Duncanville (11-0) vs. The Woodlands (10-2), 3 p.m. Saturday at Pflugerville’s The Pfield: Does Duncanville get their first test of the playoffs this week against a surging squad from The Woodlands? Last week Duncanville made quick work of upstart Wylie in an easy 41-0 win. Duncanville’s defense was suffocating from the jump allowing just three Wylie first downs and only 22 yards of total offense, while RB Caden Durham ran for 125 yards and four touchdowns, while QB Keelon Russell added balance with two touchdown passes and 153 yards through the air. The Woodlands made quite the statement of their own last week as the Highlanders blasted Klein Cain 62-21 behind a balanced offense that rolled up nearly 600 yards on the night, the Highlanders defense was stout as well helping TWHS build a 45-7 lead essentially rendering the second half as garbage time. The key in this game will be can The Woodlands offensive line, which has been great late in the season hold up against a ferocious Duncanville defensive front? If The Woodlands can hold up in the trenches, this could be a good game, but no one has held up yet to Duncanville and the Panthers offense is continuing to show balance and efficiency. Stepp’s Pick: Duncanville by 14
Fort Bend Ridge Point (10-2) vs. Humble Atascocita (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Cypress’ Cy-Fair FCU Stadium: This is a budding playoff rivalry in Houston as for the third year in a row Ridge Point and Atascocita hook up with a trip to the regional finals on the line. Ridge Point won in 2020, while Atascocita took the 2021 meeting. Ridge Point’s defense rose to the occasion last week in a 14-10 slugfest win over Houston Lamar, that was just a week after winning a double overtime thriller over Katy Tompkins in the bi-district round. Humble Atascocita’s defense was also the story last week as the Eagles did a number on Clear Springs in a 35-7 rout. QB Zion Brown had 287 yards passing and two touchdowns and had 112 yards rushing and a touchdown on just five carries. If there’s one concern from the win it’s that Atascocita turned the ball over four times. If the Eagles clean that up they should win this game, but if they put the ball on the ground, that could open the door for a Ridge Point upset. Stepp’s Pick: Humble Atascocita by 12