Midland (9-2) vs. Arlington Bowie (9-2), 2 p.m. Saturday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium
On one hand, Midland fans have to feel great about an offense that put up 73 points last week, but on the other, there has to be some concern about giving up 52 points. That’s the conundrum for the Bulldogs this week as they take on Arlington Bowie squad that’s made a living winning close games. The Volunteers have nine wins this year and an incredible seven are by six points or less, including last week’s heart stopping win on the road against Keller Central 20-17. Bowie’s defense is elite but they’ve had their struggles at times on the offensive side of the ball. The question is will Bowie’s offense come to life against the Midland defensive unit that’s been shaky, or will the Midland defense put together a better effort? I lean to Midland in this one. The Bulldogs put up big points on a really good DeSoto defense, and the road trip won’t faze them. This will be Bowie’s first road trip in a couple of seasons.
Stepp’s Pick: Midland by 6
Craven: Midland
Max: Midland
Sachse (11-0) vs. The Woodlands (11-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Waco ISD Stadium
Unbeaten Sachse will certainly have their chance to state a case as a contender in Region II with a win over The Woodlands. Although the Mustangs have made quick work of their competition thus far, they haven’t gotten the statewide attention due to their schedule. Last week, both teams had a tougher than expected time at home against what many deemed to be inferior opponents, so it’ll be interesting to see how these two come out on Friday. Sachse is led by QB Jalen Mayden, who threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another in the win over Dallas Skyline, but where the Mustangs have made big strides is on defense where they are vastly improved from previous years. They’ll be tested this week as The Woodlands scored on six of their first seven drives in their win over Mesquite Horn a week ago. The Highlanders defense, which has been great all year, didn’t have their best effort against a very fast Horn squad. Sachse presents similar challenges, so can TWHS make the needed adjustments? I have a feeling they will and a statement will be made Friday in Central Texas.
Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands by 15
Craven: The Woodlands
Max: The Woodlands
Cy Ranch (11-0) vs. Katy (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Houston’s NRG Stadium
These two powers met in the area round of the Division II playoffs and Katy obliterated the Mustangs 59-20 en route to the state title. The only consolation for Cy Ranch is they scored more points than anyone else against Katy all year, and the Mustangs were the only team to hold a lead (albeit brief) against the Tigers in the postseason. Ranch comes into this game with much more confidence and a belief that this Katy team, although very good, is not invincible. Katy, after their slow start, has certainly turned it on as of late, led by explosive RB Deondrick Glass and a defense that has made excellent strides since some early struggles. I expect a shootout in this one, both offenses have big-time playmakers and the Cy Ranch offensive line has the ability to win some battles with the Katy defensive linemen. Playoff pedigree is certainly with Katy in this one and the Tigers find a way at NRG to get a high scoring win.
Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 7
Craven: Katy
Max: Katy
Austin Westlake (9-2) vs. Converse Judson (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Austin’s Chaparral Stadium
No Sam Ehlinger for Westlake? No problem! The Chaps showed they can win playoff games just fine without their star QB as the defense was downright suffocating in a 48-3 rout of San Antonio Reagan on the road last week. Westlake forced three turnovers and held Reagan to just 251 yards of offense, while RB Nakia Watson had a big day, rushing for 187 yards and three touchdowns. Judson, who was thought to be a candidate to lose in round one (self-included), proved the doubters wrong with a solid 36-24 win over San Antonio O’Connor last week. QB Julon Williams played and boy did he play well, the junior signal caller accounted for all four of Judson’s offensive touchdowns along with 279 yards of total offense. When Williams plays well, Judson is a tough team to beat, but can the Rockets go to Austin for the second time this year and beat a powerhouse from the capital city? They did it once in Week 1, stunning Lake Travis, but I’m not sure they can do it twice, even if Ehlinger is not playing.
