Frisco Lone Star (3-0) at Denton Ryan (3-0)
Denton Ryan’s meat grinder of a non-district schedule concludes this week with last year’s 5A Division II runner-up, Frisco Lone Star. Both teams come in unbeaten, but both have also been tested. Lone Star bounced back from a subpar performance in Week 2 on offense with a big effort in a 62-31 win over Lovejoy. QB Jason Shelley had another big game with 363 yards of offense and five touchdowns to pace the Rangers. The LSHS offense will get a massive test this week against a very talented Denton Ryan front seven that is at times downright impossible to move the ball against. Ryan has three impressive non-district wins over Lancaster, Mesquite Poteet and Wylie East, but in all three games the Raiders have started slowly. They can’t afford that kind of slow start against Lone Star, who has the offensive punch to put the game away early. Ryan QB Spencer Sanders has been solid, but the young offensive line has had fits and starts of good play. They’ll need consistency this week and I think at home, Ryan puts a strong effort together and makes a statement to the state that they will indeed be a force to be reckoned with in 5A.
Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 8
Craven’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star
Max’s Pick: Denton Ryan
Gilmer (3-0) at Carthage (2-0)
A delicious Saturday night matchup in East Texas pits the two pre-eminent 4A powers in the Piney Woods, hooking up in what should be a ferocious non-district tilt. Gilmer, led by QB Aaron “Poppy” Brown, has put up some staggering offensive numbers. Through three games, the Buckeyes are averaging 64 points per game. Last week, Brown continued his assault on secondaries by “only” throwing for 196 yards and three touchdowns. Gilmer’s ground game was the story in the 61-19 win over Argyle Liberty Christian, as GHS ran for 217 yards and five touchdowns. They’ll need that kind of balance against a fast and physical Carthage defense that’s allowing just over 17 points per game. The Bulldogs stymied a potent Whitehouse attack in a 23-13 win last week. CHS allowed just 66 yards of offense to WHS and QB Kason Davis had another nice night, throwing for 235 yards and two touchdowns. If this game is a shootout it will totally favor Gilmer, but at home I think Carthage’s defense keeps this clash at a reasonable pace and that’s what Coach Suratt and his staff want to see. Carthage’s defense proves to be the difference in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 4
Craven’s Pick: Carthage
Max’s Pick: Gilmer
Austin Westlake (2-1) at Austin Bowie (3-0)
Westlake is in their third week without Sam Ehlinger, and the Chaps offense looked much better a week ago in a 35-0 win over Pflugerville. With Ehlinger gone, Westlake relied on RB Nakia Watson to deliver, and he ran for 145 yards and four touchdowns to lead the way. Even more impressive was the Chaps defense, which completely shut down a PHS offense that just a week earlier put up some big numbers. Bowie, which has traditionally played second fiddle to Westlake and Lake Travis, is plenty solid in their own right, knocking off Vista Ridge 35-21 last week. Tied 21-21 at the half, Bowie’s defense took charge in the second half, allowing just three first downs. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ rotating QB’s got a pair of scores to pull away. I expect Bowie to keep this one close, but Westlake may have found their answer to navigating their schedule without Ehlinger, and that’s with a strong defense and ground game. That formula should work again this week and could make Westlake really dangerous when Ehlinger returns from his knee injury.
Stepp’s Pick: Austin Westlake by 13
Craven’s Pick: Westlake
Max’s Pick: Westlake
Cibolo Steele (2-1) at Smithson Valley (1-1)
A week after a tough overtime loss to Lake Travis, Steele bounced back in a big way with a convincing 45-24 win over a good San Antonio O’Connor squad on Saturday night. Despite O’Connor getting a lot of breaks (including recovering two first half onside kicks), the Knights pulled away late. QB Xavier Martin had a monster game, accounting for five touchdowns and over 400 yards of offense. The high-powered Steele attack will get a test this week against the always stingy Smithson Valley defense. The Rangers’ offense, however, stumbled last week in a 20-14 loss to Round Rock. At home I think SVHS has a chance to play Steele tough – the Knights defense has shown they will give up yards and points – but I don’t believe they can consistently generate enough to stops to seriously threaten Steele and their long district winning streak.
