WEEK 10 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Week 10 PreviewMidland (7-1, 4-0) at San Angelo Central (8-0, 4-0) It’s the game of the year in the Little SWC as the winner wraps up a district title – and maybe more importantly – guarantees a home playoff game. If San Angelo winds up in Division I, then this game is for that home game, but there’s a scenario where Central goes DII and both teams wind up hosting a postseason game. Midland had a little trouble last time out with a tough Amarillo Tascosa squad, knocking the Rebels off 49-34. MHS jumped out to a quick 21-0 lead and despite several rallies, the Bulldogs’ lead never went below 14 points. In the past couple of weeks, San Angelo Central has found ways to win, but they haven’t been quite as dominant as they were early in the year. The Bobcats knocked off a desperate Odessa Permian bunch 28-14 last week, and the loss eliminated MOJO from the playoffs. WR Adam West hauled in three touchdown passes from QB Cal Vincent, but the QB did throw his first INT of the season as an injury riddled Permian squad left it all out on the field. I don’t anticipate San Angelo playing two bad games in a row. The Bobcats may have done just enough to get past Permian, but in this tilt they’ll open it up more and with a rocking orange-clad crowd behind them at home I like the Bobcats to get a big win. Stepp’s Pick: San Angelo Central by 12 Craven’s Pick: San Angelo Central Max’s Pick: San Angelo CentralMonahans (5-2, 4-0) at Sweetwater (7-0, 4-0) Two old rivals in West Texas meet up at the famed Mustang Bowl for bragging rights in 2-4A Division II as Monahans travels east on I-20 to take on undefeated Sweetwater. The Lobos had no issues last week, drilling a struggling Lamesa squad 48-8, but the test is massive this week as Sweetwater hasn’t lost a regular season game since 2013. SHS had a tougher than anticipated test last week against Seminole, winning 39-22. Kobe Clark again had a huge night for the Mustangs attack as he hauled in three touchdowns, pacing the offense. Sweetwater’s defense will be key in this one. If the Mustangs defense can get the Monahans ground-based offense off the field early, build a lead and make them play from behind – that will be big. Stepp’s Pick: Sweetwater by 14 Craven’s Pick: Sweetwater Max’s Pick: SweetwaterAledo (8-0, 5-0) at Justin Northwest (8-0, 5-0) After several weeks of total and complete domination, this may be the week the Bearcats get tested in district play. One thing we know for certain is Northwest has playmakers in Syrus Moore and Gavin Holmes, but can the Texans keep up the pace with an Aledo juggernaut that is averaging over 62 points per game. QB Dillon Davis threw for 258 yards on just eleven completions and five touchdowns as the Bearcats rolled past Brewer 67-24 last week. Northwest had no trouble with Chisholm Trail, rolling past the Rangers 57-14. This one will be high scoring, both offenses have the ability to score in a hurry, but Aledo’s defense and ability to play clean football at an incredibly consistent rate is what makes them an elite level program. Stepp’s Pick: Aledo by 21 Craven’s Pick: Aledo Max’s Pick: AledoCollege Station (9-0, 5-0) at Temple (6-2, 4-0) The showdown in 18-5A should be a great one as upstart College Station pays a visit to famed Wildcat Stadium, home of the “Blue front, white back” pants. Two weeks ago, Temple got all they wanted from a depleted Waco High squad, beating the Lions 48-45, while just last week, College Station totally destroyed Waco 48-0. QB Marquez Perez had another big night for the Cougars, tossing four touchdown passes, and the defense totally shut down a Waco offense that thought they had found some footing. Temple has had a week to prepare for this one thanks to a bye week, and they are hoping they worked out some of the defensive miscues and overall sloppy play that’s plagued them at times this year. I do expect Temple to play a much cleaner game, and at home they’ll have a big raucous crowd behind them, but this College Station squad has the looks of a real threat to win Region III at this stage. Stepp’s Pick: College Station by 4 Craven’s Pick: College Station