Sorting out the favorites remaining in each division's bracket

[caption id="attachment_21107" align="alignright" width="246"]Photo by Will Leverett Photo by Will Leverett[/caption] We, dorks like myself in the media, like to create favorites. We need the underdog/favorite dynamic because we feel like it makes a story meaningful. Telling an audience which team was supposed to win gives context to a game story that it wouldn’t otherwise possess. So, with eight teams left in each bracket, here are the favorites (indulge me for a minute). Class 6A – Allen (DI), Katy (DII) Allen is reaching an annoying level of dominance. The Eagles are still alive, searching for their fourth straight championship in the biggest division of the biggest classification in the state. I’m not sure we yet give this program the historical appreciation it deserves. Katy, also a powerhouse program, dodged a bullet to stay eligible and don’t have Cedar Hill to contend with in the title game. Class 5A – Aledo (DI), Cedar Park (DII)                                             Aledo always coasts through Region I of Class 5A D1 and nothing is changing this year. That means Aledo needs to win three games from here to repeat and nothing suggests it shouldn’t happen. Cedar Park beat Aledo to start the season and the Timberwolves looked dominant in each week since. The two are no doubt talented, but each also get the luxury of easier regions. Class 4A – Argyle (DI), Gilmer (DII) Navasota’s loss to Carthage opened up Class 4A D1 and Argyle is the likely benefactor. The toughest remaining test for Argyle may take place this week in a game against Texarkana Liberty-Eylau. The winner of that game must be considered the favorite in the semifinals. In the Class 4A DII bracket, Gilmer escaped a bi-district scare, but still hold a winning streak that will creep toward 40 if the Buckeyes win another state title. Class 3A – Mineola (DI), Waskom (DII) Led by quarterback Jeremiah Crawford and running back Chantz Perkins, Mineola completed its first undefeated season since 1966 and is considered the best Class 3A in the entire state this season. Cameron Yoe is in the discussion, as well. Class 3A DII is a tough one, but I’m going with the defending champions. A rematch with West Rusk takes place this week. Class 2A – Canadian (DI), Bremond (DII) These two teams might be the biggest locks on paper. Canadian is arguably the best pound-for-pound team in the state of Texas. Bremond may not be far behind. It is hard to see either of those teams getting knocked off, but that’s why the games are played and I stick to writing.