Cowboy's Six-Shooter — Thoughts on the six-man football playoffs

Photo by Brandi Parks

The 2016 season is almost over, and four teams have earned their right to play for the championship trophies in Texas premier venue — AT&T Stadium. 1. Borden County was my preseason No. 1 in Division I, but as the season progressed, I moved Happy to the top spot. Most of the experts predicted Happy vs. Borden County matchup to be a battle with Happy coming out on top. However, the Coyotes destroyed the predictions and defeated, Happy 92-58. 2. Undefeated Richland Springs has been the Division II favorite all season, and proven themselves worthy. After defeating Milford in the area round and Calvert in the quarterfinals, they defeated Crowell in the semifinals. With Richland Springs vying for the Division II title, and Borden County playing for Division 1 honors, it's possible this could be the year of the Coyote. 3. Jonesboro seemed to be plagued with injuries this year, but the Eagles have managed to stay in the playoffs. They did it again this week, overcoming a 24-point deficit to defeat Union Hill, 50-46. 4. With their win over Valley, the Bears placed themselves in Balmorhea school history. This will be the Bears first time to play in the championship, and it is the school's first time to have a 14-0 team. A win over Richland Springs on December 14 would be Balmorhea's first title — and head coach Vance Jones' fourth. 5. I was able to attend the TAPPS Division I final between Rockwall Heritage and Austin Veritas, and it was one of the best games I've seen this year. It began as an offensive battle, and the score was tied at 40 at the half. Heritage took a 16-point lead less than two minutes into the third, but Veritas responded and lead 62-56 at the end of the quarter. Defense appeared in the 4th, and Veritas scored the only touchdown as the Defenders took home the title, 68-56. 6. Jerry Burkhart, head coach of the Richland Springs Coyotes, has an overall record of 183-8, and has never lost a state final game. Five coaches are responsible for the eight losses — Craig Steele, Marcus Wortham, Trey Richey, Dewayne Lee, and Danny Davis. Special thanks to Leman Saunders for this information. Championship picksRichland Springs over Balmorhea Borden County over Jonesboro