Temple (6-2, 4-0) at Killeen Harker Heights (6-1, 3-0): This is a rivalry that’s only recently developed in Central Texas as longtime power Temple looks to hold off Killeen Harker Heights and take control of the 12-6A race. Temple got pushed last week, but the Wildcats were able to hold off a desperate Hutto squad in a 31-27 win. Baylor commit and all-state LB Taurean York chipped in on the offensive side of the ball in a big way with two rushing touchdowns and he caught the game winning touchdown with 42 seconds left in the game to lift Temple to the win. Harker Heights had last week off, they took care of Hutto 42-24 in their last outing. Houston commit RB Re’Shaun Sanford ran for 272 yards and three touchdowns in the win for the Knights, who trailed by three at the half, before their second half explosion. The last two seasons Harker Heights has dropped close ones to Temple, this may be the year they break through and get that win that likely will secure a district title. Stepp’s Pick: Killeen Harker Heights by 4
Klein Collins (7-0, 4-0) vs Klein Cain (6-1, 3-1): Klein Collins looks to continue the gauntlet in 15-6A as they take on a strong Klein Cain squad who has spent part of the season state ranked. The unbeaten Tigers were pushed last week but they were able to hold off up and coming Klein Forest 28-17. Klein Cain, who fell to Forest two weeks ago bounced back with a dominant 53-20 win over Klein Oak. Just a week after struggling on the offensive side of the ball, the Hurricanes attack exploded with 32-first half points to turn the game into a rout by halftime. Expect a low scoring defensive slugfest as that’s the style of game Collins typically plays and the Tigers for some reason always seem to lure opponents into their type of game. Stepp’s Pick: Klein Collins by 7