REGIONAL FINALS PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Denton Ryan (13-0) vs. Lubbock Coronado (13-0), 2 p.m. Saturday at Abilene’s Anthony Field Denton Ryan will look to become the de facto Lubbock ISD champions this week as it tries to do the double with a win over unbeaten and surging Lubbock Coronado Saturday at Abilene Christian University. The Raiders rolled past Lubbock Monterey last week, 49-28, as QB Spencer Sanders threw for 265 yards and five touchdowns and Ryan rolled out to a 49-7 lead before calling the dogs off in the fourth quarter. The defense has improved throughout the year and faces their biggest test of the year as they try and find a way to contain a sizzling Lubbock Coronado offense that scored 80 (Yes, 80) points a week ago. The Mustang offense scored 56 points in the second half as they pulled away from Colleyville Heritage 80-62. QB Qua Gray piloted an offense that had 756 yards and he accounted for 525 of that himself including six touchdown passes. WR’s Blair Conwright and Devin Morrison combined for nine receptions for 345 yards and six touchdowns in the win. If you want a showcase of two of the state’s top signal callers this game is for you as both offenses are capable of putting on a show. The big question is which of these underrated defenses can get a couple of stops and put pressure on the opposing offense? I’m setting the over/under on this one at 95 points scored and I won’t be surprised if this game hits the over. I give the slight edge to Denton Ryan (I think Sanders is the difference at QB), but on paper this looks like a toss-up. Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 3 Max’s Pick: Denton Ryan Ishmael’s Pick: Denton Ryan Brady’s Pick: Denton Ryan See Tepper's pick for this game — and the other 43 games this weekend Trinity (11-2) vs. Allen (13-0), 1 p.m. Saturday at Denton’s Apogee Stadium Trinity will look to continue its magical run this week against an Allen squad that hasn’t lost before the state semifinals since the regular season of 2013. Euless Trinity knocked off a feisty Midland Lee squad, 34-23, last week out in Abilene as RB Courage Keihn ran wild posting 284 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Key as well was Trinity being able to throw the football with effectiveness as the Trojans topped 160 yards through the air. That will be critical to pulling the upset as Allen has the size and speed up front to slow down the Trojans ground game. Allen, after a less than stellar showing in an area round win over South Grand Prairie, looked like a state title favorite last week in a convincing 48-25 win over Arlington Martin on Friday night. The Eagles outscored Martin 27-9 in the deciding second half as Brock Sturges had two of his three touchdown runs in the third and fourth quarter, finishing with 205 yards on the ground. QB Grant Tisdale only threw for 96 yards but he was efficient with two touchdown tosses to Theo Wease. The key in this game will be the Trinity offense, can it be perfect? To beat Allen, the formula is jump on the Eagles early, control the tempo with the running game and hang on in the second half when the surge comes. Austin Westlake and The Woodlands did it the past two years, can Trinity? My answer is no. I don’t think Trinity is dynamic enough on offense to get it done and the Allen defense will adjust to any early success Trinity may have. Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 10 Max’s Pick: Allen Ishmael’s Pick: Allen Brady’s Pick: Allen See Tepper's pick for this game — and the other 43 games this weekend Round Rock Cedar Ridge (12-1) vs. Pflugerville Hendrickson (10-3),  5 p.m. Saturday at Pflugerville’s The Pfield If you had one of these two teams playing in the regional final, I could probably buy it (although you might be a fan of one of the two schools). But I can’t imagine anyone had this District 13-6A matchup in the state quarterfinals, but both are here after pulling off upset wins over highly-touted DFW teams this weekend. Round Rock Cedar Ridge won a thriller, 35-34, over Coppell in overtime on Saturday after Coppell missed a field goal at the end of regulation that would have won the game and then missed a PAT in overtime. Cedar Ridge’s win is even more impressive considering it lost its star RB Simi Bakare earlier in the game to an