REGIONAL SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in the Texas high school football playoffs

regional-semifinals-previewSan Angelo Central (12-0) vs. Allen (12-0), 4 p.m. Friday at San Angelo’s San Angelo Stadium It’s the game everyone’s been waiting for: can San Angelo Central carry the West Texas flag further into the playoffs and eliminate Allen, the big bully on the block? The playing field is a bit more level as Allen has to make the 300-mile trek down to the Concho Valley, where 15,000-plus fans in orange will be waiting for them. San Angelo’s offense has been tremendous all year, led by dual threat QB Cal Vincent and his trio of gigantic receivers who pose matchup problems, led by 6-foot-8 Adam West, who is a jump ball master. When Central needs to run the ball, Daven Manning is a more than capable weapon, as well. Allen’s defense has been among the state’s best all year; the Eagles front seven is deep, fast and they simply don’t let teams run the football. I expect San Angelo to get yardage in the passing game, but can they have some semblance of balance with the running game? Allen isn’t flashy on offense, but they are efficient, led by QB Mitchell Jonke and the backfield duo of Brock Sturges and Kirby Bennett. San Angelo’s defense has been underrated all year, led by LB Gehrig Scott and DB Dedrick Howard. Both are tremendous playmakers along with a solid defensive line. This one has all the makings of a classic. The game being in San Angelo is certainly worth a touchdown for the Angry Orange, but Allen is Allen and it’s really tough to pick against a team with the depth and pedigree the Eagles have developed, even in a hostile road environment. I think Allen’s defense is the difference and the Eagles will secure a massive road win on Friday. Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 4 Craven’s Pick: Allen Max’s Pick: San Angelo CentralThe Woodlands (12-0) vs. Austin Bowie (11-1), 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Waco’s McLane Stadium The Woodlands got a test from unbeaten Sachse, but came through last week with a hard fought 51-40 victory. The Highlanders twice trailed in the fourth quarter, but QB Eric Schmid came through with a clutch touchdown pass and touchdown run to rally TWHS to the win. This week, the Highlanders get a Saturday night matchup with an underrated Austin Bowie squad playing their best football of the year. The Woodlands certainly has injury concerns as their secondary has had the ranks thinned. The Bulldogs dominated a very good Spring squad last week, ousting the Lions 37-14 as QB Wade Smith threw for 299 yards and four touchdowns, and ran for 82 yards and a score. The Woodlands struggled some running the football last week, and that trend may continue this week as Bowie is generally tough against the run, which puts a lot of pressure on Schmid to make plays in the passing game. He’s delivered thus far and I think the Highlanders find a way again this week, although it’ll be another major shootout. The Woodlands is still the favorite in Region II, but they’ve certainly shown some vulnerability in the playoffs, and injuries haven’t helped. Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands by 7 Craven’s Pick: The Woodlands Max’s Pick: The WoodlandsKaty (10-2) vs. Galena Park North Shore (11-1), 12 p.m. Friday at Houston’s NRG Stadium Last year’s two defending 6A champions meet up in a Black Friday showdown at NRG Stadium. Both teams answered the bell in major tests last week. North Shore went to Dickinson and put together an incredible defensive performance in a 17-7 win over the Gators, while Katy knocked off unbeaten Cy Ranch 31-14. The GPNS defense held the Gators to just 140 yards of offense, while Bryant Badie and Kerrion Hadnot combined for 234 rushing yards in the slugfest. Katy, who has never lost a game at NRG Stadium, took to the air to knock off Cy Ranch as QB Rocky Emery threw for 216 yards and two touchdowns, while the Tigers defense held Ranch to just 212 yards. The big story from this game was Katy’s struggles to run the football as Deondrick Glass left the game with injury after just six carries. Glass’ status is unknown for Friday and that will be the big storyline for this one. There may not be a more hard-hitting game in the state, and the first team to ten may win this one! I’ll take Katy in a classic low scoring game, I just can’t pick against the Tigers when playing at NRG. Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 3 Craven’s Pick: Katy Max’s Pick: KatyAustin Westlake (10-2) vs. Laredo United (9-3), 3 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Heroes Stadium Westlake decided to make Sam Ehlinger’s return exciting as the Chaps won an overtime thriller over Converse Judson 24-21. Westlake recovered a controversial fumble inside the five-yard line in OT to secure the win. Ehlinger wasn’t sharp in his debut, and that’s to be expected as he’s only played in two games this year before Friday. With an extra week of practice reps and a full game under his belt, look for a much sharper performance. Laredo United has made a habit of advancing to the third round, but the Longhorns have never been past this point. United won a thriller over Harlingen 30-26 as United, who is typically a high-powered passing offense, got the ground game going with Brian Ballesteros scoring three times to lead the way. There’s no doubt United is a heavy underdog going into this game. They’ll need to be perfect on offense and hope Westlake makes a few mistakes to keep it close, and even then it may not be enough. Stepp’s Pick: Austin Westlake by 34 Craven’s Pick: Westlake Max’s Pick: WestlakeAbilene (11-1) vs. DeSoto (12-0), 6 p.m. Friday at Wichita Falls’ Memorial Stadium This game feels like 2009 when Abilene High faced a juggernaut from DFW as a heavy underdog. The Warbirds ended up dominating Cedar Hill 49-17 en route to a state title. DeSoto will be focused on not repeating those mistakes this week as the Eagles try to move one step closer to that elusive state title. Abilene had no trouble blasting past an overmatched El Paso Americas squad at home 55-0. RB Abram Smith had another big game and the Eagles defense showed they are an elite group at stopping the run. The question is can they slow the diverse and up-tempo attack that DeSoto brings to the table? DHS has playmakers all over the field and an elite offensive line. Abilene is quick, but undersized and their secondary has some question marks. DeSoto’s defense is very fast and well coached. That is the real difference this year for DeSoto. They have an elite group on the defensive side of the ball and that’s the real key in this game. Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 13 Craven’s Pick: DeSotoMax’s Pick: DeSoto   [caption id="attachment_27512" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Russell Wilburn Photo by Russell Wilburn[/caption] Klein Collins (11-1) vs. Tyler John Tyler (11-1), 2p.m. Saturday at Waco’s McLane Stadium A pair of true state title contenders who are flying just under the radar meet up at Baylor on Saturday, and the winner certainly jumps to the front of the line as a favorite in Region II. Klein Collins, who is a one-point overtime loss to Katy away from being undefeated, knocked off previously unbeaten Round Rock Cedar Ridge 40-34 in overtime last week. Collins dominated the first 40 minutes of the game, taking a 27-6 lead, but CRHS rallied to send the game to OT. QB Bryson Powers, who missed much of the game with an injury, returned in overtime to score and give the Tigers the win. WR Quinton Newton had a big game with eight catches for 149 yards and a touchdown. The defense for Klein Collins, which has been great all year, faces a massive test this week as they try to slow down Bryson Smith and an incredible John Tyler offense that’s put up huge numbers all year. Last week, CUJO made quick work of Dallas Jesuit, rolling past the Rangers 69-21 in a game that wasn’t even that close. Smith accounted for 404 total yards and six touchdowns as the Lions built a 55-7 third quarter lead before cruising to the win. This will be a game of styles, Collins doesn’t want to get in a shootout with JT. Their one loss this year was a shootout and they’d prefer to keep the score in the 20’s or 30’s, and if they do that, they’ll win. If the game gets above that threshold JT will get the edge. Stepp’s Pick: Klein Collins by 6 Craven’s Pick: Klein Collins Max’s Pick: Klein CollinsKaty Cinco Ranch (9-3) vs. Friendswood (9-2), 2 p.m. Saturday at Houston’s NRG Stadium Region III in Division II is wide open and both the teams in this matchup have taken full advantage of that by advancing to the third round. CRHS got a great effort form their defense last week as they contained a potent Langham Creek attack in a 29-21 victory. The Cougars held Langham to just 227 yards of offense and WR Greg Williams, Jr., led the way with nine receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns. For Friendswood it’s all about the “Tyler Page Experience.” The incomparable QB again led the way as the Mustangs toppled LaPorte 56-35. Page ran for 324 yards and two scores and threw for 140 yards and two scores, as well. Friendswood has questions on defense, but Page and his abilities certainly have erased that so far. Cinco’s defense has been good, but Page is electric. Stepp’s Pick: Friendswood by 10 Craven’s Pick: Friendswood Max’s Pick: FriendswoodSan Antonio Churchill (10-2) vs. Laredo United South (10-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Laredo’s United ISD Student Activity Center Did anyone in the state have this matchup in the regional semifinals when brackets first came out? I had Churchill going this far, but how about surprising United South? The Panthers got a huge win at home last week, knocking off a very good San Benito squad 28-21. It was a fourth quarter blocked punt that propelled the Panthers into the third round, and with some good luck at the zip code game from HC Sergio Salinas, they again will play at home against the tough and physical defense of Churchill. The Chargers won a defensive struggle with San Antonio Brennan 10-7 last week. QB Jordan Billups did play in the win, but he was far from 100 percent. Will his condition improve this week? Churchill’s defense will again be relied on to control the ground-based offense from United South, and that plays right into the Chargers hands. They are among the best in Region IV at stopping the run. Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Churchill by 12 Craven’s Pick: San Antonio Churchill Max’s Pick: San Antonio ChurchillLubbock Monterey (10-2) vs. Denton Ryan (12-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium Surprising Lubbock Monterey will look to keep their magical season going against heavily favored and unbeaten Denton Ryan. QB Jaron Jones had a big game, accounting for 298 yards of offense as the Plainsmen ran out to a 52-14 lead and cruised to a 59-26 win over El Paso Eastlake on Friday. The offense will be tested in a big way against a physically imposing Ryan defense that – when it is dialed in – is one of the state’s best units. The Raiders took care of a solid Richland squad last week 34-13, as Tyreke Davis showed he is one of the state’s best two-way players, rushing for 170 yards and three touchdowns while registering 12 tackles on defense. Ryan’s got plenty of balance as well with Oklahoma State commit QB Spencer Sanders guiding the offense. Monterey has been a great story this year, but Ryan’s just too powerful for the Plainsmen. Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 18 Craven’s Pick: Denton Ryan Max’s Pick: Denton RyanCedar Park (12-0) vs. Manvel (12-0), 2:00 p.m. Saturday at College Station’s Kyle Field The consensus number one team in the state, Manvel, takes on defending 5A Division II champion Cedar Park on the grass track at Kyle Field. The condition of the field will be something to watch as just two days prior, Texas A&M will close out their regular season slate at home against LSU. A sloppy track will certainly negate the speed advantage that Manvel has and plays right into the hands of the Cedar Park “Black Rain” defense. Manvel’s offense is one of the state’s best. They’ve topped 50 points in half of their games, but what has made the Mavericks elite this year is a solid and physical defensive unit. That group has turned Manvel into a state title favorite. Stepp’s Pick: Manvel by 10 Craven’s Pick: Manvel Max’s Pick: Manvel [caption id="attachment_27510" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Tom Sooter Photo by Tom Sooter[/caption] Aledo (12-0) vs. Abilene Cooper (8-4), 1 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium The numbers don’t line up well for Abilene Cooper in this one. In fact, the only real advantage they’ve gotten is that Cooper is hosting this game. Aledo owes them a return trip after Cooper went to Aledo and lost to the Bearcats 33-0 in a cold and rainy night last year. Last week, Aledo made a major statement that they are indeed the team to beat in 5A Division II as they throttled Grapevine 51-7. That’s the same Grapevine team that beat Abilene Cooper in non-district 61-7. So Aledo should win by 98 points right?? Well no, this is a different Abilene Cooper squad than the one that got hammered by Grapevine, but still, it shows there is a significant gap between Aledo and the Region I field. Aledo wins in a rout. Stepp’s Pick: Aledo by 35 Craven’s Pick: Aledo Max’s Pick: AledoLancaster (11-1) vs. Wylie East (9-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Allen’s Eagle Stadium Lancaster didn’t exactly get off to a stellar start last week against Dallas Wilson. WEBO trailed 13-0 in the first quarter before waking up and rolling to a 58-39 win. RB Demadric Williams ran for 156 yards and four touchdowns to pace the Tigers offense. Speaking of rushing, Wylie East did something you rarely see in today’s game. The Raiders rolled up 56 points without even attempting a single passing play. WEHS ran for 551 yards, led by Eno Benjamin’s 284 yards and three touchdowns in a 56-28 win