WEEK 5 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Cypress Ranch (2-0, 2-0) vs. Cypress-Fairbanks (2-0) As balanced as Cy Fair ISD can be in football, it’s pretty amazing that Cypress Ranch has maintained dominance as it now holds at 27-game district winning streak. It’ll put that streak on the line Thursday in a game that could ultimately determine the District 17-6A title against fellow unbeaten Cy-Fair. Defense has been the story for the Mustangs early on as head coach Gene Johnson’s crew is allowing just 12 points per game. Last week, the team held off a feisty Jersey Village squad, 26-14. Matthew West and Willie Eldridge combined for 269 yards rushing and three touchdowns, while the defense held JVHS to just 244 yards, forced a pair of turnovers and got a safety in the third quarter. Cy-Fair also got a stiff test last week as the Bobcats knocked off Cy Springs 21-14 as Trenton Kennedy led the Bobcats with 173 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Cy-Fair dug itself an early 14-0 hole, but the defense was tremendous during the final three quarters holding Cy Springs to just 99 yards of total offense for the evening. This one will be smash-mouth, physical football as the styles of both are very similar. I like Cy Ranch because it has the pedigree and until the team is beaten, you’ve got to go with the Mustangs in a close one. Stepp’s Pick: Cypress Ranch by 2 Max’sPick: Cy RanchIshmael’sPick: Cy Ranch Brady’sPick: Cy-Fair Tepper’sPick: Cy RanchTroup (3-1) at Beckville (4-0) Surprising Troup has bounced back nicely from a season-opening loss and earned three straight wins. The Tigers are getting it done with defense in the winning streak allowing just over 12 points per game the last three weeks. Last week, THS spoiled Palestine Westwood’s homecoming in a hard fought 19-17 win. On the game’s final play quarterback Weslee Ross hooked up with receiver Colton Whitsell for a 25-yard touchdown pass to win. Beckville on the other hand, is off to a 4-0 start on the strength of a high-powered offense averaging nearly 49 points per outing. The Bearcats won a 48-34 shootout with Hemphill a week ago against a much-improved team. This is strength on strength, but I like Beckville and its big-play ability on the offensive side of the ball. Stepp’s Pick: Beckville by 9 Max’sPick: BeckvilleIshmael’sPick: BeckvilleBrady’sPick: Beckville Tepper’sPick: BeckvilleAlice (3-0) at Corpus Christi Flour Bluff (3-0) Zone play opens up in massive District 30-5A, as unbeaten Alice under first-year head coach Kyle Atwood visits a Flour Bluff team that has aspirations of challenging Calallen for local supremacy. Running back Trey Jaramillo scored a pair of touchdowns in the second half to lead the Coyotes to a 28-14 win over Corpus Christi Carroll. Flour Bluff quarterback Braden Sherron had a monster game last week rushing for 214 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Hornets took down Gregory-Portland, 29-18. Flour Bluff’s athleticism and depth, I think, is the big difference in this matchup. Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Flour Bluff by 17 Max’sPick: Corpus Christi Flour BluffIshmael’sPick: Corpus Christi Flour BluffBrady’sPick: Corpus Christi Flour Bluff Tepper’sPick: Corpus Christi Flour BluffAustin McCallum (4-0) vs. Austin LBJ (3-1) Austin ISD’s top two 5A teams will likely decide the district title on the opening week of district play.   McCallum is fresh off a 34-21 win over Class 6A Austin Akins last week. The Knights were led by Alex Julian who ran for 118 yards and a pair of touchdowns and McCallum’s defense pitched a second-half shutout in the win. LBJ rolled past a 6A opponent of its own last week as the Jaguars knocked off Manor, 33-13. The Jags had head coach Andrew Jackson, who is battling cancer on the sidelines, for inspiration in the second half as they scored 20 straight points to pull away for the win. The LBJ defense was the story, holding Anderson to -1 second half yards and two interceptions including a 90-yard pick-six from Deon Collins. Collins also had a pair of touchdown receptions for the Jaguars. This one comes down to turnovers so a slight edge goes to McCallum in what should be a close one. Stepp’sPick: AustinMcCallumby 5 Max’sPick: McCallumIshmael’sPick: LBJBrady’sPick: LBJ Tepper’sPick: LBJAlbany (4-0) at Cisco (3-1) This is the game of the week in the Big Country without question as the area’s top 2A team in