Max’s Pick: College StationAlief Taylor (8-0, 4-0) at Pearland Dawson (7-1, 4-0) Alief Taylor will try to pull off the rare “Pearland Double” as the Lions look to go into The Rig, and for the second time this year, get a win over a Pearland ISD squad. This time they’ll have to get it done against the high flying Eagles, who have their sights set on their first ever district title in Class 6A. Alief Taylor is fresh off a 62-26 demolition of Alief Hastings last week. The Lions big play passing game was led by QB Dontay Warren, who threw for 336 yards and four touchdowns on just ten completed passes. Warren also ran for two scores in the rout. Dawson used a 33-point third quarter outburst to blow past Alief Elsik 57-14. Lance Charles led the way for the Eagles, rushing for 248 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Dawson had a balanced attack. Defenses will be key in this matchup. Whichever defensive unit rises to the occasion will likely walk away with the win and a district title. I lean to the Alief Taylor defense in that matchup. Stepp’s Pick: Alief Taylor by 7 Craven’s Pick: Alief Taylor Max’s Pick: Alief Taylor [caption id="attachment_26739" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Bobby Thomas Photo by Bobby Thomas[/caption] Clarendon (8-0, 3-0) at Memphis (7-1, 3-0) Quietly, the Clarendon Broncos are putting together an absolutely sensational season led by a defense that has allowed just six total points the past five games. Last week, CHS had no trouble with Ralls, blowing past the Jackrabbits 56-0 as QB Demarjae Cortez ran for two scores and threw for another touchdown. Memphis has one loss on their ledger, but the Cyclones own a signature win over Wellington to open district play. A win this week all but seals a district title. MHS took care of playoff contending Crosbyton with relative ease, winning 52-25. RB David Dickson, who is the leading rusher in the Panhandle once again, led the way with 170 yards on the ground and a pair of touchdowns. Clarendon has been dominant, but the Broncos haven’t faced a tough schedule. On the other side of the football, Memphis is much more battle tested with wins over Quanah and Wellington and a tough loss to Abernathy. Stepp’s Pick: Memphis by 6 Craven’s Pick: Memphis Max’s Pick: MemphisFranklin (7-1, 3-1) at Rockdale (7-1, 4-0) Rockdale can all but wrap up the district title this week with a win over a tough Franklin squad. Franklin rolled past Jarrell 68-7 a week ago, racking up 535 yards rushing and an amazing nine touchdowns in the easy victory. Rockdale avoided the letdown loss as – after the Tigers knocked off archrival Cameron Yoe – they won a close one over McGregor 41-34. RB Davion Ford had another huge night for the Tigers, rushing for 339 yards and five touchdowns in the win. Both teams prefer to rely on the ground and pound style, although Rockdale does their damage from the spread, while Franklin goes old school. Whichever offense can impose their will in this one will come away with the win. Stepp’s Pick: Rockdale by 9 Craven’s Pick: Rockdale Max’s Pick: RockdaleRichmond Foster (8-0, 5-0) at Angleton (7-1, 5-0) The first of what could be two meetings between these two 27-5A powers takes place Friday night down in Angleton. Unbeaten Foster got a bit of test last week against feisty Victoria East, but the Falcons prevailed 41-21 as the offense rolled up 529 yards of offense buoyed by the return of QB Alex Ramart from injury. Foster’s defense contained a powerful East spread offense last week and now they’ll try to contain the Angleton Wing-T attack, led by incredibly talented 2018 ATH BJ Foster. Angleton’s defense had a big week last week, pitching a 28-0 shutout against Victoria West, but slowing down undefeated Foster is a huge chore. The winner of this game gets the district title and the top seed in 5A Division I, but don’t be surprised if in December in the state quarterfinals we see these two tangle once again for the Region IV title. Stepp’s Pick: Richmond Foster by 3 Craven’s Pick: Richmond Foster Max’s Pick: Richmond FosterStafford (6-3, 5-0) at El Campo (8-0, 4-0) Don’t let Stafford’s three losses fool you: the Spartans have yet