WEEK 9 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Week 9 PreviewTyler John Tyler (6-1, 3-1) at Longview (6-1, 4-0) Longtime rivals hook up, and not only is East Texas pride on the line in this matchup, but also very likely a home playoff game. John Tyler put together their most complete effort of the season last week, blowing past Rockwall-Heath at home 48-0. The Lions had two weeks to prepare for Heath’s single wing style offense and that preparation paid off big as they held Heath to just four first downs and 68 yards of offense. John Tyler QB Bryson Smith had a big night in the win, tallying 308 yards of offense and three touchdowns. Longview got tested last week, but the Lobos got past a tough North Mesquite squad winning 49-35. TE Jaylin Brown caught three passes, but all three went for touchdowns and Longview got strong games on the ground from RBs D’Crayven Polk and Kendrevian White, who combined for 199 yards rushing. Polk did leave the game early with an injury and his status is unknown for this week. Longview has a dynamic offensive attack, as does JT, so expect lots of points. This game is going to come down to which defense can get a few stops. The atmosphere will be raucous as a sellout crowd is expected. The winner gets a home playoff game while the loser likely has to take a long road trip down to Beaumont. Longview has a long district winning streak and they are at home, so it’s tough to pick against the Rockin’ L in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 4 Craven’s Pick: Longview Max’s Pick: John TylerDeSoto (7-0, 4-0) at Duncanville (6-1, 3-1) If you want a true rivalry game where there’s some dislike on both sides, Panther Stadium may be the place to be on Friday night. Let’s not get into on the field quite yet, that speaks for itself. The storylines are thick in this matchup and it starts with Duncanville head coach Reginald Samples, who has had some tremendous battles with DeSoto in the past during his time at Skyline and it moves to the players as Duncanville QB Jaylin Nelson and WR Tre Siggers both played key roles at DeSoto as sophomores. The two transferred to Duncanville and were ruled ineligible as juniors, but are making up for lost time with sensational senior seasons. DeSoto has their own transfer QB leading the way in Shawn Robinson, who is really beginning to settle in, and with big time weapons across the board, DeSoto is a legitimate title contender. The real underrated part of this DeSoto squad has been their defense, which quietly has put together a tremendous season aside from one slight hiccup against Midland. I think that group and their play is what has turned DeSoto into an elite squad in 2016, and they lead the way as the Eagles take a big step towards an unbeaten regular season. Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 7 Craven’s Pick: DeSoto Max’s Pick: DuncanvilleLubbock Cooper (5-1, 1-1) at Lubbock Coronado (7-0, 2-0) In a bit of a surprise, Lubbock Cooper was knocked off by Abilene Cooper last week 26-13. The surprise was the typically powerful Pirates offensive attack being held in check by what many feel is a shaky defense from Abilene Cooper. They’ll look to bounce back this week against unbeaten Coronado, fresh off a massive win over rival Lubbock Monterey 49-14. Once again, QB Qua Gray was the story for the Mustangs, throwing for an impressive 446 yards and five touchdowns. He’ll see a big test this week against a stingy Lubbock Cooper defense. They will look to make someone aside from the playmaking QB to beat them. I’m looking for a big bounce back effort this week from Lubbock Cooper as the Pirates get back on track. Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Cooper by 10 Craven’s Pick: Lubbock Cooper Max’s Pick: Lubbock CooperEdinburg Vela (6-1, 4-0) at PSJA North (7-0, 4-0) This week’s showdown in the Valley is likely for the 31-6A title as new 6A power Vela takes on a PSJA North squad that we knew would be good – but this good?? Vela had no troubles last week, blasting PSJA Memorial 49-7. The Sabercats, despite losing a key player to discipline issues, haven’t seen any let up offensively as Coach Salinas’ squad continues to put big point totals up. PSJA North has gotten things done defensively as the Raiders have allowed just 53 points in seven games. In fact, the fourteen points allowed last week in a 17-14 win over PSJA Southwest were the most points North’s defense has allowed all year. North’s offense has at times had some struggles, and I think Vela’s potent offense wins this battle and the Sabercats get the inside track to the district title. Stepp’s Pick: Edinburg Vela by 13 Craven’s Pick: Edinburg Vela Max’s Pick: Edinburg VelaSchertz Clemens (5-2, 3-1) at Converse Judson (6-1, 3-1) After five consecutive wins, the Clemens Buffaloes took it