The 2025 high school football season is set to heat up on the Texas-Oklahoma border as the Sunray Bobcats (TX) hit the road to take on the Hooker Bulldogs (OK) in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup. The showdown is scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. in Hooker, Oklahoma.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Texas High School Football
Who: Sunray vs Hooker
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here Now
This game not only brings together two proud programs from different states but also sets the stage for early-season bragging rights. Fans eager to follow Texas teams in action can find full coverage of statewide matchups at Texas High School Football.
The Sunray vs Hooker contest is unique because it pits a Texas Panhandle power against one of Oklahoma’s rising small-school programs. Both teams enter the season with high expectations and are looking to establish an early identity under the lights.
Team Previews
Sunray Bobcats (Texas)
- National Rank (Preseason): 3,436
- Texas Rank: 453
- Section Rank: 121
- State Division Rank: 14
The Bobcats enter 2025 with plenty of optimism after showing flashes of offensive firepower last season. Sunray’s program has built a reputation for fast-paced offense, strong quarterback play, and explosive receivers who can stretch defenses vertically.
Strengths:
- High-tempo offense that thrives on quick strikes.
- Aggressive defensive scheme designed to create turnovers.
- Solid experience from returning starters across key skill positions.
Challenges:
- Facing a physical Hooker squad on the road.
- Building consistency against out-of-state opponents.
For Sunray, success depends on their ability to set the tone early. If their offense clicks from the opening drive, the Bobcats will have a chance to quiet the Hooker crowd.
Hooker Bulldogs (Oklahoma)
- National Rank (Preseason): 3,672
- Oklahoma Rank: 63
- Class Rank: 3
The Hooker Bulldogs have been a consistent force in Oklahoma high school football, competing with grit and physicality. They enter 2025 with confidence in their ability to control games with a strong running attack and a defense built on fundamentals.
Strengths:
- Hard-nosed running game capable of wearing down defenses.
- Stout defensive front that thrives against the run.
- Home-field advantage with a loyal community backing them.
Challenges:
- Defending Sunray’s pass-heavy attack.
- Avoiding lapses in secondary coverage against big-play receivers.
Hooker’s path to victory comes through establishing the trenches. If they control time of possession and keep Sunray’s offense off the field, the Bulldogs will dictate the pace.
Rankings Comparison
While both teams hold similar preseason national positions, their state contexts differ:
- Sunray (TX): National Rank 3,436 | Texas Rank 453
- Hooker (OK): National Rank 3,672 | Oklahoma Rank 63
Sunray’s slightly higher national standing reflects the competitiveness of Texas football, while Hooker’s top-100 state ranking in Oklahoma highlights their status as a program to watch.
Common Opponents
Both teams share Spearman on their 2025 schedules:
- Sunray: Hosts Spearman on October 10, 2025
- Hooker: Faces Spearman on September 12, 2025
This common opponent could provide valuable context later in the season when comparing results across state lines.
Head-to-Head History
- Recent Meetings: None on record
- 2025 Matchup: First scheduled contest in recent years
With no recent history between the two, this game will serve as a fresh chapter in the Sunray vs Hooker story.
Keys to Victory
Sunray Bobcats
- Start Fast: A quick offensive strike can seize early momentum.
- Spread the Field: Utilize passing depth to stretch Hooker’s secondary.
- Limit Turnovers: Mistakes on the road could swing the game.
Hooker Bulldogs
- Dominate Possession: Control the ball with a powerful ground attack.
- Win in the Trenches: Set the tone physically on both sides of the line.
- Defensive Discipline: Prevent Sunray’s receivers from breaking free for big plays.
Players to Watch
Sunray
- Quarterback: Expected to be the leader of the fast-paced offense.
- Wide Receiver 1: A game-changer with speed to burn.
- Defensive Back: Key in containing Hooker’s rushing attack.
Hooker
- Running Back: Workhorse who can carry the offense.
- Linebacker: Enforcer who will be tasked with shutting down Sunray’s short passes.
- Quarterback: Dual-threat potential that can keep defenses honest.
What’s at Stake
This cross-state matchup may not affect district standings, but it carries significant implications:
- For Sunray: A win against a tough Oklahoma opponent builds credibility and momentum before district play.
- For Hooker: Protecting home turf against a Texas team adds weight to their early-season résumé.
Both teams are eager to showcase their identities, and this game provides the perfect stage.
Prediction
The Sunray vs Hooker contest promises a battle of contrasting styles. Sunray brings speed and explosive playmaking, while Hooker counters with power and physicality.
Expect Sunray to strike quickly through the air, but Hooker’s grinding ground game could wear down the Bobcats as the night goes on. With home-field advantage and a physical edge, Hooker may just hold the upper hand.
Projected Score: Hooker 28, Sunray 21
Season Outlook
- Sunray Bobcats: With a pass-first offense and plenty of firepower, the Bobcats could be a dangerous team in the Texas Panhandle once district play begins. The key will be tightening up their defense against physical teams.
- Hooker Bulldogs: The Bulldogs look poised to contend in Oklahoma Class 2A. Their balanced roster and discipline could carry them deep into the postseason.
Atmosphere on Game Night
Few experiences compare to small-town football under the lights. The Hooker community is known for turning out in force, creating an electric atmosphere for visiting teams. Sunray fans are expected to travel well, adding to the intensity of this border showdown.
Expect a packed stadium, a lively student section, and a playoff-like energy that makes high school football special.
Final Thoughts
The Sunray vs Hooker game is more than just a non-conference matchup—it’s a battle of Texas speed vs. Oklahoma toughness. Both squads bring unique strengths, and whichever team imposes its style will likely emerge victorious.
As the 2025 season kicks off, this clash will serve as an early indicator of how both programs stack up against tough competition.
For more previews, highlights, and statewide coverage, visit Texas High School Football throughout the season.
