Cedar Hill (1-0) at Aledo (2-0): This game was scheduled late last week as both teams are coming off a bye week. Aledo’s was expected as they were looking to start district play up this week, while Cedar Hill had their game against Allen canceled. That created an opportunity to get these two together in a fascinating 6A/5A matchup. Cedar Hill got a strong push from Arlington in their last outing two weeks ago, but held off the Colts, 28-21. After struggling on offense in the first half, Cedar Hill’s offense got rolling in the second half behind Tennessee commit QB Kaidon Salter, who finished the night with 248 yards passing and a touchdown through the air and on the ground. Cedar Hill’s defense, which many believe will be improved in 2020, held Arlington to just seven points in the second half. After blowing Weatherford out in the season opener, Aledo got a big test in their last outing but held off a strong Frisco Lone Star squad at home, 34-32. LSU commit Jojo Earle did a little bit of everything for the Bearcats with 20 carries, catching six passes and also lining up at QB, finishing with 153 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. RB DeMarco Roberts, after rushing for 130 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, left the game with an injury and his status this week is unknown. Aledo’s defense looks to be outstanding as the Bearcats have elite level playmakers in all three levels, but the sheer speed that Cedar Hill puts on the field, along with the Longhorns depth, gives them the edge in what should be an entertaining and high-scoring game. Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Hill by 7
Spring (2-0, 1-0) vs Spring Westfield (2-0, 1-0): One of the most underrated rivalries in the Houston area has major district title implications as unbeaten Spring takes on unbeaten Westfield in a game that likely decides the 14-6A title. Spring, behind another monster game from QB Bishop Davenport, rolled past Spring Dekaney, 55-17, last week. Davenport accounted for 478 yards of total offense and five touchdowns.The Lions offense, which is averaging 43-points per game, will get their biggest test of the young season going against that stout Westfield defense, which totally stifled Aldine Davis in a 33-6 win. QB Cardell Williams tossed three touchdown passes on the night, including two in the first half, as the Mustangs raced out to a 24-0 lead at the half and cruised to the easy victory. Westfield has typically dominated this series, but this Spring offense is clicking at such a high level. It’ll be a real test for the Mustangs; add in the rivalry game aspect at the brand new stadium in Spring ISD and this one will have plenty of electricity. Spring pushes Westfield to the brink, but the Mustangs big game experience pays big dividends this week. Stepp’s Pick: Spring Westfield by 8