WEEK 10 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Edinburg Vela (8-0, 5-0) at PSJA (8-0, 5-0) There are just three unbeaten teams remaining at the 6A level in the Valley and two of them meet up in Pharr for a Thursday showdown to determine the 31-6A title. Vela, under first-year head coach John Campbell, has been as outstanding as ever as the Sabercats haven’t had a game closer than 14 points all year. Campbell’s a proven winner wherever he’s been and nothing has changed in his head coaching debut in the Valley. Known as a run-first kind of coach, Campbell’s squad has do done it with a balanced attack as quarterback Nathan Garcia has thrown for over 1,600 yards in eight games. Sam Valenzuela had a solid game on the ground last week scoring two rushing touchdowns in Vela’s easy 48-7 win over PSJA North. PSJA is also under a first-year head coach, Lupe Rodriguez and he’s got the Bears rolling at 8-0. Quarterback Trey Guajardo has taken to Rodriguez’s fast paced offensive attack and thrived as he’s emerged as one of the Valley’s top players. He accounted for 315 yards of offense and four touchdowns as the Bears knocked off upstart PSJA Memorial 30-17 a week ago. PSJA has been one of the Valley’s best stories this year, but Vela’s been there and done that in these big games and I think PSJA might be a year away from serious district title contention. I expect Vela’s physical play on both sides to be too much. Stepp’s Pick: Edinburg Vela by 17 Max’s Pick: Vela Ishmael’s Pick: Vela Brady’s Pick: Vela See Tepper's PredictionEl Paso Montwood (8-0, 5-0) vs. El Paso Pebble Hills (8-0, 5-0) It’s not only a battle for city bragging rights, but a battle of old vs. new as El Paso’s last two unbeaten teams square off for the District 1-6A title. In addition, the winner of this game is guaranteed a home playoff game in bi-district while the loser likely faces a real tough road trip to San Angelo. Montwood, the established power, has seen a resurgence under second-year head coach Ariel Famaligi and it has been primarily due to one of the state’s most explosive offensive attacks. Quarterback Andrew Fernandez has been sensational as a senior accounting for 44 touchdowns in eight games, 17 of those touchdown passes have gone to Tyrese Andrus who is among the state’s top receivers. Montwood is heavily reliant on Fernandez and the talents of the offense as its rushing game and defense have struggled at times. That’s where new kid on the block, second-year varsity program Pebble Hills thrives.  The Spartans are a fast and physical group on defense and their primary job this week will be keying on Fernandez and trying to limit the big plays. Linebacker Kevin Esquivel may be used as a spy on the Montwood quarterback. The Spartans have some playmakers on offense with running back Caleb Gerber and versatile athlete Kevin Averette leading the charge. Pebble Hills has paced every test with flying colors this year and proven many doubters wrong, but I’m going with the big game experience of Montwood in this one. This is Pebble Hills’ first real marquee game as a program and Montwood’s been in this situation before. Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Montwood by 6 Max’s Pick: Montwood Ishmael’s Pick: Pebble Hills Brady’s Pick: Pebble Hills See Tepper's PredictionTemple (6-2, 4-0) at College Station (7-2, 5-0) Much like last year, it appears the district title in 18-5A will be decided this week. A year ago, upstart College Station proved it could compete with the state’s elite as it stunned Temple at Wildcat Stadium. Temple will be looking for revenge as it embarks on its 5A swan song before likely returning to Class 6A in 2018. Two weeks ago, the Wildcats knocked off longtime rival Waco, 38-14, as quarterback TJ Rumfield threw for 190 yards and two scores. Anthony Jackson paced the ground game with 123 yards and three touchdowns.  