injury. He only finished with two carries for 13 yards and his status for this week’s game is unknown. QB Ezekiel Coss stepped up in Bakare’s absence throwing for 190 yards and three touchdowns and he also caught a touchdown pass in overtime on a trick play. The Raiders will try to repeat their success against Pflugerville Hendrickson from its regular season victory, 43-27. The Hawks are riding quite the hot streak after stunning undefeated Sachse 42-35 last week. Hendrickson dominated the first three and a half quarters jumping out to a 42-14 lead as QB Blaine Barker accounted for four total touchdowns and 237 yards of offense. The matchup should be much closer this time. These two schools know each other well and are looking to take that next step and become more than just a regional contender. I think Cedar Ridge is a bit deeper and a bit more explosive especially on the offensive side of the ball. Stepp’s Pick: Round Rock Cedar Ridge by 8 Max’s Pick: Round Rock Cedar Ridge Ishmael’s Pick: Round Rock Cedar Ridge Brady’s Pick:Round Rock Cedar Ridge See Tepper's pick for this game — and the other 43 games this weekend Katy (11-0) vs. Galena Park North Shore (9-3), 2 p.m. Saturday at Houston’s NRG Stadium The rematch theme is alive and well across the state this week and we’ve got a rematch of a third-round classic from last year as Houston’s two premier 6A programs face off in front of what should be a great crowd at NRG Stadium Saturday. Last year, North Shore’s vaunted defense made an impressive goal line stand to win the game late and end Katy’s season in the third round. This year, the Mustangs rely much more heavily on a young, but very explosive offense while Katy’s defense is reminding folks of their legendary 2015 defensive unit. Katy the past two weeks has looked incredibly dominant outscoring two excellent teams in Cypress Ranch and Humble Atascocita by a combined 99-7 score. Last week, the Tigers in their 44-0 win over Atascocita allowed just 144 yards of offense and eight first downs and forced five total turnovers. North Shore has seen an offensive renaissance during the playoffs as the Mustangs are averaging 48 points per game. Last week, Galena Park North Shore took out a strong Houston Lamar squad 44-29 as sophomore RB Zach Evans had another big game with 172 yards on the ground and four touchdowns while freshman QB Damatrius Davis was solid as he continues to gain valuable high-leverage reps. North Shore has been a great story all year and man it’s going to be a PROBLEM in the Houston area the next few years, but Katy has revenge on its minds and it’s really hard for me to believe a freshman QB is going to have much (if any) success against this ferocious Katy defense. Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 9 Max’s Pick: Katy Ishmael’s Pick: Katy Brady’s Pick: Katy See Tepper's pick for this game — and the other 43 games this weekend Southlake Carroll (10-3) vs. Hewitt Midway (13-0), 6 p.m. Saturdayat Waco’s McLane Stadium Southlake Carroll comes into this one in a bit of unfamiliar role, as an underdog to undefeated and rolling Hewitt Midway. The Panthers are rolling and to top it off, it’s basically a road game for the Dragons having to play Midway in Waco. Southlake Carroll escaped a tough Arlington squad last week, 28-24, despite losing RB TJ McDaniel to an injury, the Dragons found a way to get it done. McDaniel’s status is up in the air for this week, but my guess is if he can walk, he’ll play this week. Waco Midway’s resume looks better each week. The Panthers own non-district wins over Round Rock Cedar Ridge (still playing), Cedar Park (eliminated Round 3) and Temple (still playing). Then last week, the Panthers made quite the statement blasting Mansfield, 48-17. QB Tanner Mordecai had another huge game as he had a hand in six Panther touchdowns and DB Trevius Hodges 90-yard fumble return in the second quarter totally changed the momentum of the game. Midway’s offensive line is one of the most underrated groups in the state (three FBS commits). They give Mordecai all the time he needs to make plays and open up holes for the running game. That group is going to be tough for SLC to slow down. Stepp’s Pick: Hewitt Midway by 11 Max’s Pick: Hewitt Midway Ishmael’s Pick: Hewitt Midway Brady’s Pick: Hewitt Midway See Tepper's pick for this game — and the other 43 games this weekend

