Denton Guyer (5-1, 3-0) at Allen (6-0, 3-0)
The big showdown in 6-6A doesn’t technically have playoff implications on the line as Guyer is bound for the Division II bracket, while Allen – the largest high school in the state – will be Division I. Guyer had no trouble with McKinney last week, rolling past the Lions 42-7 as the Wildcats topped 400 yards rushing, led by Myron Mason, who ran for 185 yards and two scores, and sophomore Noah Cain, who had 176 yards rushing and a touchdown. The big question is: can Guyer either continue to run the ball as efficiently as they have against an Allen defense that will load the box, or will the Wildcats try to beat the Eagles through the air? Allen took care of Plano with relative ease, winning 38-15. QB Mitchell Jonke tossed three touchdown passes to lead an efficient Allen attack. Overall, this looks to be an Allen team that’s going to lean on their defense. They don’t appear to be as explosive as they have been in recent years, but it’s still been good enough to be undefeated early on. However, we really don’t know how good this Allen team is. They have wins over two out-of-state opponents, and four opponents in state who at best are borderline playoff teams. This will be a great litmus test to see if Allen is indeed a title contender or just another good team. Allen’s never lost at newly built Eagle Stadium, and this will certainly be one of the biggest tests they’ve had, but I just can’t bring myself to pick against Allen. I’ll take the Eagles in a close one.
Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 3
Craven’s Pick: Allen
Max’s Pick: Allen
Cisco (4-1, 1-0) at Coleman (5-1, 1-0)
The 4-3A Division II title is likely on the line Friday in Coleman as two teams with legitimate state title hopes clash for bragging rights. Cisco opened up district play with a complete demolition of Dublin, beating the Lions 67-14. The Loboes scored 46 points in the first half as QB Kayse Gayle ran for a pair of scores and threw for another. The Cisco offense rolled up 484 yards with 108 coming through the air. Coleman’s defense totally shut down Bangs in a 22-6 win as the Bluecats continued their strong start. Coleman had struggled to get the passing game going, but they managed 126 yards through the air as Darrian Allen hauled in a 19-yard touchdown pass, while Riley Harris ran for 107 yards and two scores. The game being in Coleman certainly gives the Bluecats a boost, but this Cisco squad continues to impress week in and week out. I’m taking the “Big Dam Lobos” on the road; that offense is clicking on all cylinders and although Coleman’s D is tough, I think Cisco breaks a couple of big plays.
Stepp’s Pick: Cisco by 8
Craven’s Pick: Cisco
Max’s Pick: Cisco
Waco La Vega (6-0, 1-0) at China Spring (6-0, 1-0)
The showdown in Central Texas that everyone has been waiting for: defending state champion Waco La Vega, riding a 22-game winning streak, visiting archrival China Spring. CSHS lost a heartbreaker in the regular season to the Pirates a year ago, and then were defeated soundly in the quarterfinals by “MODOC.” Those were China Spring’s only two losses of 2015, and there’s little doubt this one has been circled on the calendars. La Vega had a tough one at home last week against always-dangerous Liberty Hill, but the Pirates passed the test, winning 34-20. La Vega forced Liberty Hill to the air and the Pirates’ dangerous DB’s made them pay, picking off a pair of passes. Meanwhile, junior QB Jamal Williams kept his impressive season accounting for 232 yards of offense and two scores. La Vega’s defense will face their biggest challenge of the year against a high-flying China Spring attack that is averaging 57 points per game. The Cougs didn’t disappoint last week, blasting previously unbeaten Burnet 49-13. The Cougars trio of QB Cutter Haigood, RB Keaton Dudik and WR Tyrik James led the way in the victory and their balance will certainly stress the La Vega defense. In last year’s quarterfinal win, La Vega’s defensive line totally dominated the China Spring offensive line – that will be the matchup to watch. If China Spring’s offensive line holds up, they win this game at home in a shootout. I think this time around, China Spring gets it done in what may just be the first round between these two in 2016.
