Melissa (8-2) vs Midlothian Heritage (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Southlake’s Dragon Stadium: Melissa and Midlothian Heritage face off for the second time this year in the area round of the 4A-Division I playoffs. Melissa picked apart North Dallas in their 73-20 win. The ground game rumbled through as running back James Gatson had 184 yards and two touchdowns on only five carries. Fellow running back Ashton Mitchell-Johnson had even less carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns. The Melissa defense forced five turnovers with two interceptions being ran back for touchdowns. Midlothian Heritage used their passing game in their win over Benbrook 49-20. Quarterback Kaden Brown threw for 203 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The Heritage defense forced two interceptions that were returned for scores. Both teams coming in battle tested will mean this point spread will be much closer than the first encounter. Look for defense to be the difference maker in favor of the Cardinals. DCTF Intern Joshua Price’s Pick: Melissa by 6
Cuero (10-1) vs Rockport-Fulton (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Victoria’s Memorial Stadium: The playoffs get ramped up in a big way in Region IV in 4A-Division II as regional favorite Cuero has a tricky area round matchup with Rockport-Fulton. Cuero had no problems in their playoff opener as the Gobblers blasted past San Antonio YMLA 62-7. RB Tycen Williams ran for 113 yards and three touchdowns on just five carries and QB Jerry Rossett tossed a pair of touchdowns as the Cuero starters were pulled late in the second quarter. Rockport-Fulton also had an easy time in the first round as the Pirates smashed Hondo 60-17 as QB Ace Seibert accounted for five touchdowns to lead an explosive offense. Rockport’s versatile offense is going to be a test for Cuero, but this Gobblers defense has speed and has a propensity to force turnovers and that unit is the key in what should be a raucous atmosphere in Victoria. Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 12