Longview (12-1) vs. Lufkin (11-2), 2 p.m. Saturday at Nacogdoches’ Bryce Stadium There’s no question that East Texas is buzzing after Longview and Lufkin both earned massive wins over Houston area powers to advance to the regional final. Bryce Stadium holds about 15,000 but don’t be surprised if close to 20,000 show up for this long-time rivalry that has some extra meaning this week.  Longview stunned what many believe is a favorite for the state title in Klein Collins, beating the Tigers 30-24 at Baylor on Saturday. Longview fell behind early, 14-0, but the Lobos stayed the course and rattled off a 30-3 run to take charge of the game. Sophomore QB Haynes King was sensational throwing for 160 yards and four touchdowns, three going to Jaylin Brown. A key stretch came late in the first half as Longview scored nine points in two minutes to go from down seven to up two points at the break. Texas State commit Chris Kessler nailed a 42-yard field goal after Longview recovered a fumble to make it 14-10 Klein Collins with 2:12 left in the half. Longview then forced a quick three and out and got the ball near midfield with 1:05 left in the half and King hooked up with Brown for a 35-yard touchdown pass to give the Lobos the lead that they never relinquished. Lufkin got a heroic effort from its defense last week stunning undefeated Spring Westfield 14-11 last week at Texan Drive Stadium. RB Isaiah Phillips ran for a tough 159 yards on 33 carries and a touchdown. Leading 14-3 late, Lufkin had to hang on for dear life as the Panthers threw a late interception which Westfield returned to the 19-yard line, and the Mustangs converted that into a touchdown and a two-point conversion to cut the lead to 14-11.  Lufkin had some trouble hanging on to the ball and snapping it but the Panthers defense came through late to hang on. Longview’s defense was the story in the first meeting a 35-16 win at Lobo Stadium. Both units are playing their best football of the year at the moment so points will be at a premium. Longview’s inability to consistently run the football worries me, but King is really playing tremendous at the moment. It’s going to be an absolute war, but I think Longview with the passing attack finds a way to make a few more plays down the stretch. Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 4 Max’s Pick: Longview Ishmael’s Pick: Lufkin Brady’s Pick: Longview See Tepper's pick for this game — and the other 43 games this weekend Austin Westlake (13-0) vs. Cibolo Steele (9-4), 8 p.m. Saturday at San Antonio’s Alamodome Neither of these Region IV powers had much trouble with their opponents fropm the Rio Grande Valley a week ago, but they’ve certainly taken different paths to the regional finals. Unbeaten Austin Westlake rolled to a 13-0 start behind an underrated defense, the ever-improving play of QB Taylor Anderson and the powerful running of Wisconsin commit RB Nakia Watson. The Chaparrals made quick work last week of Edinburg Vela in a 70-14 win that featured the starters playing just one half. Steele jumped out to a 36-6 halftime lead last week against Weslaco East and cruised in the second half to a 36-21 win. The Knights RB duo of Rice-commit Brendan Brady and sophomore De’Quavion Thomas combined for 161 yards rushing and three touchdowns on the night. Brady left the game after just four carries with a shoulder injury, but all indications are he’ll be good to go this week. Freshman QB Wyatt Begeal was solid as well completing nine of ten passes and showing poise beyond his years. Steele lost four of its first five games but won eight in a row since Begeal has taken the reins. The difference for me in this one is Westlake’s ability to run the ball. Steele’s defensive line isn’t quite as big or physical as it has been in years past and I think Westlake can exploit that edge this week. Stepp’s Pick: Austin Westlake by 7 Max’s Pick: Westlake Ishmael’s Pick: Westlake Brady’s Pick: Westlake See Tepper's pick for this game — and the other 43 games this weekend Manvel (12-0) vs. Temple (10-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Prairie View’s Panther Stadium The powerful Manvel Mavericks have been waiting a year for this matchup. A year ago, Manvel came into its fourth-round game with Temple as a prohibited favorite to win a