Albany takes on one of the area’s top 3A programs in Cisco. Albany is an impressive 4-0 and the Lions haven’t had a game closer than 28 points thus far. The past three weeks Albany has won by at least 40 points. It’ll get a massive test this week against the Cisco defense which tested itself against 3A Division I competition and won three of four with the only loss coming to the number one team in the state, Wall. Dathan Harding led the way for the Loboes with 197 yards rushing and four touchdowns in a 45-24 win over Clyde. Cisco’s size up front, much like last year, will be the key. Albany is feisty and will keep it close but Cisco wears the team down in the fourth. Stepp’s Pick: Cisco by 12 Max’s Pick: Albany Ishmael’s Pick: Cisco Brady’s Pick: Albany Tepper’s Pick: AlbanyCibolo Steele (1-3, 0-1) at Converse Judson (4-0, 1-0) Steele has lost three in a row and its task this week is to try and knock off the state’s No. 1 team in 6A, who will be highly motivated to take advantage of a Steele squad that has had its number over the years. In fact, Steele has won all seven of the meetings between the two schools and last year, the Knights knocked off then No. 1 Judson 30-9 to send the Rockets into a bit of a tailspin. The Knight defense struggled mightily in a 43-20 loss to Smithson Valley a week ago and they’ll have to play one of their best games of the year to slow down the Judson offense featuring quarterback and University of Houston commit Julon Williams and a bevy of playmakers. Judson’s defense has given up yards and points at times, but when plays have been needed, the unit has risen to the occasion. That’s the vibe I get from this game. Steele has a ton of pride and pedigree and losing four in a row after playing for a state title last year is unfathomable, but this Judson team right now looks like a special group. Stepp’s Pick: Converse Judson by 10Max’sPick: JudsonIshmael’sPick: JudsonBrady’sPick: Judson Tepper’sPick: JudsonDeLeon (4-0) at Crawford (3-1) DeLeon early on has shown it has the potential to be a real title sleeper. The Bearcats have won their first four games by a combined score of 192-19 as junior quarterback Kevin Yeager continues to put up monster numbers. The Bearcat defense rose to the occasion last week totally dominating Santo in a 37-0 rout. The level of play gets ramped up several notches this week against a Crawford squad that played for a state title a year ago. The Pirates got their offense rolling and then some last week rushing past Bosqueville, 55-38. A defensive touchdown and a special teams’ touchdown in the fourth quarter proved to be big along with 181 yards passing and three touchdowns from quarterback Gage Pearson. This is a classic “show me” game for DeLeon. A win at Crawford would certainly cement its status as a contender in Region II. In fact, a close loss would do the same. Last year Crawford won this one 45-7 and I think it’s much closer this year, but the edge still goes to the Pirates. Stepp’s Pick: Crawford by 14 Max’sPick: CrawfordIshmael’sPick: CrawfordBrady’sPick: Crawford Tepper’sPick:DeLeonCedar Hill (1-2) at DeSoto (3-0) With Cedar Hill’s early struggles, this rivalry game has lost a little luster but make no mistake about it, the Longhorns will be amped up to end DeSoto’s 19-game winning streak in the District 7-6A opener. Cedar Hill’s defense has been very good early in the season, but has a revolving door at quarterback and early on, haven’t established a consistent offensive identity or success. Two weeks ago, it appeared CHHS finally got things together behind a three-touchdown performance from running back Cameron Fleming in a 28-20 win over Mesquite Horn. DeSoto’s offense led by leading passer and rusher Courtney Douglas has had no such issues averaging over 41 points per game and the defense, after a shaky start against Dallas Jesuit in the season opener, has been strong. Many think DeSoto rolls in this one, but I like the Cedar Hill defense to keep the Longhorns in the game. If the Longhorns can get their X-Factor Baylor commit Josh Fleeks more involved in the offense, they have the capability to pull the upset. But the smart money says Cedar Hill just doesn’t have the offense this year to stay on the field and its excellent defense will wear down in the fourth quarter. Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 11 Max’sPick: DeSotoIshmael’sPick: DeSoto Brady’sPick: DeSoto Tepper’sPick: DeSotoEl Paso Bowie (3-0) at El Paso Burges (2-1) Two teams who are expected to be right in the playoff mix meet up to open District 1-5A play and playoff seeding could be on the line as both are expected to go into the Division II bracket. Both are coming off bye weeks and Bowie took down Socorro 21-17 in its last outing. The Bears, much like last year, are old school to the core. They get things done with a physical rushing attack and a tough defense that’s allowing just 15 points per game. Bowie has won 12 of its last 13 regular season games. Burges was knocked off by Class 6A Montwood 47-26 last week, but despite the loss, the Mustangs made a good showing against what most believe is the top team in the city. Style of play will be big in this one. If the game is a low-scoring slugfest it certainly favors Bowie, but if the pace gets pushed the edge is to Burges. Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Bowie by 4 Max’sPick: BowieIshmael’sPick: Bowie Brady’sPick: Burges Tepper’sPick: BurgesYoakum (3-1) at Hallettsville (3-0) One of the state’s real budding rivalries is in the Crossroads region of South Texas as Yoakum and Hallettsville meet for the third time over the past two years. The teams split their two meetings a year ago with Hallettsville winning during the regular season and Yoakum winning a thriller in the playoffs. Many of the same faces return so expect a lot of fireworks and maybe even a little chippy play as well. After dropping its second game of the year to Cuero, Yoakum drilled back-to-back 4A foes including an easy 56-28 win over Giddings a week ago. Hallettsville blasted past its first three opponents including a 49-7 rout of Columbus a week ago as the duo of quarterback DJ Taylor and running back Scooter Adams led the way for the Brahmas. Both offenses are full of playmaking skill talent. The key to this one is in the trenches and I think Yoakum relies on this edge and 235-pound running back Henry Enoch to control the game from a physical standpoint and make a big statement that they are the team to beat in Region IV. Stepp’s Pick: Yoakum by 13 Max’sPick: YoakumIshmael’sPick: Yoakum Brady’sPick: Hallettsville Tepper’sPick: HallettsvilleStephenville (4-0) at Graham (4-0) Two teams who hope to be in contention in Region I (Stephenville in Division I; Graham in Division II) meet up in what looks to be a very intriguing matchup. Stephenville continued its hot start last week with an impressive 41-20 win over Decatur. Running back Krece Nowak continued his great start to the year with 332 yards from scrimmage and wide receiver Blake Aragon hauled in a pair of touchdowns as well. The ‘Jackets’ biggest test of the year will be this week as they visit equally explosive Graham. The Steers had two close wins over Brownwood and Wichita Falls Hirschi, but got a much more comfortable result last week as they drilled Burkburnett, 63-17. For one half, it was not so easy as BHS jumped out to a 17-14 halftime lead, but Graham’s offense exploded for 28 third quarter points to turn the game into a rout. Quarterback Tucker Horn threw for 276 yards and four touchdowns and the Graham defense contributed a pair of touchdowns as well. I expect a lot of points in this one. I’m not totally bought in on Stephenville as returning to contender status, but I’m interested to see how close this one is and with Graham’s win over Brownwood a couple of weeks ago, this is a great litmus test for the ‘Jackets as they gear up for district play. Stepp’s Pick: Graham by 7Max’sPick: GrahamIshmael’sPick: Graham Brady’sPick: Graham Tepper’sPick: GrahamWimberley (4-0) at Fredericksburg (4-0): It’s no surprise that Wimberley is off to an impressive 4-0 start as the Texans were expected to be right in the mix for the Region IV crown, but the Battlin’ Billies’ unbeaten start is a surprise to many in the Hill Country. Wimberley got its first true test of the year last week, but escaped with a 20-13 win over Division I Canyon Lake to spoil the Eagles’ homecoming. Canyon Lake jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead, but JoJo Weeks’ 21-yard touchdown pass to Cade Stoever provided to be the difference in a hard-fought win. The Billies’ offense has been on fire the last three weeks topping 50 points in each contest including an easy 50-14 win over Lytle last week. The level of competition ramps up big time this week in what amounts to a real measuring stick game. I think FHS makes a good showing, but its offense hasn’t seen a defense that is as physical or sound as Wimberley’s and I think the Texans defense does just enough to win a close one. Stepp’s Pick: Wimberley by 6 Max’sPick: WimberleyIshmael’sPick: Fredericksburg Brady’sPick: Fredericksburg Tepper’sPick: FredericksburgChildress (4-0) at Henrietta (4-0) It’s another impressive start for the Bobcats who improved to 4-0 last week rolling past Muleshoe 46-7.  