to lose a game on the field this year. In reality, this is a team that is 9-0 if you remove the forfeits. Last week, Stafford rolled past Sealy 44-7 as the Spartans had two rushers who topped the 100-yard mark, led by James Brown, who ran for 192 yards and two touchdowns. El Campo, who owns a win over 5A powerhouse Angleton, had the week off last week so they’ve had a full two weeks to scheme and prep for the Spartans. That will be big as the Ricebirds tend to rise to occasion in big games, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and that makes me to give them a SLIGHT edge. Stepp’s Pick: El Campo by 5 Craven’s Pick: El Campo Max’s Pick: El CampoCarrollton Ranchview (6-2, 2-1) at Midlothian Heritage (7-1, 3-0) Ranchview will try to lock up a playoff spot this week as they take on the area’s biggest surprise in Midlothian Heritage. The Wolves got a big win last week, knocking off Wilmer-Hutchins 26-22, led by Saroderick Thompson, who had three touchdowns to go with 204 yards from scrimmage. First-year program Midlothian Heritage isn’t playing like one as Lee Wiginton has the Jaguars rolling. They knocked off Dallas Carter 56-25 behind four rushing touchdowns from Garrett Gaskamp and four scoring tosses from QB Landon Ledbetter. Heritage’s firepower on offense should be too much for a good Ranchview team, and this Heritage bunch has the look of a real contender for a deep playoff push. Stepp’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage by 19 Craven’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage Max’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage [caption id="attachment_26742" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Pat Carrigan Photo by Pat Carrigan[/caption] Teague (7-1, 5-0) at Malakoff (8-0, 5-0) For the second straight year in a row, Teague and Malakoff hook up for the district title down in Henderson County. Teague rolled past playoff contending Groesbeck for a 41-7 homecoming win last week, and the Lions offense again was hitting on all cylinders. QB Antonio Heard ran for 167 yards and a touchdown and he also chipped in a pair of touchdown passes. Malakoff drilled West 42-0 as the Tigers defense forced six turnovers and WR QT Baker hauled in a pair of touchdown passes as Malakoff jumped out to a 35-0 halftime lead and coasted to the victory. Malakoff’s defense is what sets them apart this year. This group has been suffocating and although Teague tests them, Malakoff just has too much balance and has the appearance of a complete team heading into the playoffs. Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 10 Craven’s Pick: Malakoff Max’s Pick: MalakoffWhite Oak (8-0, 3-0) at Jefferson (6-2, 3-0) The district title and top playoff billing is on the line out in deep East Texas as unbeaten White Oak heads to Jefferson to take on the Bulldogs. The Roughnecks, known more for their offense, got a big defensive effort in a 35-0 shutout win over Redwater last week. In five of their eight games this year, White Oak has allowed less than eight points, so it has been a consistently good performance from that group every night. Second-year HC Antwain Jimmerson has the Jefferson Bulldogs playing well as they’ve won five straight games, including a 38-7 win over Sabine. QB Trey Hodge led the way, throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns; he also added 52 rushing yards and a touchdown. White Oak’s defense, which hasn’t been discussed as much, is the real difference maker for this team and should carry them to a district crown. Stepp’s Pick: White Oak by 13 Craven’s Pick: White Oak Max’s Pick: White OakEl Paso Americas (7-1, 5-0) vs. El Paso El Dorado (6-2, 4-1) Unbeaten Americas can wrap up the 1-6A title this week with a win over Socorro ISD rival El Dorado. Last week, they took a major step towards that crown, knocking off fellow unbeaten Montwood 45-35. Typically ground-oriented AHS took to the air as QB Cristian Estorga threw for 269 yards and a touchdown, while RB Josh Fields continued his amazing senior campaign, rushing for 163 yards and four touchdowns. El Dorado, led by dual threat QB Cedarious Barefield and Utah commit WR Tyquez Hampton, got a tougher than anticipated match from El Paso Coronado last week, but the Aztecs prevailed 32-28. Americas and their physical style of play on both sides of the ball always makes them a tough matchup in the Sun City, especially for a team like El Dorado who prefers to outgun you with big plays. I like the old school mentality of Americas in this matchup. Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Americas by 7 Craven’s Pick: El Paso Americas Max’s Pick: El Paso El DoradoAndrews (8-1, 3-0) at Clint (8-0, 2-0) Andrews will look to continue their domination over their El Paso area district mates as the Mustangs have won eleven consecutive district games. Even more impressive is the closest win in these contests has been by 32 points. Last week, the Ponies raced by overmatched Clint Mountain View 73-10. Ground-oriented Clint is undefeated and their game plan will be simple: try to control the clock and keep that explosive offense off the field. A perfect game from Clint will be needed to keep this one close. Andrews will have to make a few mistakes. Stepp’s Pick: Andrews by 34 Craven’s Pick: Andrews Max’s Pick: AndrewsLiberty (8-1, 2-1) at West Orange-Stark (8-0, 2-0) This matchup lost a bit of its luster as Liberty was stunned last week by Hardin-Jefferson, 17-14. The Panthers turned the ball over four times and a last-second field goal was their undoing in the defeat. If they turn the ball over against the consensus top team in Class 4A, the result could wind up being ugly. WOS has been nothing short of dominant this year, pitching six total shutouts and allowing just 23 total points. In their past two outings, the Mustangs have outscored opponents 130-0. I don’t anticipate any challenge to West Orange’s dominance this week as Liberty is a good team, but not an elite level squad. Stepp’s Pick: West Orange-Stark by 28 Craven’s Pick: West Orange-Stark Max’s Pick: West Orange-Stark [caption id="attachment_26741" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Artie Guerrero Photo by Artie Guerrero[/caption] Cedar Park (8-0, 6-0) at Hutto (6-2, 4-2) Cedar Park and their incredible defense did it again last week as the Timberwolves drilled previously undefeated Pflugerville Connally 49-0. CPHS held Connally to just 78 yards of offense, and the offense, piloted by QB Mak Sexton, took advantage of consistent good field position to roll to an easy victory. Hutto kept their playoff hopes alive with a huge win over Leander Rouse last week 42-32. The Hippos got a monster night from RB Dearyon Milligan, who ran for 304 yards and two touchdowns to lead HHS to the win. Hutto can win out and still get into the playoffs, but losses by the right teams should put the Hippos on the right side of a potential three-way tie and get them into the playoffs. Hutto’s wide-open attack will test the “Black Rain” D of Cedar Park, so I don’t think CPHS gets shutout number six, but they should hold Hutto in check enough. Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Park by 19 Craven’s Pick: Cedar Park Max’s Pick: Cedar ParkMontgomery (6-2, 3-1) at The Woodlands (8-0, 4-0) Montgomery will be looking to pull off an upset and possibly earn themselves a home playoff game if they can take down the undefeated Highlanders. The Bears slipped past a stingy Conroe bunch 43-39 two weeks ago as RB Alex Nunn accounted for 190 yards of offense and three touchdowns on the night. After getting tested by Lufkin to open district play, The Woodlands has been nothing short of dominant, outscoring their next three opponents by a combined 162-16. I don’t expect much different this week as Montgomery will likely be locked into the second seed in Division I behind The Woodlands. Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands by 27 Craven’s Pick: The Woodlands Max’s Pick: The WoodlandsFriendswood (6-1, 4-1) at Clear Springs (7-1, 5-0) Friendswood can earn themselves a share of the 24-6A lead this week if they can knock off unbeaten Clear Springs, who is playing outstanding football under first year HC Craig Dailey. The Mustangs are led by the incomparable SMU commit QB Tyler Page, who has turned into a one-man wrecking crew thus far, putting up eye popping numbers week-in and week-out. Clear Springs got a test last week from upstart Clear Brook, but the Chargers pulled away late for a 44-28 win. QB William McBride threw for 251 yards and four touchdowns to pace the Chargers attack. I expect a shootout; both teams can score points in bunches, but I think Page and the Mustangs offense finds a way to outgun Springs to make a real mess of the district standings. Stepp’s Pick: Friendswood by 3 Craven’s Pick: Friendswood Max’s Pick: FriendswoodSanto (6-1, 3-0) at Muenster (7-1, 3-0) The 8-2A Division II title is on the line in far North Texas as Santo will look to pull off an upset over the state-ranked Hornets. After a close win over Lindsay three weeks ago, Santo has played extremely well the past two games, including an easy 39-7 win over Era a week ago. Muenster had their way with an overmatched Ranger bunch, blowing past the Bulldogs 59-0. Munester’s dominance in the trenches will again give them a huge edge as they look to be well on their way to a district title and a lengthy playoff push. Stepp’s Pick: Muenster by 17 Craven’s Pick: Muenster Max’s Pick: MuensterGilmer (7-1, 3-0) at Atlanta (5-3, 1-2) Gilmer makes the trip north to Atlanta to take on a Rabbits squad that could be on the outside of the playoff picture based on possible tiebreakers. Gilmer, a week after surviving a scare from Gladewater, bounced back last week with an easy 42-7 win over Longview Spring Hill. It didn’t start well for Gilmer as they only led Spring Hill 14-7 at the half, but QB Poppy Brown and company got it going in the second half to pull away for the comfortable victory. Brown finished the night with 304 yards passing. Gilmer’s had Atlanta’s number recently and that dominance should continue this week. Stepp’s Pick: Gilmer by 19 Craven’s Pick: Gilmer Max’s Pick: Gilmer [caption id="attachment_26740" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Maria Lysaker Photo by Maria Lysaker[/caption] Cypress Ranch (8-0, 7-0) vs. Cypress Ridge (7-1, 6-1) In the always-balanced Cy Fair ISD, Cy Ranch’s 23-game district winning streak is one of the more impressive accomplishments you’ll see. Not only are the Mustangs looking to keep that streak alive, but also edge closer to their first undefeated regular season in school history. Ranch rolled past Cy Lakes last week 56-7 as EJ Thompson ran for 106 yards and a pair of touchdowns to pace a balanced attack. Cy Ridge will look to clinch a playoff spot and put themselves in the discussion for a district title with a win. The Rams took down Cy Creek 32-20 last week as Trelon Smith had 302 yards of offense and two touchdowns to pace the offense. I expect plenty of points in this 17-6A showdown, both offenses are plenty potent, but Cy Ranch has the pedigree of winning and a very underrated defense. Stepp’s Pick: Cy Ranch by 11 Craven’s Pick: Cy Ranch Max’s Pick: Cy RanchVan Horn (4-5, 2-1) at Wink (5-3, 1-1) Second place is on the line in District 5-2A Division II as Van Horn will look to close the regular season out with a road win. The Eagles started district play out strong, but they had no answers a week ago in a 72-20 defeat at the hands of powerful Iraan. Wink’s most recent game was against Iraan as well, but it was two weeks ago as the Wildcats fell 57-26 to the Braves. However, the week off – especially at the 2A level – is big and with that extra week of prep time I expect Wink’s offense to have a big night. Stepp’s Pick: Wink by 13 Craven’s Pick: Wink Max’s Pick: WinkCrockett (7-1, 2-1) at Garrison (6-2, 2-1) Crockett could have let their lopsided loss to Newton derail their season, but after the embarrassing defeat, the Bulldogs have responded with solid wins, including a 49-0 shutout of Frankston last week. The Bulldogs defense, which at times has struggled, had their best outing of the year last week. Garrison also had to bounce back last week after getting served a piece of humble pie by Newton, and the maroon clad Bulldogs took care of business beating Hemphill 49-18. Keondric Collins paced the GHS attack with 118 yards on the ground and two scores. The key will be which defense can rise up to get a stop or two. I lean ever