Balance has been a central theme for Temple’s offense and its athletic, but young defensive unit has continued to improve every week. They’ll have a major test this week against a dynamic CSHS offense that has plenty of weapons. The Cougars played Waco last week and handled the Lions with relative ease, 52-14. Quarterback Marquez Perez threw for 131 yards and two scores while running back Dada Anderson ran for 119 yards and two scores. College Station look to end its regular season on a high note against a Temple squad with two weeks to prepare and with revenge on its mind. I think Temple’s underrated defensive unit makes a statement this week and THS gets a big feather in the cap as it looks to make another possible run to the title game. Stepp’s Pick: Temple by 3 Max’s Pick: Temple Ishmael’s Pick: College Station Brady’s Pick: Temple See Tepper's PredictionFrisco Lone Star (7-1, 5-0) vs. Frisco Reedy (8-0, 5-0) The top two teams in Frisco ISD will hook up at Memorial Stadium in what is expected to be a fantastic atmosphere and a full house at Frisco’s only true high school stadium. Lone Star has established themselves as the power in FISD having played for a state title two years ago. The team proved that it is once again elite with its only defeat by a touchdown to unbeaten Denton Ryan. Quarterback M.J. Rivers and running back Kirby Bennett are a tremendous 1-2 punch and the Rangers’ speedy defense is vastly underrated as they’ve allowed just 14 points in their last four games, including three shutouts. Upstart Reedy is off to an impressive 8-0 start in just its second varsity season. Last week, the Lions continued their run with a 42-14 win over Frisco last week. Quarterback Josh Foskey has gotten many of the headlines for the Lions, but this time it was running back Josh Gipson who led the way with 109 yards rushing and three touchdowns in the win. Reedy’s defense will need to play the game of the year this week if it wants to find a way to contain what is one of the most explosive offenses in the DFW area. This one has a lot of similarities to the game in El Paso with Montwood-Pebble Hills. It’s been a great year for the new kid on the block, but I’m going with the big game experience of Frisco Lone Star. Stepp’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star by 14 Max’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star Ishmael’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star Brady’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star Tepper’s Pick: See Tepper's PredictionWichita Falls Hirschi (7-1, 3-0) at Argyle (8-0, 3-0) This is Hirschi’s chance to make a big statement on the statewide stage with a signature win. The Huskies had that chance at home in non-district but they fell by seven at home to Graham so can they get it done on the road against a team that many feel is significantly better? There is one caveat to this as Argyle suffered a significant blow as quarterback Jon Copeland, who was having a breakout season, will miss the rest of the year with a torn ACL. The Eagles have plenty of playmakers to make a deep run, but their shot at a state title is diminished for sure. Argyle’s defense is still intact and it’ll be keyed-in slow down Hirschi running back Daimarqua Foster who two weeks ago ran for an incredible 580 yards in a win over Decatur. If Hirschi wants to go on the road and pull the upset, the team will have to make Argyle’s ultra-aggressive defense pay in the passing game and they’ll need to find a way to get off the field on third down against what is an incredibly efficient Argyle offensive attack. I think Hirschi is really strong, but there’s still a gap between Argyle and the field. Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 16 Max’s Pick: Argyle Ishmael’s Pick: Argyle Brady’s Pick: Argyle See Tepper's PredictionWest Rusk (7-0, 4-0) at Elysian Fields (6-2, 3-1) There may not be a defensive unit playing at a higher level in the state that the West Rusk Raiders. They haven’t allowed a point since the fourth quarter of a 40-23 win over New Diana on September 22. Since that point, they’ve pitched four straight shutouts in district play, including an impressive 21-0 win over resurgent Waskom last week. Elysian Fields rebounded from its three-point loss to Waskom with a solid 49-28 win over Beckville a week ago. The Yellow Jackets got 230 passing yards on just seven completions from quarterback Garrett McIntosh, while running back Christavian Smith ran for four touchdowns as EFHS built a 35-7 halftime lead. I expect West Rusk’s shutout streak to finally come to an end this week as Elysian Fields has an explosive offense. But this WRHS team is gaining traction as a real force every week. Look for another big win from West Rusk in this one. Stepp’s Pick: West Rusk by 13 Max’s Pick: West Rusk Ishmael’s Pick: West Rusk Brady’s Pick: West Rusk See Tepper's PredictionAbernathy (8-0, 3-0) at New Deal (8-0, 3-0) Two of the top small school programs on the South Plains meet up in what will