Sizing up small schools

By Greg Tepper // TexasFootball.com

Are you ready for some small-school playoff football? Sure, it kicked off last night, but there are literally dozens upon dozens of do-or-die games tonight, which has me all amped up. So let’s start a-previewin’, shall we? Once again, I’ll highlight the best game in each region of each bracket. If you’re looking for our predictions, you can find them here. Onward!
3A DI
Borger vs. Lubbock Cooper, 7:30 Friday at Canyon’s Kimbrough Stadium
Let’s go west, out to Region I, for this matchup. Borger’s a very hot team right now -- the Bulldogs were 2-4 before rattling off their last four games for wins -- and a big reason has been the defense, led by LB Miles McKinney and DE Dustin Clark. But that defense is going to get a test from the outstanding athleticism of Cooper QB Nolan Savage, who’s been a near-constant candidate for our Player of the Week award. This is a great strength-on-strength matchup.

Paris vs. Henderson, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Royse City
If you love 3A DI’s bracket, this is a big reason why: marquee matchups early and often. Paris’ sturdy defense of Delmas Hoye and L.D. Anthony will get a mammoth test from the high-flying Lions, who’ve been derailed a couple times this year by playmaking D’s. QB Del Barnes will need to be on his game. Can first-year Paris coach Barry Bowman bring a little of that Daingerfield magic with him and knock out the defending champs? This is a game that will truly shape the bracket going forward.

Navasota vs. Sealy, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Waller
See what I mean about marquee matchups early and often? I’ve been high on Navasota for a while this year -- coach Lee Fedora’s had the pleasure of running Kadarius Baker out as his QB all year (he of the 30 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions), and the defense has gotten yeoman’s effort from DE Josh Thomas and DB Jacob Malek. But Sealy’s going to be a whole heap of trouble, because these Tigers can flat out fly on defense. LB Shimichael Chatman and LB Zack Knezney lead a fast, athletic unit. Oh, and it also helps to have a gamebreaker like WR Ricky Seals-Jones. I expect a classic.

Lampasas vs. Boerne, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dripping Springs
Down in Region IV, the Badgers were the undisputed kings of 25-3A, using the heroics of QB Brandon Scott and RB Justin Maldonado to run undefeated through the district. Next up for Lampasas? A potentially tricky Boerne team that, I think, is better than its 6-4 record. The Greyhounds can score in bunches with QB Will Amik -- as legit a dual-threat as the bracket has to offer -- running behind a huge OL led by TJ Moyer and Alex Delgado; the only issue is that Boerne’s defense has struggled at times. Look for Lampasas coach Joey McQueen to exploit a beatable Greyhounds D.

3A DII
Decatur vs. Kennedale, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saginaw's Roughrider Stadium
I think Region I of the 3A DII bracket is wide open, and you could make an argument that the winner of this game has as good a chance of winning the region as (almost) anyone. There is just a ton to like about this Decatur team (duh, they went 10-0), specifically QB Garrett Muehlstein’s efficient passing, its multi-faceted running game and a defense that, thanks to LB Coleman Stapp, is allowing just under 17 points per game. The question, though: have they really beaten anyone of note? Kennedale would certainly be “of note”: the Wildcats have a DE by the name of Kola Alli who’s going to be a force, and QB Steven Rivera provides offensive stability. And in a wide open Region I, that might be enough.

Prosper vs. Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins, 7:30 Friday at Southlake Carroll’s Dragon Stadium
Rule of thumb: if you’re young, you’ll get better week by week. Such is the case with Kent Scott’s Prosper club, which has looked leagues better of late than it did at the beginning, in large part because of the maturation of QB Javelle Allen (though it helps having weapons like Torii Hunter Jr., Money Hunter and LaMarcus Allen, too, not to mention big-time DT Zach Neely). But this’ll be a battle of star power, as the Hutch rolls into town with understandable confidence. They’ll boast the best player on the field -- safety LaDarrell McNeil -- and if they can hit a couple big plays with guys like WR Damien Lawry, they’ve got a chance to make all that progress Prosper has made for naught.