on the chin last week, dropping a 45-21 decision to Smithson Valley. The Buffaloes and their potent offense, led by QB Frank Harris and RB Kam Baker, were held in check by a tough defense. They’ll have another big test this week as they’ll visit Rutledge Stadium to take on Judson. The Rockets have won back-to-back games after their loss to Steele, including a 51-16 rout of crosstown rival Wagner last week. QB Julon Williams led the way for the Rockets with 253 passing yards and five touchdown passes in the win. The Rockets defense will be keyed in on Harris, and if they are able to slow him they should roll past the Buffs, who aren’t strong enough on defense to consistently generate stops on the Rockets. Stepp’s Pick: Converse Judson by 15 Craven’s Pick: Converse Judson Max’s Pick: Converse Judson [caption id="attachment_26524" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Russell Peables Photo by Russell Peables[/caption] San Angelo Central (7-0, 3-0) at Odessa Permian (4-3, 0-3) Unbeaten San Angelo Central will look to put a final coffin in Permian’s season with a win at Ratliff Stadium. Permian has yet to win a game in district play as injuries and close losses have derailed Coach Feldt’s young squad. In fact, the last two weeks MOJO has lost by a single point. On the other hand, it’s been a dream season for the Bobcats, who continue to simply destroy opponents. Last week the victim was Wolfforth Frenship as CHS won 63-21. QB Cal Vincent threw for 358 yards and three touchdowns, while RB Daven Manning had five total touchdowns, including four rushing scores. The Bobcats defense gets overshadowed by the prolific offense, but this group has been getting the job done all year and Central looks poised to be the best hope for a big school state title out of West Texas since Abilene won it all. Look for another big San Angelo win and Odessa Permian gets reduced to simply playing the role of spoiler the rest of the way. Stepp’s Pick: San Angelo Central by 20 Craven’s Pick: San Angelo Central Max’s Pick: San Angelo CentralSonora (6-1, 1-0) at Reagan County (8-0, 2-0) After dropping their final non-district game to Iraan, Sonora had an extra week to stew on their frustration and they took it out on the Alpine a week ago, blasting the Bucks 48-14. SHS rolled up an impressive 569 yards of offense and QB Kaden Cordell continued his sensational season, tossing five touchdown passes to pace the Broncos. They’ll get a test this week against surprising unbeaten Reagan County. The Owls drilled San Angelo TLC 70-0 last week behind three 100-yard rushers. The Owls defense has been up to task, allowing just 12 points per game, but they haven’t faced quite the level of competition Sonora has faced, so the edge goes to the Broncos who are much more battle tested. Stepp’s Pick: Sonora by 16 Craven’s Pick: Sonora Max’s Pick: SonoraCrawford (7-1, 4-0) at Goldthwaite (6-1, 3-0) After dropping their season opener, Crawford has been a buzzsaw down In Central Texas, winning seven games in a row and all in convincing fashion, as none of the games have been closer than 15 points. In fact, the Pirates have shut out their past three opponents, including last week’s 56-0 drubbing of San Saba. They’ll hook up with ground and pound Goldthwaite, who has had an extra week to prep for this week’s matchup after defeating San Saba 29-0. Crawford’s offense has too much firepower for Goldthwaite. I expect the Pirates to jump out to an early lead and make Goldthwaite play from behind, which is not their strength. Stepp’s Pick: Crawford by 11 Craven’s Pick: Crawford Max’s Pick: CrawfordHallettsville (8-0, 4-0) at Altair Rice Consolidated (6-0, 3-0) A big matchup in 3A Division I features a pair of unbeaten teams who are likely playing for at least a share of the district title. Hallettsville’s defense led the charge a week ago as the Brahmas shut out Vanderbilt Industrial 29-0. HHS was led by RB Isaiah Herring, who ran for two touchdowns and had another receiving score in the easy win. Rice Consolidated is unbeaten, but the Raiders are now getting to the meat of their schedule with matchups against Hallettsville, Edna and Yoakum to close out the season. Hallettsville has a very balanced offense this year, and look for QB DJ Taylor to have a big game as the Brahmas move one step closer to a perfect regular season. Stepp’s Pick: Hallettsville by 10 Craven’s Pick: Hallettsville Max’s Pick: HallettsvilleCorpus Christi Calallen (6-1, 3-0) at Alice (5-2, 1-2) Calallen is fresh off their big 34-6 win last week over previously undefeated Corpus Christi Ray. The Wildcats dominated the game in the trenches and sophomore RB Alec Brown and QB Gage Lamb both ran for a pair of scores as the Calallen offense controlled the ball most of the night. Alice saw their playoff hopes take a big hit last week as the Coyotes were upset by Gregory-Portland. Alice can ill-afford a loss in this game as a defeat will cement their spot in fourth place in the zone. Alice typically gives Calallen fits, but this CHS team is on a roll that may not get slowed down until deep in the playoffs. Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 24 Craven’s Pick: Calallen Max’s Pick: Calallen [caption id="attachment_26522" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Mary Scott McNabb Photo by Mary Scott McNabb[/caption] Cuero (7-0, 2-0) at Sinton (6-1, 1-1) A bit of the shine was taken off this game last week as Sinton saw their dream season turn into a nightmare – at least for a week – as they were blasted 40-0 by Wharton. The Pirates had all sorts of trouble with Wharton’s speed on both sides of the ball, and that’s not a good recipe against the Gobblers, who boast as much speed as anyone in Region IV. A week after a somewhat subpar effort against Sweeny, Cuero showed what they can be capable of as they blasted Aransas Pass to the tune of 70-3. Sinton will find a way to keep this one close, they know Cuero well, but the Gobblers talent emerges in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 17 Craven’s Pick: Cuero Max’s Pick: CueroGrapevine (6-1, 3-0) vs. Colleyville Heritage (5-2, 3-0) There’s plenty on the line in this battle of ISD rivals at Mustang-Panther Stadium. Grapevine, which had been blitzing opponents, got down big early to Richland, and the hole they dug was just too much in a 38-35 loss. They’ll try to bounce back this week against a Colleyville squad that’s starting to get healthy and looking like a possible Region I contender. The QB duel in this one will be outstanding with Grapevine’s Alan Bowman going against Heritage signal caller Cam Rhoane. Rhoane’s got a few more playmakers to work with, most notably WR Ke’von Ahmad, and that ability to stretch the defense will give the Mustangs – who lack team speed – a lot of trouble. Stepp’s Pick: Colleyville Heritage by 9 Craven’s Pick: Colleyville Heritage Max’s Pick: Colleyville HeritageEl Paso Parkland (6-2, 4-2) at Canutillo (7-0, 5-0) Parkland, under first-year head coach Josh Kirkland, has put up some big individual numbers led by sophomore sensation Deion Hankins, but the Matadors defense at times has shown a penchant to give up some big point totals. Canutillo’s offense won’t scare many, but the gritty Eagles have just found ways to win all season long. Two weeks ago, Canutillo knocked off a decent Ysleta squad 28-21, but then you look at the Eagles resumé, and despite some close wins over below average teams, they also own a very impressive 34-6 win over Del Valle. I don’t know what to make of the Eagles except one thing: they find ways to win. Stepp’s Pick: Canutillo by 5 Craven’s Pick: Canutillo Max’s Pick: CanutilloSilsbee (4-3, 2-0) at Bridge City (4-2, 2-0) The winner of this old Golden Triangle rivalry certainly has the inside track to the 10-4A Division I crown. Silsbee is fresh off a solid 35-14 win over Navasota. It was Navasota’s first district loss since 2009. RB Calvin Tyler led the way for the Tigers in the win with 203 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Bridge City got the Slot-T offense rolling in a big way, blasting Little Cypress-Mauriceville 54-28 a week ago as BCHS had three ball carriers rush for over 100 yards in the victory. Bridge City in the past has struggled against teams with speed at the skill spots and Silsbee has plenty of that. Look for the Cardinals to try to control the clock and hope their defense finds a way for a couple of stops. Easier said than done against a good group of Tigers. Stepp’s Pick: Silsbee by 12 Craven’s Pick: Silsbee Max’s Pick: SilsbeePflugerville Connally (7-0, 5-0) at Cedar Park (7-0, 5-0) Surprising Pflugerville Connally will get a chance to show the entire state their tremendous start is no fluke as they hook up with defending state champion Cedar Park. The Timberwolves have won 32 of their last 33 games in an impressive streak dating back to October of 2014. The only loss in that run came in the 2014 title game. Connally got a massive win last week knocking off Leander Rouse 20-19. The Cougars trailed 19-0 at halftime, but QB Robert Patterson accounted for three second half scores to lead CHS to the comeback win. Cedar Park, on the other hand, just keeps rolling behind that incredible defense. CPHS in seven games has allowed just 53 points and they have pitched four shutouts, while offensively they have shown they can be plenty good enough, led by Mak Sexton and a core of versatile playmakers. Defense wins titles down in Cedar Park, and that defensive unit is once again one of the state’s best and they’ll carry the T’Wolves to win number 24 in a row. Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Park by 14 Craven’s Pick: Cedar Park Max’s Pick: Cedar Park [caption id="attachment_26523" align="aligncenter" width="701"]Photo by Russell Wilburn Photo by Russell Wilburn[/caption] Victoria East (5-2, 2-1) at Richmond Foster (7-0, 3-0) Two of the top offensive units in Region IV tangle this week as Victoria East travels into the Houston area to take on high-flying and unbeaten Richmond Foster. East last week earned a hard fought and emotional 36-33 over archrival Victoria West. Expect VEHS to score some points, but Foster is more than capable of playing that type of game. The Falcons have scored at least 56 points in three straight games, including a 67-41 shootout win over Rosenberg Terry a week ago. Victoria East can take a huge step towards earning a playoff spot this week with a win, but Foster has too much speed and too much talent. Stepp’s Pick: Richmond Foster by 29 Craven’s Pick: Richmond Foster Max’s Pick: Richmond FosterClear Springs (6-1, 4-0) vs. Clear Brook (5-2, 3-1) Two of the surprise playoff contenders in 24-6A meet up with the winner all but clinching a spot in the playoffs, and for Clear Springs, they’ll take another step towards a possible district title. The Chargers rolled past Clear Falls last week 52-21 on the strength of four rushing touchdowns and 136 yards from RB Todd Hudson. Clear Brook had their own offensive explosion last week, rolling past Clear Lake 64-28. QB Jaizac Garcia tossed four touchdown passes while RB Jarrett Smith ran for 175 yards and three touchdowns as CBHS rolled up 594 yards of offense. On paper, this matchup looks somewhat even, but edge to Clear Springs. That win over Dickinson two weeks ago is a real feather in the hat of Coach Frank Maldonado’s squad. Stepp’s Pick: Clear Springs by 11 Craven’s Pick: Clear Springs Max’s Pick: Clear SpringsMelissa (6-1, 2-0) at Celina (5-2, 2-0) Melissa is off to a strong start at 6-1, but the jury is still out on how good this team really is. The Cardinals best win is probably a 34-14 win over 3A Whitesboro back in mid-September, but now they have a chance to erase all doubts if they can knock off perennial power Celina. The Bobcats got off to a slow start, losing two of their first three games, but they’ve been on a roll since that point, winning four games in a row by a combined score of 254-20. QB Conner Pingleton looks healthy as he threw for 248 yards and four touchdowns in a 56-14 win over Nevada Community a week ago. Celina has had some issues up front, but they seem to be rounding into form right as they playoffs get started and that will be an ominous proposition to face for the remainder of Region II. Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 13 Craven’s Pick: Celina Max’s Pick: CelinaTexarkana Liberty-Eylau (2-5, 1-1) at Anna (6-1, 1-1) There’s no doubt Liberty-Eylau has been one of the state’s bigger disappointments, and the season hit a low point two weeks ago in a district opening loss to Paris. The Leopards still have a chance to right the season and they got it going last week in a 38-14 rout of Paris North Lamar. Anna comes into this game with an impressive 6-1 record, but the Coyotes built that mark up largely against Class 3A competition, while L-E tested themselves against powerful 4A and 5A programs in East Texas. Putting out the call that this one may get ugly as Liberty-Eylau may take out some frustration on AHS. Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Liberty-Eylau by 33 Craven’s Pick: Anna Max’s Pick: Liberty-EylauDumas (7-0, 4-0) at Canyon (6-1, 3-1) It’s been a dream start to the season for the Dumas Demons who are 7-0, but now they get into the real meat of their schedule. It starts this week with a trip down to Canyon to take on a very tough Eagles squad, and then DHS closes with a game at Bivins against Amarillo High. Dumas can all but clinch a playoff spot with one more win as they knocked off a solid Amarillo Caprock bunch 34-24 a week ago. Canyon, led by QB Gunnar Palacios, struggled early on against district cellar dweller Palo Duro but got things together in the second half to pull away for a 36-23 win. I’m not sure the Dumas defense has been tested by an offense that is as multiple as Canyon High, and that offensive firepower could be the difference as Canyon hands Dumas their first loss of the year. That would also give Canyon an edge in possible playoff seeding as these two teams are both likely Division II playoff teams. Stepp’s Pick: Canyon by 7 Craven’s Pick: Dumas Max’s Pick: Dumas [caption id="attachment_26525" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Lynn Thurman Photo by Lynn Thurman[/caption] Amarillo Tascosa (6-2, 3-1) at Midland (6-1, 3-0) The Tascosa Rebels got a massive win last week at home as they rallied for a late touchdown to knock off Odessa Permian 21-20. That win was huge as