Wichita Falls Hirschi (12-2) vs Stephenville (14-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Frisco’s Ford Center: It’s the first appearance in the state semifinals for Wichita Falls Hirschi since 1964 and if the Huskies want to get to a state title game, they’ll have to get past traditional power unbeaten Stephenville. Hirschi rolled past district rival Springtown last week in a 32-6 win as the Huskies got 109 rushing yards and a touchdown from RB A’Marion Peterson, while WR JaMarion Carroll had four catches for 116 yards and a touchdown and he added a 61-yard touchdown run as well for Hirschi. Stephenville scored 24-straight second half points to erase a halftime deficit and knock off a red-hot Melissa squad 24-21. WR Coy Eakin had a monster second half with 173 receiving yards and two touchdowns that helped give SHS a 24-7 lead before holding off a late Melissa rally. Eakin’s second touchdown grab with 5:44 left all but sealed the win for Stephenville. Stephenville’s defense has been the key in getting three straight wins over Paris, Argyle and Melissa, allowing just 45 total points and that unsung unit is the difference as they advance to the state title game. Stepp’s Pick: Stephenville by 13
Tyler Chapel Hill (11-3) vs Austin LBJ (14-0), 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Frisco’s Ford Center: Fourth place Tyler Chapel Hill looks to do the unthinkable and that is go from finishing fourth to playing for a state championship, to do so they’ll have to knock off number one and unbeaten Austin LBJ. Chapel Hill knocked off Little Cypress-Mauriceville 31-14, the Bulldogs controlled the game from start to finish as WR Deuce McGregor had a touchdown reception from freshman QB Demetrius Brisbon and then McGregor threw a touchdown pass to stake the Bulldogs out to a 14-0 lead. Samari Willis then effectively put the game out of reach with a 21-0 lead. LBJ was a little sloppy last week, but the Jaguars were in total control in a 45-25 win over district rival Fredericksburg. QB Osc ar Gordon threw for 264 yards and five touchdowns, with WR Trent Leary finishing with 177 receiving yards and three touchdowns, Leary also had a punt return for a touchdown as well. It’s been a while since LBJ has played anyone who from a speed standpoint can go toe to toe with them but Chapel Hill is battle tested and they have the dudes to keep up, but two key things tilt the scales to LBJ. QB experience, Chapel Hill starts a freshman QB and LBJ has a veteran in Gordon. The other edge LBJ has is with their defense, that unit will rise to the challenge this week and slow down the Bulldogs. Stepp’s Pick: Austin LBJ by 7