Big Spring (5-1) at Pampa (5-1): Two of the most explosive offensive units in West Texas meet up as a marathon non-district slate closes out for both of these programs in four-team districts. Big Spring has won three straight since their loss to Monahans and a big part of that streak has been the Steers explosive offense led by QB Gabriel Baeza. In last week’s 47-29 win over Littlefield, the senior QB had a monster game throwing for 325 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Pampa has won five straight since dropping their season opener, but the Harvesters got pushed last week slipping past Perryton 44-41. QB Sam Anguiano led the explosive Pampa offense with 263 yards passing and two touchdowns, while RB Cornelius Landers again showed why he’s one of the most consistent backs in the Texas Panhandle rushing for 139 yards and a touchdown. Expect a lot of offense in this one, Pampa’s played the tougher schedule and appears to be slightly ahead of Big Spring on defense as well, so give the Harvesters the edge. Stepp’s Pick: Pampa by 9
Stephenville (5-0) at Waco La Vega (3-2): It’s a state ranked showdown in North Waco as District 5-4A Division I opens with a bang as unbeaten and second ranked Stephenville takes on Waco La Vega who comes into this one ranked sixth and rapidly improving. Both teams are coming off a bye week and this one will be a fascinating matchup of an explosive Stephenville offense that comes in averaging 49 points per game, going up against a tough La Vega defense that in their last outing held one of the state’s most dynamic offensive units to just thirteen points in a 48-13 road win over Corpus Christi Miller. There’s lots of playmakers in this game, but this one is very simple, can La Vega’s defense turn this game into a street fight? Can they be physical with Stephenville, get some early stops and slow down this dynamic offense? If they can set the tone early with a big home crowd, La Vega will win this game, but if Stephenville’s offense comes out and throws up 14 first quarter points and turns this into a track meet, that’s not the game La Vega wants. I lean to La Vega pulling the “upset” at home as a slight underdog and getting district play off to a strong start. Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 3