state title with its impressive 13-0 record. But underdog Temple had other ideas stunning Manvel at AT&T Stadium, 24-23. It was the fourth-straight quarterfinal loss for the Mavericks and maybe their most bitter loss to date. Manvel is back and although not quite as loaded with frontline talent as it was a year ago, the team is still a star-studded cast and once again are the favorites to bring a state title home. Last week, Manvel blasted past Cedar Park, 56-17. Manvel had five touchdowns on the ground from five different players and three different backs had at least 73 yards on the ground. MHS had a touchdown on defense and special teams as well in the victory. Temple nearly didn’t get to this point as it needed some late-game heroics to knock off Port Arthur Memorial 33-29 a week ago. Trailing 29-26 with 54 seconds left, Temple got a 30-yard kickoff return and then a 43-yard pass reception by TJ Rumfield to set up Zion Leach’s one-yard scoring plunge with 22 seconds left to stun upset-minded Memorial. This Temple team isn’t quite as talented on the defensive side as the group they had a year ago was. They are still incredibly tough and won’t go down without a fight but I think a talented and focused Manvel team pulls away from the Wildcats down the stretch. Stepp’s Pick: Manvel by 11 Max’s Pick: Manvel Ishmael’s Pick: Manvel Brady’s Pick: Manvel See Tepper's pick for this game — and the other 43 games this weekend Angleton (12-0) vs. Richmond Foster (9-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Houston’s NRG Stadium It’s one of many district rematches in the fourth round of the playoffs as unbeaten Angleton tries and makes it two in a row over Richmond Foster. The Wildcats had no problems last week rolling past Corpus Christi Flour Bluff 56-14 as Texas-commit BJ Foster and SMU-commit Tamerick Williams combined for five rushing touchdowns on the evening. After a slow start to the season, Richmond Foster caught fire down the stretch winning seven of its last eight games, with just a single loss to Angleton, 34-7, in Week 10. Last week, the Falcons rolled past Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial, 42-14, as RB Alex Harris ran for three touchdowns in the second half to help Foster pull away down the stretch. Foster’s defense will keep the team in it, but Angleton has the look of a real state title contender. The scheme and physical style on defense makes the Wildcats a very tough team come playoff time. Stepp’s Pick: Angleton by 13 Max’s Pick: Angleton Ishmael’s Pick: Angleton Brady’s Pick: Angleton See Tepper's pick for this game — and the other 43 games this weekend Frisco Lone Star (12-1) vs. Mansfield Legacy (11-2), 2 p.m. Saturday at Dallas' Ford Stadium The three losses combined between the two teams in this game were to some of the state’s elite as Lone Star’s lone loss came in a heartbreaker against Denton Ryan, while Mansfield Legacy has defeats against Aledo and Mansfield Lake Ridge. Lone Star showed it isn’t just an offensive team as its defense was sensational last week in a 35-0 win over Waxahachie. The Rangers’ defense held a high-powered Waxahachie attack to 237 yards of total offense and forced three turnovers. QB MJ Rivers and RB Kirby Bennett combined for 236 yards on the ground and three touchdowns to lead the Frisco Lone Star offense. Mansfield Legacy moved to the fourth round of the playoffs for the second straight year after a 45-35 shootout win over North Forney a week ago. RB Grant Johnson ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns and QB Jalen Catalon had 208 yards of total offense and three touchdowns (two passing and one rushing) to pace a Broncos attack that had over 500 yards of total offense. Both defenses have shown signs of being elite this year at times and I think we could see a really physical and low scoring contest on Saturday. Lone Star is a bit more balanced on offense and I think to move the ball consistently against the tough Mansfield Legacy defense, balance is the key. Stepp’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star by 7 Max’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star Ishmael’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star Brady’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star See Tepper's pick for this game — and the other 43 games this weekend