WEEK 7 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Week 7 PreviewAustin Westlake (5-1, 2-0) at Lake Travis (4-1, 1-0) This is the game of the year in the Austin area without question. Last year’s two state 6A runner-ups square off in a game for bragging rights and playoff implications. The winner likely will host a home playoff game while the loser will have to hope Hays Consolidated gets into the playoffs to send Westlake to the Division II bracket. Westlake got a massive boost last week with the return of QB Sam Ehlinger from his multiple knee injuries. The Texas commit didn’t have much rust, tossing four touchdown passes in the first half as the Chaps blasted Hays 44-14. Lake Travis is not void of playmakers either and the Cavs have had an extra week of preparation for Westlake as they were on a bye. Versatile Maleek Barkley has been huge in the first half of the season for the Cavs offense. The big matchup here is LT’s defense against a much more balanced Westlake attack that has a powerful ground game in Nakia Watson leading the charge. LT’s smallish defensive line will have some trouble slowing down the Westlake ground attack. Expect a total sellout for this one, Westlake will look to avenge the loss to the Cavs last year (and every year since 2007), but the extra week of preparation – plus this game being at Lake Travis – gives me the notion to lean slightly to the Cavaliers. Stepp’s Pick: Lake Travis by 4 Craven’s Pick: Lake Travis Max’s Pick: Lake TravisLiberty Hill (3-1) at Waco La Vega (5-0) Liberty Hill makes the trip north up I-35 to take on the state champions, who hold a 21-game winning streak heading into this week’s district opener. Last year, La Vega won an absolute slugfest with LHHS in the third round of the playoffs, winning 6-0 in overtime. Both teams are fresh off bye weeks with Liberty Hill two weeks ago knocking off 6A Austin Anderson 41-18. Their Slot-T offense typically churns out yards, but for whatever reason La Vega has done a tremendous job in slowing the Panthers attack. La Vega is led by QB Jamal Williams who piloted the Pirates to a title last year and as a junior has emerged as the unquestioned offensive leader. The last three games, the Pirates have scored 162 points and I look for that offensive firepower to be a major key in a big district opening win. Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 16 Craven’s Pick: La Vega Max’s Pick: La VegaCrockett (5-0) at Newton (5-0) Two of the most powerful teams in Class 3A Region II hook up in what should be a fun shootout. If it can top last year’s 38-35 thriller won by Newton it will be something to see. Crockett’s offense has been performing at a high level early on, but in their last non-district outing they were slowed down some by Coldspring in a 28-13 victory. Newton, on the other hand, has made their living on an incredibly stingy defense that’s allowed 16 points or less in four of their five games. Only 4A Division I Silsbee has been able to crack the Eagles code early on. In that game, Newton showed they can score if needed as they beat SHS 49-33. I think they’ll need a similar offensive effort at home as I expect Crockett and their potent attack to score points. Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 7 Craven’s Pick: Newton Max’s Pick: NewtonFort Bend Marshall (5-0, 2-0) at Manvel (5-0, 2-0) After a down 2015, Marshall has bounced back with a tremendous first half of 2016 rattling off five straight wins. Last week, the Buffs rolled past Willowridge 55-25 as Antonio Brooks ran for 139 yards and two scores, while QB Jabari James had 164 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. The test this week is massive as no 5A team has been quite as impressive as Manvel early in the season. The Mavericks again rolled last week as they drilled Galveston Ball 48-10. QB Kason Martin spread the ball around to six different receivers, throwing for 240 yards and four touchdowns. As impressive as Manvel is on offense (and they are plenty impressive), the Mavericks defensive unit has been the early story allowing just under nine points per game through five games. That group is what has me believing Manvel is a bona fide state title contender. Stepp’s Pick: Manvel by 23 Craven’s Pick: Manvel Max’s Pick: Manvel [caption id="attachment_26114" align="aligncenter" width="701"]Photo by Mark Flanagan Photo by Mark