WEEK 4 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Carthage (3-0) at Gilmer (3-0) It’s a Saturday night showdown in Gilmer as DCTF’s No. 1 4A team in Division I, Carthage, takes on our third ranked team in 4A Division II, Gilmer. Carthage led by Texas-commit running back, Keontay Ingram, ran past Class 5A Whitehouse 42-20 last week. Ingram had over 200 yards of total offense and a pair of touchdowns and quarterback Gunnar Capps was sensational passing for 330 yards and four touchdowns. When Carthage’s offensive balance is at that level, the Bulldogs are a real tough team to beat. Defensive back Jacorey Ware also had a big night for the Bulldogs has had three interceptions. Gilmer’s offense has been on a roll (as expected) led by quarterback Poppy Brown who threw for 348 yards and five touchdowns in an easy 60-7 win over Argyle Liberty Christian. You might think, “Well it’s just Argyle Liberty Christian,” but this is a solid team that had wins over Melissa and Celina before the loss to Gilmer. After a slow start on defense, Gilmer improved on that side of the ball allowing just 24 points its past two games. But Carthage will be the real test. I expect a game similar to last year’s shootout where both teams put points up but Carthage’s defense is the difference maker as the Bulldogs will find ways to get a couple of stops here and there. Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 11 Max’s Pick: Carthage Ishmael’s Pick: Carthage Brady’s Pick: Carthage Tepper’s Pick: CarthageAmarillo (0-2) vs. Amarillo Tascosa (3-0) One of the state’s most underrated rivalries is renewed Friday night at Dick Bivins Stadium as 15,000 are expected to be in attendance to watch Amarillo’s two largest schools go at it. The Sandies have had an extra week to gear up for this one after a bye week so expect head coach Mel Maxfield and his Wing-T offense to have a few wrinkles up the sleeve. Both of Amarillo’s losses were by less than a touchdown so the young squad is close. AHS fell behind two weeks ago to Odessa High, 28-7, but rallied late and nearly pulled the comeback off in a 28-21 defeat. Tascosa and its triple option offense has put up some eye-popping numbers on the ground in rolling up a 3-0 start. Last week the Rebels rolled past Lawton (OK) MacArthur, 65-21, as five different ball carriers had at least 70 yards rushing. Tascosa’s massive offensive line and speedy backs are a difficult matchup and its young defense continues to improve weekly. Amarillo High keeps this closer than many think, but Tascosa’s just got too much size and speed for the Golden Sandstorm. Stepp’s Pick: Amarillo Tascosa by 14 Max’s Pick: Tascosa Ishmael’s Pick: Tascosa Brady’s Pick: Tascosa Tepper’s Pick: TascosaAbilene Wylie (2-1) at Argyle (3-0) These two have developed quite the rivalry, most notably in the playoffs where they’ve meet the past two years splitting the meetings. Wylie knocked Argyle off in the third-round last year preventing the Eagles from appearing in their fourth-straight state title game and Argyle hasn’t forgotten that defeat.  The Bulldogs come in off a one point loss to Class 5A Denison 24-23 and they are a banged up squad as five starters sat out last week including quarterback Sam King. Backup quarterback Tyler O’Connor was solid in a losing effort, but the lack of a running game put a lot of pressure on a player making his first start. Argyle’s been completely dominant the first three weeks of the season including a relatively easy 49-34 road win over Celina. Quarterback Jon Copeland broke out with 331 yards passing and three touchdowns while rushing for two more scores as Celina loaded the box to slow down running back Don Williams. Argyle’s depth across the board is sensational as many think this could be head coach Todd Rogers best team – That’s a scary thought. If Wylie was at full strength, I’d give them a punchers chance, but being banged up and having to make its second straight trip east that’s a big ask of head coach Hugh Sandifer’s bunch. Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 16 Max’s Pick: Argyle Ishmael’s Pick: Argyle Brady’s Pick: Argyle Tepper’s Pick: ArgyleAustin Bowie (3-0) at Austin Westlake (3-0) A year ago, Austin Bowie came into this matchup unbeaten, but were knocked off by Westlake in a close 35-21 game. That gave the Bulldogs confidence as they advanced all the way to the regional semi-finals tying their deepest run in school history. The Bulldogs rolled past Cedar Park Vista Ridge 52-31 last week as running back Kyle Carter ran for three touchdowns. The ‘Dawgs had a pick-six and a blocked field goal return for a touchdown in the win as well. Westlake, led by Wisconsin commit running back Nakia Watson, are off to a strong start as it drilled its last two opponents by a combined score of 118-10. Watson led the way in last week’s 52-3 rout of