over The Colony. Lancaster’s defense will be keyed up to slow down the East ground game, and although Benjamin will get his yards, the Lancaster defense is just too good to allow a one dimensional team to have their way. Lancaster’s offense will pick the pace up and slowly tempo a thin Wylie East defense to exhaustion by the fourth quarter. Stepp’s Pick: Lancaster by 9 Craven’s Pick: Lancaster Max’s Pick: LancasterCollege Station (12-0) vs. Port Neches-Groves (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Baytown’s Stallworth Stadium Getting lost in the shuffle of a monster week in the state is a really good Region III matchup featuring unbeaten College Station against 11-1 PNG. College Station comes in on a roll, the Cougars have a solid resumé with wins over Temple and A&M Consolidated, and they added to that resumé last week as they blew away a good Magnolia team 63-25. CSHS rolled up 629 yards of offense, led by QB Marquez Perez, who accounted for 360 yards and five total touchdowns. The Cougars defense this week will have their eyes trained on PNG sophomore QB Roschon Johnson, who has put up some monster numbers this year. In last week’s 28-14 win over Fort Bend Willowridge Johnson ran for 262 yards and three touchdowns and he threw for another 137 yards. PNG rolled up over 600 yards as well, but only scored 28 points, so you’ve got to think the message from the coaching staff this week will be focused on finishing drives. This battle of QBs may come down to supporting cast (a suddenly cleared Ty Brock, anyone?) and defense, and I think the edge in both categories goes to College Station. Stepp’s Pick: College Station by 11 Craven’s Pick: College Station Max’s Pick: College StationBoerne Champion (10-2) vs. Corpus Christi Calallen (11-1), 1:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Farris Stadium A year ago when these two met in round three, many pegged Boerne Champion as a significant favorite over Calallen, but when the dust settled, Calallen emerged with a rather comfortable win behind a physical running game. Not much has changed between these two in 2016, except that now the roles are reversed and Calallen is the heavy favorite. Champion still hasn’t shown much of an ability to play physical football, and against a versatile Calallen attack that can line up and mash you as well as anyone in Region IV, it’s not a good recipe for success. I expect a big Calallen win in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 14 Craven’s Pick: Calallen Max’s Pick: CalallenAbilene Wylie (9-1) vs. Argyle (11-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Ram Stadium, Mineral Wells These two were supposed to meet in the regular season in Abilene, but the game was cancelled due to bad weather, so now – for the second straight year – they meet in the playoffs, and for the fifth straight year overall. After Wylie won the initial meeting, Argyle has dominated the series, including a 24-17 win last year in the semifinals. Wylie had no trouble rolling past Pampa last week 48-17. It was a fast start that propelled the Bulldogs as they jumped out to a 42-3 halftime lead and cruised. Argyle has crushed their first two playoff opponents from West Texas by a combined score of 112-21, but the Eagles know Abilene Wylie is on a different level than Snyder or Lubbock Estacado. Abilene Wylie’s coaching staff always has a few wrinkles up their sleeve in these playoff games, and with Argyle having their number recently, Coach Sandifer will empty the bag of tricks, but I don’t think it will be enough. Argyle’s playoff pedigree in recent years is just too much. Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 7 Craven’s Pick: Argyle Max’s Pick: ArgyleKennedale (9-3) vs. Midlothian Heritage (11-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mansfield’s Newsom Stadium It’ll be a contrast of styles as a perennial DFW 4A power in Kennedale takes on the new kids on the block in Midlothian Heritage. Kennedale – for the second time this year – knocked off Terrell. This time it was 15-7 in a defensive struggle, as RB DJ Kirven ran for 201 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense, while the defense, led by Baron Browning, held Terrell to just 264 yards of offense. Midlothian Heritage won an absolute thriller last week, knocking off Kaufman 39-36. RB Nathan Gaskamp ran for 199 yards and a touchdown, and he chipped in 66 receiving yards and two touchdowns, as well. Kennedale’s defense will be the key in this one. They have enough speed and athleticism to contain the Heritage spread and their defensive line has the ability to control the line of scrimmage. Stepp’s Pick: Kennedale by 9 Craven’s Pick: Kennedale