Stepp’s Pick: China Spring by 4
Craven’s Pick: China Spring
Max’s Pick: Waco La Vega
Corpus Christi Ray (6-0, 2-0) at Corpus Christi Calallen (5-1, 2-0)
The big news regarding Calallen was off the field as the Wildcats had to forfeit wins over Carroll and King. However, because an appeal is pending we’ll leave their record as is until a final UIL ruling takes place. On the field, this game looks to be the showdown for the zone crown and a guaranteed playoff spot. Ray is a surprise unbeaten team as the Texans have blown past their last four opponents, including last week’s 56-12 rout of Tuloso-Midway. QB Brad Brackenridge led the way, throwing for a pair of scores and running for another and the Texans defense completely stymied the ground game of T-M. Calallen drilled Gregory-Portland 46-7 as Gage Lamb ran for three scores and threw for another touchdown to bring HC Phil Danaher one win closer to the state all-time wins record. Calallen built a 40-0 halftime lead and let the defense do the rest in a dominating effort. Calallen appears to be peaking at the right time, and although Ray has the talent to keep this one competitive, look for that Calallen defense to make some timely big plays. I expect the Wildcats to continue their march to what they hope will be a deep playoff run.
Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 17
Craven’s Pick: Calallen
Max’s Pick: Calallen
Grapevine (6-0, 3-0) at Richland (6-0, 3-0)
District 8-5A thus far has been a battle of the “have’s” and the “have not’s,” and finally after three weeks of constant lopsided scores, we get two of the top tier teams to face off. Neither team has played a close game in a few weeks so it’ll be interesting to see how they react in a close game (if it happens). Most of the buzz with Grapevine through the first half of the season has been with their offense and QB Allan Bowman, but the Mustangs defense has been sensational, as well, allowing just seven points in the past twelve quarters. Richland hammered Fort Worth Poly last week by the incredibly lopsided margin of 78-0. QB Trae Self threw four first half touchdown passes and then sat out the entire second half as the Rebels totally dominated. This game is really tough to get a gauge on. Neither team has been tested for quite some time and in these types of games, I tend to lean with the team with the better defense and that nod goes to Grapevine.
Stepp’s Pick: Grapevine by 7
Craven’s Pick: Grapevine
Max’s Pick: Grapevine
Photo by Robert Ward
Temple (5-2, 3-0) at Waco (4-2, 1-1)
A longtime rivalry in Central Texas gets renewed as Temple – after losing their two non-district games – visits Waco ISD Stadium. THS didn’t have any hangover after their big win over A&M Consolidated as they blew past overmatched Bryan Rudder 56-13 last week. Junior RB’s Zion Leach and Xavier Henderson each ran for three touchdowns and topped the 100-yard mark on the ground as they were just a small part of the Wildcats attack. Waco had a bye week to try to work in their new signal caller and throw some new wrinkles at Temple after they lost starting QB Will Richards III three weeks ago. Expect Waco to throw the kitchen sink at Temple, but the Lions are overmatched on this one I expect Temple to roll.
Stepp’s Pick: Temple by 28
Craven’s Pick: Temple
Max’s Pick: Temple
Kilgore (4-3, 3-0) at Henderson (6-0, 2-0)
It’s another massive week in East Texas, specifically District 9-4A Division I, as the last two remaining unbeaten teams in the district meet up with playoff seeding and a district title on the line. Kilgore, after a 1-3 non-district start, has rolled to a 3-0 start in district play and they served notice they’d be a force come playoff time as the Bulldogs knocked off Carthage last week 41-34. QB Patrick Jackson and RB Melek Hamilton had huge nights as the Bulldogs put together a full 48 minutes and showed if they play well, they are capable of beating anyone in the state. Henderson has a unique advantage as they beat Carthage two weeks ago, and then they’ve got the luck of the draw of having a bye. So the Lions have had two weeks to work on Kilgore and with game breakers like TCU commits LaKendrick VanZandt and Tristen Ebner, the Lions are simply a handful. Kilgore put it together last week for a full 48, but can they do it two weeks in a row and on the road?
