Lovejoy (1-1) at North Crowley (2-0): Lovejoy, who was ranked number two in the state a week ago suffered a surprising loss to Argyle last week 56-49 in game that was 42-42 at the half. The Leopards offense did major damage in the win as LSU commit WR Kyle Parker had a monster night catching 23 (yes 23) passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns, while QB Brayden Hagle threw for 559 yards and five touchdowns. Lovejoy’s defense, most notably against the run was shredded last week and Argyle’s dominance at the line of scrimmage has to be a concern, especially against a strong 6A opponent in North Crowley. The Panthers are off to a 2-0 start under new head coach Ray Gates and last week it was a slugfest as NCHS knocked off Arlington 17-14. Dejuan Lacy ran for 145 yards on 25 carries, and Chris Jimerson passed for 179 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Panthers offense, while North Crowley’s defense limited Arlington High to just 15 yards rushing on the night. The key in this one for North Crowley will be can their defensive line be impactful enough to pressure the Lovejoy QB’s and help out a young, but talented group in the secondary? Stepp’s Pick: Lovejoy by 9
Spring Westfield (2-0) at Galena Park North Shore (2-0): A year ago Spring Westfield handed eventual state champion North Shore their only loss of the season and in this battle of red and black Mustangs from the Houston area, the boys from the northern side of town are looking for an upset for the second straight season. Westfield for the second straight week dominated as they drilled Fort Bend Hightower 51-29 as senior QB PJ Hatter and junior WR Zion Kearney are proving to be a lethal combination for WHS and the defense has been stellar through two weeks. North Shore had no trouble with Spring on Saturday night rolling to an easy 42-0 win. UTSA commit WR David Amador hauled in two touchdown passes from sophomore QB Kaleb Bailey, as Bailey ended the night with four touchdown passes and the Mustangs defense for the second week in a row was absolutely dominant. North Shore has a score to settle with Westfield after last year, so expect John Kay’s squad to be laser focused at home for this showdown. Stepp’s Pick: Galena Park North Shore by 11