Pflugerville with 172 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Austin Bowie will be the Chaps’ toughest test since Week 1 and the Bulldogs will test an experienced Westlake defense. But expect the Chaps to control the pace with Watson as head coach Todd Dodge, at least for this year, seems to be reinventing himself as a coach who relies on a stout defense and a punishing rushing attack. Stepp’s Pick: Austin Westlake by 10 Max’s Pick: Westlake Ishmael’s Pick: Westlake Brady’s Pick: Westlake Tepper’s Pick: WestlakeSinton (2-0) at Beeville Jones (3-0) Unbeaten Sinton gets its biggest test of the year against fellow unbeaten in Division I Beeville Jones. The Pirates rallied from a stunning 20-7 deficit at the end of the third quarter to storm back for a 34-20 victory over Orange Grove a week ago. They cannot afford that kind of slow start this week as Beeville is fresh off a 20-14 win over Class 5A San Antonio Southside. Both defenses have been solid all year, but early on, Beeville’s offense has shown more big-play ability. Sinton made a debut in the DCTF 4A Division II Top 10 this week and this is a program that simply knows how to win these games. I’m leaning to the Pirates in a close one. Stepp’s Pick: Sinton by 4 Max’s Pick: Beeville Jones Ishmael’s Pick: Sinton Brady’s Pick: Beeville Jones Tepper’s Pick: Beeville JonesSmithson Valley (3-0) at Cibolo Steele (1-2) Cibolo Steele opens district play reeling a bit after losing two straight, including a stunning 42-30 loss to San Antonio O’Connor a week ago. The Knights are staring at the very real possibility of going 1-3 as they host a very strong Smithson Valley squad. The Rangers rolled past Round Rock 50-10 as quarterback Levi Williams tossed three touchdown passes and wide receiver Trevon Moehrig-Woodard hauled in a pair of those scoring passes. Steele’s offense has been solid, most notably the running game led by Brenden Brady and De’Quavion Thomas. The thing that let the Knights down was special teams as O’Connor recovered two onside kicks in the second half and simply kept the ball away from Steele in the third and fourth quarters. Smithson Valley has its own special teams ace in Moehrig-Woodard who might be the most dangerous kick returner in the state. The Knights will have to improve. I think Steele’s coaching staff cleans things up on special teams this week and eliminates putting their defense in bad spots which was the key in allowing 42 points last week.  Steele hasn’t put together four quarters yet this year and the team is too good to not get this done this week. I’m betting on Steele putting a full 48 minutes together against a very strong Smithson Valley squad. Stepp’s Pick: Cibolo Steele by 8 Max’s Pick: Steele Ishmael’s Pick: Smithson Valley Brady’s Pick: Steele Tepper’s Pick: SteeleHarper (3-0) at Center Point (3-0) Harper rolled past Eldorado 68-12 a week ago to improve to 3-0 after the Longhorns’ starting quarterback went down for the season last week with a knee injury. Freshman quarterback Sean Baethge stepped in and led HHS to a massive offensive output in his first varsity start. The Harper offense will get its biggest test of the young season against a Center Point defense that is allowing just 13 points per game. The Pirates knocked off San Marcos Academy 20-7 as quarterback Tye Carness tallied 171 yards of offense and also had a key interception to lead the way. Center Point’s strength of schedule isn’t quite that of Harper and the experience of the Longhorns against the higher caliber of competition will be key for Harper to improve to 4-0 this week. Stepp’s Pick: Harper by 11 Max’s Pick: Harper Ishmael’s Pick: Harper Brady’s Pick: Harper Tepper’s Pick: HarperSachse (3-0) at Copperas Cove (2-1) Dominant Sachse takes its show on the road this week as it heads to Central Texas to take on an improved Copperas Cove bunch. Many think the Mustangs are an outside contender to win a state title and with three dominant wins, they have done nothing but convert more believers. In its three wins, Sachse outscored opponents 157-6 including a 61-0 rout of Mesquite High last week. Defensive back Chris Washington had a blocked field goal return for a touchdown and a fumble return for a touchdown while quarterback Jalen Mayden, a Mississippi State commit, accounted for three touchdowns. Cove rolled past El Paso Franklin, 42-23, last week as junior running back Shontez Simmons ran for 112 yards and three touchdowns to pace the Bulldawgs. Cove will be Sachse’s biggest test of the year. It’s the best team the Mustangs have faced to this point and the road trip will be a challenge, but this Sachse team is incredibly talented across the board. I expect this one to stay close for a half, but Sachse turns the jets on in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Sachse by 18 Max’s Pick: Sachse Ishmael’s