Stepp’s Pick: Austin Westlake by 6
Craven: Westlake
Max: Converse Judson
Lake Travis (10-1) vs. Smithson Valley (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Marcos’ Bobcat Stadium
Two of the state’s hottest teams meet up at Texas State University on Friday and the winner suddenly emerges as the favorite in Region IV. Since dropping their season opener to Judson, the Cavaliers have been on an absolute tear, winning eleven straight games. Their last ten contests have been even more impressive with LTHS not playing a game closer than 32 points. Smithson Valley is on quite the roll as well as the Rangers, since dropping their district opener, have played very well. QB Josh Adkins has led the offense, and the defense – without any real stars – has certainly been dominant. HC Larry Hill is known for crafting some masterful game plans defensively, and he’ll need a stellar effort to try to slow down the Lake Travis attack. I think Smithson Valley slows down Lake Travis to a certain extent, but Lake Travis is too efficient on offense and I’m not sure Smithson Valley can outscore the Cavs.
Stepp’s Pick: Lake Travis by 12
Craven: Lake Travis
Max: Lake Travis
Photo by Hoss McBain
Denton Guyer (9-2) vs. Cedar Hill (9-2), 2 p.m. Saturday at Mansfield’s Vernon Newsom Stadium
A high powered DFW matchup features two teams plenty familiar with each other in Guyer and Cedar Hill. After a subpar regular season, the switch was flipped for the Longhorns and they put together an incredibly good performance last week in a 52-17 rout of a good Waco Midway squad. QB Avery Davis had the game of a lifetime, completing 17-of-18 passes for 260 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 78 rushing yards in a stellar effort. Cedar Hill’s defense totally shut down the Midway running game and they’ll need another huge effort this week to contain Noah Cain and the explosive Guyer ground assault. Guyer had no trouble with Trophy Club Nelson last week, but their defense, most notably the secondary, will have their work cut out for them slowing Cedar Hill and their arsenal of offensive weapons. Guyer will try to control the clock and keep CHHS off the field, and that plan in the past has worked well. Cedar Hill has had trouble stopping the run, but last week they turned it up three levels. Can they show up again this week with that type of effort?
Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Hill by 3
Craven: Denton Guyer
Max: Cedar Hill
Southlake Carroll (10-1) vs. DeSoto (11-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Murphy’s Kimbrough Stadium
The last time these two titans met up, DeSoto needed a goal line stand to beat the Dragons at SMU in the state quarterfinals. We can only hope we get that kind of game in the area round in 2016. Southlake has reinvented itself after the injury to two-way star Robert Barnes. The Dragons now rely on a stingy defense and powerful ground game, led by RB Audricke Gaines. QB Mason Holmes is still a capable passer, but this isn’t the vintage SLC teams that throw the ball all over the place. DeSoto had no trouble with an overmatched Killeen squad, routing the Kangaroos 51-7. QB Shawn Robinson and ATH KD Nixon proved to be too much in the easy win. DeSoto rotates ball carriers and pass catchers liberally, and they come at you with a fast tempo and in waves. It’ll be a massive test for a very good Southlake Carroll defensive unit. The difference in this one is DeSoto’s defense. The Eagles don’t get enough credit on that side of the ball, and that is really where they could make the next step as a state title favorite.
Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 7
Craven: DeSoto
Max: DeSoto
Round Rock Cedar Ridge (11-0) vs. Klein Collins (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Bryan’s Green Stadium
A sneaky good Region II matchup pits unbeaten Cedar Ridge against Klein Collins, whose only loss of the year was an overtime defeat to Katy. Cedar Ridge’s offense, led by QB Garrett Sharp, threw up 70 last week as the Raiders rolled past Austin Anderson 70-14. They’ll get a real test this week against a Collins team that in ten of their eleven games this year has allowed 14 points. The Tigers have pitched back-to-back shutouts, including last week’s 35-0 win over Spring DeKaney. RB’s D’Anthony Doyle and Bryson Powers combined for 242 rushing yards and three touchdowns. This one will come down to the wire, and I lean to Cedar Ridge ever so slightly.