Max’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage [caption id="attachment_27511" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Mark Martin Photo by Mark Martin[/caption] Carthage (9-2) vs. Henderson (11-1), 6 p.m. Friday at Longview’s Lobo Stadium The only thing that’s better than a good, old-fashioned backyard brawl in the Piney Woods, is probably said backyard brawl being played in the playoffs! Henderson knocked off Carthage in the regular season behind a big game from RB LaKendrick VanZandt and their defense, and they got a similar performance last week in a hard fought 29-15 win over previously unbeaten El Campo. Carthage had no trouble with Houston North Forest a week ago, so there’s no doubt the Bulldogs probably spent a good amount of time working in some new wrinkles in anticipation of a much more difficult game this week. Henderson has the big time playmakers, but Carthage’s balance on offense certainly intrigues me. If the Bulldogs can avoid turnovers and getting into an early hole, they should be able to wear Henderson down in the fourth. Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 5 Craven’s Pick: Carthage Max’s Pick: CarthageGilmer (11-1) vs. Jasper (10-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Tyler’s Rose Stadium There weren’t many teams more dominating than Gilmer last week as the Buckeyes dismantled Melissa 55-6. Kelton Collier ran for three touchdowns and QB Aaron Brown threw for 295 yards. Gilmer rolled up a 41-0 halftime lead and cruised to the easy win. Jasper knocked off upstart Aubrey last week 35-21 as DeCorrian Holmes, Bubba Weathered and Jerkarion Simmons combined for 292 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Jasper will need that ground game to control the clock and keep the explosive Gilmer offense sidelined. The only team that’s been able to do that with any level of success was Carthage, and Jasper’s not on that level. Gilmer rolls to a rematch with Celina. Stepp’s Pick: Gilmer by 24 Craven’s Pick: Gilmer Max’s Pick: GilmerCuero (12-0) vs. Wimberley (10-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Heroes Stadium Cuero hasn’t been tested in the first two rounds of the playoffs, winning by a combined score of 107-20, and to be honest, both games could have ended much more lopsided if the Gobblers chose. Cuero’s got one of the most explosive offenses in the state, and their team speed on the defensive side of the ball is a handful for the majority of Region IV teams. It’ll be interesting to see if an ever-improving Wimberley team can keep up. Wimberley won a tough defensive struggle with a strong Sinton squad, knocking the Pirates off 21-14 as a fourth quarter rally propelled the Texans, avenging losses to Sinton in the playoffs in 2014 and 2015. Wimberley is a program on the rise, but they just don’t have the playmakers to keep up with the Gobblers. Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 14 Craven’s Pick: Cuero Max’s Pick: CueroWall (9-3) vs. Littlefield (9-3), 7:00 p.m. Friday at Odessa’s Ratliff Stadium Talk about impressive!! Wall’s 72-35 dismantling of a very good Clyde team was one of the state’s most eye-popping results last week. The Hawks rolled up over 500 yards rushing as three different ball carriers topped the 100-yard mark. Even more impressive is Wall racked up those numbers basically in three quarters of action as they scored their final points with just under eleven minutes remaining. Littlefield slipped past Bowie 29-20 as the Wildcats were keyed by four Bowie turnovers and three rushing touchdowns from Bryan Acevedo. Littlefield’s ground and pound style is similar to Wall in a lot of ways, but Wall’s efficiency and playoff experience certainly gives them the edge in this matchup. Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 15 Craven’s Pick: Wall Max’s Pick: WallPottsboro (10-2) vs. Farmersville (11-1), 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Allen’s Eagle Stadium Farmersville pulled off one of the area’s bigger surprises last week as the Farmers knocked off previously unbeaten Sunnyvale 45-35 behind Caleb and Cade Twyford combining for 286 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Pottsboro was plenty impressive last week in their own right, blowing past White Oak 35-6 as QB Hunter Watson ran for three touchdowns to lead the explosive Cardinals attack. It’ll be a contrast in styles as Farmersville prefers to run the football and control the pace, while Pottsboro will want to push the tempo as much as possible. I expect a high scoring game with the slight edge to Pottsboro. Stepp’s Pick: Pottsboro by 6 Craven’s Pick: Pottsboro Max’s Pick: Pottsboro [caption id="attachment_27513" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Pat