WEEK 6 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Week 6 PreviewEuless Trinity (4-0, 1-0) at Southlake Carroll (3-1,1-0) After dropping their season opener, many thought Southlake Carroll was in for a down year, but all the Dragons have done since is pull off three straight wins including an impressive 42-7 win over much improved Flower Mound. Senior RB Audricke Gaines, a Mansfield Timberview transfer, has certainly emerged for the Dragons as he led the way last week with 141 yards on the ground and a pair of touchdowns. The Dragons defense continues to impress as well, holding FMHS to just 211 yards of offense and forcing four turnovers. SLC’s defense will need to be even better this week as they look to slow down the big and physical ground game from Trinity. The Trojans had no trouble either last week, rolling past Lewisville 41-7. Special teams were big for THS, blocking a pair of Fighting Farmer punts. Trinity’s ground game was led by Courage Keihn, who had 145 yards and a pair of scores. Greg Garner chipped in 65 yards and two scores, as well. Trinity’s defense has been extremely consistent through the first four weeks, much like Southlake’s, so I anticipate a close-to-the-vest low scoring affair. Trinity excels in these types of games so I’ll lean to the Trojans in a clash that likely will decide the 5-6A title. Stepp’s Pick: Euless Trinity by 3 Craven’s Pick: Euless Trinity Max’s Pick: Euless TrinityHenderson (5-0, 1-0) at Carthage (3-0, 0-0) Powerful Henderson kept their unbeaten record alive with another impressive win over Tyler Chapel Hill, 40-14. It was Henderson’s closest game of the year as they “only” won by 26 points, and it shows just how dominating the Lions have been. Once again TCU commit LaKendrick VanZandt led the way for the Lions, rushing for three touchdowns, but the test this week will be their biggest yet as they take on Carthage in one of East Texas’ most hotly contested rivalries. Carthage is two weeks removed from blowing away Gilmer 55-37 in a game that for all intents and purposes wasn’t that close. Carthage got the running game untracked and that was big as they were able to control the tempo and keep the high-flying Gilmer attack sidelined. Expect Henderson to try to crowd the line and force Carthage to beat them with the pass. The problem with that is Carthage is more than capable of big plays in the passing game and the Bulldogs D will keep VanZandt and fellow TCU commit Trestan Ebner in check. Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 8 Craven’s Pick: Carthage Max’s Pick: CarthageIraan (5-0) at Sonora (5-0) Gear up for a big interclass matchup along I-10 in far Southwest Texas as 2A Iraan once again steps up in weight class to take on powerful 3A Sonora. The Braves rolled through a 3A opponent last week, knocking off Colorado City 35-7 as QB Clayton Kent and the Iraan offense continued their high-powered ways. The last two weeks for Sonora sophomore QB Kaiden Cordell have been quite impressive. After earning Mr. Texas Football in Week 4, Cordell followed that up with an encore in last week’s 68-7 rout of Crane. Cordell threw for 372 yards and five touchdowns and ran for another score in the victory. In this game the two elite QB’s likely cancel each other out, but the edge goes to Sonora with superior size and depth. The Broncos wear down the smaller Braves for a big win to close non-district. Stepp’s Pick: Sonora by 11 Craven’s Pick: Iraan Max’s Pick: IraanCameron Yoe (4-1, 1-0) at Franklin (5-0, 1-0) Cameron Yoe has bounced back from their embarrassing loss to China Spring in a nice way as the Yoemen knocked off a solid McGregor squad 44-20 to open district play. QB Zack Andress had a solid outing, throwing for 206 yards and four touchdowns to lead the way, while RB Tydrick Williams gave balance to the attack with 106 yards on the ground. Franklin’s non-district resume is as good as any in the state. The Lions, led by veteran HC Mike Hedrick, have amassed some tremendous wins as the move to Division I hasn’t bothered last year’s Division II runner-ups. The Lions drilled Troy 42-14 to open district play last week as Datron Dixon and Bobby Graham ran for 208 yards and a combined four touchdowns as the timeless formula of a potent ground game and a punishing defense has worked to perfection. Franklin’s resume is also quite impressive and the Lions will control the clock and the tempo of this game and get a big win at home. Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 5 Craven’s Pick: Franklin Max’s Pick: Franklin [caption id="attachment_25872" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]Photo by Ashley Wirz Photo by Ashley Wirz[/caption] Lubbock Coronado (4-0) at Andrews (5-0) It’s a battle of unbeaten teams on the High Plains as Coronado’s unbeaten mark is certainly a surprise, while Andrews at the 4A level isn’t quite the surprise. Coronado had a bye week after defeating Canyon Randall 34-19. The Mustangs were led by QB Qua Gray, who topped 300 passing yards and three touchdowns in the win. Coronado’s defense will be tested in a big way against an Andrews offense that has scored 43 or more points in three of five games. The Mustangs did have some trouble with struggling Big Spring last week, and with Lubbock High in Week 2. Coronado is a much more dangerous team than any opponent Andrews has seen thus far and I like CHS to roll in this battle of Mustangs. Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Coronado by 15 Craven’s Pick: Coronado Max’s Pick: CoronadoSan Antonio Reagan (4-1, 1-0) vs. San Antonio Churchill (4-1, 1-0) This is a big matchup in 26-6A as two of the district title contenders meet up in a separation game. The Rattlers had no trouble with San Antonio MacArthur last week, handling the Brahamas 38-6 as RB Marquis Duncan had four touchdown runs to pace the RHS offense, while the defense forced four MacArthur turnovers in the victory. Churchill, in their usual workman-like effort, had no trouble with San Antonio Lee, beating the Vols 26-0 on Saturday night. The Chargers used two QBs and both had solid outings as Jordan Billups and Max Miller each tossed a pair of touchdown passes. The Chargers defense forced three turnovers and held Lee to just 253 yards of offense. Both defenses have shown to be very good at times, but I lean to Reagan and their offense which has a bit more firepower and pop than Churchill. Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Reagan by 7 Craven’s Pick: Reagan Max’s Pick: ReaganPearland (4-1, 1-0) at Alief Taylor (5-0, 1-0) Despite being decimated by injuries at the QB position, Pearland has still managed a solid 4-1 start. The Oilers are now down to their fourth string QB in Brandon Buckley after the first two QB’s went down with injuries and the third QB – just a sophomore – simply wasn’t ready for varsity football. Buckley stepped in from WR and played a great game in the 37-20 win over Pasadena Memorial two weeks ago, and he kept it up last week as the Oilers opened district play 37-9. Second string QB Jacob Whitehead could be back soon and that would certainly be a big boost for the Oilers after losing Texas A&M commit Conner Blumrick early in the first game of the year. Taylor went to 5-0 for the first time in school history last week as they rolled past Brazoswood 35-0. The Lions, under first year HC Brian Randle, have a strong resume, but Pearland seems to be finding their footing and the Oilers dominance – especially up front – will be crucial in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Pearland by 10 Craven’s Pick: Pearland Max’s Pick: PearlandArp (4-1, 1-0) at Elysian Fields (5-0, 1-0) After dropping their season opener, Arp has really turned it on of late and they sent a clear message last week with a convincing 27-7 win over Waskom to open district play. QB Tyler Stewart led the way for the Tigers, running for a pair of touchdowns and tossing an 83-yard touchdown pass to break the game open in the third quarter. Another tough test waits this week as Elysian Fields is off to an undefeated start. The Yellowjackets drilled Harleton 46-0 last week to earn their second consecutive shutout win as the week before they shut out Dallas First Baptist. There’s not much separation between these two, but Arp’s played the better schedule and top to bottom they have the look of a regional