The 2018 Houston football schedule kicks off with two new opponents and features a new twist to the Week 4 game with the program’s biggest rival.

The Tigers will begin the new campaign Aug. 24 by taking a 143-mile trip west to face Sarcoxie. The Bears are new to the Tigers’ schedule, but they won’t be completely unfamiliar as they compete in the same district – Class 1 District 2 – as South Central Association schools Thayer and Cabool.

HHS plays Cuba in the team’s home opener on Aug. 31. The schools will meet for the first time since 2013. They had played six straight seasons.

Sarcoxie and Cuba replace Ash Grove and St. James on the Tigers’ schedule.

After traveling to Salem in Week 3, Houston hosts Texas County rival Cabool on Sept. 14. The matchup became even more intriguing when former HHS assistant Vince McCrosky was named the Bulldogs’ new head coach in the spring. He added Shane Wright, an assistant coach last season with the Tigers, to his staff.

The matchup is also homecoming.

Houston hosts Thayer the following week before hitting the road to face defending conference champion Ava.

The Tigers return home Oct. 5 to host Willow Springs. After traveling to Mountain Grove, the Tigers conclude the regular season Oct. 19 against Liberty.

District play begins Oct. 26 based on the regular-season formula of wins/losses and strength of schedule.

HHS went 3-7 last season under coach Eric Sloan, who returns for his fourth season leading the program.

2018 HHS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 24 at Sarcoxie

Aug. 31 Cuba

Sept. 7 at Salem

Sept. 14 Cabool (Homecoming)

Sept. 21  Thayer

Sept. 28  at Ava

Oct. 5  Willow Springs

Oct. 12  at Mountain Grove

Oct. 19  Liberty (Senior Night)