Quarterback Luke Latimer led the Bobcats throwing for 294 yards and five touchdowns, while scoring another on the ground. Henrietta escaped a tough challenge from Boyd, but the Bearcats pulled away late for a 48-35 win. HHS fell behind 21-7 early but led by running back Mason Marchman, who ran for 133 yards and four touchdowns, the Bearcats outscored Boyd 41-14 down the stretch. Childress has a very underrated defensive unit and it’ll be keyed on Marchman and quarterback Zack West. If the team slows those two down, Henrietta may struggle to move the football. Stepp’s Pick: Childress by 10 Max’sPick: ChildressIshmael’sPick: Childress Brady’sPick: Henrietta Tepper’sPick: HenriettaNorth Forney (4-0) at Highland Park (3-1) Surprising North Forney has a chance to make quite the statement this week as it ventures into hostile territory to take on the defending state champion Highland Park Scots. The Falcons are off to an impressive 4-0 start under first-year head coach Randy Jackson, who has a penchant for turning around struggling programs and it appears he’s got the right touch once again. The Falcons opened district play last week with a wild 70-65 win over Wylie East. Quarterback Colby Suits was huge in the win accounting for an incredible 509 yards of offense and he had a hand in all 10 (Yes, 10) of the Falcons’ touchdowns. The Falcon offense has been impressive early and will get their biggest test of the year against a Highland Park defense that’s always physical and sound. The Scots opened 15-5A play with an easy 50-7 win over Lovejoy as quarterback John Stephen Jones threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another score to pace the offense, but the Scots’ defense was key holding Lovejoy to just 217 yards of offense and a pair of turnovers. Expect plenty of points, but Highland Park’s defense has the ability to get stops and North Forney, although improved, is still a tier below. Stepp’s Pick: Highland Park by 18 Max’sPick: Highland ParkIshmael’sPick: Highland Park Brady’sPick: Highland Park Tepper’sPick: Highland ParkTyler Lee (3-1, 0-1) at Longview (3-1, 0-1) For one of these East Texas teams, the playoffs could emerge as a long-shot after Friday night as someone is falling to 0-2 at Lobo Stadium. It’s not a big surprise that Tyler Lee is 0-1. The Red Raiders are under a new coach and despite the 3-0 non-district record, all the wins were against 5A opponents. However, after a close 24-14 loss to Rockwall-Heath, head coach Kurt Traylor probably feels like his team let a crucial win in 11-6A slip away. Longview was bit by the turnover bug last week in a 52-34 loss on the road to Mesquite Horn. The Lobos had five first half turnovers, fell behind 45-13 at the half and the deficit was just too much to overcome. It appears Longview may be relying more on sophomore quarterback Haynes King to lead the way. With injuries to the running backs and offensive line the Lobos may have to rely more on the passing game. Longview’s defense, which was really good the first three games, was put in some bad spots field position wise. They’ll be focused heavily on playmaking quarterback Chance Amie from Lee. If Longview can keep the Amie in check, I don’t expect its offense to have a second straight game where it puts the ball on the ground. Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 15 Max’sPick: LongviewIshmael’sPick: Longview Brady’sPick: Longview Tepper’sPick: LongviewSeminole (3-1) at Monahans (3-1) We have a pair of games in 2-4A Division II that are highlighted this week and it’s just an example of the power that lies in this group of teams in 2017. We start with a matchup of 3-1 teams in Seminole and Monahans. This will be the third time in the past two years these two have met with Monahans winning the matchup in Week 5 last year, but Seminole stunned the Loboes in the third round of the playoffs. Defense has been the Indians’ calling card early on as through four games, they’ve allowed just 30 points and have pitched