Stepp’s Pick: Cibolo Steele by 14
Craven’s Pick: Steele
Max’s Pick: Steele
Stratford (2-0) at Canadian (1-2)
After not losing a game in two years, Canadian’s off to a bit of a rough start, losing two of their first three games. Don’t hit the panic button just yet as both losses have come at the hands of solid 4A programs. This week, Canadian steps down to take on panhandle 2A power Stratford who has had a whole two weeks to prepare. The Elks have revenge on their mind as their only two losses in 2015 came at the hands of powerful Canadian. Last week, the Wildcats dropped a 24-14 decision to Perryton. The defense played well enough to win, but the offense only generated 275 yards in the loss. The two-hour lightning delay seems to be a theme of Canadian losses, as they also sat through a long weather delay in their Week 1 loss to Bushland. Stratford has this one circled and will keep it close, but Canadian’s offense and experience against larger schools will pay dividends.
Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 6
Craven’s Pick: Canadian
Max’s Pick: Canadian
Photo by Carlos Barron
Round Rock Cedar Ridge (3-0) at Temple (2-1)
There are few teams in the state off to quite as hot a start as Cedar Ridge, who has rolled through three opponents by a combined score of 131-10. However, the Raiders will be tested by a state-ranked Temple squad eager to erase the memory of last week’s loss to Waco Midway. Cedar Ridge handled Killeen Shoemaker 44-7 as RB CJ Rittenhouse ran for three scores to pace a balanced Raiders offense. Temple fell to Midway 26-20 last week as the Wildcats played without DE Taquon Graham. It’s not clear if Graham will play this week, but his absence last week didn’t have anything to do with the Wildcats’ five turnovers in the loss. Temple will need to play a much cleaner game this week if they want to keep up with the high-powered Raiders. Look for the Wildcats to be more conservative and rely on their ground attack to shorten the game. That will hopefully keep this one close, but Cedar Ridge has too many weapons for the Wildcats.
Stepp’s Pick: Round Rock Cedar Ridge by 9
Craven’s Pick: Cedar Ridge
Max’s Pick: Temple
Waco La Vega (3-0) at Mexia (2-1)
An old Central Texas rivalry renews as La Vega travels up Highway 84 to take on a Mexia squad smarting from a loss to bitter rival Groesbeck last week. La Vega, the defending 4A Division I state champions (and the alma mater of a Mr. Dave Campbell), are off to a flying start, with the Pirates’ defense setting the tone. In three wins, the Pirates have allowed just 22 points. The offense, led by QB Jamal Williams, has been good at times but there’s been a lack of consistency that Coach Willie Williams would certainly like to clean up before La Vega enters a brutal district stretch. Despite losing last week,the Black Cats do have one of 4A’s top playmakers in do-it-all QB Jaylen Gipson. He’s capable of putting Mexia on his back, but against a loaded defense with speed and size like La Vega, Gipson will need help from his teammates to keep this one close. Expect La Vega to assert dominance early with the defense and put it on cruise control in the second half.
Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 17
Craven’s Pick: La Vega
Max’s Pick: La Vega
Cuero (3-0) at Gonzales (2-1)
Just 32 miles of State Highway 183 separates these two towns, and both are off to good starts, but Cuero’s start to the season is as impressive as anyone. The Gobblers’ defense has been the story through three games, allowing just seven points. Last week, CHS had no trouble rolling past Class 5A Floresville 63-0. The Gobblers didn’t allow a first down until midway through the third quarter, and the offense did what they wanted for the most part. They were also blessed with tremendous field position, as Floresville had no desire to punt to the dangerous Jordan Whittington. Gonzales was 2-0, but the Apaches were given a dose of reality in a 55-11 loss to 4A Division II power Geronimo Navarro and their Slot-T offense. The Gobblers certainly will utilize a game plan of running right at Gonzales and seeing if the Apaches can slow the them down. Cuero won’t run the Slot-T, but you can expect multiple ball carriers to see touches Friday and the Cuero defense will again be tough to move the ball against.
Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 27
Craven’s Pick: Cuero
Max’s Pick: Cuero
Beeville Jones (3-0) at Sinton (3-0)
Surprising Beeville Jones, under HC Jerry Bomar, has adapted well to his wide-open passing game and the Trojans are 3-0. Jones knocked off Class 5A San Antonio Southside 55-42 last week, and for the second week in a row, WR Waydale Jones had a monster game. This time he had 14 receptions for 249 yards and three touchdowns to lead the way. You can bet Sinton will have their attention focused on Jones, as the Pirates will want someone else to make plays to beat them. Sinton knocked off Coach Bomar’s former team Orange Grove last week 37-20. SHS was without their starting QB, but sophomore Devyn Orta stepped in and directed a second half Pirates rally. The difference in this game is Sinton’s defense. This will be Beeville’s first true test of the season, and although the Trojans will score some points, they may not be able to slow down the always potent Pirates.
Stepp’s Pick: Sinton by 11
Craven’s Pick: Sinton
Max’s Pick: Beeville Jones
Mansfield Lake Ridge (2-1) at Lancaster (2-1)
Most people believe District 10-5A is one of the toughest districts in the state, and the district slate gets started with a bang with two state powers colliding. Last year, Lake Ridge jumped out to a big lead on Lancaster and held on late for a big win that really propelled the Eagles to their state runner-up finish. Lake Ridge won a squeaker last week over a strong Mesquite Poteet squad 20-17. WR Zach Jackson led the way with six catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winner from 19 yards out with 1:45 left. After dropping the season opener to Denton Ryan, Lancaster has bounced back with two impressive wins over South Oak Cliff and then Corsicana. QB Trevor Hatton was impressive in the 45-17 victory last week, throwing for 293 yards and a pair of scores. WEBO’s got two of the top receivers in the state in Omar Manning and Cartrell Thomas – they are a matchup nightmare for any offense week in and week out. Lancaster’s defense has been very underrated early on and at home in a big game I think they step up and get a huge win.
Stepp’s Pick: Lancaster by 6
Craven’s Pick: Lancaster
Max’s Pick: Lancaster
Photo by Pat Carrigan
Albany (3-0) at Anson (3-0)
Powerful Albany has had their run of the small schools in the Big Country in recent years, and the Lions appear to be picking up where they left off with a strong 3-0 start. All three wins have been by at least 22 points and two of Albany’s blowout wins have come at the hand of Class 3A programs. The tests don’t get any easier this week with 2A Division I unbeaten Anson. The Tigers have also blitzed three victims with their closest game being a 40-20 win over Tuscola Jim Ned last week. Expect a very close, high scoring game – both teams are evenly matched on paper – but these are the kind of games Albany’s thrived in during recent years. The Lions don’t wow you with talent or size. They are just gritty and know how to win. Think of buzzwords for intangibles, and Coach Faith’s squad has them in droves. In a close game, I got to go with Albany.