decide the 2-2A Division I district title. Both come into this one red hot, undefeated and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if these two met up again in round four of the playoffs. Abernathy in three district games hasn’t had a game closer than 27 points, including rolling past Floydada, 55-21, a week ago. The Antelopes only led 28-21 at the half, but rolled in the second half as quarterback Bryson Daily and running back Kole Carlisle accounted for seven total touchdowns to help Abernathy turn a close game into a rout. New Deal rolled past Hale Center 41-10 last week on the strength of a fast start as the Lions jumped out to a 34-3 halftime lead and never looked back as NDHS got 124 yards rushing and two touchdowns on just five carries from Nehemiah Martinez. The Lions will need another fast start this week as they try and make Abernathy play a more faster pace than the team is normally accustomed, but I like Abernathy, its big game experience and Daily who just gets the job done. Stepp’s Pick: Abernathy by 5 Max’s Pick: Abernathy Ishmael’s Pick: Abernathy Brady’s Pick: New Deal See Tepper's PredictionSomerset (6-2, 2-1) at Pleasanton (8-0, 3-0) Somerset will look to try and get itself involved in a share of the district title in 15-4A Division I if it can upset unbeaten Pleasanton on the road. The Bulldogs had no trouble with Robstown last week blasting past the Cotton Pickers, 56-6, Somerset had a balanced effort rolling up 422 yards of offense in the win. In addition, their defense was outstanding holding Robstown to just 183 yards of offense and forcing three turnovers.  Pleasanton won a thriller last week against the district’s other unbeaten team LaVernia, knocking the Bears off, 18-17. Trailing 17-9 late third quarter, the Eagles rallied with a touchdown. Then a Victor Gutierrez field goal with 2:07 remaining clinched the hard-fought win. Both defenses have been outstanding in district play, but this Pleasanton squad really has me intrigued. They are just finding ways to win and I think they do it again this week. Stepp’s Pick: Pleasanton by 4 Max’s Pick: Pleasanton Ishmael’s Pick: Pleasanton Brady’s Pick: Pleasanton See Tepper's PredictionKlein (6-1, 4-1) vs. Klein Collins (7-0, 5-0) Losing a heartbreaker to Klein Oak hasn’t sat well with Klein as the Bearkats have dominated the last two weeks beating Klein Forest and Spring Woods by a combined 108-0 score. The test gets infinitely tougher this week as Klein takes on unbeaten and surging Klein Collins. The Tigers rolled past Houston Stratford, 49-7, as running back Isaiah Spiller ran for 187 yards and four touchdowns in the win. The Tiger defense put together another big effort holding the Spartans to just nine first downs and 149 yards of offense and the last two weeks they’ve allowed just seven points. That defense for Collins is state championship quality and should carry the Tigers to a win and potentially an unbeaten regular season. Stepp’s Pick: Klein Collins by 12 Max’s Pick: Collins Ishmael’s Pick: Collins Brady’s Pick: Collins See Tepper's PredictionSmithson Valley (7-1, 4-1) at Converse Judson (8-0, 5-0) This matchup lost a bit of its luster over the past two weeks as Smithson Valley has struggled a bit. Two weeks ago, the Rangers fell in a bit of an upset to Schertz Clemens and last week were lackluster in a 14-9 win over New Braunfels Canyon. The Rangers only managed 228 yards of offense in the game, but thankfully their defense stepped up as allowed just 25 points the past two weeks. They’ll get their biggest test of the year without question against the state’s most explosive offense in Converse Judson. The Rockets, playing without star quarterback Julon Williams, didn’t miss a beat last week rolling past Clemens, 31-14, as do-it-all man Sincere McCormick stepped in at quarterback and piloted the Judson offense to a solid effort. If Williams is out again this week, I think Smithson Valley with its defense has a chance for the upset. But if Williams plays, I think the Judson offense just breaks too many big plays for Smithson Valley to keep up. My money is on the University of Houston commit playing for the Rockets this week. Stepp’s Pick: Converse Judson by 19 Max’s Pick: Judson Ishmael’s Pick: Judson Brady’s Pick: Judson See Tepper's PredictionHutto (8-0, 6-0) at Cedar Park (7-1, 6-0) Bragging rights are on the line in the Austin area at the Class 5A level as unbeaten Hutto looks to knock