title contender. I think they make a big statement this week with a big road win. Stepp’s Pick: Arp by 11 Craven’s Pick: Arp Max’s Pick: Arp [caption id="attachment_25870" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]Photo by John Murphy Photo by John Murphy[/caption] Atlanta (3-1) at Tatum (4-1) Aside from Gilmer, these may be the two Division II teams in Class 4A out in East Texas. They’ve got plenty of familiarity with each other. Both teams have the common thread of lopsided losses to powerful Henderson and aside from that, each has been solid. Atlanta has an impressive win over Texarkana Liberty-Eylau under its belt and last week the Rabbits shut out New Boston 52-0 as QB Layton Henderson threw three touchdowns and the AHS defense held New Boston to just 132 yards of offense. Tatum owns a win over 3A power Arp, but the Eagles’ 49-21 win over Pittsburg last week is easily their most impressive win of the year. It was a balanced effort from THS, who got down early 7-0 and then scored 28 straight to put the game out of reach by halftime. I expect a very physical game between two teams who bring a ton of team speed to the table, and I’ll give a slight edge to the road team in this matchup. Stepp’s Pick: Atlanta by 3 Craven’s Pick: Atlanta Max’s Pick: AtlantaCorpus Christi Ray (4-0) at Alice (4-0) Two surprise unbeaten teams begin zone play in the massive District 30-5A. Ray has blitzed through teams in the opposite zone during non-district with wins over King, Carroll, Moody and Veterans Memorial. Now the Texans step outside of CCISD for the first time and they’ll get a stern test on the pristine grass surface in Alice. Ray has had two weeks to prepare for this one, so expect plenty of new wrinkles. Alice, under new HC Justen Evans, got themselves a huge win last week over Flour Bluff 24-23. The Coyotes have moved to a more wide-open attack and thus far, the switch in systems has worked out well. This will be a close one, but Ray’s offense is operating at an efficient level and I think the Texans win a barn burner. Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Ray by 4 Craven’s Pick: Alice Max’s Pick: AlicePlano East (2-2, 1-0) at Denton Guyer (3-1, 1-0) A battle that many think will be for second place in 6-6A, and if things break right this could also be a game that determines playoff seeding. East jumped out to a 36-7 lead last week and held off a late Wylie rally to win comfortably 36-21. RB Jonathan Meadors ran for 130 yards and four touchdowns, while Miklo Smalls accounted for 236 yards of offense and ran for a touchdown. LB Anthony Hines III was also huge in the win as he had an impressive 23 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Guyer knocked off Plano 34-24 as the RB duo of Myron Mason and Noah Cain combined for 317 yards rushing and five touchdowns, but Guyer’s lack of a passing game is still concerning. PESH will stack the line and dare Guyer to run against a loaded box or make the Wildcats beat them through the air. East’s front seven will have their hands full, but if they can win that battle up front the Panthers could pull the upset. However, I’m going with the proven commodity here. Guyer’s found ways to win big games in the past and East has found ways to lose them. Until PESH proves me otherwise, I can’t pick them in these types of games. Stepp’s Pick: Denton Guyer by 7 Craven’s Pick: Denton Guyer Max’s Pick: Denton GuyerEl Paso (3-1, 0-1) at El Paso Chapin (4-0, 1-0) After a strong start to the season, EPHS got served a dose of humbling reality last week as the Tigers were drummed by Andress 38-0. The task gets tougher this week as El Paso High takes on a surging Chapin squad that is off to a sizzling start. The Huskies defense has been one of the best in the state early in the season, allowing just 21 points in four games and only seven points in the past three contests. The game featured something interesting as Chapin, who typically plays home games at nearby Irvin High, was forced to move the game to their campus, which has a much smaller setting due to a power outage at Irvin. It didn’t faze CHS much as they rolled to an easy win over an outmanned opponent. I expect a very similar result this week as Chapin is simply too much for El Paso High. Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Chapin by 28 Craven’s Pick: Chapin Max’s Pick: ChapinFrisco Lone Star (3-1, 1-0) vs. Frisco (4-0, 1-0) As Lone Star made their run all the way to the state title game last year, they had just a single blemish on their record, a loss to Frisco. Coach Jeff Rayburn’s squad will look to erase that memory this week as 13-5A gets back into district play after a week off. The Rangers took one on the chin in their last outing, losing to powerful Denton Ryan, so unbeaten Frisco will certainly have their attention. QB Jason Shelley has been outstanding all year and if the Rangers can provide him protection, he can make the defense pay. Frisco will rely on the ground game; they’ve switched to a flexbone attack and RB Jamal Stanfield is one of about a half dozen ball carriers the Raccoons will throw at LSHS. Frisco will run behind their two Texas Tech-commit OL’s in Jack Anderson and Dawson Deaton, trying to control the tempo and keep the ball away from the Lone Star attack. The strategy works for a half, but Lone Star’s offense is too much for Frisco as a dry track is expected, unlike last year when this game was played in a driving rain storm. Stepp’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star by 17 Craven’s Pick: Lone Star Max’s Pick: Lone Star [caption id="attachment_25871" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]Photo by Brian Thompson Photo by Brian Thompson[/caption] Jasper (3-1) at Hardin-Jefferson (3-1) Jasper will look to close out non-district on a high after they blasted University Academy from Alexandria, LA, 42-6 a week ago. The Bulldogs only have two games left at their historic old stadium before they move into their new on-campus digs. This will in fact be the final homecoming game at the facility known locally as “The Alamo.” Hardin-Jefferson is a surprising 3-1, and the last two weeks they’ve been totally dominating, rolling past Beaumont Kelly and Hardin by a combined 103-0 score. The level of play ramps up about three levels this week as Jasper is a strong team that is capable of a deep playoff run. I don’t expect the Hawks to fare well on the road in Jasper. Stepp’s Pick: Jasper by 16 Craven’s Pick: Jasper Max’s Pick: JasperWolfforth Frenship (3-2, 1-0) at Midland (4-1, 1-0) After losing two straight games and trailing Odessa Permian 28-10, Frenship’s season was on the brink and the Tigers responded in a big way with 30 straight points in the second half to stun previously undefeated Permian 40-28. RB Garrison Johnson led the way with 134 yards and two scores, with the majority coming in the second half. The Tigers now head on the road to take on a very good Midland squad whose only loss was a heartbreaker to DeSoto. The Bulldogs ripped past Midland Lee 47-14 last week as DB Jacoby Thornton had a big night with not one but two interception returns for touchdowns in the victory. RB Ricky Hubert and WR McLane Mannix give the Bulldogs plenty of dynamic playmakers on offense. Frenship played so well in the second half last week, it’s tough to imagine they can repeat that effort on the road against a Midland High squad that’s probably better than the Permian team they knocked off last week. I’m taking the Bulldogs as it looks like they could be headed for a late season showdown with San Angelo Central for the district title. Stepp’s Pick: Midland by 10 Craven’s Pick: Wolfforth Frenship Max’s Pick: MidlandSeminole (3-1, 0-1) at Midland Greenwood (4-0, 1-0) It’s a little early to call a game a “must-win” but Seminole certainly doesn’t want to be 0-2 in district play after a disappointing loss to Monahans last week. The Indians will have their hands full on the road as they take on unbeaten and state ranked Midland Greenwood. The Rangers drilled Fort Stockton 59-8 last week as Stace Bell led a balanced attack, running for 170 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just 12 carries, and he kicked a 31-yard field goal, as well. Greenwood put up 538 yards of offense in the win, including 401 yards on the ground. Greenwood is loaded with senior