Carrigan Photo by Pat Carrigan[/caption] Malakoff (12-0) vs. Rockdale (11-1), 1:30 p.m. Friday at Waco’s Waco ISD Stadium It’s a battle of Tigers in Waco on Saturday as unbeaten Malakoff hooks up with one-loss Rockdale in one of two fantastic showdowns in 3A Division I Region III. Malakoff rolled past a solid Kirbyville team 49-6 as QB Judd Miller tossed five touchdown passes, three of which went to QT Barker. The Tigers simply rolled past KHS, and the only score allowed by Malakoff came on a long fumble return. Rockdale had a much tougher time in their win, but the Tigers escaped an upset bid from Coldspring, winning 21-14. Rockdale is battle tested and they have one of the more underrated defensive units in the state, but this Malakoff team is looking like a special crew. I’m taking the Tigers from Henderson County in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 7 Craven’s Pick: Malakoff Max’s Pick: MalakoffSonora (11-1) vs. Childress (9-3), 7:00 p.m. Friday at Moore Stadium, Abilene After a slow start on Thursday, Sonora got the offense on track as the Broncos rolled past Spearman 42-17. Spearman held the ball for most of the first half with their ground-based offense, but Sonora got it going in the third as Kaiden Cordell threw three touchdown passes and Sonora cruised to the win. They’ll get another very physical test this week as Childress is fresh off an upset of regional favorite Cisco, beating the Loboes 28-21 in overtime. Childress has three losses, but they are by a total of 19 points (a 13-point loss to 4A area finalist Iowa Park mixed in), so there’s no question the Bobcats are battle tested. Coach Sims’ squad likes to run the ball, but their defense has been fantastic all year. I think Sonora’s high-powered passing game prevails, but Childress is playing as well as anyone in the region. A coin flip game for sure as this will be a barn burner. Stepp’s Pick: Sonora by 1 Craven’s Pick: Sonora Max’s Pick: SonoraHenrietta (10-2) vs. Gunter (12-0), 1 p.m. Friday at Springtown’s Porcupine Stadium Henrietta’s big game experience certainly paid off last week as the Bearcats – despite being a slight underdog in many polls – rolled past Gilmer Harmony 41-20. This week will be their toughest test yet as unbeaten Gunter awaits. The 12-0 Tigers have simply dominated in their last eight games with 29 points being their closest margin of victory in that span. Defense has been the calling card all season for the Tigers, who allow an average of just eleven points per game. Gunter keeps their magical season going in convincing fashion this week. Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 15 Craven’s Pick: Gunter Max’s Pick: GunterElysian Fields (12-0) vs. Newton (12-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Jasper’s Bulldog Stadium Another great unbeaten vs. unbeaten game takes place at Jasper’s brand new stadium. Elysian Fields and Newton have both displayed incredible dominance all year, so something has to give. EFHS rolled past Jewett Leon 63-21 last week as QB Logan Hughes threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns while he ran for 138 yards and two scores. The concern for the ‘Jackets are turnovers. They had three last week and they can’t afford a repeat against No. 1 Newton. Newton blasted Buffalo 50-7 last week, and the Eagles closest game all year was a 16-point win over 4A Silsbee in non-district. In fact, in the past 24 quarters of action, Newton has allowed a total of 21 points. Just flat-out dominant, and they won’t blow Elysian Fields away, but this Newton squad is a clear favorite to bring a title back to Southeast Texas. Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 13 Craven’s Pick: Newton Max’s Pick: NewtonLexington (10-2) vs. East Bernard (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Bastrop’s Memorial Stadium After playing for a state title in 2010 and losing in the quarterfinals in 2011, Lexington had won a total of one playoff game, but the Eagles are flying high into this showdown with an East Bernard team that has been the team to beat in Region IV the last few years. LHS rolled past Stockdale 35-6 as QB Walker Hess threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns. Lexington scored three touchdowns in 54 seconds to break open a tight 7-6 game. Defense has been East Bernard’s calling card as they’ve pitched back-to-back shutouts to open up the playoffs, and in the past five games they’ve allowed just three points. The Brahmas still get it done with a powerful rushing attack, and that won’t change despite the coaching change in the offseason. Lexington’s powerful spread offense will test EBHS, but the Brahmas are playoff tested