Lubbock Estacado (4-3, 1-0) at Brownwood (6-2, 2-0): First place in 2-4A Division I is on the line as Lubbock Estacado takes the long trip down to Gordon Wood Stadium to take on the Brownwood Lions. Estacado last week won an absolute classic over Andrews at home, taking down the Mustangs 42-36 in overtime. Devoryea Boyd hauled in the game winning touchdown in overtime, while sophomore RB Bobby Ross ran for 243 yards and a touchdown for the Matadors. Brownwood has absolutely dominated in their first two district games outscoring Big Spring and San Angelo Lake View 101-23. Last week the Lions raced past Lake View 60-13, with 52 of those points coming in the first half. Konlyn Anderson ran for 156 yards and five touchdowns, while QB Ike Hall added in 126 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Estacado’s speed will present some challenges for Brownwood, but the Lions showed in their rout of Waco Connally earlier in the year they can handle teams with speed. Brownwood in my opinion is the class of this district and they prove it this week with a big win at home. Stepp’s Pick: Brownwood by 16
Canyon Randall (6-2, 2-0) vs Canyon (7-0, 1-0): It’s the GOAT game in Canyon ISD and for the first time in a few years it’s a district game as rivals Canyon and Randall square off with first place in 3-4A Division I on the line along with the Goat trophy, a life-sized aluminum goat (which we all know is the big prize). Randall went on the road and survived a test against a very good Pampa squad, taking out the Harvesters 45-35, trailing 28-17 at the half the Raiders outscored Pampa 28-7 down the stretch as WR Mason Gilbert hauled in three touchdown passes and WR Nathan Baker led all receivers with 131 receiving yards and a touchdown. Canyon High had the district opening bye, so they didn’t get district play started until last week and the Eagles looked solid as they dominated Hereford 32-0. Canyon, who lost their star QB to injury a few weeks ago has relied more heavily on the running game and defense of late and it is paying off as the Eagles haven’t missed a beat. This is a rivalry game, so the cliché “anything can happen,” certainly holds up here, add in the fact first place in the district is on the line and I’ll expect nothing more than an amazing atmosphere and game. In the end I’ll take the unbeaten Canyon Eagles to squeak one out because of that stout defense making plays in crunch time. Stepp’s Pick: Canyon by 1