The Loboes (1-3 overall) are the last team to start 1-3A play, while the Eagles (0-4, 0-1) are coming off a 26-6 loss at Anthony in their district opener.
Both teams look to get on track tonight when the Loboes visit Rotary Field.
Monahans coach Mickey Owens said having the first bye in the district schedule is no big deal. Rather, the important thing is starting league play with a win.
“You don’t want to start our 0-1,” Owens said. “Pecos is really at a disadvantage because they’re 0-1 right now, so they’re really going to play us hard. They don’t want to be 0-2. You want to get that first win under your belt.”
Pecos coach Chris Henson said the natural rivalry between the schools — practically next-door neighbors by West Texas standards — is an easy motivating factor for the Eagles.
“It’s a big game for our kids and it’s definitely a rivalry for us,” he said. “Our kids seem to get up for Monahans no matter what our record is. They have a great week of practice and seem to play a little bit harder when we play Monahans.”
Henson is hopeful that translates into the Eagles’ first victory of the season.
“It’s made practice a lot easier this week,” he said. “Of course, we’ve had great practices. It’s a great group of kids. We’re still coming to work, we have perfect attendance, nobody misses, they work just as hard as the first day.
“I know it’s going to turn around for us, it’s just when it’s going to happen. I hope it’s not the last ballgame. The kids are very focused and eager to get a win. This would be a great win for us if we could get rolling this week.”
Meanwhile, the Loboes are looking to end a three-game skid after a 33-7 loss to No. 6 Graham, the second state-ranked opponent Monahans has faced this season.
“We wish we’d had a better record, but sometimes you improve without that,” Owens said. “There were times during the preseason where I didn’t think we played real well. I don’t know if we’ll know (whether the team is ready for district) until we get into the Pecos game and see where we’re at against district competition.
“Those four teams we played (then-No. 5 Snyder, Midland Christian, Andrews and Graham) were excellent teams. In fact, Graham was really good. Hopefully, our schedule helps us in district."