Killeen Shoemaker (7-2) vs DeSoto (7-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Killeen’s Buckley Stadium: One of the more fascinating matchups in Region II features powerful DeSoto hitting the road and heading to Central Texas for the second straight week, this time to take on a dangerous Shoemaker squad. DeSoto hit the road last week and put it on Waco High, 62-6, as the banged up Eagles were able to rotate players in and out pretty liberally. The Eagles used both QB’s effectively as they rolled up over 500 yards of offense and their dominant defensive line took charge of the game early. Killeen Shoemaker is probably one of the few teams in the state that has the skill position talent to matchup with DeSoto. The Grey Wolves have a speedy group of receivers that can put pressure on an opposing secondary led by Baylor commit WR Monaray Baldwin. There’s no question Shoemaker has the playmakers to keep up, but the big edge for DeSoto is in the trenches, especially their defensive line against the Shoemaker offensive line. That turns into the difference in this game after Shoemaker keeps it interesting with some early big plays. Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 16
Round Rock (7-2) vs Lake Travis (6-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Round Rock’s Dragon Stadium: Lake Travis, because of Covid-19 protocols, hasn’t played a game since November 13 when they defeated Del Valle 42-13. The Cavaliers have looked very good in the six games they’ve played this year but there are a lot of unknowns about this team because the schedule was overall pretty weak, and they didn’t get to play their annual showdown game with Westlake. So what do we make of this team? We’ll get some answers this week as the Cavs take on an underrated Round Rock squad that won the 25-6A title. The Dragons have won six straight and are playing their best football of the year. Last week the offense exploded in a 70-42 win over Round Rock Westwood as RB Israel Morgan set multiple school records rushing for 458 yards and six touchdowns. There’s no question Lake Travis on defense will be locked in to slow Morgan down and make Round Rock beat them through the air. If that happens, the Cavs offense, despite having to shake off some rust, will be too much for the Dragons in this fascinating bi-district clash. Stepp’s Pick: Lake Travis by 17