WEEK 8 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Georgetown (6-1, 4-1) at Cedar Park (5-1, 4-0) The massive matchups in 19-5A continue as surging Georgetown looks to make a big statement on the road against perennial power Cedar Park. The Eagles have won four district games in a row after dropping the opener to Hutto and they’ve gotten it done in style winning by an average of almost 50 points. Last week, GHS blasted past Leander Rouse 49-6 as quarterback Cooper Bell accounted for six touchdowns – ­three passing and three rushing – to lead a potent Georgetown attack. Cedar Park dominated in district play in its own right including last week’s easy 63-14 rout of Bastrop Cedar Creek. Quarterback Mak Sexton was sensational throwing for 301 yards and six touchdowns as the Timberwolves offense shredded the Cedar Creek defense. As usual the “Black Rain” defense allowed very little in the way of points and yards. I think Georgetown will move the ball better than most against Cedar Park, but what sets this Cedar Park team apart from some of its past elite teams is that it has a powerful offense which is a departure from year’s past when the Cedar Park offense relied more on efficiency and wasn’t really explosive. Stepp’sPick: CedarParkby 17 Max’sPick: Cedar Park Ishmael’sPick: Cedar Park Brady’sPick: Cedar Park Tepper’sPick: Cedar ParkPost (5-1, 0-0) at Stamford (5-2, 1-0) Post is on a roll since losing a heartbreaker in the season-opener to fellow powerhouse Abernathy. The Antelopes had the week off last week after rolling past Farwell in their final non-district contest two weeks ago. The big question is the status of running back Michael Pherguson who missed most of the last two games with an injury, but senior Octavius Jackson has stepped up and done a fantastic job as Post hasn’t missed a beat. Stamford opened up district play with a massive win over Anson, 35-28, in the team’s 94th meeting. SHS fell behind 21-7 but rallied behind Steven Johnson who ran for 214 yards and four touchdowns. The key in this matchup of high-powered rushing attacks will be which defense can emerge and win on first down to put the opponent in passing situations and that edge goes to the very tough and physical defense from Post. Stepp’s Pick: Post by 8 Max’sPick: Post Ishmael’sPick: Post Brady’sPick: Post Tepper’sPick: StamfordThe Woodlands (3-1, 2-0) vs. Conroe Oak Ridge (6-0, 3-0) The two teams that call Woodforest Bank Stadium home will square off for a chance at the outright lead in District 12-6A. We expected The Woodlands to be right at the top of the 12-6A standings. After all, the Highlanders played for the state title a year ago and aside from a close loss to Katy to open the year after the hurricane, they’ve been outstanding. Last week The Woodlands, without the services of receiver KeSean Carter last week, managed a hard fought 35-21 win over previously unbeaten Beaumont West Brook last week. Running back Bryeton Gilford led the offense for TWHS with 120 yards on the ground and two touchdowns and the defense did a great job containing a very athletic offense from West Brook. Oak Ridge rolled past an overmatched The Woodlands College Park squad 35-7 as quarterback Bishop Durst in his first start of the year tossed a pair of touchdown passes, while the War Eagles used six different backs in the game to control the tempo with an efficient ground game. Conroe Oak Ridge is a pleasant surprise in Greater Houston early on, but the War Eagles had the advantage of a fairly soft early schedule while The Woodlands already knocked off the perceived two contenders in 12-6A in Lufkin and Beaumont West Brook. I expect Oak Ridge to keep this close for about a half, but The Woodlands rolls in the second half. I’m still not sold on the War Eagles. This is a “prove it” game and a strong effort here will certainly raise some eyebrows and elevate ORHS as a team that can play with anyone in Region II. This game also has some seeding implications as both teams are likely to be Division I, thus a home playoff game could be up for grabs. Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands by 20 Max’sPick: The Woodlands Ishmael’sPick: The Woodlands Brady’sPick: The Woodlands Tepper’sPick: The WoodlandsAllen (6-0, 3-0) at Denton Guyer (4-2, 2-1) If there’s any team in District 6-6A that’s equipped to end Allen’s 51-game regular season winning streak, it’s Denton Guyer. The Wildcats’ front-line players have the physicality and athleticism to keep up, but as is the case when playing the juggernaut that is Allen, does Guyer have the depth to keep pace in a war of attrition? Allen was impressive last week as it totally dominated Plano 38-10. Quarterback Grant Tisdale was outstanding throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns as Allen built a 29-0 halftime lead and cruised to the win in the second half. It’s all the more impressive considering the Allen defense totally dominated Plano and put the game out of reach early.  