Coldspring-Oakhurst vs. Bridge City, Saturday, Barbers Hill
If you’re unfamiliar with Coldspring-Oakhurst, you might be wondering why both Travis and I picked them to win state. In short: RB Sherman Gilbert (a legit threat to break it at any time), a defense featuring LB Kedrick Harrison that’s giving up a stupid-low 6.7 points a game (and not against scrubs, either), and a coach with the last name Barbay (that’s Bryan, son of the late legend Curtis). Their first challenge is exactly that, as Bridge City’s Cardinals more than capable of springing the upset. QB Matt Menard has been a revelation for BC, and the defense has been as stout as you could ask for. The question is...will it be enough?

Devine vs. SA Houston, 7:30 p.m., San Antonio South San
Unstoppable force, meet immovable object. Or, Devine RB Joseph Sadler, meet SA Sam Houston DE Javonte Magee. Sadler -- nicknamed the Gingerbread Man for just the best reasons ever -- is going to break the 3,000-yard mark in this game, unless Magee, one of the state’s most dominant individual defenders, has something to say about it. There’s a lot more to this game than that -- Devine’s defense has been great, and I wonder if SA Sam Houston’s OL can match them up front -- but c’mon! Star power!

2A DI
Godley vs. Bangs, 7:30 Friday at Stephenville
Ah, Godley. The Wildcats have state title hopes, and for good reason: this is “complete package” team, from offense (QB Rhett Brawner gets a lot of pub, but I’m particularly high on RB Riley Davis) to defense (six times, the Wildcats held their opponent to single digits) to coaching (Randy Brawner’s very “been there, done that” when it comes to the playoffs). The first test is a Bangs team that wants to play high-scoring games, and thanks to big-play QB JT Newton, they’re equipped to do it. Problem is, I’m not sure the Dragons have enough D to keep the Wildcats in check.

Eustace vs. Callisburg, 7:30 Friday, Greenville
Have we been sleeping on Eustace? It’s possible; the Bulldogs have turned into a dominating running team with Tyler Folsom, Blake Ward and Jacob McCarter sharing the lion’s share of the carries. The defense is beatable, and that’s what Callisburg has to be counting on in this one: dual-threat QB Clay McKenzie will be looking for holes to exploit in the Eustace D. The problem with that, though, is how inconsistent the Wildcats tend to be. In other words, this could be a shootout, or it could finish 3-0.

Newton vs. Jefferson, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Center
Over in Region III, that noise you hear is the sound of Newton’s defense laying out another opponent. That’s what the Eagles have done all year  behind LB Trevor Holmes and DE Taylor Guidry en route to allowing just 14 points a game. Oh, and it helps to have a running game that between Brandon Johnson and Kevin Shorter is good for about 250 yards a game. It’ll be up to Jefferson’s offense, with QB Bailey Fratangelo, to give Newton trouble. I wonder, though, if Jefferson’s defensive woes will end up hurting them in this one.

Edna vs. Blanco, 6 p.m. Saturday, La Vernia
This one is a razor’s edge type of game, the one that I could see decided by a single possession. Edna’s strength is in its running game with RB Deevin Parks running behind big-time tackle Mac Long. Blanco’s made its mark stopping the run with DE Matt Pepper and DT Michael Garza. It’s a strength-on-strength battle at its best, but I think this one will be determined by the other side of the ball, with Blanco QB Tanner Rogers taking aim at the Edna defense. In any case, don’t miss this one.

2A DII
Henrietta vs. Hamilton, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Graham
There aren’t a ton of great games in Region I in the bi-district round -- a lot of clear favorites, in my opinion -- but this one could be a barnburner. I really think Hamilton is better than its 5-5 record might indicate -- the losses were to Thorndale, Eastland, Cisco, San Saba and Crawford -- and it’s because the defense is capable of being dominant with DT Kirby Massingill and two-way player Payden Nolen (he also plays QB). It’ll need to be dominant; though Henrietta has struggle to score consistently, RB Kolten Booher is one cut away from breaking a big play at any time.

Lone Oak vs. Whitewright, 7:30 p.m. at Forney
Do you go with the experienced team, or the team with the best individual player? If you’re going with experience, Lone Oak’s your pick: the regional semifinalist from a year ago boasts both QB Trevor Lasseter and RB Ty Tolleson. But when the Buffaloes have lost, it’s been because the offense dissipates. If you’re going with the best player, it’s Whitewright’s sensational QB Tyrone Swoopes (who, by the way, is going to be a name you’ll want to remember). But Whitewright’s defense has only been so-so this season. Super-interested to see what wins out here.

