Fort Stockton (7-1, 1-0) at Big Spring (6-2, 1-0): It’s a big one out in West Texas this week as sole possession of first place in 2-4A Division I is up for grabs as Fort Stockton visits Big Spring. Defending district champion Fort Stockton got pushed at home by San Angelo Lake View but escaped with a 35-32 double overtime win. FSHS ran out to a big first half lead, but the offense was held in check in the second half and the Panthers had to escape in overtime with the hard-fought win. They’ll have their hands full this week with an explosive Big Spring squad that knocked off Andrews last week in convincing fashion 48-19. QB Gabriel Baeza threw for 405 yards and five scores, while chipping in 87 yards rushing, WR Eli Cobos was the top target hauling in eight passes for 110 yards and three touchdowns, Cobos also threw a touchdown pass for the Steers on a trick play. That dynamic Big Spring offense will be too much too handle and the Steers move one step closer to a district title this week. Stepp’s Pick: Big Spring by 10
Argyle (7-1, 3-1) at Kaufman (7-1, 3-1): The top part of District 7-4A Division I continues to be a dogfight as only one loss is the difference between the top spot and being 2 out of the playoffs altogether. Argyle has continued to rebound after their loss to Melissa, as they took care of business against Terrell 56-14. Quarterback Jett Copeland was 10 for 13 with 209 yards and four touchdowns, if Argyle can get the aerial game to go along with their ability to dominate in the trenches they’ll remain as a state title contender. Kaufman hurt themselves in the district title hunt as they lost to Paris 35-21. Running back Braxton Garmon shined as he had 28 carries for 149 yards and one touchdown, but the Lions inability to slow down a surging Paris ground game proved to be their undoing. These two played a heated game this summer in the state 7-on-7 title game and things got chippy, so expect this one to be physical with a lot on the line. Argyle’s dominance up front will be the key in this showdown. DCTF Intern Joshua Price’s pick: Argyle by 14