back-to-back shutouts. Army committed linebacker Cade Barnard and Texas commit tight end/defensive end Reese Moore lead the way for Seminole. After suffering a blowout loss to Wall to open the season, Monahans has gotten its wheels back on winning three straight including an impressive 41-37 win over Andrews last week. Running back Tylan McAllister’s third touchdown run with five seconds remaining proved to be the difference to lift MHS to the victory. Both offenses have been strong early on, but a young Monahans defense has taken some lumps allowing over 32 points per game. Seminole’s strength on the defensive side of the ball will slow the Monahans rushing attack down in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Seminole by 9 Max’sPick: SeminoleIshmael’sPick: Monahans Brady’sPick: Monahans Tepper’sPick: MonahansEast Chambers (2-1) at Newton (3-0) East Chambers played second fiddle to powerful Newton in the Golden Triangle the past few years at the 3A level and a road win this week would certainly up the Bucs’ profile. Last week the Bucs rolled past New Waverly 69-0. The game was never in doubt as ECHS put up 27 points in the first quarter and another 28 in the second en route to a 55-0 halftime lead. Newton is off to another dominating start at 3-0 after it blew past Class 4A Bridge City 55-14. Do-it-all man Tamauzia Brown led the way for the Eagles with five receptions for 114 yards, 65 rushing yards, three touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. East Chambers will be able to match up with Newton’s speed better than Bridge City was, but Newton’s too deep and too strong. I think this one turns lopsided in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 25 Max’sPick: NewtonIshmael’sPick: Newton Brady’sPick: Newton Tepper’sPick: NewtonSweetwater (4-0) at Pecos (4-0) The second 2-4A Division II matchup features a Sweetwater squad that played for a state title last year, but didn’t win the district against a Pecos squad off to its first 4-0 start in at least 30 years. Sweetwater led by quarterback Chris Thompson has been as potent as ever on offense under new head coach Ben McGhee. The Mustangs last week easily dispatched Snyder 45-7 as Thompson threw for 373 yards and four touchdowns in the win. Pecos hasn’t had the luxury of lopsided wins like Sweetwater, but the Eagles and quarterback Bubba Henson have gotten it done winning the last three games by a total eight points. Pecos is a great story, but Sweetwater’s on a different level and that offense should continue to hum along this week. Stepp’s Pick: Sweetwater by 33 Max’sPick: SweetwaterIshmael’sPick: Sweetwater Brady’sPick: Sweetwater Tepper’sPick: SweetwaterLos Fresnos (2-1) at San Benito (3-0) District 32-6A is considered the deepest in the Valley and two teams expected to be right in the thick of the playoff race meet up at Morrow Stadium. Los Fresnos fresh off an impressive win over McAllen Memorial, will this week look to pull the upset on the road against the top team in the Valley San Benito.The Los Fresnos defense was key in slowing down the powerful rushing attack of McAllen Memorial last week in a 24-7 win and will have its hands full this week against a dynamic Greyhounds attack led by quarterback Erick Retta and running back Tyrone Harper. The biggest key to San Benito’s hot start has been the outstanding play of its young defense. That group and their progression will be the key to a possible deep playoff push. I like San Benito to pull away late in this one. Stepp’s Pick: San Benito by 14 Max’sPick: San BenitoIshmael’sPick: San Benito Brady’sPick: San Benito Tepper’sPick: San BenitoMalakoff (3-0) at Whitney (3-0) Malakoff has won 17 of its last 18 and the Tiger offense is showing no signs of slowing down after a 49-47 win over Tyler Grace last week. The defense struggled, but quarterback Judd Miller was sensational for the Tigers accounting for 322 yards of offense and six touchdowns in the win. Whitney slipped by rival Hillsboro, 34-26, last week on the strength of a late goal-line stand and three touchdowns from sensational sophomore quarterback Devin Wilson. Whitney held a 34-13 third quarter lead, but Hillsboro made a late charge before Whitney’s late defensive stand. Whitney is an up and comer and should be able to put some points up on Malakoff, but the Tigers will find a way late with its key big-game experience. Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 9 Max’sPick: MalakoffIshmael’sPick: Malakoff Brady’sPick: Malakoff Tepper’sPick: MalakoffMidland Lee (4-0) vs. Midland (0-4) Not only is this the District 2-6A (More commonly known as the Little Southwest Conference) opener, but it’s time for bragging rights in the Tall City as unbeaten Midland Lee looks to continue the misery for Midland High and first-year head coach Tim Anuszkiewicz. The Rebels, under second-year head coach Clint Hartmann, are flying high after closing the non-district slate out with a 31-14 win last Thursday at Lubbock Monterey. Josh Traylor and Avery Akbar were outstanding leading a potent Lee ground attack as the duo combined for 373 yards rushing and three touchdowns. The majority of that damage came in the second half as Lee outscored Monterey 17-0 in the third and fourth quarter. The one negative was penalties as Midland Lee had 13 penalties for 134 yards; which stalled out a couple of early scoring chances for the Rebels. Midland had its best chance to break into the win column last week, but a poor second quarter, in which the team allowed 23 points, doomed the Bulldogs in a 36-26 loss at Grande Communications Stadium to Keller High. 16 of those points came in a nightmare scenario in which Keller threw a touchdown pass, got two points on a safety on the ensuing kickoff and then returned the Midland free kick for a touchdown as well. Midland’s defense against the run was solid all night and junior running back Tim Gates led the offensive attack with 107 yards rushing and a touchdown. Midland’s run defense will be key to pulling the upset as there is no surprise that Lee wants to establish the rush. If Midland can contain the Rebel ground game and force Lee into obvious passing situations, it can keep it close. However, Lee’s senior leadership and dynamic play at the skill positions will be too much in the end. Stepp’s Pick: Midland Lee by 13Max’sPick: Midland LeeIshmael’sPick: Midland Lee Brady’sPick: Midland Lee Tepper’sPick: Midland LeeEach week, six-man insider Leman Saunders will provide his insight and analysis on the best games in Class 1A. Contact Leman on Twitter @LemanSaunders.Crowell (4-0) at Happy (3-0) Both these teams have similar storylines: high-scoring offenses, key parts replaced from last year’s talented squad, and seemingly seamless gap-filling. Happy’s Colton McCarley has rushed for 658 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also passing for 615 yards and 9 scores. Crowell’s Skyler Hayes has rushed for 510 yards and 8 touchdonwns, while passing for 636 yards and 18 scores. Happy’s weak spot has been defense, while the offense are averaging 88.6 points per game. Crowell is a pass-heavy team that is likely to challenge Happy’s defense, but this game feels like last year’s matchup — which Happy won, 106-60.Leman’s Pick: Happy Tepper’s Pick: HappyAquilla (4-0) at Milford (4-0) A battle out east between two unbeaten teams. Milford has the star player in Taron Smith, who has recorded more than 1,000 yards of total offense already this season. Aquilla has the grind-it-out dual-threat backfield of Jacob Felan (581 yards, 11 touchdowns rushing) and Zack Winder (321 yards, 12 scores rushing). This will be a test of just how good Aquilla really is, as Milford’s terrific defense will test them.Leman’s Pick: Milford Tepper’s Pick: MilfordCoolidge (3-1) at Jonesboro (3-1) Coolidge was brutal with its scheduling this year — this is the third time they have faced a ranked opponent! Following a low-scoring 38-28 win over Oakwood, the offense seems to have come along now that John Brown has joined Torrey Hoover in the backfield. Jonesboro’s defense is terrific and loves to force turnovers, including nine last week against Cherokee. Wyatt Young is the player to watch for Jonesboro — he leads the team in tackles (48) and interceptions (3) while also acting as the primary back in their grinding run game. Expect a close one, where home-field advantage may be the decisive factor. Leman’s Pick: Jonesboro Tepper’s Pick: JonesboroForestburg (3-1) at Trinidad (3-1) This might be the most competitive game of the bunch. Forestburg has a one-two offensive punch of JD Moore and Bear Osteen, while Trinidad features a terrific passing attack led by QB Colby Snider. Expect a highly contested matchup, with a slight edge towards Forestburg’s defense. Leman’s Pick: Forestburg Tepper’s Pick: Forestburg

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