Italy vs. Franklin, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Buffalo
I haven’t talked a whole lot about the Italy Gladiators this season, and really, I’m not sure why. Italy RB Ryheem Walker has emerged as the rushing threat that coach Craig Bales was looking for, and he’s added a dangerous weapon to a team with an already exceptional defense. But if you’re looking for a team that runs the ball well, you can’t do a whole lot better than Franklin, who’s been getting mammoth games from Darius Floyd and Luke Lowery week in and week out. The better rushing defense wins out here.

Stockdale vs. San Saba, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Canyon Lake
Remember the names Zack Davis and Allan Hale. If San Saba comes out a winner here, it’ll be because those two running backs had a big game, which they’ve been doing more often than not this season. For Stockdale to win this one, it’ll be behind big offense from QB Colton West and RB Trevor Baumann. But the problem for Stockdale is that if this game isn’t high scoring -- and San Saba DL Will Sloan and DB Kelan Verrette could make that so -- they’re in a tough spot.

1A DI
Canadian vs. Clarendon, 5 p.m. Friday, Pampa
Hey, look, it’s Canadian! You know, the normally reliable for a regional final appearance Wildcats? They may not be as scary as years past, but if you’re looking for a sleeper -- if you can call a team that’s played in three of the last four title games, and won two of them, a sleeper -- it’s probably them, with QB Braden Hudson and WR Isaac Lewis forming what still may be 1A’s toughest-to-stop combination. Clarendon will have its hands full, but if coach Gary Jack can get a big day out of LB Charleston Harris and DT Nathan Dziedric can pressure Hudson, the Broncos have a chance against a Canadian squad that has proven it’s not as invincible as years past.

Honey Grove vs. Lindsay, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Pottsboro
I’m not really sure how Honey Grove has escaped the statewide radar, but it has. But there is a ton to like about Sammy Burnett’s Warriors. They run the ball well with QB Dillon Baugh and RB Cam Brooks. They play sound, bend-don’t-break defense with the aforementioned Brooks at safety and DL Javion Jaramillo. They’re just a darn good team. But so is Lindsay, especially when RB Hud Harrison gets rolling behind big OL Connor Fuhrmann. I think Honey Grove’s the favorite here, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Lindsay pull it out.

Pineland West Sabine vs. Moody, 5 p.m. Saturday, Crockett
West Sabine is going to give up points. The Tigers’ defense has been roasted on a number of occasions, including giving up 77 to Hemphill and 51 to Lovelady. But they’re also going to score, because QB Desmond Lacey is a straight-up playmaker. The same more or less goes for Moody, on a slightly lesser scale. The D’s only OK, but it largely hasn’t mattered because of the tough-running RB Preston Parsons. If Moody keeps West Sabine under 30, I like the Bearcats’ chances; if not, that’s West Sabine’s game.

Goldthwaite vs. La Pryor, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Harper
Hey, remember Goldthwaite? You know...last year’s runner-up, three-time state champ Goldthwaite? This is the time of year the Eagles crave, and they’re battle tested after getting through a brutal District 13-1A DI. QB Tyler Horton has been as good as advertised, but the real revelation has been RB Gary Head. The problem is...Gary Proffitt’s defense hasn’t been as good as usual this season. That’s something La Pryor will try to take advantage of with QB Michael Martinez, but I’m not sure this is a great matchup for the Bulldogs. Give me Goldthwaite to do what it usually does in the playoffs: win.

1A DII
Farwell vs. Smyer, 7 p.m. Friday, Sudan HS
Ugly. That’s how coach Michael Prokop and his Farwell Steers like to win, with a hard-hitting defense led by a tough front of Ryder Ledbetter and Garrett Presnell. And it’s also how Rick Price’s Smyer Bobcats like to play as well, relying more on an experienced defense than QB Jaekob Blewett to  put up huge points. This has all the makings of a low-scoring, West Texas slugfest, and I, for one, can’t wait.