experience and leadership, and this looks to be a team poised to make some noise in the playoffs. We’ll take the Rangers. Stepp’s Pick: Midland Greenwood by 14 Craven’s Pick: Midland Greenwood Max’s Pick: Midland GreenwoodPost (4-1) at Farwell (4-0) A really good 2A non-district tilt on the High Plains is in store as once beaten Post hooks up with the Steers from Farwell. The Antelopes have rebounded nicely from their loss to Coleman with back-to-back impressive wins over Idalou and Slaton. In last week’s 49-0 shutout of Slaton, PHS RB AJ Reed led the way with 276 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. Post’s defense was outstanding as well, holding Slaton to just 133 yards of offense. Farwell, two weeks ago, won a slugfest with Sundown 14-7. The Steers will be punching above their weight class in this one as Post is a 2A Division I school and is just a recent drop down from 3A. That size and depth advantage will factor heavily in favor of the Antelopes. Stepp’s Pick: Post by 15 Craven’s Pick: Post Max’s Pick: Post [caption id="attachment_25874" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]Photo by Rodney Ayers Photo by Rodney Ayers[/caption] Sterling City (4-1) at Richland Springs (4-0) Noted six-man football analyst Greg Tepper told me once, “When in doubt in six man, take Richland Springs.” Seems like good advice as the Coyotes are unbeaten after a LONG road trip to neutral site Seguin to knock off High Island 54-7 last week. RSHS held High Island to zero yards rushing and Hutton Lusty ran for three touchdowns to lead 1A Division II’s top team. Sterling City drilled Hermleigh 64-6 a week ago, but they could be in over their heads in this one. As always, check out Tepper’s pick on Fixin’ To Pick ‘Em, and don’t miss Cowboy Parks’ six-man column every week at Texas Football. Stepp’s Pick: Richland Springs by 24 Craven’s Pick: Richland Springs Max’s Pick: Richland SpringsWeslaco East (3-1, 1-0) at San Benito (4-0, 1-0) The grind that is the 32-6A schedule continues this week as both Weslaco East and San Benito are fresh off hard fought victories. East’s defense was the story last week in a 24-7 win over rival Weslaco High in the annual Tinaco Bowl. The Wildcats defense will be put to the test this week as they try and slow down the multiple offense at San Benito. The Greyhounds have established themselves as the Valley’s top team and they showed their mettle last week in a 34-26 win over Los Fresnos. WR Isaiah Trevino had a big game with three first half touchdown receptions to lead the SBHS offensive attack. Weslaco East will try to control the tempo with their ground and pound style, but their defense will be tested by the San Benito attack. The Greyhounds are playing as well as anyone in the Valley the past couple of seasons, and I think Coach Gomez’s squad continues their roll. Stepp’s Pick: San Benito by 11 Craven’s Pick: San Benito Max’s Pick: San BenitoTemple (3-2, 1-0) at College Station A&M Consolidated (3-1, 1-0) After dropping two straight games, the Wildcats bounced back with a lopsided 55-6 rout of Waco University last week. QB Reid Hesse had a big night, throwing four first half scoring passes as the Wildcats led 49-6 at the half and put it on cruise control in the second half. The offense, which had been plagued by turnovers, will get a tougher test this week against a stout A&M Consolidated defense that shut down Waco High in a 21-7 win. The Tigers offense has at times struggled and that has to be a concern, especially if Temple can keep up the offensive output they had last week. This is a really good top 20 matchup in Class 5A, one that’s very underrated, but I think Temple gets their act together and gets a big win as they look to track down another district title. Stepp’s Pick: Temple by 9 Craven’s Pick: A&M Consolidated Max’s Pick: TempleLufkin (4-1, 1-0) at The Woodlands (4-0, 0-0) These two programs have had quite the battles in the past during district play and after a brief hiatus when Lufkin dropped to 5A, the rivalry gets renewed and its likely once again that this will decide the 12-6A title. Lufkin has been outstanding on offense early on as the Panthers have not scored