Stepp’s Pick: Albany by 4
Craven’s Pick: Albany
Max’s Pick: Albany
Mesquite Horn (2-1) at Longview (2-1)
District play opens up in 11-6A with Mesquite Horn making the trip behind the Pine Curtain to take on Longview. Horn was drubbed by Cedar Hill last week 59-21. Oklahoma commit QB Chris Robison has yet to return from his shoulder injury suffered in Week 1, but there’s a good chance he returns for the district opener. Longview, after dropping their season opener to Lufkin, has won back-to-back games including blowing away South Oak Cliff 62-14 last week. The Lobos, after trailing 7-0 early, responded with 59 straight points. QB Gaylon Wiley threw for two touchdowns and 207 yards, and eleven different ball carriers combined for 307 yards on the ground. I expect a much-improved Horn effort this week, but playing a road game in East Texas in front of what will be a hostile crowd is a challenge for state title contenders. Horn is not of that level right now, so give the nod to the Rockin’ L in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 8
Craven’s Pick: Longview
Max’s Pick: Longview
El Paso Del Valle (1-2, 1-0) at El Paso Ysleta (3-0, 1-0)
Don’t let Del Valle’s record fool you, the Conquistadores are plenty good, they’ve just played a very difficult non-district slate, losing to 6A El Paso Americas and New Mexico power Las Cruces Mayfield by two points. DVHS responded nicely as district play opened, as Coach Perales’ squad blasted Clint Horizon 48-13. They’ll get a big test this week with upstart Ysleta, who is 3-0 after absolutely drilling El Paso Hanks 71-12. QB Damian Solis had a huge game, accounting for six total touchdowns and throwing for 300 yards in the win. Ysleta has certainly been impressive, but their three wins came against opponents with a combined 2-7 record. They’ll have a chance to prove their worth this week as Del Valle is an area power at the 5A level. I think they keep it close for a half but the Conquistadores have too much firepower.
Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Del Valle by 17
Craven’s Pick: Del Valle
Max’s Pick: Del Valle
Bridge City (2-1) at Newton (3-0)
After a strong 2-0 start, the Bridge City Cardinals got a harsh dose of reality last week as they were completely demolished by West Orange-Stark to the tune of 55-0. The task doesn’t get a whole lot easier this week as they visit powerful Newton. The Eagles are the number one team in the state in many 3A Division II polls, so in back-to-back weeks Coach DuBois’ squad is taking on a top-ranked team. Bridge City’s Slot-T offense managed just 138 total yards last week, with the majority coming from Cayce Draper, who ran for 112 yards. Newton rolled past Diboll 35-7 last week. The Eagles defense continued to play well, and the offense – on the strength of a pair of big first-half plays – proved to be more than enough. Expect Bridge City to have a little more offensive success this week since Newton isn’t as physically dominant or as deep as 4A WOS. The Cardinals will try to control the clock and protect their defense, which is vulnerable to allowing big plays. For that reason, I think this will be a much closer game than others are predicting, but Newton will break a couple of big plays and that’ll be the difference.
Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 12
Craven’s Pick: Newton
Max’s Pick: Newton
The Woodlands (3-0) at Richmond George Ranch (2-1)
Quietly, The Woodlands is off to a strong start and they made quite the statement a week ago as they blasted Katy 26-3. THWS took advantage of several uncharacteristic Katy errors, including a 96-yard fumble return for a score and five points from two bad snaps on Katy punts. The Highlanders defense was stifling, holding Katy to just 129 yards of offense in the win. George Ranch needed a late field goal at home to escape a tough challenge from Nuevo Leon (MX) 17-14. The Longhorns are off to a bit of an uneasy start as they were drilled in Week 2 by Dickinson. The adjustment to 6A football has been tougher than many anticipated, and The Woodlands, although not as explosive as Dickinson, is still an elite 6A program with a suffocating defense. Look for the Longhorns to struggle generating offense.
Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands by 14
Craven’s Pick: The Woodlands
Max’s Pick: The Woodlands
Denton (3-0) at Keller Timber Creek (3-0)
Two surprising 3-0 teams meet up in a Thursday night tilt that DCTF will attend. Denton is flying high after opening the season with an upset win over Lake Dallas, and Coach Kevin Atkinson’s squad has kept that momentum up. Last week, they knocked off a tough squad from The Colony 35-29. QB Colt Atkinson only completed nine passes, but two went for scores and RB Caleb Osuofa was huge, running for 123 yards and two scores. Oh, he also caught a 75-yard touchdown pass. Timber Creek slipped past Flower Mound 38-30 last week, and the Falcons got a big night from WR Eric Ezukaunma, who had 125 receiving yards and two scores while also running for 82 yards and a score. QB Cade Schrader threw for 328 yards and three scores, as well. Look for this one to be a high scoring affair, whichever defense rises to the occasion will come out on top here. I’ll go with the 6A school at home to take down Denton in an entertaining game.