Flanagan[/caption] The Woodlands (5-0, 1-0) at Beaumont West Brook (6-0, 2-0) For the second week in a row, The Woodlands has a big test in 12-6A. Last week, the Highlanders hosted Lufkin and won a shootout, beating the Panthers 63-42 as QB Eric Schmid tossed six touchdown passes to lead the Highlanders’ potent offensive attack. They will head east on Highway 105 to Beaumont where they will visit the Thomas Center to take on unbeaten West Brook. The Bruins knocked off College Park 49-28 as RB L’Ravien Elia ran for 240 yards and four touchdowns. West Brook will present many of the same challenges as Lufkin did to The Woodlands, but after seeing Lufkin last week, expect the TWHS defense to be ready to handle the speed that West Brook brings to the table. Lufkin may be a better defensive team than West Brook and if the Highlanders offense shredded Lufkin, I expect more big numbers against West Brook. If the playoffs started today, The Woodlands might be my favorite to win Region II in Division I. Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands by 14 Craven’s Pick: The Woodlands Max’s Pick: The WoodlandsAbilene Wylie (3-1) at Brownwood (2-3) Abilene Wylie and Brownwood both were only able to play four non-district games as each had to deal with a game being rained out. That rainout affects Wylie even more because they only had nine games scheduled this year. The Bulldogs head south to famed Gordon Wood Stadium, where they’ve had plenty of success not only against Brownwood, but also in neutral site playoff games, as well. The Bulldogs defense is led by Dion Novil, who is an absolute force on the defensive line. Wylie had a bye last week after routing Brownfield 53-7 in their last contest. Brownwood lost a neutral site game to Giddings down in Belton 36-35 two weeks ago, and the Lions played a tough non-district slate, but they seem to have adjusted to new HC Kyle Maxfield quickly. The defensive unit at times has struggled and that could be just the recipe needed for a Wylie offense that seems to be finding itself halfway through the year. Stepp’s Pick: Abilene Wylie by 10 Craven’s Pick: Wylie Max’s Pick: WylieBurnet (5-0) at China Spring (5-0) Surprising Burnet will have a chance to serve notice to the entire state on Friday if they can travel north to China Spring and pull the upset. The Bulldogs a year ago dropped their district opener to CSHS, but Coach Jones feels his squad is in much better position to give the Cougs a fight. Burnet has always been a good offensive team, but this year the Bulldogs defense has risen to the occasion as they are allowing less than 14 points per game. That unit will need to be elite this week to slow down a China Spring offense that has been a juggernaut. The Cougars are averaging nearly 59 points per game and haven’t played a game closer than 37 points yet this year. I do expect Burnet to keep this game much closer, but the China Spring attack just has too many weapons and Coach Bell’s squad just has too much senior leadership to slip up at home. Stepp’s Pick: China Spring by 17 Craven’s Pick: China Spring Max’s Pick: China SpringGanado (3-1) at Refugio (4-1) After a couple of down years it looks like Ganado is back to their winning ways under veteran HC Keith Wright. The Indians, after a close loss to Schulenberg, have put together dominant wins over Danbury and Snook, allowing just six points to each squad. The offense has been solid, but the numbers won’t wow you by any means. Refugio, after looking impressive in a close 14-6 loss to 4A Top 10 Geronimo Navarro, bounced back last week with an easy 56-0 win over Kingsvillle Academy. RB Jaylon Moscorro had another big night and the Bobcats defense – a unit that doesn’t get a ton of headlines – is playing great. They’ve allowed just 32 points through five games. Expect Refugio to take care of Ganado in relatively easy fashion in this contest. Stepp’s Pick: Refugio by 27 Craven’s Pick: Refugio Max’s Pick: Refugio [caption id="attachment_26116" align="aligncenter" width="701"]Photo by Charlton Gladden Photo by Charlton Gladden[/caption] Highland Park (4-1, 2-0) at West Mesquite (3-2, 2-0) All of 15-5A was idle last week, so we jump back into district play this week with two of the three unbeatens in this tough district squaring off. Highland Park cruised past North Forney in their last outing 66-7 as QB John Stephen Jones had another