Cedar Park off the top of the mountain. The dynamics of this game have changed significantly as Cedar Park is not the same team they were two weeks ago when star quarterback Mak Sexton saw his season end with a broken leg. The Timberwolves won last week but really struggled against a struggling Pflugerville Connally squad winning 21-14. Hutto continued its run of dominance in 19-5A rolling past Leander Rouse, 45-7, as quarterback Chase Griffin and the Hippo offense continued to set the pace. Cedar Park’s defense will have to keep the team in this one as the offense is obviously not as explosive. The Black Rain defense will need to play their game of the year to keep them in it as Hutto has the looks of a real contender in Region III at this stage. Stepp’s Pick: Hutto by 8Max’s Pick: Cedar Park Ishmael’s Pick: Hutto Brady’s Pick: Cedar Park See Tepper's PredictionDenton Ryan (8-0, 4-0) at Denison (7-1, 4-0) It’s the biggest game at venerable Munson Stadium in several years as unbeaten and top five ranked Denton Ryan and its high-flying offense visits Denison. Denton Ryan had no trouble with Wichita Falls last week rolling to an easy 41-13 victory. Ryan scored all 41 of its points in the first half as quarterback Spencer Sanders threw for five touchdowns and ran for another as the Raiders raced out to a 41-6 halftime lead before playing all backups in the second half. Denison has one of the state’s most potent ground attacks as evidenced in a 56-0 win over Denton Braswell a week ago. The Yellow Jackets had 526 yards of offense last week with 373 yards on the ground. DHS has a diverse attack where four or five different backs rotate in and out, it’ll try and play keep-away from the Denton Ryan offense and try to shorten the game. However, Denison’s defense in its one loss was very vulnerable to athletic offenses and Ryan’s offense is as talented as they’ll see in the regular season. I expect Denison to keep it close for a half, but Ryan turns this one into a rout in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 21 Max’s Pick: Ryan Ishmael’s Pick: Ryan Brady’s Pick: Ryan Tepper’s Pick: RyanClint (7-1, 1-1) at Andrews (7-2, 3-0) The task is tall for the ground-and-pound Clint Lions as they’ll look to pull off what would be considered a massive upset. Clint, after losing their district-opener in a bit of an upset to Fabens, has bounced back winning its last two, but going on the road to take on Andrews is a large task. Andrews, since moving out to an El Paso area district in 2014, hasn’t had a district game closer than 32 points and it has won 17-straight district games overall. Last week, in the 65-21 win over Clint Mountain View wide receiver Noah Lujan had six receptions for 148 yards and four touchdowns and returned a kickoff 88 yards back for a touchdown as the Mustangs rolled. Expect more of the same this week as there’s no one in 2-4A Division I that can keep up with Andrews. Stepp’s Pick: Andrews by 38 Max’s Pick: Andrews Ishmael’s Pick: Andrews Brady’s Pick: Andrews See Tepper's PredictionFort Bend Ridge Point (6-1, 5-0) vs Fort Bend Bush (6-0, 5-0) Ridge Point will look to wrap up its second-straight district title against the high-powered Bush Broncos. The Panther defense was in top form last week in a 56-0 rout of Fort Bend Austin last week holding AHS to just 43 yards of offense and three first downs in the win. Six different players found the end zone for the Panthers last week, led by Chad Bailey’s two rushing touchdowns. After Demetrice Jones returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown to put Bush up 35-14 early in the third quarter, it appeared the Broncos were going to cruise to an easy win. But a late rally by Fort Bend Travis sent the game to overtime before Lawrence Scott’s second touchdown of the game in overtime kept the Broncos unbeaten season alive with a 42-35 win. Bush has the offensive firepower to push Ridge Point, who has dominated the district the past year and a half, but they can’t afford a lapse like they had late last week. Stepp’s Pick: Fort Bend Ridge Point by 17Max’s Pick: Ridge Point Ishmael’s Pick: Ridge Point Brady’s Pick: Ridge Point See Tepper's PredictionGatesville (7-1, 2-1) at Waco La Vega (8-0, 3-0) It was a tough week for Gatesville on and off the field and the Hornets aren’t getting much of a break with second-ranked and undefeated La Vega next up.  