Stepp’s Pick: Round Rock Cedar Ridge by 2
Craven: Cedar Ridge
Max: Klein Collins
Laredo United South (9-2) vs. San Benito (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Laredo’s United ISD Student Activity Center
Surprising United South won the flip with San Benito and earned a first round playoff game at the SAC. The win was United South’s first in the playoffs since 1999, but the task gets tougher this week against powerful San Benito, who bounced back from their loss to Harlingen to roll past Edinburg 47-10 last week. QB Erick Retta torched EHS with five touchdown passes in the victory. The Greyhounds defense, which excels against the run, should fare well this week as United South is a physical run oriented offense. The matchups in this one certainly favor San Benito. Winning on the road will be tough, but I expect the Greyhounds to withstand an early rush from USHS and pull away in the second half.
Stepp’s Pick: San Benito by 13
Craven: San Benito
Max: San Benito
El Paso Chapin (9-2) vs. Lubbock Coronado (10-1), 3 p.m. Saturday at Odessa’s Ratliff Stadium
After a late season stumble that saw the Huskies lose their final two regular season games, Chapin responded in a big way to open the playoffs, upsetting El Paso Del Valle 17-14. Once again the Huskies defense led the way, containing the explosive Conquistadores to just 14 points on the road. They’ll face their biggest test of the year this week as they try to contain one of West Texas’ most explosive offensive units in Lubbock Coronado. The Mustangs went on the road to Amarillo last week and dug themselves quite the hole, trailing Caprock 28-7, but led by RB Jared Compton and QB Qua Gray, they rallied for an improbable 41-40 win. Coronado’s offense will be too much for Chapin’s very good defense, and the Huskies offense just isn’t good enough to help out their defense.
Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Coronado by 12
Craven: El Paso Chapin
Max: Lubbock Coronado
Photo by Russell Wilburn
New Caney (9-2) vs. Manvel (11-0), 2 p.m. Saturday at Houston’s TDECU Stadium
It took triple overtime, but New Caney got their first playoff win in school history Saturday as the Eagles knocked off Beaumont Central 31-28. The Eagles reward is a date with the number one team in the DCTF Class 5A rankings in Manvel. If the Eagles want to have any shot at pulling the upset they’ll need to control the football with RB Marte Allison and keep the extremely explosive Manvel offensive attack sidelined. That may be easier said than done as Manvel’s defense is one of the top units in Greater Houston. The Mavericks opened the playoffs with a 78-6 rout of Houston Austin. In the Mavericks last nine games, their closest was a 54-21 win over Santa Fe on Oct. 28. I’ll be surprised if this week’s game is competitive for more than a half, Manvel is simply that good right now.
Stepp’s Pick: Manvel by 31
Craven: Manvel
Max: Manvel
Denton Ryan (11-0) vs. Richland (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Justin’s Northwest ISD Stadium
Two teams who are a combined 21-1 on the season in the second round?? YES PLEASE!!! Denton Ryan is the most complete team in the DFW area at 5A Division I level with a suffocating defensive unit and a big play offensive unit. The Raiders blew past White Settlement Brewer 54-13 as the defense forced two first half turnovers and blocked a punt that led to 20 points, and the rout was on. Richland dug themselves a hole early against 10-0 Fort Worth South Hills, but the Rebels rallied for a 42-35 win as they shut SHHS out in the second half and QB Trae Self threw for 318 yards. Richland has not fared well running the ball against good defenses, and Ryan’s will be the best they’ve seen this year. Expect Ryan to make Richland a pass-only team and those defensive ends will get to pin their ears back and get after the QB.
Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 17
Craven: Denton Ryan
Max: Denton Ryan
Alamo Heights (10-1) vs. Richmond Foster (11-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Comalander Stadium
A fascinating San Antonio vs. Houston matchup in Region IV as unbeaten Richmond Foster treks west on I-10 into San Antonio to take on 10-1 Alamo Heights. If you like offense, this might be the game for you as both teams feature offenses that can put points up in droves. It’s hard to take much away from Foster’s rout of San Antonio Brackenridge last week as the Falcons scored an incredible 51 first quarter points as while cruisin to a 72-12 win. Cedarian Lamb hauled in two touchdown passes and returned a punt for a touchdown in the first quarter to lead the Falcons blowout. Alamo Heights got down 10-0 to Austin LBJ in the third quarter last week, but the Mules rattled off three straight touchdowns as Will Chaney ran for a score and threw for two other scores to cap the comeback. Alamo Heights will need a similar effort on the defensive side of the ball this week if they want to keep this close as Foster looks to be the clear favorite in Region IV.
