Cypress Bridgeland (4-0, 2-0) vs Cypress Ranch (2-1, 1-0): New Cy-Fair ISD power Bridgeland is looking to put their stamp on the 16-6A race this week if they can knock off a tough Cy Ranch squad. Bridgeland got pushed last week but found a way to escape in a 35-28 win over Cy Woods. QB Conner Weigman scored on a 28-yard run with 19 seconds left on the clock to keep Bridgeland unbeaten. Before the game winning touchdown run, Weigman had tossed four touchdown passes to four different receivers. Cy Ranch had their game against Cy Falls postponed last week to Thanksgiving weekend. But the Mustangs had been playing excellent football the previous two weeks, outscoring their last two opponents 111-7 as QB DJ Ciers and that up-tempo offense have been hitting on all cylinders since the season opening loss to Cy-Fair. Both offensive units are capable of putting up big numbers. Defense will determine this one, and in key moments against tough competition, Bridgeland’s defense has shown the ability to get stops and make big plays, which will be the difference. Stepp’s Pick: Cypress Bridgeland by 11
San Antonio Brandeis (3-0, 2-0) vs San Antonio Johnson (3-0, 2-0): The top matchup in the Alamo City this week could have the 28-6A title on the line as state-ranked Brandeis will have their hands full with unbeaten Johnson. The Broncos, after a tough season opening win over Harlan, have dominated the last two weeks, including a 39-6 win over San Antonio Clark. QB Nico Garcia ran for two touchdowns and threw another touchdown for the Broncos, while the Brandeis defense was dominant holding Clark to 161 yards of offense and netting a pair of safeties. Johnson is off to a hot start under new head coach Mark Soto. Last week the Jaguars drilled San Antonio MacArthur, 49-7, as Shane Johnson returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and CTJ never looked back. QB Ty Reasoner only put the ball in the air 13 times in the game, but he was efficient throwing a pair of touchdowns and spreading the football around. Brandeis is battle tested from the previous two playoff runs and this may be David Branscom’s best team yet. he Broncos defense is the tone setter in this Thursday night showdown. Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Brandeis by 8