solid outing, throwing for two touchdown passes as the Scots rolled. He’ll see a tougher defense this week. West Mesquite, at times, has had the look of a strong defense, but they have lacked some consistency from quarter to quarter. In no game was that more evident than two weeks ago when they fell behind Lovejoy 37-6 early in the third quarter only to rally back for a stunning 46-37 win. DaMarcus Crockett had a pair of second half touchdown runs to key the rally and a pick six from DB Jaylon Monroe proved to be major catalysts in the rally. West Mesquite can’t afford to get off to a slow start this week because Highland Park simply won’t take their foot off the gas. The Scots have too much depth in the trenches and I expect Jones to have a big night against the Wranglers secondary. Stepp’s Pick: Highland Park by 17 Craven’s Pick: Highland Park Max’s Pick: Highland ParkElysian Fields (6-0, 2-0) at Waskom (2-3, 0-1) Up until last week, we weren’t quite sure what to make of undefeated Elysian Fields, but the Yellowjackets showed they are for real as they knocked off Arp 34-27 to seize control of the district race. QB Logan Hughes continues to have a big season for EFHS and the balance on offense has made them incredibly difficult to stop. It’s been a tough start to the season for two-time defending state champion Waskom, who looks like anything but a title contender at the moment. The Wildcats had last week off after a district opening loss to Arp, so expect a few wrinkles and adjustments from the coaching staff. I think that may be enough to keep Waskom in it for a half, but they just lack the playmakers they’ve had in previous years, so I’m leaning toward Elysian Fields to move to 7-0. Stepp’s Pick: Elysian Fields by 13 Craven’s Pick: Waskom Max’s Pick: Elysian FieldsEl Paso Chapin (5-0, 2-0) at El Paso Bowie (5-0, 2-0) Surprising Bowie comes into this matchup fresh off an upset win over Andress that wasn’t expected at all. The Bears stunned heavily favored AHS 24-19. It was the first time in 22 years that the Bears had knocked off Andress. RB Ricardo Valles led the ground-oriented attack with a pair of touchdown runs and the Bowie defense did the job containing an explosive Andress attack. Chapin is also unbeaten and the Huskies thus far haven’t been challenged in district play, ripping El Paso High 48-7 last week. In five games, Chapin has allowed just 28 points, quite the defensive resumé, and what Chapin does best is stop the run. This may be the game of the week in El Paso and it’s on a Thursday so expect a big crowd. Bowie is the feel good story of the year in the Sun City, but Chapin’s got too much in this one. Don’t be surprised if the Huskies offense has a breakout game. Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Chapin by 21 Craven’s Pick: Chapin Max’s Pick: ChapinGalena Park North Shore (4-1, 2-0) at Humble Atascocita (4-0, 2-0) It’s very likely the 21-6A title will be on the line at Turner Stadium as defending 6A Div. I champion North Shore takes on undefeated Atascocita. Along with district bragging rights being on the line, a home playoff game is up for grabs as both will be destined for the Division I playoffs since they are the two largest schools in the district. North Shore’s Thomas Davis returned the opening kickoff 102 yards for a TD and also had an 82-yard interception return for a score to pace the Mustangs in a 56-3 rout of Houston King last week. The Mustangs defense again was incredible, holding King to just 69 yards of offense in the win. AHS has been sensational early on, as well, blowing past Channelview 52-0 last week, with QB Daveon Boyd accounting for five touchdowns, four of which came through the air. The North Shore D vs. the Atascocita offense will be the matchup to watch in this one as both units are among the best in Greater Houston. AHS is an up-and-comer after advancing four deep last year, but North Shore is the proven power and that defense gets the nod in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Galena Park North Shore by 7 Craven’s Pick: North Shore Max’s Pick: North Shore [caption id="attachment_26118" align="aligncenter" width="702"]Photo by Russell Wilburn Photo by Russell Wilburn[/caption] Vidor (5-1, 4-0) at Port Neches-Groves (5-0, 3-0) The district title could be on the line in 22-5A this week as Vidor visits PNG. The Pirates and their Slot-T offense has