DeSoto (9-1) Vs Spring (9-0), 7 p.m. Saturday at Waco’s McLane Stadium: Unbeaten Spring gets their toughest test since their win over Spring Westfield in the regular season as they tangle with one of the DFW area’s top programs in once-beaten DeSoto. DeSoto last had to rally from a 12 point second half deficit to knock off defending regional champion Rockwall, 30-27. QB Samari Collier, an Illinois signee, had a monster game for the Eagles accounting for over 300 yards of offense and four touchdowns, two each rushing and passing. DeSoto’s defense, led by their outstanding defensive line, limited Rockwall’s running game and forced a pair of Rockwall turnovers. Spring rolled past a surging Klein Oak squad 31-14 as the Lions led by outstanding junior QB Bishop Davenport and a speedy and physical defense, controlled the tempo all game against Oak. DeSoto will be a major test because they match up well with Spring at the skill spots, and the Eagles two defensive lineman Byron Murphy (Texas signee) and Shemar Turner (Texas A&M signee) will make life tough for the Spring offensive line. Look for DeSoto to pull away late after Spring hangs around early. Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 9
Katy Tompkins (10-0) vs Galena Park North Shore (12-0), 1 p.m. Thursday at Katy’s Legacy Stadium: A battle of unbeaten teams headlines the Houston area slate this week as upstart Katy Tompkins looks to take down two-time defending state champion North Shore. Tompkins, behind a 38-point second quarter, destroyed Cy-Fair 51-28. The Falcons defense scored three second-quarter touchdowns in the second quarter blitz, giving the offense a chance to in essence take the night off as they only had 288 yards of offense while protecting a massive lead in the second half. Alabama signee QB Jalen Milroe did have a 55-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Tompkins’ defense has been among the best in Houston all year, but the test this week is as big as they’ve ever had as they try and find a way to slow down the North Shore offense led by Auburn QB signee Dematrius Davis. The Mustangs easily took care of previously unbeaten Pearland Dawson, 38-7, last week. Davis accounted for three touchdowns against a tough Dawson defense and Texas A&M signee Shadrach Banks chipped in a touchdown run as well as the Mustangs were able to grind out a 24-0 halftime lead against a tough Dawson defense. Both defenses are very strong, but the key in this one is North Shore’s big game experience and their offensive firepower. Stepp’s Pick: Galena Park North Shore by 13