Guyer rebounded nicely after being upset by Plano in the district opener a couple of weeks back. Last week may have been the best effort yet as the Wildcats rolled past previously undefeated McKinney 31-14. Guyer scored on its first four drives jumping out to a 28-7 lead at halftime as Kaedric Cobbs led the way with 124 yards and a pair of scores in the first half. Guyer’s second half wasn’t quite up to standard and if it wants to have any chance at the upset, they’ve got to start fast and maintain that consistency, which is something that’s eluded the team this year.  In addition, I think Guyer will need to throw the ball more this week as Allen’s defense will be geared up to slow Cobbs and the Guyer ground attack. That’s a lot that needs to go right for Guyer to beat Allen, but simply put, that’s why Allen is Allen and as a great wrestler once said, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man, WOOO.” Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 16 Max’sPick: Allen Ishmael’sPick: Allen Brady’sPick: Denton Guyer Tepper’sPick: AllenTyler John Tyler (4-2, 2-1) at Rockwall-Heath (5-1, 3-0) All of District 11-6A had a bye last week so everyone comes into this game well-rested for the stretch run in a brutally tough district. On paper, this may not be a “must-win” for John Tyler, but with games looming against Longview and Mesquite Horn, the Lions can ill afford another slip up. They came to Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium three weeks ago and were embarrassed by Rockwall in a 48-7 loss. But the Lions fixed some of their problems and the last two weeks have looked much sharper especially on defense. Rockwall-Heath hasn’t blown anyone out in its first three district wins, but the Hawks have found a way to win including their incredible win over Rockwall in the I-30 Classic, where two-way star Tanner McAllister scored to win the game with less than twenty seconds left. John Tyler losing to Rockwall by 41, Heath beating Rockwall and thus expecting Heath to drill JT doesn’t apply. Rockwall-Heath’s physical run-first style plays into the strength of the John Tyler defense and I think the Lion offense, which started to find itself after a couple of rough weeks, will be sharp fresh off the bye. I like CUJO to get a massive road win and put themselves right back near the top of the 11-6A race. Stepp’s Pick: John Tyler by 3Max’sPick: John Tyler Ishmael’sPick: Rockwall-Heath Brady’sPick: Rockwall-Heath Tepper’sPick: Rockwall-HeathEl Paso Eastlake (5-1, 4-0) at El Paso Del Valle (6-1, 5-0) The District 2-5A title is likely on the line Friday in the Lower Valley, as Eastlake visits Del Valle. Last Thursday, the Falcons had no trouble with El Paso Hanks in a 47-14 win. Quarterback Justin White had a monster game throwing for 426 yards and four touchdowns to pace the Falcons offense, but the big news was that speedy running back Ezekiel Jones left the game with an injury. His status is uncertain for this week’s game and could mean that the Falcons rely more heavily on their Swiss Army Knife, Ivan Avina, to carry the load if Jones can’t play. Del Valle spoiled homecoming for El Paso Riverside with a convincing 51-21 win as quarterback Raymond Montez was outstanding once again throwing for 204 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 92 yards as well. Del Valle lost the last three games against Eastlake before breaking through with a close win last year. The key in this one will be on defense and that’s where I think Del Valle has an edge. Jones either being out or limited is a big loss for Eastlake as he frees the Falcons up to move Avina all over the field and create matchup problems, but if he can’t play, Avina has to move to running back full time and his versatility can’t be utilized fully. Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Del Valle by 4 Max’sPick: Del Valle Ishmael’sPick:  Del Valle Brady’sPick: Del Valle Tepper’sPick: Del ValleWoodville (5-1, 3-0) at Buna (4-0, 2-0) Powerful Woodville is a three-point loss to 4A Madisonville from being undefeated and one of the Eagles’ last hurdles to a potential district title is always-tough and undefeated Buna. Five different players scored touchdowns for Woodville as it overwhelmed Trinity 53-14. Woodville’s 21-point second quarter put the game out of reach by halftime at 34-6 and WHS cruised in the second half. Buna took down speedy Kountze 36-14 on the road. The Cougars trailed by six midway through the second quarter but pulled away scoring the final 28 points on the night for the win. Buna matches up well with the physicality of Woodville, but what makes Woodville such a dangerous team is it combines that physical style with excellent speed and athleticism on both sides of the ball. That’s where the team has an edge in this matchup. Stepp’s Pick: Woodville by 10 Max’sPick: Woodville Ishmael’sPick: Woodville Brady’sPick: Woodville Tepper’sPick: WoodvilleChina Spring (5-1, 1-0) at Waco La Vega (6-0, 1-0) One of the state’s best rivalries the past few years is rekindled in Bellmead Friday night as Central Texas’ top 4A Division I programs square off for the inside track to the 13-4A Division I title. This will be fifth meeting between these two since 2015 as they played twice in 2015 and 2016 with LaVega winning three of the four meetings, but the Cougars got the one that counted a year ago beating the Pirates, 21-10, in the regional finals. CSHS rolled past Burnet, 42-16, to open district play last week as versatile Tyrick James hauled in a 70-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cayden Johnson and ran for a pair of touchdowns to pace the Cougars offense. Waco LaVega went on the road and earned a hard fought 33-18 win over always tough Liberty Hill. The Pirates led LHHS 12-3 at halftime despite running just eight plays to Liberty Hill’s 40 in the first half, but the Pirates were deadly efficient when they had the ball. Two-way star Kemoche Hobbs had 96 yards rushing and two touchdowns and a back-breaking 97-yard fumble return for a score to lead the way for MODOC (MODOC is the name of a Native American tribe in Oregon famous for bravery and LaVega in the 1980s’ adopted it as a battle cry of sorts). Defense is what the Pirates pride themselves on and that group is what makes them again a state title contender. They’ll be motivated to erase the sting of China Spring breaking their 29-game winning streak. I like the Pirates to win another slugfest. Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 6 Max’sPick: La Vega Ishmael’sPick: La Vega Brady’sPick: La Vega Tepper’sPick: La VegaBrownsville Veterans Memorial (5-1, 3-0) vs. Brownsville Lopez (6-0, 3-0) Sams Stadium should be alive Saturday night as one of the bigger games in recent memory between two Brownsville ISD schools takes place between Veterans Memorial and undefeated Lopez. On the line is first place in Distrct 32-5A. Last week the Vets’ defense rose to the occasion as Sammy Chapa’s interception late in the game preserved a 21-19 win over Edcouch-Elsa. Quarterback Gustavo Vasquez accounted for three first half touchdowns, but the VMHS offense sputtered in the second half. They’ll need a full four quarters in a rivalry-type atmosphere against surprising Lopez. The Lobos’ strength of schedule certainly hasn’t been to the level of Veterans Memorial, but head coach Jason Starkey’s squad has handled business, including a 21-7 victory over Donna a week ago. The Lobo defense was again the story as they have allowed just over 11 points per game. One of the knocks on Lopez going into this game is it has run up an unbeaten record against lesser foes and for the most part that is true, Veterans Memorial has played the tougher slate. However, the win over Edinburg, a team in the playoff mix in Class 6A is looking better and better each week. I think Vets wins this one, but Lopez will keep this one much closer than many think. Stepp’s Pick: Brownsville Veterans Memorial by 10 Max’sPick: Veterans Memorial Ishmael’sPick: Lopez Brady’sPick: Veterans Memorial Tepper’sPick: Veterans MemorialSchertz Clemens (6-0, 3-0) at Smithson Valley (6-0, 3-0) Things should start to shake out in District 27-6A this week as the schedule for undefeated Schertz Clemens really ramps up towards the end of the year. The first test is undefeated and under-the-radar Smithson Valley, who gets it done with the same formula that has worked for years for head coach Larry Hill – tough physical defense and an efficient offense. Clemens has the headliner in four-star prospect, wide receiver Tommy Bush (two touchdown receptions last week), but the engine that makes the Buffaloes go is running back Marshawn Brown who ran for 149 yards and two scores in the 28-7 win over New Braunfels Canyon.  