been outstanding in district play and they kept it up last week rushing past Lumberton 45-22. Normally ground-based Vidor took to the air with two long touchdown passes to jump out to a quick 21-0 lead and the Pirates never looked back. PNG had no trouble with Baytown Lee, blasting the Ganders 48-16 as sophomore QB Roschon Johnson threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns to pace the Indians offensive attack. PNG has plenty of balance with Preston Hughes, who ran for 127 yards as well. The PNG offense is just too dynamic and although Vidor will try and control the tempo, they won’t be able to slow the Indians attack. Stepp’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves by 12 Craven’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves Max’s Pick: Port Neches-GrovesKrum (5-1) at Iowa Park (6-0) It’s quite possible the 3-4A Division II title could be decided in the opening week of district play (Graham may have a say as well), as once beaten Krum heads north on Highway 287 to take on undefeated Iowa Park. Krum closed out non-district play with an emphatic 56-28 defeat of Texarkana Pleasant Grove in Royse City last week. The Bobcats outscored PGHS 36-7 in the second half as Haeden Knight, who finished with 189 rushing yards, ran for three second-half touchdowns. Iowa Park also had a neutral site win a week ago as they knocked off Wall 35-29 in overtime. The Hawks duo of RB Bowie Franks and QB Dylan Meyer combined for 317 rushing yards and all five touchdowns in the win. Krum’s played a little tougher non-district slate and that experience could pay off in what looks to be a very evenly matched game on paper. Stepp’s Pick: Krum by 3 Craven’s Pick: Krum Max’s Pick: KrumAtlanta (4-1) at Pittsburg (3-2) District play starts up in East Texas as Atlanta hooks up with a Pittsburg squad that has dropped two of their last three games. Last week, Atlanta rolled past Tatum 53-35, buoyed by a 28 point third quarter explosion. QB Leighton Henson tossed two touchdown passes and added a touchdown run to lead the way for the Rabbits in the third quarter. Pittsburg was idle last week after losing 49-28 to Tatum. The Pirates defense has really struggled early on as they are allowing an average of over 40 points per game. That’s not a good omen as the Pirates move into a tough district. Stepp’s Pick: Atlanta by 14 Craven’s Pick: Atlanta Max’s Pick: AtlantaMemphis (4-1) at Wellington (5-0) Memphis and their prolific running back David Dickson visit powerful Wellington in a big 2A Division II showdown in the panhandle. The Cyclones were grounded in their last outing, a 26-7 loss to Abernathy, while Wellington rolled past Panhandle 27-7. The Skyrockets are emerging as a real state title threat in 2A Division II as they’ve dropped down from Division I and picked up where they left off in 2013. There won’t be many passes thrown in this one, but Wellington’s defense will be up to the task of slowing Dickson once again, and the Skyrockets cement their place as a true regional contender. Stepp’s Pick: Wellington by 12 Craven’s Pick: Wellington Max’s Pick: WellingtonChildress (3-2) at Canadian (3-2) Before the season started, many were pegging Childress as a team to watch in Region I and at times the Bobcats have looked really good, but they lack that true signature win. They have a chance to get that big win right off the bat in district as they visit a Canadian squad that despite two losses is still extremely dangerous. The Bobcats will look to establish the running game and try to wear down Canadian, but the Wildcats, despite being a spread team, are very good up front and have no problems being physical. It helps to have two game breakers like Cameron Copley and Manny Ramsey, as well. I’ve flipped back and forth on this one, but with the game being in Canadian I’ll lean to the Wildcats. Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 6 Craven’s Pick: Canadian Max’s Pick: Canadian [caption id="attachment_26117" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Mary Scott McNabb Photo by Mary Scott McNabb[/caption] Laredo United (4-1, 2-0) vs. Laredo United South (4-1, 2-0) There’s no love lost in this United ISD rivalry and the stakes are even higher with both teams right in the middle of the district title chase along with Del Rio. United, after a season opening loss to San Benito (which doesn’t look so bad at the moment), has rattled off four straight wins, including a 58-14 rout of South San Antonio two weeks ago. Isaac Velasquez ran for 122 yards on just five carries and two scores; he also caught one of three scoring tosses from QB David Sanchez III to lead the Longhorns. United South’s style of play is a direct contrast to the United offense, which throws the ball a lot and is fast paced. USHS is much more of an “old school” team that prefers to run the football and play physical defense. South knocked off San Antonio Southwest 24-14 last week as they rallied for a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns to get the win. Johan Portales scored from four yards out to put South up for good and then Sergio Vela’s 86 yard touchdown run with 4:11 remaining put the game away. South’s defense is good but they simply can’t afford to be on the field for long periods of time against the United High offense or they’ll wear down. So the onus is on the offense to churn out first downs and keep United’s offense on the sidelines. That strategy will keep this one close, but United will break a couple of big plays in the fourth and that proves to be the difference. Stepp’s Pick: Laredo United by 9 Craven’s Pick: Laredo United Max’s Pick: Laredo UnitedMidland (5-1, 2-0) at Odessa Permian (4-1, 0-1) Midland got tested in a big way last week but the Bulldogs held off a feisty Frenship squad 38-28 to improve to 2-0 in district play. QB Jackson Anuszkiewicz tossed three touchdown passes and RB Ricky Hubert ran for a pair of touchdowns as the Bulldogs won a back-and-forth affair. A win this week for the Bulldogs would go a long way in ensuring they can get into the playoffs as they’ll own a pair of head-to-head wins over playoff contenders. Permian, on the other hand, does not want to fall to 0-2 as the Panthers still have unbeaten San Angelo Central on the schedule. A full week to heal up some bumps and bruises and game plan for Midland will be vital for the Panthers, and facing a near must-win situation I think the Panthers come through in a big way with a win at Ratliff. Permian’s ground game will control the clock and keep the ball away from the explosive Midland attack. Stepp’s Pick: Odessa Permian by 3 Craven’s Pick: Odessa Permian Max’s Pick: MidlandSomerset (4-1) at Beeville Jones (4-1) Somerset bounced back from a shutout loss to Boerne by turning the tables on 5A San Antonio Harlandale in a 24-0 win in their last outing. QB Zadock Dinkelmann tossed three touchdown passes and the Bulldogs defense held Harlandale to just 129 yards of offense. The Bulldogs defense will get a test this week against the high-powered Beeville attack that has taken off under new HC Jerry Bomar. The offense is averaging over 50 points per game and WR Waydale Jones is emerging as one of the top prospects in South Texas. He’s a handful for defenses at the 4A level, so look for Somerset to roll coverage his way and force the Trojans to go to secondary options. That plays into the hands of an aggressive Somerset defensive unit, so we’ll go with the Bulldogs to get a road win. Stepp’s Pick: Somerset by 7 Craven’s Pick: Somerset Max’s Pick: Beeville JonesTurkey Valley (3-2) at Guthrie (3-3) Valley High in the past has been one of the top six-man programs in the state, but they are off to a slow start. They dropped an absolute shootout last week to Crowell 84-80. A week after a one-point loss to Knox City, Guthrie bounced back to roll past Rule 50-0. I’m going with Turkey Valley in this one, but make sure to check out Tepper’s video picks on “Fixin’ To Pick ‘Em” to see which way he’s leaning. Stepp’s Pick: Turkey Valley by 15 Craven’s Pick: Guthrie Max’s Pick: Turkey Valley [caption id="attachment_26115" align="aligncenter" width="701"]Photo by Samuel De Leon Photo by Samuel De Leon[/caption] College Station (6-0, 2-0) at A&M Consolidated (3-2, 1-1) The rivalry in College Station has certainly heated up and little brother CSHS has not taken a back seat to A&M Consolidated in any way on the gridiron. In fact, the unbeaten Cougars come into this one as solid favorites. They have won their first two district games by a combined 135-13 as the Cougars speed on both sides of the ball has been matched this year by a vastly improved defense. Their high-powered offense will face its biggest test of the year this week as crosstown rival A&M Consolidated features