Stepp’s Pick: Keller Timber Creek by 7
Craven’s Pick: Denton
Max’s Pick: Timber Creek
Photo by Dennis Clark
Mason (2-1) at Iraan (3-0)
After dropping the season opener to Goldthwaite, Mason has bounced back with two wins over Johnson City and Comfort. In last week’s 34-14 win over Comfort, the Punchers had four rushers with at least 49 yards rushing, led by Haddon Hudson, who had 150 yards rushing along with a touchdown rushing and receiving, respectively. Freshman Klay Klaerner made his varsity debut last week, and showed some big play pop with 129 yards and two scores on just seven carries. Mason will need that kind of balance in their ball control attack to play keep away from an explosive Iraan offense that’s averaging over 43 points per game. Last week, the Braves drilled McCamey 48-7. Iraan’s defense hasn’t been tested yet and Mason’s physical style and depth advantage could wear down the Braves in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Mason by 3
Craven’s Pick: Iraan
Max’s Pick: Iraan
Kilgore (1-2) at Texarkana Texas (3-0)
After dropping their first two games, Kilgore bounced back with a convincing 46-13 win over Class 5A Longview Pine Tree last week. Kilgore’s balanced running attack of Malek Hamilton, Patrick Jackson and Jamal Nobles piled up yards all night against the Pirates. The test against a more talented and physical Texas High squad at Grimm Stadium will be much tougher. Texas High is off to a strong 3-0 start after holding off a strong effort from Texarkana Liberty-Eylau last week. The Tigers outlasted the Leopards 48-39, as QB Cade Pearson and WR Quan Hampton continue to terrorize opposing defenses. The Tigers did allow over 600 yards of offense last week, so Coach Norton’s bunch will be out to fix that this week.
Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Texas by 10
Craven’s Pick: Texas High
Max’s Pick: Texas High
Wink (3-0) at Seagraves (3-0)
Two of the top 2A Division II programs in West Texas meet up in a game that should determine the pecking order in Region I. Wink has been on fire offensively, and they hit their early peak last week in a 58-19 win over Plains. Sophomore QB Kenny Hrncir, the son of HC Andy Hrncir, continued his strong start with 336 yards of offense and six touchdowns as Wink racked up 550 yards of offense. They’ll see a much tougher defense in Seagraves, who won an 8-6 slugfest over Sundown a week ago. The Eagles, who have won Region I the past two years, are getting it done with a defense that has allowed just 20 points in three games. Seagraves is still finding its way on offense but that defense looks to be one of the best on the High Plains.
Stepp’s Pick: Seagraves by 9
Craven’s Pick: Seagraves
Max’s Pick: Wink
Garrison (3-0) at Alto (2-1)
Unbeaten Garrison will get a big test this week as they visit always-tough Alto. The Bulldogs, under first year HC Larry Prince, got past Shelbyville 37-19, outscoring their opponent 18-7 in the fourth quarter for a comfortable win. Alto was knocked off by Arp 27-7 a week ago. It was a rare home loss for the Yellow Jackets, who wore down late in both halves against their bigger and more physical 3A opponents. Garrison doesn’t quite have the size or firepower that Arp has on hand, so this looks like a much better matchup for the Yellow Jackets. Expect AHS to get the big plays going, they need to improve in the passing game and this might be the week Alto gets the offense untracked.
