Southlake Carroll (14-0) vs Duncanville (12-1), 4 p.m. Saturday at McKinney’s McKinney ISD Stadium:
It’s the fourth straight meeting between the two metroplex powers deep in the playoffs, Duncanville took the first two meetings and a year ago Southlake Carroll pulled the upset on the Panthers to advance to the state title game. After allowing a long touchdown run on the game’s first play, Carroll settled in and rolled past a red-hot Allen squad 47-21. RB Owen Allen ran for 144 yards and three touchdowns to pace the SLC offense, while the Carroll defense employed a “bend but don’t break” philosophy allowing Allen to move the ball, but tightening up in the red zone. DB Avyonne Jones contributed for the Dragons with a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown, that put Carroll up for good at 14-7 in the first quarter. Duncanville for the second time this season took care of rival DeSoto 38-20 as the Panthers ferocious front seven did a number on the Eagles offense, with talented sophomore LB Collin Simmons getting a scoop and score touchdown in the second half that all but put the game out of reach. RB Malachi Medlock, a Toledo commit had a monster night for the Panthers rushing for 254 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 64 receiving yards and two touchdowns as well. This game for Carroll comes down to the Dragons offensive line, if they can protect QB Kaden Anderson, there are yards to be had against the Duncanville secondary. If Carroll plays on the front foot, that will take away the sting of Duncanville’s biggest weapon in Medlock who wears teams down in the second half. Carroll gets off to a quick start, puts Duncanville in a hole and forces the Panthers to throw the ball more than they’d like in this showdown. Stepp’s Pick: Southlake Carroll by 9