The Gilmer High School band prepares to perform during the upcoming game between the Gilmer Buckeyes and the Gladewater Bears, on Thursday August 26, 2021, at Jeff Traylor Stadium. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)

High school football returned Thursday evening to East Texas as two longtime rivals — Gilmer and Gladewater — met under the lights at Jeff Traylor Stadium in Gilmer. 

The first week of the season continues tonight with Liberty-Eylau traveling to Longview to take on Pine Tree, Hallsville meeting Henderson and Sabine at Spring Hill.

The opening week wraps up with a doozy Saturday with Longview meeting defending 5A state champion and top-ranked Denton Ryan at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.