Stepp’s Pick: Richmond Foster by 16
Craven: Richmond Foster
Max: Richmond Foster
Aledo (11-0) vs. Grapevine (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Saginaw’s Roughrider Stadium
Unbeaten Aledo had no trouble in their playoff opener, rolling past Wichita Falls Rider 63-20. Aledo’s offense has been a flamethrower all year as the Bearcats have yet to score less than 41 points in a game. Can they continue their success this week against a very dangerous Grapevine squad led by QB Alan Bowman, who has had a monster junior season? The Mustangs, when they are playing well, are certainly capable of beating Aledo, but Aledo will need to help them out with mistakes. That is not something Aledo typically does, and that’s what makes them tough to beat. You have to physically beat them and there aren’t many teams in the 5A Division II bracket that are capable of accomplishing that. Grapevine keeps this one close for a while but Aledo pulls away late.
Stepp’s Pick: Aledo by 21
Craven: Aledo
Max: Aledo
Frisco Lone Star (10-1) vs. Mesquite Poteet (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Allen’s Eagle Stadium
The big question in this game is the health of Lone Star QB and Utah commit Jason Shelley, who left last week’s blowout win over Little Elm and did not return. The smart money is that Shelley plays this week, but if he’s not 100 percent, is that still enough for the Rangers to take down a tough Mesquite Poteet squad? The Pirates, led by QB Kaleb Fletcher, rolled past Sulphur Springs 57-21 a week ago. Poteet’s record of 8-3 is deceiving as the Pirates’ three losses are all in close games to Denton Ryan, Mansfield Lake Ridge and Highland Park. Poteet’s defense doesn’t have any stars, but they are fast and they fly around to the football. If we are looking at common opponents, the edge goes to Poteet here. I’m going with a slight upset pick. I am not sure Shelley is 100 percent and I think Poteet is the kind of scrappy playoff opponent that can be a thorn in the side for a lot of teams.
Stepp’s Pick: Mesquite Poteet by 3
Craven: Frisco Lone Star
Max: Frisco Lone Star
Photo by Samuel De Leon
College Station (11-0) vs. Magnolia (10-1), 1 p.m. Saturday at Conroe’s Moorhead Stadium
College Station did nothing to discourage anyone from thinking they can win the Region III crown with an impressive 51-4 win over Whitehouse last week. It was a complete win as the Cougars dominated their foes from East Texas in all three phases of the game. QB Marquez Perez had another big game, totaling nearly 300 yards of offense and three touchdowns. Magnolia got their offense rolling last week as the Bulldogs took care of Hutto 54-38 as QB Jacob Frazier threw for 293 yards and six touchdowns, while RB Anthony Johnson chipped in 168 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. College Station has the look of a complete team, the defense is playing tremendous football and they have the talent to put the clamps on just about any style of offense. I expect the Cougars to roll into the third round as they are emerging as the team to beat in Region III.
Stepp’s Pick: College Station by 17
Craven: College Station
Max: College Station
Corpus Christi Calallen (10-1) vs. Mercedes (7-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Kingsville’s Javelina Stadium
This is a rematch of a season opening contest won by Calallen 20-7. The Wildcats, most notably on the offensive side of the ball, have certainly made major strides, while the defense, as always, remains incredibly consistent. Mercedes got off to a slow start, but the Tigers have won seven of their last eight games and are playing some of their best football of the season. Defense for Mercedes has been the calling card the past three weeks, allowing just 28 points. However, slowing down the efficient Calallen attack led by Gage Lamb is a tall order. Traditionally, Calallen has had their way with Valley schools not named Sharyland, so edge to Coach Danaher’s squad, who is the consensus favorite in Region IV in Division II.
Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 12
Craven: Calallen
Max: Calallen
Andrews (10-1) vs. Brownwood (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday at San Angelo Stadium
It’s an area round rematch as a year ago, Brownwood knocked off Andrews 17-13 en route to a trip to the fourth round of the playoffs. The rematch takes place Friday in the Concho Valley. Andrews rolled up an impressive 649 yards of offense last week as the Mustangs blasted one-win Borger 73-28. Brownwood put together their most impressive performance of the year last week as the Lions pulled away from a very good Sanger squad 40-21. The big matchup in this one is the Brownwood defense vs. the prolific attack that Andrews brings to the table. The Lions got that done last year and advanced, and Andrews will be motivated to not repeat last year’s mistakes. I think a senior laden Mustangs squad advances.
Stepp’s Pick: Andrews by 2
Craven: Brownwood
Max: Andrews
Van (10-1) vs. Mineral Wells (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Irving Schools Stadium
Two teams who are senior heavy meet up in the middle of the DFW area. Both have aspirations of a deep playoff push as this game has potential to be outstanding. Van bounced back from their loss to Terrell, closing the regular season with an impressive 41-14 win over Princeton last week. QB Garrett Mosley triggered the Vandals attack with 369 yards of total offense and three total touchdowns as Van jumped out to a 28-0 lead and coasted home. Mineral Wells advanced to the third round of the playoffs a year ago and much of that firepower returned for an encore. The Rams rolled past Carrollton Ranchview 33-7 as Jordan Duckett’s two long touchdown receptions broke open what was a close game at 14-7. On paper, these two are evenly matched. The edge goes to Van. They’ll have the athletes to counter the Mineral Wells playmakers and Mosley is the most dynamic player on the field.
Stepp’s Pick: Van by 4
Craven: Van
Max: Van
El Campo (11-0) vs. Henderson (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Humble’s Turner Stadium
In the Class 4A ranks, this one might be the game of the week as two of the favorites in a loaded Region III in Division I meet up in the northern suburbs of Houston. Powerful El Campo has built quite the résumé with wins over 5A Angleton, Stafford and Wharton, but their toughest test could be this week with Henderson and their two TCU commits in LaKendrick VanZandt and Tristan Ebner. El Campo had no trouble dispatching of Houston Washington 56-6 last week, and there’s really not much you can take from that match-up as it was a complete mismatch. HHS had no problems with Little Cypress-Mauriceville out of Southeast Texas, beating the Bears 48-12 as VanZandt tallied up three scores and Ebner had a long touchdown reception. Henderson certainly has the more explosive playmakers, but El Campo and their physical hard hitting style could pose many of the same challenges that Kilgore posed in Henderson’s lone regular season loss. Did the Lions learn lessons in that game or is El Campo a step above what Kilgore brings to the table?
Stepp’s Pick: El Campo by 3
Craven: El Campo
Max: Henderson
Taylor (8-3) vs. Somerset (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Harlandale Memorial Stadium
The Taylor Ducks have very quietly put together an outstanding season under HC Rusty Purser. The Ducks blasted Burnet 42-6 last week as Jarrell Crittendon ran for three scores and Malik Jackson hauled in a 79- and 92-yard touchdown pass to lead the high-flying Ducks attack. Defense carried the day for Somerset last week as the Bulldogs held Kingsville to just 114 yards of offense in a 31-0 win. QB Zadock Dinkelmann was efficient, throwing for 213 yards and two scores as Somerset turned a close game at halftime into a rout. The difference in this one is Taylor’s team speed. The Ducks’ ability to break big plays and speed on the defensive side of the ball will be a challenge for Somerset to handle.
Stepp’s Pick: Taylor by 8
Craven: Somerset
Max: Taylor
Photo by Rickey Brown
Krum (10-1) vs. Sweetwater (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Stephenville’s Tarleton Memorial Stadium
A year ago, upstart Krum stunned undefeated Sweetwater 31-0 in the third round of the playoffs. Needless to say, that loss has stayed with the Mustangs and they will be anxious to erase the sting. This year’s Krum squad comes in with a load of experience and a fantastic record, with their only loss coming during non-district to Sanger. KHS rolled past Waxahachie Life in a workman-like 35-11 effort last Thursday, while Sweetwater jumped out to a big lead and cruised to a 49-28 win over Dalhart. Krum will try to control the clock with their ground game and big offensive line, while Sweetwater will look to push the tempo and get Krum out of their comfort zone. Whichever defense can get a couple of early stops could be the team that gets the win, as the pace will be set early.
