Eric Ward. Lubbock High relies on star running back Anthony Boyd as the two teams compete for neighborhood bragging rights.
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