Stepp’s Pick: Henderson by 9
Craven’s Pick: Henderson
Max’s Pick: Henderson
Gladewater (5-0, 1-0) at Gilmer (5-1, 1-0)
Another huge game in East Texas with playoff implications is the one between longtime rivals Gilmer and Gladewater. The last time these two played Gilmer won an absolute thriller in the third round of the 2014 playoffs in front of an overflow crowd in Longview 41-35. That win propelled the Buckeyes to a state title while Gladewater lost a tremendous group of seniors. The Bears took a year to rebuild but they appear to be back on track with a great start. Can they go to Gilmer and knock off the extremely potent Buckeyes? Gladewater blasted Longview Spring Hill 62-7 last week, while Gilmer’s offense had some trouble and the defense bailed them out in a 31-10 win over Texarkana Pleasant Grove. I’ve got a few concerns about Gladewater’s overall strength of schedule so the edge goes to the Buckeyes in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Gilmer by 12
Craven’s Pick: Gilmer
Max’s Pick: Gilmer
El Paso Del Valle (4-3, 4-1) at El Paso Eastlake (4-2, 4-0)
It’s a massive battle on the east side of El Paso with 2-5A title implications. Del Valle has struggled against the city’s newest power the past couple of years. After a loss to Canutillo two weeks ago, some left the Conquistadores for dead, but they have bounced back with consecutive wins over Parkland and Riverside. Eastlake dropped both of their non-district games, but they have won four in a row. They haven’t all been easy as Parkland and Bel Air tested the Falcons in a big way. Last week however, Eastlake had their way with Hanks in an impressive 67-17 win. Eastlake’s offense will score points, they’ve shown that most of the year, while Del Valle hasn’t shown much offensive consistency. That trend and recent history lends me to give the nod to the Falcons.
Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Eastlake by 7
Craven’s Pick: Eastlake
Max’s Pick: Eastlake
Port Neches-Groves (6-0, 4-0) at Port Arthur Memorial (5-0, 4-0)
The Golden Triangle will be buzzing with this matchup that likely will decide a district title. PNG was expected to be in this position. The Indians have a ton of experience to go along with some exciting young talent, as well. Last week, PNG got tested by the always tricky Slot-T offense from Vidor, but they passed the test in a 41-22 victory. Sophomore QB Roschon Johnson continued to put up big numbers, accounting for 380 yards of offense and five touchdowns. The Titans from Port Arthur Memorial were thought by most to simply be one of several teams who may fight for a playoff spot after a rough 2015 season, but led by QB Kadon Harrison and a fast and opportunistic defense, PAM is unbeaten after a 27-7 win over Lumberton last week. I expect points in bunches in this one as both offensive units are prolific, but I like the PNG defense to make a few plays that prove to be the difference as I am setting the over/under at 90 total points.
Stepp’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves by 11
Craven’s Pick: Port Arthur Memorial
Max’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves
Photo by Carlos Barron
Cedar Park (6-0, 4-0) at Georgetown (6-1, 4-1)
Some of the luster on this game was lost last week when Georgetown was drilled by Leander Rouse 60-27. Cedar Park, on the hand, rested up during a bye week. Now a reeling Georgetown defense will have a tough task of slowing down junior QB Mak Sexton, who has had a strong follow up after leading the Timberwolves to a state title a year ago. An extra week to prepare only stacks the odds further in the favor of CPHS and their rapidly improving offense. One area that has stayed stout in Cedar Park is the defense, which has shut out four of the team’s six opponents and given up a paltry 33 points all year. Expect that group to do what they do once again, and Georgetown’s defense won’t be able to hold out. Expect Cedar Park to pull away in the second half.
Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Park by 21
Craven’s Pick: Cedar Park
Max’s Pick: Cedar Park
Round Rock Cedar Ridge (7-0, 3-0) vs. Round Rock (4-2, 2-0)
Another battle that could be for the district title in the northern suburbs of Austin, this time at the 6A level. Cedar Ridge has yet to lose under new HC Shawn Bell and the Raiders the past few weeks have made it look easy, last week they destroyed Stony Point to the tune of 56-3 as QB Garrett Sharp was “sharp” and the Raiders defense scored three (yes three) touchdowns. It was a complete domination, but now the showdown for the district title and Round Rock despite a bit of a rocky start has gotten their wheels back on. The Dragons handled a solid Pflugerville team 35-14 last week, they aren’t as flashy as Cedar Ridge, but they are very effective. The edge still goes to CRHS, we know the Raiders can score points, but if they continue to play defense at a high level they are a definite sleeper in Region II.
