Memorial High School is set to open its third varsity football season on Thursday night, hosting Fort Worth Paschal at Memorial Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
A New Era Begins
Ross Dillard, who previously served as defensive coordinator, now leads the program as head coach, bringing continuity to a defense that helped the team navigate its first two varsity seasons.
The offensive overhaul centers on Cole Birkhead, a junior who will take over as starting quarterback, replacing seniors Joe Castles, Eric Powell and Jamari Dean.
Birkhead brings a strong rushing background, having compiled 626 yards and seven touchdowns last season, while the team retains stability through returning senior linebacker Reese Risner, who posted a team‑high 6.4 tackles per game.
Key returning players also include Gage Wuthrich, who rushed for 626 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior, and Reese Risner, who will anchor the defense from the linebacker spot.
Paschal enters the matchup with its own momentum, led by sophomore running back Truman Shelton, who last season amassed 1,080 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Memorial’s 2023 campaign concluded with a 28‑14 playoff loss to El Paso Andress, a result that adds a layer of determination as the Mavericks look to prove the progress made during the offseason.
Fans and community members alike are eager to see how the new coaching direction and revamped roster will translate onto the field, with expectations high for a competitive debut against a well‑experienced Paschal squad.