Smithson Valley had no trouble with San Antonio Wagner in a 35-15 win. Wide receiver Tre’von Moehrig-Woodard hauled in two touchdowns as the Rangers passing offense was sharp all night. SVHS allowed 364 yards rushing in the win, so slowing down a very good back like Brown will be priority number one for the Rangers this week. Smithson Valley has the feel of a team that’s going to be a real tough out just because of its physical style and versatility. Schertz is off to a great start, but it hasn’t beaten anyone of significance as of yet and that lack in its strength of schedule gives me pause against Smithson Valley. Stepp’s Pick: Smithson Valley by 13 Max’sPick: Smithson Valley Ishmael’sPick: Smithson Valley Brady’sPick: Smithson Valley Tepper’sPick: Smithson ValleyHenderson (5-1, 1-1) at Kilgore (5-2, 2-1) With Carthage apparently en route to a district title with wins over Henderson and Kilgore, these two are left to fight it out for second place and a potential rematch with Carthage in Round 4. The Lions have a major edge going into this one as they had the week off after losing at home to Carthage, 42-17, while Kilgore had to deal with Carthage last week in a 50-20 defeat. Both teams have some big-time playmakers; Henderson led by quarterback Trae Hall and Kilgore’s quarterback Patrick Jackson. Both are dynamic runners with the ability to hit the big play in the passing game when needed. The difference in this one is Henderson is coming off a bye and Kilgore just played a very physical Carthage squad. In addition, I think Henderson has just a bit more balance on offense and those two factors tilt the scale to the Lions. Stepp’s Pick: Henderson by 5 Max’sPick: Henderson Ishmael’sPick: Henderson Brady’sPick: Henderson Tepper’sPick: HendersonCypress Ranch (4-1, 4-1) at Houston Langham Creek (5-0, 5-0) Cy Ranch after losing its first district game in three years has bounced back nicely with two straight district wins.  The Mustangs are getting it done mainly with a physical, hard-hitting defense and just enough offense to get by. Last week Ranch controlled the clock rushing for 257 yards in a 27-14 win over Cypress Springs. Running back Pinot Elias ran for 119 yards and a touchdown to lead the Cy Ranch attack. Langham Creek had no trouble last week easing past Cypress Lakes 28-7 behind three rushing and a passing touchdown from quarterback Chris Herron. The Lobos aren’t quite as explosive on the offensive side of the ball as they are known for, but head coach Todd Thompson has one of the better defenses he has had in his tenure in Northwest Houston. I expect a low scoring, grind-it-out kind of game and even though Langham Creek is better equipped to handle those types of games, they are Cy Ranch’s specialty  Stepp’s Pick: Cypress Ranch by 7 Max’sPick: Cy Ranch Ishmael’sPick: Cy Ranch Brady’sPick: Langham Creek Tepper’sPick: Langham CreekMuenster (6-0, 1-0) at Lindsay (5-1, 1-0) It’s time for the annual Kraut Bowl where Highway 82 will be alive on Friday as one of the state’s most underrated rivalries is renewed. Unbeaten Muenster is one of the favorites to win Region II in Class 2A Division II and for good reason. The Hornets are dominant with an average margin of victory of nearly 49 points per game. Last week MHS ripped past Era 70-0, scoring 56 first-half points before easing off the gas in the second half. Lindsay knocked off Santo, 35-21, avenging a close loss to the Wildcats in 2016. The Knights are on an impressive four-game winning streak, but Muenster’s skill talent and speed is a tough matchup. It’s a rivalry game so anything can happen, but the big edge is to MHS. Stepp’s Pick: Muenster by 15 Max’sPick: Muenster Ishmael’sPick: Muenster Brady’sPick: Muenster Tepper’sPick: MuensterLubbock Coronado (6-0, 1-0) vs Lubbock Monterey (3-3, 1-0) Unbeaten Lubbock Coronado got district play off to a strong start and blasted hapless San Angelo Lake View 63-6.  Quarterback Qua Gray accounted for seven total touchdowns in the easy win for the Mustangs, who will certainly be tested much more this week against Lubbock ISD rival Monterey. The Plainsmen had some stumbles in non-district but they’ve gotten the ship righted and stunned heavily favored Abilene Cooper, 51-44, at home last week.  Monterey opened up a 34-7 lead in the first half as quarterback Brylon Lawson-Young tossed four first half touchdown passes to help the Plainsmen build up the big lead, but they had to hold off a furious Abilene Cooper rally late to hang on. Monterey was certainly the beneficiary of some gifts from a sloppy Abilene Cooper squad and with the efficiency that Lubbock Coronado operates with on offense, I don’t anticipate those kinds of gifts to be given to MHS this week. Expect a big crowd and a lot of energy at beautiful Plains Capital Park, but I think Coronado takes another big step towards a possible 10-0 regular season with a big win this week. Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Coronado by 11 Max’sPick: Coronado Ishmael’sPick: Coronado Brady’sPick: Coronado Tepper’sPick: CoronadoAmarillo Tascosa (6-1, 2-1) at Odessa Permian (5-0, 2-0) Tascosa has only been away from the friendly confines of Bivins Stadium once and it walked away with a 56-42 loss to Midland Lee two weeks ago. The Rebels will try and reverse that trend against a surging Odessa Permian team that many feel is the best team in West Texas this year. Last week the Rebels blasted winless Wolfforth Frenship 52-7 as the Rebels’ triple option offense, led by quarterback Connor McAnaul and a stable of five different backs, dominated the tempo of the game. They’ll have their hands full against a Permain defense that excels at stopping the run, but what makes MOJO dangerous is a diverse offense that prefers to run the football with running back Ed Williams and Navy commit quarterback Steve Steen. But when the Panthers need to throw the ball they’ve got an elite target in wide receiver Javorian Miller. Last week the Panthers only led Midland High 14-9 heading into the fourth quarter but the Panthers pulled away behind Steen who ran for a touchdown and threw for two other scores in the first half. Steen finished 270 yards of total offense on the night. This will be a physical contest but with the game being in Odessa and the Panther defense geared up to slow the run (Midland High averaged under three yards per carry last week), I expect a MOJO win setting up a big showdown next week in San Angelo. Stepp’s Pick: Odessa Permian by 13 Max’sPick: Permian Ishmael’sPick: Permian Brady’sPick: Permian Tepper’sPick: PermianHouston Austin (4-0, 3-0) vs. Houston Waltrip (5-0, 4-0) A share of first place is on the line in District 24-5A as a pair of unbeaten teams square off Friday night. Austin is fresh off a Saturday blowout over Houston Wisdom 68-0 as Austin’s defense held Wisdom to just one yard of offense for the night. Quarterback Malik Hornsby led the way for the AHS offense with 282 yards of total offense and four touchdowns. The Mustangs also had a pair of special teams touchdowns as well. Waltrip last played two weeks ago in a 50-0 win over Houston Milby. The team was supposed to play Houston Furr a week ago but Furr forfeited the game for reasons we are still trying to determine. Defense is the Rams’ calling card thus far allowing just 20 points total in four actual games played, but Austin is just as good allowing just 19 total points. The biggest question is which offense will be able to get traction in this one? I like Waltrip in a pick ‘em type game. Stepp’s Pick: Houston Waltrip by 4 Max’sPick: Waltrip Ishmael’sPick: Waltrip Brady’sPick: Waltrip Tepper’sPick: WaltripJefferson (6-0, 1-0) at Hughes Springs (5-1, 0-1) Unbeaten and state ranked Jefferson has a unique challenge this week as it’ll look to contain the Slot-T offense of Hughes Springs. Last week the Bulldogs ripped past New Boston 63-0. The defense led the way forcing eight turnovers, notching a safety and scoring a pair of defensive touchdowns. They’ll look to control a Hughes Springs squad that suffered a disappointing 56-20 loss to White Oak a week ago. The Mustangs look to try and control the clock and keep the ball away from a balanced and explosive offense from Jefferson. Unfortunately, Jefferson appears to be peaking and the Bulldogs could be a real contender in Region II in 3A Division I. Stepp’s Pick: Jefferson by 24 Max’sPick: Jefferson Ishmael’sPick: Jefferson Brady’sPick: Jefferson Tepper’sPick: JeffersonCorpus Christi Veterans Memorial (7-0, 2-0) vs Corpus Christi Moody (5-1, 1-0) No question one of the state’s best stories is the emergence of second-year program Veterans Memorial out of Corpus Christi ISD. After their heart stopping win over Flour Bluff, the Eagles failed to have a letdown and shut out Corpus Christi Carroll 37-0. Running back Frank Jones, Jr. leads all of 30-5A in rushing and the Veterans Memorial defense has allowed just 40 points in the six other games played, aside from the 35 allowed in the win over Flour Bluff. Moody’s rushing duo of Dajon Moore and D’Andre Cage have combined for 12 touchdowns and over 1,300 yards rushing. Moody has had its way with some of the weaker squads in the district, while that win for Veterans over Flour Bluff and the way the team has dominated in other games, has been very impressive. Look for the Eagles to soar to an 8-0 record and all but lock up a spot in the 30-5A championship game Week 11. Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial by 10 Max’sPick: Veterans Memorial Ishmael’sPick: Veterans Memorial Brady’sPick: Veterans MemorialTepper’sPick: Veterans MemorialRichland (6-0, 3-0) at Grapevine (5-1, 3-0) Unbeaten Richland gets their biggest test of the year this week as they visit Mustang-Panther Stadium to take on 5-1 Grapevine.  