Pick: Sachse Brady’s Pick: Sachse Tepper’s Pick: SachseKerrville Tivy (2-1) at Dripping Springs (3-0) It’s the district opener for both in the ultra-competitive District 26-5A. Last year, DSHS opened with a big win over the Antlers and served notice that it was the team to beat. Tivy is much-improved this year, despite its blowout loss to 6A power San Angelo Central a week ago. The Antlers have lots of offensive firepower to go around, but the key to any sustained success will be its defensive performance. After two lopsided wins to open the year, Dripping Springs passed its first big test of the year knocking off a solid 6A program in Buda Hays, 21-17, and spoiling the Rebels’ homecoming. Defensive back Ryland Kinard’s interception in the end zone sealed the impressive win for Dripping Springs while running back Jake Cox led the way with 82 yards on the ground and a touchdown. The Tigers return a lot of experience from a team that went four rounds deep last year, most notably on the defensive side of the ball and that will be the key factor in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Dripping Springs by 10 Max’s Pick: Dripping Springs Ishmael’s Pick: Dripping Springs Brady’s Pick: Dripping Springs Tepper’s Pick: Dripping Springs Wall (3-0) at Eastland (3-0) The No. 1 team in the DCTF 3A Division I poll returns to Eastland County for the second time in three weeks as this time the Hawks try to take down unbeaten Eastland. Last week, Wall had no trouble in a 57-7 rout of Lago Vista. It was once again a quick start for the Hawks that put the game out of reach early going up 21-0 in the first quarter. Quarterback Blake Rosenquist ran for 161 yards and three touchdowns and he threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns on just six completions.  Expect the Mavericks of Eastland to put up a much tougher fight at home. James Morton’s squad has been impressive on defense the past two weeks allowing just 13 points total, including a 34-7 win over Breckenridge a week ago. Running back David Vasquez led the way for the Mavericks in the win with 78 rushing yards, 135 receiving yards and four total touchdowns; two on the ground and two receiving. Eastland will try and speed the tempo of the game up and try to jump out to an early lead on Wall and its spread offense is more equipped for success against the Hawks than a run oriented team. That combined with the game being in Eastland, I expect Wall to get pushed for four quarters, but the Hawks depth and size will eventually take its toll on the smaller Mavericks. Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 7 Max’s Pick: Wall Ishmael’s Pick: Wall Brady’s Pick: Wall Tepper’s Pick: WallWaco (3-0) at Hewitt Midway (3-0): It’s a showdown of old vs. new in Waco Friday as the old power, Waco High, are off to an impressive 3-0 start and take on the city’s new power, Midway. With the growth in the city moving south, Midway has overtaken Waco High as the dominant team on the Brazos and the Panthers will look to assert their dominance against a Lions team that hasn’t been tested. Waco High’s got an explosive offense with skill talent galore led by quarterback Jaylen Harris and running back Terrance Hamilton.  However Midway, led by Oklahoma commit quarterback Tanner Mordecai and a bevy of playmakers can match and exceed Waco’s talent. The biggest difference in this one is in the trenches, I expect Midway to dominate Waco up front and turn this one into a lopsided result.  Midway has the looks of a potential top 15 Class 6A team at the moment. Stepp’s Pick: Hewitt Midway by 25 Max’s Pick: Midway Ishmael’s Pick: Midway Brady’s Pick: Midway Tepper’s Pick: MidwayDenton Ryan (3-0) at Frisco Lone Star (3-0) A Thursday night showdown at the Ford Center features two of the top 5A teams in DFW. Denton Ryan, led by Oklahoma State quarterback commit Spencer Sanders, has blitzed off a torrid 3-0 start as the Raider offense is one of the most explosive units in the state. Sanders, who has rebounded from a knee injury suffered in the state semi-finals a year ago, has been incredible early on accounting for 993 yards of offense and 14 total touchdowns. Ryan’s young defense will be tested this week against an explosive Lone Star squad that’s put up some excellent numbers early on as well. The Rangers are averaging 40 points per game led by running back Kirby Bennett, who holds multiple FBS offers, and quarterback MJ Rivers, an Illinois commit. Lone Star’s defense has been very good as well allowing just 14 points per game early on. That matchup will be the difference as I think Lone Star will put points up on Ryan. The key is can they get a stop or two and make Denton Ryan play from behind? At least right now, I lean to that experience on the Denton Ryan offense, but expect this one to be highly entertaining. Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 5 Max’s Pick: Ryan Ishmael’s Pick: Ryan Brady’s Pick: Ryan Tepper’s Pick: RyanBells (3-0) at Honey Grove (2-1)High flying Bells is off to a strong start on offense. But what’s been most impressive for the Panthers early on has been their defense allowing just 28 points in three games including a 43-0 shutout win over Paris Chisum last week. Quarterback Bryan Ponder had another big night throwing for 417 yards and four touchdowns. Once again, his favorite target was Hunter Hawthorne who hauled in nine passes for 204 yards and a pair of scores. Honey Grove slipped past Blue Ridge, 30-26, last week as Trel Pruitt ran for 137 yards and three touchdowns. Expect both teams to put up points here, but the Bells defense has been outstanding early on and a real difference maker. Stepp’s Pick: Bells by 13 Max’s Pick: Bells Ishmael’s Pick: Bells Brady’s Pick: Bells Tepper’s Pick: BellsKaty (1-0) vs. Katy Cinco Ranch (1-0) At times, Katy looked quite impressive but others they looked very sloppy in its thrilling 24-21 Saturday night win over The Woodlands to open the 2017 season. The sloppiness is to be expected, even from Katy after the delayed start to the year but head coach Gary Joseph’s Tigers made the key plays down the stretch to get the win in what may be their only non-district game of the year (Katy is still actively searching for a Week 6 opponent).  Katy and The Woodlands appeared headed for overtime with less than a minute left, but the Katy defense forced a fumble and Seth Small drilled a 39-yard field goal with two seconds remaining to lift the Tigers to the victory. Cinco Ranch rolled past Houston Memorial, 47-10, last week to open its season. The Cougars jumped out to a 34-3 lead at the half led by Brant Kuthie who ran for 190 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries. The test for Cinco is certainly a physical one as Katy is one of the state’s elite programs, but there’s a mental block as well. The Cougars haven’t beaten Katy since 2008 and since 2010, their closest game with the Tigers was a 14-point loss in 2012. I think CRHS has some confidence and catching Katy early might be a recipe to at least keep this one close for a while, but the K-Train is just too much. Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 17 Max’s Pick: Katy Ishmael’s Pick: Katy Brady’s Pick: Katy Tepper’s Pick: KatyIraan (3-0) at Mason (3-0) It was the Kyle O’Bannon show for the Braves last week as he tallied over 300 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns as Iraan rolled past McCamey 51-28. Iraan has its biggest test of the young season this week as they travel to the Puncherdome to take on Division I Mason who is fresh off a 47-6 rout of Comfort a week ago. Mason has been dominant early on outscoring three opponents 127-13 and, as always, the Punchers get it done with a physical ground game and tough defense.  This one will be a quick game as both teams are old school and love to ground-and-pound, but Mason’s edge and depth in the trenches could prove to be too much for an Iraan squad that is very good but probably not on the elite level they were a year ago. Stepp’s Pick: Mason by 8 Max’s Pick: Mason Ishmael’s Pick: Iraan Brady’s Pick: Mason Tepper’s Pick: IraanGalena Park North Shore (0-1) at Manvel (1-0) Turnovers bit North Shore last week in a 37-20 loss at Spring Westfield last week, the Mustangs turned it over five times and that was ultimately their undoing. They can’t afford a repeat against powerful Manvel, who destroyed Pearland 45-7 last week despite not having UNT-commit Kason Martin at quarterback. Martin isn’t expected to play this week, so you could see more of Texas A&M-commit Jalen Preston at quarterback. But my guess is with a week of film, Manvel moves Preston back to receiver and goes with their normal backup quarterback in this one. I expect North Shore to clean up the turnover woes this week, but Manvel is so good early in the season. The Mavericks have proven time and time again they are a juggernaut in Houston and I think that trend continues this week. Stepp’s Pick: Manvel by 12 Max’s Pick: Manvel Ishmael’s Pick: Manvel Brady’s Pick: Manvel Tepper’s Pick: ManvelAlba-Golden (3-0) at Price Carlisle (3-0) I’m not sure anyone had this one as being a battle of unbeaten teams in Week 4, but surprising Alba-Golden is off to a 3-0 start after the Panthers surprised Tyler All Saints 37-34 last week. Price Carlisle’s 3-0 start is no surprise as the Indians blasted through their early slate winning by a combined score 135-13, including a 56-0 rout of Overton last week. The key for Carlisle was benefitting from seven turnovers including recovering a fumble on the game’s opening kickoff and never looking back. Look for the Price Carlisle defense to once again set the tone this week in a comfortable win. Stepp’s Pick: Price Carlisle by 14 Max’s Pick: Price Carlisle Ishmael’s Pick: Price Carlisle Brady’s Pick: Price Carlisle Tepper’s Pick: Price CarlisleCanadian (3-0) at Stratford (2-0) If Amarillo vs. Amarillo Tascosa is the number one rivalry in the panhandle, a strong case for number two can be made with Canadian-Stratford. Recently, it hasn’t been as much of a rivalry as the Wildcats have dominated the series winning the last five meetings, including two wins over the Elks in 2014 and 2015. Canadian is off to a hot start once again after rolling past Perryton, 36-0. A second half surge of 28 points combined with a swarming defense proved to be the difference as CHS handled its 4A opponents. Stratford totally dominated Guymon, OK to the tune of 74-0 last week. It was a total team effort as Shay Hess ran for 97 yards and three touchdowns and chipped in a punt return for a score as well. The Elks’ defense also scored three times, twice on interception returns and once on a fumble return. Kade McBryde was the recipient of two of those scores with a pick six and the fumble return. Expect Stratford and its big offensive line to try and slow the pace and keep Canadian’s explosive offense off the field. That strategy should keep this one close for a while, but Canadian’s just got too many weapons. Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 19 Max’s Pick: Canadian Ishmael’s Pick: Canadian Brady’s Pick: Canadian Tepper’s Pick: CanadianSan Antonio Johnson (2-1) at San Antonio O'Connor (3-0) San Antonio Johnson bounced back nicely from its loss to Corpus Christi Calallen with a 20-17 win over San Antonio Brennan. The Jaguars, who trailed 17-6 at the half, got a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns, including the game winning one-yard run from Justin Rodriguez with 1:06 left. O’Connor pulled off the upset of the week last week with a huge road win over Cibolo Steele, 42-30. The Panthers were sensational on special teams recovering a pair of onside kicks that were key in the second half. Quarterback Roel Sanchez accounted for 287 yards of offense and five touchdowns in the win as well. O’Connor’s flying high and it’ll need to avoid getting too worked up on its own hype to avoid a letdown because Johnson is more than capable. However, this is a senior laden bunch that’s played in big games and head coach David Malesky is a veteran. I don’t believe we’ll see any sort of let down this week. Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio O’Connor by 16 Max’s Pick: O'Connor Ishmael’s Pick: O’Connor Brady’s Pick: O’Connor Tepper’s Pick: O’ConnorEach week, six-man insider Leman Saunders will provide his insight and analysis on the best games in Class 1A. Contact Leman on Twitter @LemanSaunders.Garden City (2-0) at Balmorhea (2-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday Both schools are coming off a bye week and should be more than ready to hit the field. Balmorhea won a tight 45-35 game in inclement weather last season, and the Bears return virtually their entire team, not to mention their home-field advantage. Garden City has several weapons offensively and an excellent kicking game, but it’s hard to see the Bearkats beating out a seasoned Balmorhea squad. Leman’s Pick: Balmorhea Tepper’s Pick: BalmorheaBorden County (3-0) vs . Bryson (2-1), 5:30 p.m. Friday at Guthrie Borden County has not been scored on this season; Bryson features a very strong passing attack led by All-State candidate QB Brayden Houser. On paper, this is a matchup of two Top 10 teams, but it’s hard to see this ending well for Bryson. The Coyotes’ secondary will be tested, but star defender Trace Richey is a boon for that stellar defense. Leman’s Pick: Borden County Tepper’s Pick: Borden CountyCoolidge (2-1) at Oakwood (2-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday Two weeks ago, Coolidge couldn’t handle a highly ranked Calvert squad; can they find a way to beat a ranked Oakwood squad? Coolidge is in full force with the return of All-State pick John Brown to accompany Torrey Hoover in the backfield. Oakwood will lean on spreadback Ethan Edgemon, who has thrown for 500 yards and run for more than 200 already. The Panthers should give the Yellowjackets fits, but Coolidge is the more well-rounded squad thanks to the return of Brown. Leman’s Pick: Coolidge Tepper’s Pick: CoolidgeLometa (2-1) at Morgan (3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday This will be a nice test for both squads. Lometa is coming off a 46-0 shutout loss to Gorman and will look to ignite the offense again. Morgan has plenty of offensive threats, Dalton Weatherford chief among them after back-to-back 100-plus-yard rushing games. Lometa has played the tougher schedule, which could be the difference here. Leman’s Pick: Lometa Tepper’s Pick: Morgan

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