After a trying day last Friday in DEC and SEC meetings, the Hornets just didn’t play the kind of game they needed and were drilled by China Spring, 43-16. The Hornets dug themselves a 28-3 hole in the first half and tried making a game of it late, but a 25-point rally against a good team is a tall order. They can’t afford a slow start against Waco LaVega who has one of the most lethal defensive units in the state. The Pirates rolled past Lampasas 62-7 a week ago and their defense hasn’t allowed more than 18 points in a game yet this season. Waco LaVega won’t wow you with flashy offense, but the team is speedy and efficient with multiple playmakers and piloted by quarterback Jamal Williams who is in his third year leading the LaVega attack and he’s 37-1 as a starter. Defense is the key for the Pirates in this one and that group leads them to another big win over a solid Gatesville squad. Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 20Max’s Pick: La Vega Ishmael’s Pick: La Vega Brady’s Pick: La Vega See Tepper's PredictionFriona (7-1, 2-1) at Shallowater (7-1, 3-0) Friona saw its unbeaten season come to an end last week in a 55-48 shootout loss to Muleshoe. Friona twice held a two touchdown advantages in the loss, but allowed a score with 25 seconds remaining in the game to fall victim to the upset bug. Shallowater had no issues last week in a 63-7 rout of Amarillo River Road as Hayden Vanderroest returned two punts for touchdowns and ran for another in the Mustangs easy win.SHS ran for 354 yards of offense and led 49-0 at halftime and cruised to the easy homecoming win. Friona’s offense will put some points up, but I’m not sure they can slow down Cutter Sparks and that dynamic and balanced Shallowater offensive attack. Stepp’s Pick: Shallowater by 11 Max’s Pick: Shallowater Ishmael’s Pick: Shallowater Brady’s Pick: Shallowater See Tepper's PredictionJoaquin (7-1, 3-0) at San Augustine (8-0, 3-0) Aside from a one-point loss to Tenaha to open the season, the Joaquin Rams have rolled through the schedule. The ground-and-pound Rams will be a major contrast in style to the high-flying and unbeaten San Augustine Wolves. JHS escaped a tough test last week knocking off Price Carlisle 26-23 as running back Mason Pendleton led a balanced attack with 90 yards rushing and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. San Augustine’s offense again had a big night as they held off Alto 51-35 a week ago. Quarterback Gavin Murr threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to pace an explosive offensive attack. Over the last four games, SAHS has scored at least 43 points, but the defense allowing 35 last week is a bit of a concern. I think Joaquin’s style of play gives San Augustine a few fits, but the Wolves find a way late with that high-powered offensive attack. Stepp’s Pick: San Augustine by 7 Max’s Pick: San Augustine Ishmael’s Pick: San Augustine Brady’s Pick: San Augustine See Tepper's PredictionAngleton (7-0, 4-0) at Richmond Foster (5-2, 4-0) Unbeaten Angleton will look to wrap up the 27-5A district title with a win over last year’s district champion, Richmond Foster. After scoring 70-0 wins in back to back weeks, the Wildcat offense slowed a bit in a 30-7 win over Victoria West a week ago. Angleton’s 21-point second quarter outburst was more than enough to carry the way as Tamerick Williams led the Angleton attack with 158 rushing yards. Angleton hasn’t had to use Texas commit B.J. Foster on offense much this year, but expect the Wildcats to possibly give a preview of how they plan on using their star safety in a possible playoff run. A young Richmond Foster squad took some lumps in non-district but are rounding into form at the right time with four straight wins. Last week, the team routed Victoria West 70-7, as eight different players scored touchdowns. Foster has made some big strides since its early season struggles, but Angleton is healthy and senior laden and have played this entire season with a chip on its shoulder. I expect Angleton to jump out early on Foster and control this one with its ground attack. Stepp’s Pick: Angleton by 14Max’s Pick: Angleton Ishmael’s Pick: Angleton Brady’s Pick: Angleton See Tepper's PredictionRockwall-Heath (6-2, 4-1) at Longview (7-1, 4-1) After losing its first district game two weeks ago to Tyler John Tyler, Heath got back on track with a 50-27 win over Mesquite last Thursday night. Tyus Fort scored the first three times he touched the ball and finished with 173 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns to lead an explosive Hawks attack. Heath faces a stiff test this week against a very strong Longview defense and if it wants to clinch the top playoff seed in Division II, the team will have to do it on the road at always tough Lobo Stadium. Last week, Longview won a 28-19 slugfest against John Tyler on the road. Longview’s offense was a bit sloppy but defensive back Jalen Carr led a ferocious defensive effort with an interception, two blocked kicks and a sack in the win. I expect another grind-it-out type game. Longview’s injuries on offense have really limited what it can do and although sophomore quarterback Haynes King will be a big-time player, he’s still learning on the job and Longview doesn’t have the bruising running attack that can take the pressure off King. This is Rockwall-Heath’s type of game, but I think Longview as it has done most of the year will find a way, especially at home. Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 6 Max’s Pick: Longview Ishmael’s Pick: Longview Brady’s Pick: Longview See Tepper's PredictionSan Antonio Southwest (7-1, 5-0) at Eagle Pass (6-2, 4-1) The Dragons can all but wrap up the District 29-6A title with a road win this week, but the road trip will be a tough one as Eagle Pass plays very well on its home turf. Last week, Southwest had no trouble in a 35-8 win over Laredo LBJ as 11 different ball carriers paced a 335-yard rushing attack. Martin Torres averaged over 11 yards per carry and led the way with 78 yards rushing and a touchdown on just seven carries. Eagle Pass suffered its first district loss last week losing to Laredo United 45-14. Quarterback DeeAndre Torres accounted for both EPHS touchdowns, but multiple turnovers in the second half sent Eagle Pass to its first district loss as Laredo United erupted for 38 points in the second half. I don’t expect the same kind of turnover barrage from Eagle Pass this week. I expect a physical, low-scoring game that fits the style of both teams. The edge goes to Southwest in this one despite being on the road, I think its superior depth wears the Eagles down. Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Southwest by 8Max’s Pick: Southwest Ishmael’s Pick: Southwest Brady’s Pick: Southwest See Tepper's PredictionEach week, six-man insider Leman Saunders provides his insight and analysis on the best games in Class 1A. Contact Leman on Twitter @LemanSaunders.Jonesboro at Zephyr Without question, this is the game of the week, deciding the top two spots in District 10-1A DI. Zephyr is rolling at 8-0, balancing its offense with a strong running game complementing QB Kason King. Jonesboro will want to pound the ball on the ground, led by RB Wyatt Young (1,366 yards, 22 TDs rushing) as the top dog in the three-leaded rushing attack. Expect a classic. Leman’s Pick: Zephyr Tepper’s Pick: ZephyrOakwood at Milford It’s Milford the juggernaut against Oakwood the underdog in a battle of Top 10 squads likely to decide District 15-1A DII. Milford star Taron Smith is one of the best players in Class 1A, notching 44 total touchdowns already, while Oakwood’s Ethan Edgemon has 38 scores of his own against one of the state’s toughest schedules. The difference may be Milford’s depth of weapons outside of Smith. Leman’s Pick: Milford Tepper’s Pick:MilfordSterling City at Garden City A District 6-1A Division I battle between teams far better than their records. RB Josue Gutierrez has emerged as the go-to back for Garden City, posting 453 yards and six touchdowns in the Bearkats’ last two games. Sterling City is battling injuries, but after putting up 90 points without star Tavenn Raynor last week, they could be poised for another big game. Look out for Sterling City RB Francisco Calderon (280 yards, 4 TDs last week); he’ll be the workhorse if Raynor is still injured. Leman’s Pick: Garden City Tepper’s Pick: Garden CityWhite Deer at McLean This game is likely for the runner-up spot in District 1-1A DI. White Deer is coming off its first loss of the year to state-ranked Happy, while unbeaten McLean might be the state’s most under-the-radar six-man squad. White Deer may be a bit banged up after its matchup with Happy; if McLean can establish itself early, it could be a long night for the Bucks. A player to watch here is White Deer RB Kason Virgil — he’ll be a big factor in this one. Leman’s Pick: White Deer Tepper’s Pick: McLean

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