THS closes the season with a gauntlet against Midland and San Angelo Central, who are a combined 13-1 on the year. One more victory and the Rebels will have a playoff spot wrapped up, but if THS loses out they will need a little help to get into the playoffs. Midland, on the other hand, has quietly put together a fantastic season with their only loss coming by six to undefeated DeSoto. The Bulldogs have had an extra week to get ready for this one and if they can jump out on Amarillo Tascosa early and force the Rebels to play from behind, that should bode well for their chances as they also can take a major step towards locking a playoff spot up with a victory. Stepp’s Pick: Midland by 13 Craven’s Pick: Tascosa Max’s Pick: MidlandCenterville (5-2, 2-0) at Lovelady (6-0, 2-0) If you thought Lovelady was going to take a dip south after last year’s magical run and a coaching change, you were mistaken as LHS has started the season 6-0 after they blasted Deweyville last week 43-0. They will get maybe their toughest test in district play this week as the always tough and physical Centerville Tigers come to town. CHS had no troubles with West Sabine a week ago, winning 55-29. RB Koy Howe ran for four touchdowns while Brandon Madison led the team in yardage with 163 yards, chipping in a score, as well. Centerville’s physical, ball control attack will make things tough on Lovelady, but the Leopards are rolling right now. I expect them hit a couple of second half big plays and that proves to be the difference. Stepp’s Pick: Lovelady by 8 Craven’s Pick: Lovelady Max’s Pick: LoveladyTatum (6-2, 2-0) at Jasper (5-2, 1-0) Tatum will travel south down to Jasper to take on the Bulldogs at their brand new stadium. Jasper played in non-district last week, knocking off a charter school from Louisiana 34-12, while Tatum pulled away from Rusk in the second half for a 38-21 victory. Cedric White and Keshoyn Harmon ran for a pair of touchdowns each in the Eagles victory. Jasper, being at home, will have an edge and their ability and depth in the trenches will be key as these two are about even in terms of skill talent. Stepp’s Pick: Jasper by 9 Craven’s Pick: Jasper Max’s Pick: TatumWimberley (7-1, 2-0) at Geronimo Navarro (7-0, 1-0) Surprising Wimberley finally appears to be back among the elite teams in Central Texas at the 4A Division II level. The Texans rolled past Llano 35-16 a week ago as RB Thomas Carruthers ran for 179 yards and two touchdowns, and the Texans defense held Llano to just a single touchdown in each half. Geronimo Navarro and their Slot-T offense looks to be a contender in Region IV. The Panthers had a bye last week and that will be a big advantage heading into this potential battle for the district crown. Look for Navarro’s offense to get rolling and put this one away early. Stepp’s Pick: Geronimo Navarro by 17 Craven’s Pick: Geronimo Navarro Max’s Pick: Geronimo NavarroDel Rio (7-0, 4-0) at Laredo United South (6-1, 3-1) The top two teams in 29-6A meet up as unbeaten Del Rio looks to keep their dream season alive against surprising Laredo United South. The Rams defense has been stellar the last three weeks, allowing just a total of seven points. They’ll look to keep that trend going against a tough, ground-oriented attack from Laredo United South. USHS, after an emotional win over archrival Laredo United two weeks ago, struggled a bit last week against Eagle Pass, but found a way to escape the upset bid with a 34-24 victory. Both defenses are among the best in the district, but Del Rio’s speed on offense and balanced attack will be key in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Del Rio by 12 Craven’s Pick: Del Rio Max’s Pick: Del RioSachse (7-0, 3-0) vs. Rowlett (7-0, 3-0) The biggest game to hit Garland ISD in a while features the district’s two top programs in recent years, and ironically, neither is actually located in the city of Garland. Sachse’s high-flying offense typically garners plenty of attention, led by QB Jalen Mayden and a bevy of talented skill players, but the Mustangs defense has made tremendous strides this season and is a big reason why SHS is unbeaten. Rowlett is led by Preston Weeks, a former Sachse QB who moved last year. He’s got a good stable of weapons also, most notably WR LaDarius Dickens, who catches the ball like a receiver but is built more like a powerful running back. On paper, both teams look to be incredibly evenly matched, and the difference here might be special teams. That’s where Rowlett may have a distinct edge in this high-powered matchup. Stepp’s Pick: Rowlett by 3 Craven’s Pick: Sachse Max’s Pick: Sachse

PICK ACCURACY THROUGH WEEK EIGHTMatt Stepp (DCTF High School Insider): 65% Max Thompson (DCTF Digital Director): 65% Greg Tepper (DCTF Managing Editor): 62% Mike Craven (DCTF Senior Writer): 61%