Stepp’s Pick: Alto by 5
Craven’s Pick: Alto
Max’s Pick: Alto
Photo by Hale Hughes
Liberty (3-0) at Woodville (3-0)
Two of the more pleasant surprises in Southeast Texas get together in beautiful Woodville in a game that will certainly test just how good the home team is as they tangle with a larger 4A opponent in Liberty. LHS rallied from a 21-13 halftime deficit to knock off Coldspring 25-21, with Jarius Hill hauling in the game-winning score from JJ Slack. The Liberty defense had a key fourth down stand to give their offense the ball back with a chance to win it, and the Panthers took full advantage. Woodville rolled past 4A Orangefield 41-7 a week ago, racking up 317 yards rushing, led by Ivan Lockhart’s 155 yards and three touchdowns. Woodville’s playing some outstanding football at the moment, and their speed at the skill spots has proven to be a big edge along with a vastly improved defense under first year HC Ty Robinson. At home, I expect Woodville to make it four in a row with another big win.
Stepp’s Pick: Woodville by 11
Craven’s Pick: Woodville
Max’s Pick: Woodville
San Antonio O’Connor (2-1) at San Antonio Johnson (3-0)
The San Antonio Saturday night special has the makings of a really good game. It’s clear that Steele and Judson at the moment are the top two teams in the city, but that third spot is a bit up for grabs. O’Connor had their shot at Steele last week, and managed to hang around for three and a half quarters before falling 45-24. QB Roel Sanchez has a good group of receivers, but the Panthers’ lack of speed on the defensive side of the ball was certainly exposed. Johnson, after two close wins, had no trouble with San Antonio Brennan in a 41-23 victory. QB John Guerra threw two of his three touchdown passes to Brandon McDuffie, and the Jaguars defense forced four Brennan turnovers in the win. They will need to be in a turnover-forcing mood this week as O’Connor’s offense executes well and won’t make mistakes. Expect a lot of points in this one, but I give the edge to O’Connor. They performed well against Steele last week, so I’ll go with the more battle-tested team in this matchup.
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio O’Connor by 7
Craven’s Pick: O’Connor
Max’s Pick: O’Connor
Roma (2-1, 0-1) at Mission Veterans Memorial (2-1, 1-0)
Roma had hopes of being in contention for the 31-5A title, but those hopes took a big hit last week in a 28-20 home loss to Laredo Nixon. Now the Gladiators are staring 0-2 in the face as they take on district favorite Mission Vets. Ground-oriented Roma will look to control the clock and keep the ball away from the explosive Patriots attack. That might be easier said than done, as the last two weeks Memorial has played much better on the defensive side of the ball. In last week’s 48-21 win over Laredo Martin, senior QB Diego Hernandez led the way, throwing for 307 yards and six touchdowns, three of which went to Jake Guerrero. Roma’s defense hasn’t been quite to the level they were the past two years, and that could be a big issue when trying to slow down the fast-paced offense of the Patriots.
Stepp’s Pick: Mission Veterans Memorial by 19
Craven’s Pick: Roma
Max’s Pick: Mission Veterans Memorial
Balmorhea (3-0) at Garden City (2-0)
It’s time for my weekly floundering on six-man football!! The Bears of Balmorhea rolled past Marfa 56-8 a week ago in a game that ended in the second quarter. Marco Mendoza led the way with a long touchdown run and he also had a pick-six for a touchdown to lead the Bears. And who knows, maybe they went for a dip in the springs at Balmorhea State Park! A DCTF recommendation, go visit this spot! Garden City had the week off after blasting Santa Anna two weeks ago 52-6. Look for a close game, but I’ll take the Bears, for no other reason other than the State Park advantage! Don’t forget to check out Tepper’s Fixin, To Pick,Em for his video pick on this and every other game we previewed!
Stepp’s Pick: Balmorhea by 8
Craven’s Pick: Balmorhea
Max’s Pick: Balmorhea
PICK ACCURACY THROUGH WEEK THREE
Matt Stepp (DCTF High School Insider): 58%
Greg Tepper (DCTF Managing Editor): 55%
Max Thompson (DCTF Digital Director): 55%
Mike Craven (DCTF Senior Writer): 51%
The post WEEK 4 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football appeared first on Dave Campbell's Texas Football.