less than 35 points in a game all year, and they hit a season high in points last week in a 58-17 drubbing of The Woodlands College Park at home. QB Kordell Rogers led the way, throwing for 418 yards and six touchdowns in just over a half of action as Lufkin’s starters got to rest with a huge lead early in the second half. The Woodlands had the week off last week, but it has been quite the start for Coach Schmid’s squad including back-to-back easy wins over defending state champions – a 26-3 win over Katy in Week 3 and in Week 4 a 42-14 blowout win over Richmond George Ranch. TWHS has been led by a strong defense that’s allowing just eleven points per game. Lufkin will be the most explosive offense the Highlanders have faced, but I think The Woodlands at home will be up to the test and they’ll contain the Panthers high-flying attack. Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands by 10 Craven’s Pick: The Woodlands Max’s Pick: The Woodlands [caption id="attachment_25875" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]Photo by Russell Wilburn Photo by Russell Wilburn[/caption] West Orange-Stark (5-0) vs. Kennedale (2-2) at Nacogdoches At the beginning of the season, this looked like a real knock down, drag-out affair between two teams who could be considered for top billing in 4A. WOS has lived up to their billing in a big way as through five games the Mustangs have outscored the opposition a staggering 254-2. Last week, the Mustangs “only” led Silsbee at the half 14-2, but turned it on during the second half for an easy 51-2 victory. QB Jack Dallas gets a lot of headlines for the Mustangs, but the “Chain Gang” defense for the WOS has been nothing short of spectacular. Can they keep it up against a talented Kennedale squad that has underachieved thus far? The Wildcats haven’t settled on a QB yet, and inconsistency up front, combined with injuries, has contributed to their slow start. Kennedale does have one of the nation’s top recruits in LB Baron Brownining and DL Gjemar Daniels is a force as well, so I expect KHS to keep this neutral site game competitive, but in the end, WOS just has too much for Kennedale and they pull away late. Stepp’s Pick: West Orange-Stark by 19 Craven’s Pick: West Orange-Stark Max’s Pick: West Orange-StarkWimberley (4-1) at Boerne (4-1) Don’t be surprised if this ends up being a playoff rematch as these two programs are among the best at the 4A level in Central Texas. Wimberley slipped past Fredericksburg last week 24-19. WHS held a 24-6 lead but had to withstand a late FHS rally to hang on for the victory. RB Hunter Williams led the way for the Texans with 147 yards rushing and a touchdown. They hit the road to take on a surging Boerne squad who two weeks ago got a big win over Somerset, and followed it up this past week by shutting out Banders 48-0. Junior QB Brooks Klutz has been outstanding, while the Greyhounds defense was sensational in containing Bandera. Boerne’s defense has been the difference in the young season, allowing just 22 total points in their four wins. I anticipate another big effort from the ‘Hounds this week. Stepp’s Pick: Boerne by 8 Craven’s Pick: Wimberley Max’s Pick: WimberleyWink (4-1) at Forsan (4-1) Wink bounced back from a close loss to Seagraves in Week 4 with a solid 46-20 win over McCamey last week. Sophomore QB Kenny Hrncir had another big game, throwing for three touchdowns and 184 yards, while also rushing for 165 yards and a touchdown in the win. The Wildcats take a step up in competition this week against 2A Division I Forsan, who drilled Morton 35-7 a week ago. QB Bryce Hergert accounted for three scores and 207 total yards of offense to lead the way as FHS led 35-0 at the half and cruised to the victory over an overmatched Morton squad. Wink will provide a much tougher test as the Wildcats, although smallish, are very good at the skill positions. I’m taking Wink in a very slight upset. Stepp’s Pick: Wink by 4 Craven’s Pick: Wink Max’s Pick: Wink

PICK ACCURACY THROUGH WEEK FOURMatt Stepp (DCTF High School Insider): 66% Greg Tepper (DCTF Managing Editor): 62% Max Thompson (DCTF Digital Director): 60% Mike Craven (DCTF Senior Writer): 58%