Stepp’s Pick: Sweetwater by 7
Craven: Krum
Max: Krum
Celina (9-2) vs. Gladewater (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Forney’s City Bank Stadium
There will be plenty of orange on hand in Forney Friday as Celina will take on Gladewater. The big matchup here is Gladewater’s ground oriented and physical offense going against Celina and that 10-1 special defense. Celina’s defense will play aggressive at the line of scrimmage and try to fill all the gaps and put Gladewater in 2nd-and-long situations and get them off schedule. The key here is can Gladewater avoid huge losses and can they burn Celina when they take their shots down the field? If the Bears do that, they have a chance to pull off what would be considered an upset because they’ll move the chains and keep the explosive Celina offense, led by Connor Pingleton, off the field. I am taking Celina but this game is on upset watch.
Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 4
Craven: Celina
Max: Celina
Sinton (9-2) vs. Wimberley (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Edgewood Veterans Memorial Stadium
Two traditional Region IV powers renew acquaintances in San Antonio Friday night, Sinton appears to be on a bit of a downturn after three incredibly successful seasons. The Pirates escaped an upset bid by Rio Hondo down in the Valley, winning 30-29. Special teams proved to be the key for Sinton as a blocked field goal and a punt return for touchdown proved to be the difference. Wimberley, on the other hand, had no trouble with Pearsall in an easy 35-7 win. The Texans’ defense and size up front could be a big test for the smaller and quicker Pirates. Look for Wimberley to get a major win this week as they take a step towards contention in Region IV by knocking off one of the region’s bullies.
Stepp’s Pick: Wimberley by 7
Craven: Sinton
Max: Wimberley
Wall (8-3) vs. Clyde (9-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Brownwood’s Gordon Wood Stadium
There will be plenty of offense in this one as Wall comes in averaging over 44 points per game, while Clyde averages just shy of 44 per game. The two teams get it done in different ways as Wall is land based, led by a stable of tough running backs and big offensive line. Clyde, led by QB Tanner Riley, rolled past Ponder last week 42-6. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 28-0 lead at the halftime break and simply didn’t let up as the Clyde defense held Ponder to just 140 yards of offense on the night. That underrated defense is the key as Clyde will find holes in the Wall secondary and I don’t know if the Hawks can keep up. Going with a mild upset as Clyde advances.
Stepp’s Pick: Clyde by 3
Craven: Wall
Max: Wall
Woodville (10-1) vs. Cameron Yoe (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Conroe’s Moorhead Stadium
Despite a fantastic regular season and a big first round playoff win, the jury is still out on Woodville due to a lack of playoff experience. A win over Cameron Yoe, who has played for four straight state titles (and won three), would certainly satisfy the critics who remain. RB Ivan Lockhart led the way for the Eagles in the 44-23 win over Anahuac last week, rushing for 149 yards and three touchdowns and he added a kickoff return for a score, as well. Yoe knocked off West 35-19 last Thursday as WR Sicory Smith returned the second half kick for a touchdown and the Yoe defense came up with three second half interceptions. It’s obvious Yoe isn’t quite at the state title level they’ve been recently, but their experience and pride won’t let them go down easy. Woodville has more talent, but do they have the killer instinct to put the Yoemen away? I think Yoe hangs around in this one and bites the Eagles late to advance.
Stepp’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 2
Craven: Cameron Yoe
Max: Cameron Yoe
Photo by Russell Peables
Canadian (9-2) vs. Eastland (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Vernon’s Lion Stadium
Canadian has won thirteen straight playoff games and the Wildcats showed no signs of slowing down last week as they demolished Lubbock Roosevelt 54-0. The young Wildcats, despite the tough schedule, appear to be hitting their stride, and if they can get WR Manny Ramsey back 100 percent healthy it makes them that much more dangerous. The road through Region I is filled with landmines and one in red and black stands in the way this week. Eastland, under first-year HC James Morton, got off to a slow start, but the Mavericks have hit their stride of late winning six of their last seven, with the one loss coming to rival powerhouse Cisco. On paper, this is a pick’em game. Both teams are fully capable of winning the regional title, but the edge in these big playoff games goes to the team from the panhandle.
Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 6
Craven: Canadian
Max: Canadian
Odem (10-1) vs. Tidehaven (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Victoria’s Memorial Stadium
Led by record setting QB Michael Everett, the Odem Owls feel like this may be their last chance for the next few years to really make a deep playoff push. The Owls got the playoffs started in a big way, rolling past Poth 60-21 as Everett threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for a pair of scores. Tidehaven, under new HC Danny Lucio, has the look of a program on the rise. Lucio did a great job at Louise and in year one has the Tigers in the area playoffs after a 27-7 win over Florence. Tidehaven is ascending, but Odem is senior laden and playoff tested, and they have the best player on the field, this is their time.
Stepp’s Pick: Odem by 11
Craven: Odem
Max: Odem
Stratford (10-1) vs. Post (10-1), 4 p.m. Friday at Canyon’s Kimbrough Stadium
The first of what looks to be an incredible 2A double header on Friday in Canyon pits a pair of Region I favorites. Stratford had no trouble last week, blasting past Hale Center 53-13. The Elks ran for over 500 yards on the evening and had three different ball carriers top the 100-yard mark. The Elks will have a more difficult test this week as the Post defense is geared to stop the run, so it’ll be a battle of wills at Kimbrough. Post had no trouble with their opponent from the El Paso area as the Antelopes knocked off Anthony 33-7. The Antelopes will have a speed edge on Stratford, but the Elks will wear the Bold Gold down in the trenches and pull away in the fourth.
Stepp’s Pick: Stratford by 9
Craven: Stratford
Max: Stratford
Albany (10-1) vs. Electra (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Graham’s Newton Field
One of the things you can count on every year in the Big Country is lots of wind and Denny Faith’s Albany Lions being a contender for deep playoff runs every year. The Lions showed they are ready for another deep run as they drilled Menard 58-6 a week ago. Defense has been their calling card. Since their loss to Cisco six games ago, AHS hasn’t allowed more than 14 points per game. Speedy Electra, whose only loss of the year was to Munday, will present some challenges for the Albany defense. However, Albany’s ball control offense should control the line of scrimmage and wear down EHS, who doesn’t have much depth. Last week, Electra jumped out to a big lead on Lindsay and had to hang on for dear life down the stretch for a 52-44 win.
Stepp’s Pick: Albany by 12
Craven: Albany
Max: Albany
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH
Cy Ridge (9-2) vs. Katy Taylor (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Waller ISD Stadium
Two of Houston’s surprise teams meet up for the chance to go to the third round. Both teams have a good group of skill talent, but the edge in the trenches goes to Katy Taylor.
Stepp’s Pick: Katy Taylor by 7
Craven: Cy Ridge
Max: Katy Taylor
Frisco Independence (9-2) vs. Highland Park (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Frisco’s Ford Center
It’s been a breakthrough season for the Knights and winning a playoff game is certainly a cherry on top, but this is old hat for Highland Park. The Scots are too deep and too well rounded.
Stepp’s Pick: Highland Park by 19
Craven: Highland Park
Max: Highland Park
Giddings (9-2) vs. Hardin-Jefferson (7-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Huntsville’s Bowers Stadium
Giddings is quietly putting together a great season and aside from West Orange-Stark, they are the team to beat in Region III in 4A Division II.
Stepp’s Pick: Giddings by 16
Craven: Giddings
Max: Giddings
Sunnyvale (11-0) vs. Farmersville (10-1), 7:30pm Friday at Rockwall’s Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium
Farmersville has run up an impressive record, but they lack big wins and the one elite team they played (Mineola) blew them out. Sunnyvale didn’t play great last week and I expect a major bounce back this week.
