Kaufman (5-1, 1-0) at Anna (6-0, 1-0): It’s another state ranked matchup in Anna as the 8-4A Division I title could be on the line as Kaufman visits unbeaten Anna. Kaufman has won four in a row and last week they blitzed Paris 34-14, behind a stellar first half performance in which they raced out to a 20-0 lead. The Lions defense will need to have their best game of the season if they want to knock off a potent Anna attack led by a pair of FBS recruits in Louisiana Tech commit QB Ethan Bullock and Boise State commit RB Jambres Dubar. In last week’s 40-0 win over Mabank, Bullock tossed four touchdown passes, while Dubar ran for 162 yards and a touchdown on just eleven carries. Even more impressive for Anna was their defense, which allowed just 121 yards of offense in the shutout win. If Anna’s defense continues this elite level of play, the Coyotes are a real threat to make some noise come playoff time. Stepp’s Pick: Anna by 10
Lindale (4-3, 2-1) at Tyler Chapel Hill (4-2, 2-0): It’s an East Texas showdown in Smith County as Lindale heads over to East Tyler to take on a Chapel Hill squad that’s surging after a slow start. Lindale’s played a tough schedule, but last week’s 49-35 loss to Kilgore at home was very disappointing as LHS fell behind 28-7 at the half and they were not able to overcome the huge early hole. Lindale’s defense was shredded as Kilgore rolled up over 500 yards of offense. Chapel Hill got a huge game from WR Deuce McGregor in their 62-21 win over Jacksonville, McGregor hauled in seven passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns and he added a touchdown on the ground in the Bulldogs big win. Lindale’s big offensive line and physical style of play has been a matchup problem for Chapel Hill in years past and until Chapel Hill proves they can overcome that disadvantage; the edge goes to Lindale. Stepp’s Pick: Lindale by 7