and looking like the team to beat in Region IV. Stepp’s Pick: East Bernard by 10 Craven’s Pick: East Bernard Max’s Pick: East Bernard [caption id="attachment_27514" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo by Ashley Wirz Photo by Ashley Wirz[/caption] Post (10-2) vs. Abernathy (10-2), 2 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park It’s a battle of Antelopes in Lubbock as Post and Abernathy lock horns in front of what should be an excellent crowd. Post did something that only Canadian was able to do last year and this year, and that is defeat Stratford. The “Bold Gold” forced two first-half Stratford turnovers and jumped out to a 20-7 halftime lead and then the defense held on late as Stratford threw several desperation haymakers to no avail. RB AJ Reed led PHS with 160 yards rushing and two scores in the win. Abernathy slipped past an underrated Hawley squad 22-21. These two are former district rivals in Class 3A, and they met in the season opener which was won by Post 21-0. A lot has changed since that point, I expect this one to be close, but Post still has the edge. Stepp’s Pick: Post by 8 Craven’s Pick: Post Max’s Pick: PostCrawford (11-1) vs. Mart (12-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Waco’s Waco ISD Stadium The two dominant 2A programs in Central Texas lock horns for the likely Region II crown in 2A Division I as Crawford, who has won eleven straight after dropping the opener to 3A Tolar, meets up with surging Mart. Crawford got past Collinsville 41-21, as RB Garrett Dutschmann ran for 223 yards and four touchdowns on just 16 carries. Mart blasted past a good Seymour team 49-8 as Shaytydreck Bailey ran for 153 yards and three touchdowns and the Panthers defense posted a pair of pick sixes. We all know Mart’s offense can do plenty of damage, but the defense has been nothing short of stellar. They’ll load up the box and force Crawford to try to throw the ball, which is something the Pirates don’t prefer to do. Mart keeps CHS off schedule by winning first down and controls this one from the outset. Stepp’s Pick: Mart by 12 Craven’s Pick: Mart Max’s Pick: MartWellington (11-1) vs. Hamlin (10-2), 1:00 p.m. Friday at Vernon’s Lion Stadium Wellington has re-established itself as the favorite in Region I after co-favorite Memphis was upset last week by Seagraves. The Skyrockets were dominating in a 43-12 win over a very good Farwell squad last week, WHS scored 28 straight second quarter points to blow a close game open, Jose Tellez did most of the damage rushing for four touchdowns in the win. Hamlin took care of an underrated Wheeler squad, beating the Mustangs 66-34 behind a huge game from the Pied Pipers offense. Wellington’s defense doesn’t get much attention since the offense and their efficiency captures most of the headlines, but their defensive dominance, especially up front, will be a tough chore for the smaller, but quicker Pipers. Stepp’s Pick: Wellington by 10 Craven’s Pick: Wellington Max’s Pick: WellingtonIraan (12-0) vs. Albany (11-1), 7:00 p.m. Friday at Wolf Stadium, Colorado City This is the “prove it” game for Iraan. We think the Braves are a legitimate state title contender, they are unbeaten and own an impressive win over Sonora who is still alive in the 3A playoffs. But getting past Albany is a tough chore. The Lions don’t pass the eyeball test, but they are all the “scrappy” cliché’s rolled into one. Tough, experienced and gritty, and they’ve played for a state title the past two years and if it wasn’t for Roshauud Paul, maybe they have at least one state crown. A year ago, these two met in the regional final and Albany earned a hard fought 42-28 win over Iraan. That stinging defeat certainly resonates with Iraan and I think their ability up front, combined with a quick defense, controls Albany’s ground game and they advance to the regional final where another incredibly tough game likely awaits. Stepp’s Pick: Iraan by 6 Craven’s Pick: Iraan Max’s Pick: IraanOTHER GAMES TO WATCHCedar Hill (10-2) vs. Mansfield (10-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at North Richland Hills’ Birdville FAAC This a rematch of a regular season game that CHHS won in a thriller. These two have played some absolute shootouts recently, so whichever defense can rise to the challenge will win this one. Lately, that’s been Cedar Hill, who has gotten their defense in order just in time for the playoffs. Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Hill by 9 Craven’s Pick: Mansfield Max’s Pick: MansfieldMansfield Legacy (10-2) vs. Frisco Wakeland (8-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Frisco’s Ford Center Before this year, Wakeland had never won a playoff game. They may have some trouble containing one of the state’s best 1-2 combos in Kendall Catalon and Kameron Session. Stepp’s Pick: Mansfield Legacy by 13 Craven’s Pick: Mansfield Legacy Max’s Pick: Mansfield LegacyDripping Springs (11-1) vs. Mission Veterans Memorial (8-4), 2:00 p.m. Saturday at San Antonio’s Alamo Stadium Dripping Springs won a thriller last week, scoring with eleven seconds left to beat Angleton 12-11. Veterans has a high powered offense that will score points, but they aren’t going to be able to stop the Tigers. Stepp’s Pick: Dripping Springs by 17 Craven’s Pick: Dripping Springs Max’s Pick: Dripping SpringsWaco La Vega (12-0) vs. Somerset (10-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Prairie View’s Panther Stadium Somerset has the offensive weaponry to give the Pirates some trouble, but La Vega doesn’t have a 28-game winning streak for nothing. Somerset tests them, but the Pirates are too powerful. Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 14 Craven’s Pick: Waco La Vega Max’s Pick: Waco La VegaSeminole (8-3) vs. Monahans (9-2), 7:00 p.m. Friday at Midland’s Grande Communications Stadium A district rematch won by Monahans could be different as Seminole is peaking at just the right time. Monahans though is a tough, tough out and the Lobos have done quite well against spread offenses this year. Stepp’s Pick: Monahans by 10 Craven’s Pick: Monahans Max’s Pick: MonahansBellville (10-2) vs. West Orange-Stark (12-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Porter’s Texan Drive Stadium West Orange-Stark’s dominance continues this week. Bellville is no slouch, but they simply won’t be able to consistently move the football against the Mustangs defense. Stepp’s Pick: West Orange-Stark by 21 Craven’s Pick: West Orange-Stark Max’s Pick: West Orange-StarkAltair Rice Consolidated (8-3) vs. Hallettsville (12-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at El Campo’s Ricebird Stadium The district rematch theme continues as Hallettsville won the regular season meeting 34-21. That game was just about a month ago, and I don’t think much has changed. HHS still is the team to beat in Region IV. Stepp’s Pick: Hallettsville by 9 Craven’s Pick: Hallettsville Max’s Pick: HallettsvilleCenterville (9-3) vs. Lovelady (9-2), 7:00 p.m. Friday at Palestine’s Wildcat Stadium The rematch theme continues as Centerville hooks up with Lovelady. CHS won the regular season tilt 29-21. On paper this is an evenly matched game, with neither team having a major edge, so we’ll go against the grain and take the team that lost the regular season meeting. Stepp’s Pick: Lovelady by 3 Craven’s Pick: Lovelady Max’s Pick: LoveladyRefugio (11-1) vs. Ben Bolt (9-3), 5:00 p.m. Friday at Mathis’ Pirate Stadium A nice coastal bend matchup in which Ben Bolt can certainly make a statement with an upset. The odds of that, however, are slim. Refugio has the makings of a team that could roll to the state title game. Stepp’s Pick: Refugio by 28 Craven’s Pick: Refugior Max’s Pick: RefugioTenaha (12-0) vs. Iola (8-4), 1:00 p.m. Friday at Bryan’s Green Stadium No team in the state has been as dominant through the first two rounds of the playoffs as Tenaha. They’ve had some battles with Iola in the past in the postseason, but the gap this year is significant. Tenaha and Bremond look to be on a collision course next week. Stepp’s Pick: Tenaha by 30 Craven’s Pick: Tenaha Max’s Pick: TenahaFlatonia (8-4) vs. Bruni (9-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Three Rivers’ Bulldog Stadium I picked against Bruni last week and the Badgers showed they aren’t quite done yet, but Flatonia may have the edge here. They are battle tested from the time in 2A Division I and have playoff experience, as well. Stepp’s Pick: Flatonia by 2 Craven’s Pick: Bruni Max’s Pick: FlatoniaZephyr (9-2) vs. Jonesboro (12-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Dublin Jonesboro drilled Zephyr by 36 in district play. This week’s game may be closer, but JHS looks like a machine at the moment. Stepp’s Pick: Jonesboro by 21 Craven’s Pick: Jonesboro Max’s Pick: JonesboroRichland Springs (12-0) vs. Calvert (12-0), 7 p.m. Saturday at Hico If there’s any team capable of knocking off the juggernaut of Richland Springs, it’s speedy Calvert. Last week’s 35-point win over Milford was the Coyotes’ closest game of the year. Calvert keeps it close, but RSHS pulls away late. Stepp’s Pick: Richland Springs by 20 Craven’s Pick: Richland Springs Max’s Pick: Richland Springs

PICK ACCURACY THROUGH THE REGULAR SEASON + FIRST ROUND Max Thompson (DCTF Digital Director): 71% Matt Stepp (DCTF High School Insider): 70% Greg Tepper (DCTF Managing Editor): 68% Mike Craven (DCTF Senior Writer): 66%