so slightly to Crockett as the blue Bulldogs take a firm hold on second place in this district. Stepp’s Pick: Crockett by 6 Craven’s Pick: Crockett Max’s Pick: CrockettConverse Judson (7-1, 4-1) at Smithson Valley (5-2, 4-1) With Smithson Valley’s likely move to Division II, some of the shine is off this matchup, but it is still a premier game in the Alamo City. The Rockets slipped past Clemens last week 31-24, as the trio of Julon Williams, Mi’kel Jackson and Sincere McCormick combined for 250 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and JHS overcame four turnovers to get past the Buffaloes. Judson can’t afford another sloppy effort this week against Smithson Valley, who two weeks ago blew Clemens away. The last three games, SVHS has allowed just 24 points total. They held New Braunfels Canyon to just 123 yards in a 35-3 win a week ago. Trevon Moehrig-Woodard again showed why he’s one of the state’s most dangerous return specialists as he had a kickoff and punt return for a score in the victory. I am very tempted to take Smithson Valley here, the Rangers are peaking at the right time, but I think Judson’s multiple weapons on offense break a couple of big plays and give the Rockets a hard fought win. Stepp’s Pick: Converse Judson by 5 Craven’s Pick: Converse Judson Max’s Pick: Converse Judson [caption id="attachment_26744" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Dency McClure Photo by Dency McClure[/caption] Zephyr (7-1, 1-0) at Jonesboro (8-0, 1-0) Zephyr got off to a quick start last week as they drubbed Evant 66-16. The Bulldogs scored on three of their first four snaps to jump out to a 22-0 lead and they never looked back. Zephyr owned a 60-16 halftime lead and quickly scored early in the third quarter to end the game. Jonesboro’s defense was suffocating last week as they drilled Blanket 54-6 to open district play. This is a huge top ten matchup, so if you are into the six-man game, Jonesboro may be the place for you!! Stepp’s Pick: Jonesboro by 14 Craven’s Pick: Jonesboro Max’s Pick: JonesboroAlamo Heights (7-1, 4-1) at Boerne Champion (7-1, 5-0) Boerne Champion can wrap up the 26-5A title this week with a home win over perennial rival Alamo Heights. The Mules fell to Dripping Springs 64-54 last week as the defense had no answers allowing 554 yards including 22 fourth quarter points, which proved to be the difference. That group will have to take some pressure off their offense this week as Boerne Champion’s potent attack presents plenty of challenges. Champion rolled past Tivy 35-0 last week as the Chargers defense had a monster evening. Champion’s offense is as consistent as it gets and they have firmly established themselves as the top 5A program in the San Antonio area. Stepp’s Pick: Boerne Champion by 8 Craven’s Pick: Boerne Champion Max’s Pick: Boerne ChampionSan Benito (8-0, 5-0) at Weslaco (5-3, 3-2) San Benito is looking to continue their run as the Valley’s top team and remain undefeated going into their “Battle of the Arroyo” showdown with Harlingen in Week 11. The Greyhounds rolled past Brownsville Hanna 49-29 last week at home, which clinched a playoff spot. QB Erick Retta led the way, throwing four touchdown passes as the ‘Hounds built a big lead and cruised to the comfortable victory. Weslaco, on the other hand, is locked in a death struggle for a playoff spot. If the Panthers can knock SBHS off, that could put them in great shape towards clinching a spot. However, a loss and they’ll be forced into a must-win with Los Fresnos in Week 11. Weslaco’s offense has hit some slow spots this year, but for the most part the defense has done the job. In five of their past six games, the Panthers have allowed 13 points or less. The problem is they managed to lose one of those games. San Benito’s offense is as balanced and deadly as any in the Valley, and they’ll find a way to crack the code on the Weslaco D this week. Stepp’s Pick: San Benito by 12 Craven’s Pick: San Benito Max’s Pick: San Benito

PICK ACCURACY THROUGH WEEK NINEMatt Stepp (DCTF High School Insider): 67% Max Thompson (DCTF Digital Director): 67% Greg Tepper (DCTF Managing Editor): 64% Mike Craven (DCTF Senior Writer): 62%