The Tyler High Blue Brigade perform during the Sept. 16 game against North Mesquite at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

One of the most beautiful sights during late September and early October each year is the sparkling lights of the East Texas State Fair in the background as football games take place at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

But alas, there are no games scheduled in 2022 while the fair is going on.

Just in happenstance, both the Tyler Lions and Tyler Legacy Red Raiders have the same open date (Friday) this season. The Texas College Steers also have a bye this week, while the Tyler Junior College Apaches will be on the road in Miami, Oklahoma to meet Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on Saturday.

While that will ease the demand for the limited parking spaces around the fair, it takes away a special setting in the fall.

Next week three of the aforementioned teams will be playing in the Rose City.

On Thursday, Oct. 6 the Red Raiders (1-4, 0-1) will tangle with Rockwall-Heath (3-2, 0-1) on Earl Campbell Field. The next day, Friday, Oct. 7, the Lions (1-4, 1-1) will take on No. 10 Lancaster (3-2, 1-1) at CTMF Rose Stadium.

TJC (1-2, 0-1 SWJCFC) meets No. 1 and defending national champion New Mexico Military (5-0, 3-0) at the stadium on Saturday, Oct. 8. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. and will be broadcast by ESPN+.

TC (0-4, 0-3 Sooner Athletic Conference) will be playing at Ottawa University-Arizona in Surprise, Arizona on Saturday, Oct. 8.

TYLER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Despite the 34-13 loss to McKinney North last week, the Lions did have some nice individual performances.

Tyler Coach Ricklan Holmes honored eight Lions:

Offense: Junior QB Derrick McFall (Passing: 13 of 28, 231 yards, 2 TDs), senior WR Ja’Davion Lacy (4 catches, 110 yards, TD);

Defense: Sophomore LB D’Canaan Sueing (18 tackles, 13 solo), senior LB Kevin Masenburge Jr. (13 tackles, 8 solo, interception, 1 pass breakup);

Special Teams: Senior punter Tyler Jones (2 punts for 44 yards, one inside in the 10);

Lion Heart: Junior WR/DB Marquette Martin (2 catches, 33 yards; 1 tackle; 1 kickoff return for 28 yards); senior WR/DB Montrell Wade (2 catches, 31 yards, TD); and senior DL Ameer Johnson (12 tackles, 10 assists, 1 tackle for loss, 2 QB hurries).