a stout defense of their own. The Tigers fell to powerful Temple last week 34-22. Trailing 27-14 in the second half, their defense got some stops, but the rally fell short as Temple scored late to dash the Tigers’ hopes. AMC will try to avenge a stunning loss to College Station last year, and they definitely don’t want to get a second district loss. Expect an absolute war on Friday night, but I like the Cougars offense to be the difference – too many weapons and too much balance. Stepp’s Pick: College Station by 8 Craven’s Pick: College Station Max’s Pick: College StationSan Antonio Johnson (5-1, 2-0) vs. San Antonio Churchill (4-2, 1-1) A week after their sensational hook-and-ladder miracle win over San Antonio Roosevelt, Johnson took care of San Antonio MacArthur 35-21. QB Grant Huff had a big night for the Jaguars, throwing for 370 yards and four touchdowns to lead the way. JHS didn’t run the ball well last week and they’ll need some balance against a very stingy Churchill defensive unit. Churchill was humming along with a 4-1 start, but the Chargers were served a cold dish of reality last week in a 31-6 lopsided loss to district favorite San Antonio Reagan. Churchill has a solid defense, but they just don’t have enough playmakers on offense and that’s a lot of pressure to be putting on a defense. Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Johnson by 13 Craven’s Pick: S.A. Johnson Max’s Pick: S.A. JohnsonPottsboro (4-1) at Howe (4-1) After a surprising loss in Week 2 to Gunter, the Cardinals have been on a big roll, winning three in a row, including a 49-20 win over Aubrey two weeks ago. In his second game back, Denison transfer QB Hunter Watson looked good before leaving with an injury, but he’s expected to be back this week and with an extra week of practice he should be much sharper as he acclimates to his new team. Howe blasted Caddo Mills 56-27 two weeks ago, and the Bulldogs will have the offensive firepower to keep up with Pottsboro, but on paper PHS has a better schedule and a stronger resumé, so we lean to the Cardinals in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Pottsboro by 10 Craven’s Pick: Pottsboro Max’s Pick: PottsboroCarthage (3-1, 0-1) at Kilgore (3-3, 2-0) Carthage stumbled last week at home in a rivalry game, falling behind Henderson 22-0 at halftime, and a second half rally fell short as the Bulldogs fell 36-28. They will look to bounce back this week against Kilgore who, after a 1-3 start, has won their first two district games. Last week the Bulldogs rolled past Tyler Chapel Hill 36-7 as Elivan Torres booted five field goals and QB Patrick Jackson totaled 299 yards of offense and a pair of touchdowns. Carthage’s offensive balance is key, and on defense they’ll load the box and dare Kilgore to beat them with the pass and I don’t think Kilgore can get it done consistently. Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 16 Craven’s Pick: Carthage Max’s Pick: CarthageSunnyvale (5-0, 2-0) at Dallas Madison (5-0, 2-0) District 6-3A Division I is one of the best districts in the state that doesn’t get much attention. Two of the three unbeaten squads in this group hook up over at Pleasant Grove Stadium, and the winner will be in a great position to secure a district title. Both teams were off last week so they’ve had plenty of time to gear up for this one. Sunnyvale RB Tre Sterling ran for 309 yards and four touchdowns as the Raiders knocked off previously unbeaten Grandview last week 46-35. He’ll try to duplicate that feat against a very fast and tenacious defense from Madison. The Trojans knocked off Dallas Life 34-0 two weeks ago as QB Travion Jackson tossed a pair of first half touchdowns, helping the Trojans build a 20-0 halftime lead before he was sidelined the rest of the game with an injury. He is expected to play this week, though. Sunnyvale’s not a big team by any standard, but the Raiders do feel they have an edge up front and their front line skill players will be able to match the skill talent at Madison. I expect an emphatic Sunnyvale win as they look to be on their way to an unbeaten regular season. Stepp’s Pick: Sunnyvale by 21 Craven’s Pick: Sunnyvale Max’s Pick: Sunnyvale

PICK ACCURACY THROUGH WEEK SIXMatt Stepp (DCTF High School Insider): 64% Max Thompson (DCTF Digital Director): 61% Greg Tepper (DCTF Managing Editor): 60% Mike Craven (DCTF Senior Writer): 58%