Stepp’s Pick: Sunnyvale by 24
Craven: Sunnyvale
Max: Sunnyvale
Goliad (8-3) vs. Edna (6-5), 7:30pm Friday at Port Lavaca’s Sandcrab Stadium
Longtime rivals Goliad and Edna hook up with plenty on the line this time. Traditionally, Edna seems to have had an edge over Goliad, but this time it looks like Goliad has the leg up.
Stepp’s Pick: Goliad by 6
Craven: Edna
Max: Goliad
Henrietta (9-2) vs. Gilmer Harmony (9-2), 7:00pm Friday at Frisco’s Memorial Stadium
On paper, these two look evenly matched. Both rely on strong running games and tough defenses. Henrietta has a big edge in playoff experience and that’s where I lean.
Stepp’s Pick: Henrietta by 9
Craven: Gilmer Harmony
Max: Gilmer Harmony
Clifton (7-4) vs. Crockett (10-1), 7:00pm Friday at Corsicana’s Tiger Stadium
Clifton has had an excellent season, but the Cubs haven’t seen a team that has the speed and overall talent that Crockett brings to the table. Crockett big in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Crockett by 23
Craven: Clifton
Max: Crockett
Windthorst (7-4) vs. Bosqueville (9-2), 7:00pm Friday at Fort Worth’s Brewer Bear Stadium
Bosqueville is a real sleeper to win Region II; they nearly knocked off Mart to close the regular season. Keep an eye on the Bulldogs.
Stepp’s Pick: Bosqueville by 9
Craven: Bosqueville
Max: Bosqueville
Price Carlisle (10-1) vs. Cayuga (7-4), 7:30pm Friday at Bullard’s Herrington Stadium
Carlisle’s offense will be too much for ground based Cayuga.
Stepp’s Pick: Price Carlisle by 13
Craven: Price Carlisle
Max: Price Carlisle
Mason (9-2) vs. Shiner (8-2), 7:30pm Friday at Pflugerville’s Kuempel Stadium
Both teams have been contenders in Region IV in the past, but this year they’ve had some bumps in the road and look to overshadowed by Refugio. I’ll lean to Mason. The Punchers seem to be playing well as the season progresses.
Stepp’s Pick: Mason by 3
Craven: Shiner
Max: Mason
Memphis (10-1) vs. Seagraves (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Canyon’s Kimbrough Stadium
Two teams who are physical and very athletic meet up in the second game of a double header. Memphis has a few more playmakers led by David Dickson and their ability to stop the run is the difference in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Memphis by 10
Craven: Memphis
Max: Memphis
Bremond (11-0) vs. Overton (9-2), 7:00pm Friday at Troup’s Tiger Stadium
Can anyone stop the Roshauud Paul train?? Maybe, but upstart Overton doesn’t have the playmakers to get things done this week.
Stepp’s Pick: Bremond by 22
Craven: Bremond
Max: Bremond
Bruni (8-2) vs. Granger (9-2), 7:30pm Friday at Poteet’s Aggie Field
This looks to be a bit of a passing of the guard. The last two years, Bruni has made the regional finals but fell short to Bremond, and Granger looks to be ascending and a real threat in Region IV.
Stepp’s Pick: Granger by 7
Craven: Bruni
Max: Granger
Zephyr (9-2) vs. May (10-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Gorman
Unbeaten May looks to be the favorite against always-tough Zephyr. MHS nearly was upset in the first round of the playoffs last week so I expect a much better showing this week.
Stepp’s Pick: May by 15
Craven: Zephyr
Max: May
Crowell (9-1) vs. Strawn (11-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Merkel
There’s no question I’m taking Strawn in this one, yes Crowell was the state runner-up last year, but the best chicken fried steak in Texas is in Strawn and that means something.
Stepp’s Pick: Strawn by 9
Craven: Crowell
Max: Crowell
PICK ACCURACY THROUGH THE REGULAR SEASON + FIRST ROUND
Max Thompson (DCTF Digital Director): 71%
Matt Stepp (DCTF High School Insider): 70%
Greg Tepper (DCTF Managing Editor): 67%
Mike Craven (DCTF Senior Writer): 66%
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