The Rebels were tested a couple of weeks ago in a 28-21 win over Birdville but they had no trouble last week in a 64-6 win over Fort Worth Polytechnic.  The Rebels blocked two punts for touchdowns, got as safety and held Poly to just 64 yards of offense.  The Rebels defense will have their hands full this week trying to slow down a Grapevine offense piloted by Texas Tech commit Alan Bowman.  The Mustangs blasted past Fort Worth Carter-Riverside 62-3, Bowman threw for 205 yards and five touchdowns in just one quarter of action in the easy win.  Both offenses have plenty of playmakers at the skill spots and are solid on the defensive side of the ball, the difference is Bowman and his elite level of play in piloting the Grapevine attack. Stepp’s Pick: Grapevine by 3 Max’sPick: Grapevine Ishmael’sPick: Richland Brady’sPick: Grapevine Tepper’sPick: GrapevineNeedville (5-1, 2-1) at Bay City (4-1, 1-1): In the wild and crazy District 12-4A Division I, every game is important as every team can be beaten on any given night. Needville, after dropping the district opener to Sealy, has put itself in the district title chase with a win two weeks ago over El Campo and avoided a letdown with a 20-0 win over Stafford last week. Quarterback Kenny Hrncir found his groove after moving in from Wink in the off-season. But the Blue Jay defense is the story as last week they pitched a shutout against a very explosive Stafford attack. After an unbeaten run in non-district, Bay City stumbled in its district opener to Stafford, but rebounded with a 26-14 win over West Columbia last week as the Blackcats defense forced six turnovers including a pick six by Marcus Edwards to seal the victory. Needville looks to be a team peaking at the right time while the excitement about Bay City’s non-district start has been dampened some by its uneven play during district. I think Needville’s defense is the key in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Needville by 8 Max’sPick: Needville Ishmael’sPick: Needville Brady’sPick: Bay City Tepper’sPick: NeedvilleEach week, six-man insider Leman Saunders provides his insight and analysis on the best games in Class 1A. Contact Leman on Twitter @LemanSaunders.Lazbuddie (4-3) at Whitharral (1-6) This is a critical District 3-1A DII matchup, as the winner will have an inside track at a playoff berth. Lazbuddie played the second half of their district opener with Cotton Center last week with a running clock out of fear of inclement weather, holding on for a 15-6 win. The Longhorns will field just eight players this week, the most prominent of which is hard-charging RB Bernardo Lopez. Whitharral also won its district opener last season, toppling Kress 66-18 for its first win of the season. Watch out for Panthers QB Chris Albus and RB Kody Gonzales to lead the offensive attack. Depth may play a part in this outcome. Leman's Pick: Whitharral Tepper's Pick: LazbuddieMilford (6-0) vs. Garden City (5-1) at Santa Anna This non-district affair was a terrific game last year, and this one should be no different. Milford has already taken down top-ranked squads like Bryson and Jonesboro, while Garden City's lone loss is to Division II top dog Balmorhea in a close one. Milford's Taron Smith (1,053 yards, 24 TDs passing) is the real deal; he'll be a handful for the Bearkats. Leman's Pick: Milford Tepper's Pick: MilfordLueders-Avoca (3-3) at Throckmorton (2-5) This might be a must-win game for both teams if they hope to nab one of District 10-1A DII's playoff spots. It's definitley must-win for Throckmorton, who dropped its district opener to Aspermont last week. Jarrett Wiggington (943 yards, 18 TDs rushing) leads the ground game, while QB Aaron Hernandez (876 yards, 13 TDs passing) guides the aerial attack. Lueders-Avoca, fresh off a bye week, has one of the most explosive freshmen in the state in RB Dai'quan Brown, and junior Logan Hearn is a solid option as well. Expect a close one. Leman's Pick: Throckmorton Tepper's Pick: Lueders-AvocaHigh Island (5-1) at Union Hill (6-0) High Island has been one of six-man's most impressive squads this year, coming off a 66-20 win over district foe Apple Springs. Union Hill is one of just 11 unbeaten teams remaining in Class 1A, having beaten all but one opponent by the 45-point mercy rule despite battling through injuries. The tandem of Gabe Nelson and Colt Mallory are tough to stop for Union Hill, but High Island could make this interesting. Leman's Pick: Union Hill Tepper's Pick: Union Hill

Quick Picks