Ken'Trevyon Quinsey

MARSHALL — After beginning his coaching career in Oklahoma, new Tyler head football coach Rashaun Woods was introduced to Texas High School football with an instant classic.

Woods, a two-time All-America at Oklahoma State University and a No. 1 draft choice of the San Francisco 49ers, began his tenure as Lions coach with a thrilling 38-36 five-overtime win over the Marshall Mavericks last year in Tyler.

The two old-time rivals begin the season for the third consecutive year on Friday at Maverick Stadium in Marshall. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

“Last year was a great game; it started the season off right,” Tyler’s hard-hitting linebacker D’Crystian Sueing, who is two-minutes younger that his equally hard-hitting linebacker and brother D’Cannan Sueing, said.

Sueing, who plays outside linebacker has a recruiting trip to Lincoln University of Missouri in October, feels the Lions are ready to return to the postseason.

“I think we can move up another level and go the playoffs,” said Sueing, the 5-11, 200-pounder who wears No. 13. “Coach preaches run to the ball and finish.”

He added the Lions have “meshed well in forming a brotherhood, which helps us be a better team.”

It’s no coincidence that Sueing is a leader on the team and that he loves math and problem solving as he also works out paths to get to the quarterback.

Last season he had 65 total tackles after 81 in 2022. Sueing’s duties last year included rushing the QB and the backfield as he had nine tackles for loss while also recording three sacks and registering five QB hurries. He added two fumble recoveries and an interception.

Teammate Ken’Trevyon Quinsey, also a senior, feels the Lions are set for a big season.

“Marshall is a good team and it was a good game last year,” Quinsey, a 6-1, 170-pound wide receiver, said. “We’re anxious to get the season started. I feel we have the potential to be a really good team we have chemistry.”

While Quinsey feels the Lions have chemistry, his favorite subject is Algebra. He compares playing football to the analytical thinking about to seeking answer.

In last year’s game, the Lions defeated the Mavericks 38-36 in five OTs.

The topper was a toss from quarterback Caden Granberry to Ashton Arriaga for the two-point conversion and final margin of victory.

D’Caanan Sueing recorded 16 tackles, forcing a fumble.

After Friday’s contest, the Lions will play host to crosstown rival Tyler Legacy on Friday, Sept. 6. Kickoff has been change to 7:30 p.m. on Earl Campbell Field at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

Marshall will play at home again next week, hosting rival Longview in a 7:30 contest on Friday, Sept. 6.

LIONS TALES: Hard-hitting defensive back Amarion Spencer-Hood lowered the massive hit on the Terrell wide receiver last week during the scrimmage in Terrell. It was noted in last week’s scrimmage story it was teammate, but it was Spencer-Hood making the big tackle. … Spencer-Hood has committed to play at Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant, Oklahoma.