Stepp’s Pick: Round Rock Cedar Ridge by 13
Craven’s Pick: Cedar Ridge
Max’s Pick: Cedar Ridge
Cypress Ranch (6-0, 5-0) vs. Houston Langham Creek (5-1, 4-1)
The District 17-6A title in the always competitive Cy Fair ISD could be on the line as unbeaten Cy Ranch takes on high powered Langham Creek. Cy Ranch’s offense exploded last week in a 73-45 shootout win over Cy Springs. WR Keric Wheatfall had 97 receiving yards and a touchdown, along with a kickoff return for a score, to lead a Ranch offense that saw eight different players score touchdowns. The 45 points allowed, however, has to be a concern for Coach Johnson as they try to contain the Lobos offense. Langham Creek drilled Cy Lakes 69-25 last week as Toneil Carter ran for 154 yards and four touchdowns. Expect a shootout between these two and a near packed house. These are both solid playoff teams and if things break right they could make some noise in Region III. Cy Ranch’s defense will have their hands full, but I think they have enough to get a stop or two per half and that may be enough.
Stepp’s Pick: Cypress Ranch by 6
Craven’s Pick: Cypress Ranch
Max’s Pick: Cypress Ranch
Humble Atascocita (4-1, 2-1) vs. Humble Summer Creek (5-0, 3-0)
Atascocita suffered their first loss of the year last week as the Eagles dropped their showdown with Galena Park North Shore 31-21. The typically robust AHS offense was held in check by the stout North Shore defense and although Summer Creek is undefeated, they won’t post near the challenge for QB Daveon Boyd, who completed just 16 of 34 passes last week. SCHS rolled past hapless Houston King last week 49-6, but the Bulldogs haven’t faced a group as explosive as Atascocita. SCHS keeps this close for a half, but expect the Eagles to run away in the second.
Stepp’s Pick: Humble Atascocita by 22
Craven’s Pick: Atascocita
Max’s Pick: Atascocita
Pearland (5-2, 2-1) vs. Pearland Dawson (5-1, 2-0)
The Rig will be jumping on Friday as Pearland’s two power programs meet up for city bragging rights and the chance to remain in the hunt for a district title. Pearland has a tougher road after their loss to unbeaten to Alief Taylor, but the Oilers seems to be getting things together as they ripped Hastings 35-3 last week. PHS is getting healthy at the QB position and RB’s Jalen Benefield and Davier Pinkston certainly give the Oilers the ability to control the tempo with the ground game. The Oilers defense continues to be solid as always. Dawson took care of Brazoswood 35-19 as WR Niko Thomas hauled in three passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. There’s no question this will be an absolute war; even if both teams were winless this game will be intense and close. Pearland has dominated Dawson, winning several close games down the stretch. I anticipate something similar this week, maybe even an overtime game.
Stepp’s Pick: Pearland by 3
Craven’s Pick: Pearland Dawson
Max’s Pick: Pearland
Photo by Rickey Brown
Electra (6-0, 1-0) at Munday (5-1, 1-0)
Up until last year, Munday had dominated this always-intense rivalry, but the Tigers broke through last year and stunned the Moguls on their home field. It was the first win for EHS over Munday since 2002. Electra, now unbeaten, comes into this year’s game a slight favorite. Munday, despite not having RB Dayveon Dockins, rolled past Archer City 29-7, and this week Dockins is expected to play, so that gives Munday a boost. Electra rolled past Haskell 42-17 as the Tigers ran for 357 yards, led by Drake Cooper who ran for 180 yards and three touchdowns and threw for 102 yards, while the EHS defense notched three interceptions. This should be a close one. On paper, these two are very evenly matched, and while home field is big for Munday, Electra proved last year they can win there.
