Denton Guyer (3-1, 1-0) at Prosper (3-0, 1-0): It’s a top 25 showdown at Children’s Health Stadium on Friday as the District 5-6A race starts to take shape with a key matchup. Guyer opened up district play with an offensive explosion in a 55-35 win over McKinney. Texas A&M commit Deuce Harmon had two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown, while fellow Aggies commit Eli Stowers (QB) accounted for 336 yards of offense and four touchdowns to lead the Wildcats attack. After missing two straight weeks of games due to Covid-19 protocols, Prosper came out strong on Saturday in their district opener, but held off a much-improved Little Elm squad, 30-20. TE Cameron Harpole, a San Diego State commit, had seven receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown, while RB Julian Higgins and QB Jackson Berry were both solid for the Eagles, who are the classic “greater than the sum of their parts” type of team. Prosper’s defense will need their best game of the year to contain the dynamic Guyer attack; expect a close and physical game, but Guyer gets a key win thanks to Stowers’ playmaking ability. Stepp’s Pick: Denton Guyer by 8
Harlingen (1-0, 0-0) at Harlingen South (1-0, 1-0): Up until Thursday afternoon, Harlingen thought they’d be taking last week off after their scheduled season opener against Weslaco was canceled. But the Cardinals adjusted quickly to their late scheduled game and pulled off a 21-6 win over McAllen Memorial. Harlingen’s defense forced a pair of turnovers and got multiple key fourth-down stops, while QB Joe Zuniga’s three touchdown passes carried the Cardinals through an at-times a choppy effort. Harlingen South rolled past Donna North in their opening zone game, 44-13. South fell behind early by a touchdown, but then rattled off 44-straight points behind five rushing touchdowns to turn the game into a rout. South relies on several juniors to play vital roles; in a game this big against their cross-town rivals, mistakes could be a factor. In those cases you’ve got to lean towards the veteran experience of Harlingen High. Stepp’s Pick: Harlingen by 13