China Spring (3-0) at Waco Connally (3-0): It’s a state ranked showdown of unbeaten teams in Central Texas on Friday night as China Spring riding a 19-game winning streak visits Waco Connally. China Spring after getting a real test in Week 2 from 5A Melissa, had no such trouble last week as the Cougars blasted Mexia 63-7. ATH Tre Hafford did a little bit of everything for the Cougars in the win tallying 253 offensive yards, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception and he hauled in a touchdown pass as CSHS raced out to a 42-0 halftime lead and cruised with backups in the second half. Waco Connally the last two weeks has been pushed by Waco La Vega and Cameron Yoe, but the Cadets have found a way to win both times as last week they escaped Cameron with a 45-40 win over Yoe. RB Kiefer Sibley scored with 26 seconds left to lift Connally to the victory after they blew a 39-20 lead in the fourth quarter. The big concern heading into this one is the status of Waco Connally QB/DB Jelani McDonald who left the game in the second half with an injury. If the Oklahoma State commit can’t play, then I think this one gets ugly. I don’t think the Connally coaches are going to take that risk with McDonald in a non-district contest, look for China Spring big in this one. Stepp’s Pick: China Spring by 21
Corpus Christi Calallen (3-0) at Cuero (3-0): It’ll be a rocking atmosphere Friday night in Cuero as state ranked Calallen comes to Gobbler Country in a headline matchup in South Texas. Calallen put together what is easily their best performance of the young season as the Wildcats rolled past Corpus Christi Flour Bluff 40-7 a week ago. QB Bryce Burnett led the Wildcats offense with two touchdowns on the ground and two through the air, while Calallen’s defense was stellar holding Flour Bluff to just 202 yards of offense and only 65 yards on the ground. Cuero absolutely decimated DeWitt County rivals Yoakum last week to the tune of a lopsided 75-6 win. Everything went right for the Gobblers in the win as QB Mason Notaro threw for four touchdowns and ran for another score, RB Tycen Williams ran for three touchdowns and had a touchdown reception and the Cuero defense once again was lights out. This Cuero team has the look of a state title contender once again and despite the fact that Calallen looks like a great team in their own right, beating Cuero at home is going to be a tall order. Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 12