Stepp’s Pick: Electra by 4
Craven’s Pick: Electra
Max’s Pick: Electra
Hooks (3-4, 2-1) at Daingerfield (3-3, 2-0)
Although both teams saw their fair share of struggles in non-district play, they’ve righted the ship when it has counted. Hooks, however, suffered a setback last week, falling in surprising fashion to Ore City 52-41. The Hooks defense simply had no answers as they allowed 557 yards of offense in the loss. HHS does have one of the state’s top game breakers ATH Montrell Estell. Daingerfield dropped three of their first four games under new HC Mike Waldie, but the Tigers have now won two in a row after a dominant 37-7 win over DeKalb. The Tigers D allowed just eight first downs on the night and DeKalb’s only score came off a blocked punt. That Daingerfield defense will be the difference in this one as the Tigers move to 3-0 in district play and get above .500.
Stepp’s Pick: Daingerfield by 14
Craven’s Pick: Hooks
Max’s Pick: Daingerfield
Panhandle (4-2, 1-0) at Stratford (5-1, 1-0)
The district title in 1-2A Division I could likely be on the line Friday as the district’s top two teams square off. Panhandle’s defense stepped up in a big way last week as they pitched a shutout in a 20-0 win over West Texas. The Panthers defense will get a big challenge this week as they try to contain the physical and methodical rushing attack from the Elks. Stratford got a tougher than anticipated test from Sunray in a 28-21 win last week. Gage Brooks led the way with a pair of touchdown runs for the Elks. Look for a low scoring, close-to-the-vest type game. Both teams will lean on tough defenses to carry the way, and Stratford generally excels in these types of games, so lean to the Elks to take another step towards a district crown.
Stepp’s Pick: Stratford by 6
Craven’s Pick: Stratford
Max’s Pick: Stratford
Lubbock Monterey (5-1, 0-1) vs. Lubbock Coronado (6-0, 1-0)
A little of the shine in this matchup was taken off last week as Monterey suffered their first loss of the season 24-17 to Abilene Cooper. There’s still plenty to play for, however, as it’s likely both of these teams will move to the Division I bracket of the playoffs, so seeding could be on the line. Lubbock Coronado QB Qua Gray led the way for the Mustangs last week in a 56-14 win over San Angelo Lake View as he threw for 392 yards and seven touchdowns to lead an explosive attack. On paper, these two are very evenly matched. It’s a true pick ‘em game here, but I’m not going to let Monterey’s close loss to Abilene Cooper deter me. I think the Plainsmen get a slight edge.
Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Monterey by 3
Craven’s Pick: Lubbock Coronado
Max’s Pick: Lubbock Coronado
Wink (5-2, 1-0) at Iraan (6-0, 0-0)
Wink opened up district play in impressive fashion, blowing past Irion County 57-7 a week ago. Sophomore QB Kenny Hrncir continued his strong season, rushing for two scores and throwing for another as Winks’s balanced offense was too much for ICHS. The task is much tougher this week as Wink hosts an Iraan squad that many think can contend for a state title. Add in the fact that Iraan has had a week off to heal some bumps and bruises, and I expect the Braves to roll in this one. In fact, I’m not sure we’ll see Iraan get a serious challenge again until the playoffs.
Stepp’s Pick: Iraan by 25
Craven’s Pick: Iraan
Max’s Pick: Iraan
Photo by Hale Hughes
Newton (6-0, 1-0) at Garrison (5-1, 1-0)
With all the craziness that took place last week, Newton’s complete demolition of Crockett didn’t get the publicity it deserved, but what a performance from the Eagles, who have now pitched consecutive shutouts. It was as impressive a performance from NHS as we’ve seen in a few years, and cements their spot as the favorite to win a 3A Division II state title. Garrison, under new HC Larry Prince, got themselves a district opening win, knocking off Frankston 35-28. Although the win is nice, the margin is a bit concerning as Frankston is a good bit down from where they were the past two seasons. I expect another lopsided result as Newton is hitting their stride down the stretch.
Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 31
Craven’s Pick: Newton
Max’s Pick: Newton
Odessa Permian (4-2, 0-2) at Amarillo Tascosa (5-2, 2-1)
For all intents and purposes, this may be Permian’s last stand in the 2016 season. The Panthers got off to a tremendous 4-0 start but have dropped their first two games in 2-6A play, including a gut punch 49-48 loss to unbeaten Midland last week. Permian can’t afford a loss this week for two reasons. First, 0-3 is a huge hole to climb out of, especially with a game against unbeaten San Angelo Central pending. Second, and perhaps even bigger, even if they won out and finished 3-3, head-to-head losses to Frenship and Tascosa could do them in when it comes to tiebreakers. Permian’s got to find a way to go to Bivins and get a win. The problem is Tascosa needs this one, as well. The Rebels close out 2-6A play with games against Midland High and San Angelo, so a loss here would be tough to overcome. A year ago, Tascosa stunned MOJO in the area playoffs and Permian hasn’t forgotten that for sure, but I think the senior leadership of THS, along with being at home, plays a major factor in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Amarillo Tascosa by 4
Craven’s Pick: Odessa Permian
Max’s Pick: Odessa Permian
Dripping Springs (6-0, 3-0) at Boerne Champion (5-1, 3-0)
Two of 26-5A’s top three teams meet up in Boerne with potentially a district title on the line. Dripping Springs has excelled in their new district digs, rolling to an unbeaten start after knocking off a feisty Lockhart bunch 48-30. QB Reese Johnson had a big night with 322 yards of offense and four touchdowns to pace the Tigers who for a half had trouble with the Lockhart offense, but adjusted in the second half to slow the Lions down. Champion had no such trouble with Marble Falls as the Chargers rolled to a 49-7 win. In fact, Champion scored the first six times they had the ball in running out to a 42-0 lead in the first quarter, which triggered a running clock for the remainder of the night. Expect a shootout in this one, both offenses are high powered, but Champion’s defensive experience will be the difference for the Chargers.
Stepp’s Pick: Boerne Champion by 11
Craven’s Pick: Dripping Springs
Max’s Pick: Boerne Champion
Smithson Valley (3-2, 2-1) at Schertz Clemens (5-1, 3-0)
A big matchup in 27-6A as Smithson Valley’s stout defense faces the large task of slowing down Frank Harris and the Buffs offense. After dropping the district opener by seven to powerhouse Cibolo Steele, the Rangers defense has turned it up the last two weeks, allowing just six points in the last eight quarters. Their focus this week will be on QB Frank Harris and the Clemens offense, which is averaging over 45 points per game. In last week’s 52-13 rout of New Braunfels Canyon, Harris ran for 177 yards and two scores on just six carries and he tossed a pair of touchdown passes, as well. The real key for Clemens has been their defensive improvement. After allowing 41 points in the opener, the Buffs have allowed just 47 points in the past five games.
Stepp’s Pick: Schertz Clemens by 6
Craven’s Pick: Schertz Clemens
Max’s Pick: Smithson Valley
San Benito (6-0, 3-0) at Harlingen South (4-2, 1-2)
The District 32-6A race got turned upside down last week as the battle for the playoffs has intensified greatly with Harlingen South’s upset loss at the hands of Brownsville Hanna. Now the Hawks at 1-2 are facing a must-win against the district leader San Benito. The Greyhounds drilled an overmatched Brownsville Rivera squad 70-6 last week as SBHS jumped out to a 49-0 halftime lead and the backups extended the lead in the second half. Mistakes plagued South in their upset loss last week to Hanna. I expect those to be cleaned up, but going against the top team in the Valley is a tall order for the desperate Hawks.
Stepp’s Pick: San Benito by 16
Craven’s Pick: San Benito
Max’s Pick: San Benito
Follett (5-1) at Happy (6-0)
If you want to see great 1A football, the panhandle is usually the place to be and that’s no exception this week. Follett rolled past six-man newcomer White Deer 70-20 last week, but the Panthers have their hands full this week with maybe the top six-man team in the state in Happy. Ironically, Happy won last week 70-20 over the Swifts from Nazareth as RB Karson Bryan again led the way with five touchdowns rushing in the first half. Happy’s offense is borderline unstoppable, so we’ll go with the Cowboys to keep their roll going.
Stepp’s Pick: Happy by 18
Craven’s Pick: Happy
Max’s Pick: Happy
PICK ACCURACY THROUGH WEEK SEVEN
Matt Stepp (DCTF High School Insider): 65%
Greg Tepper (DCTF Managing Editor): 64%
Max Thompson (DCTF Digital Director): 61%
Mike Craven (DCTF Senior Writer): 59%
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