Munday vs. Ralls, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Colorado City
How good was District 8-1A DII? Munday didn’t get a bye. The Moguls have a very simple M.O.: run the ball well with QB Dee Paul and RB Roddrick Taylor, and stuff the opposition with DT Blanford Paul and LB Andrew Serrato (and they’ve done it well, allowing just 15.5 points per game). Ralls comes in as distinct underdogs in my view, but  if they can beat the Moguls at their own game with their big offensive line of Grant James, Mason Salazar, Joseph Chavez and Brady Arthur, and control the clock, they are capable of springing what I would consider to be a substantial upset.

Chilton vs. Cross Plains, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Burleson
Chilton is 6-4, which is not at all indicative of how good the Pirates are. Those losses: Mart, Grandview, Milano and Hubbard. All acceptable, if you ask me, and they’ve got a real chance to make some noise thanks to hard-to-stop RB Cedric Carter. Cross Plains’ best chance is to slow down the rushing attack with DE Ryder Foster and LB Blake Hutchins, but be forewarned: not many people have accomplished that feat this season.

Pettus vs. Sabinal, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Somerset
If you ask me, this is the best matchup of the first round in this bracket. Pettus can be an offensive juggernaut with QB Ryan Beck (2,430 total yards, averaging out to 9 yards per touch), while Sabinal won its way into the playoffs playing hard-nosed defense behind two-way player Matt Medina (he’s also the Yellowjackets’ running back). The winner of this one gets Granger in the area around, and might even be favored in that one.

6M DI
Sands vs. Ira, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Big Spring
You know why six-man is fun? In the playoffs, there are no bad matchups. Look at this one: Ira, our No. 2-ranked team in 6M DI, takes on Sands, our No. 8-ranked team in 6M DI. To put that in perspective, imagine Oklahoma State (No. 2) taking on Arkansas (No. 8). You would absolutely watch that, right? Sands has been boosted by big running offense from Hayden Ware and Junior Rogers, while Ira’s defense, led by Jared Cotton, might be the best in the bracket. It’s a shame someone has to lose this one.

Abbott vs. Leveretts Chapel, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oakwood
People might be sleeping on Abbott just a bit down in Region IV -- probably because it has two losses -- but the Panthers are a real threat to make a run at this thing. The rushing attack of Tyler Russell, Tanner Pope and Darren Popp makes it difficult for defenses to key in on one guy, and the defense has done enough to win. Leveretts Chapel can straight up score with anyone thanks to do-it-all SB Clay White, so “just enough” won’t cut it for Abbott in this one.

6M DII
Sterling City vs. Panther Creek, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Blackwell
Sterling City looks to make its march back to the state title game this season, and it starts here against a Panther Creek team that has the rare combination of a winning record and a negative point differential. I think Sterling City’s got the better defense here -- LB/RB Cooper Hinderliter maeks sure of that -- so Panther Creek’s best shot is to get a huge night out of RB Kelton Powell or QB Ethan Morris (or, most preferably, both).

Jonesboro vs. Rising Star, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Hico
Travis said this on the podcast yesterday, but if there’s a team that can challenge Richland Springs before the state semifinals or so, it’s probably Jonesboro. The Eagles, who just wrapped up an undefeated season, have beaten some of six-man’s big dogs, and done it with remarkable efficiency; they’ve allowed 42 points all season, which is insane for 11-man football and double-insane for 6-man. But first things first before Richland Springs in the next round: a date with a Rising Star team that boasts a dominant defensive lineman in Jansen Fox and a playmaking QB in Kasey Simmons.

Private Schools
Houston St. Thomas vs. Dallas Bishop Lynch
St. Thomas has already played 11 games -- they opted not to take a bye -- and in their five losses, they’ve had trouble scoring. They’ll need big points from RB Derek Martin or QB Justin Sebo tonight, because Bishop Lynch’s multi-headed running monster -- Chris Jordan, JD Bornstad, Kevin Huffaker, and so on -- will be ready. The difference, though: St. Thomas boasts a better defense, which gives it the edge in my view.

Argyle Liberty Christian vs. Austin St. Michael’s
I think this one could be a shootout, with both defenses only being so-so and the teams each boasting a number of weapons, most notably Argyle Liberty Christian’s QB Josh Cousins and Austin St. Michael’s QB Cameron Waites. Whoever makes a stop wins, and I think that favors St. Michael’s. I think.