SMALL School MEGA Preview: Regional Semifinals

Celina (11-1) vs. Anna (12-0), 2 p.m. Friday at Allen’s Eagle Stadium: It’s a rematch of a classic regular season matchup where Anna announced to the state they were a force to be reckoned with when they knocked off Celina. Celina would like nothing more than to return the favor in a massive game, easily the biggest in the history of Anna football as they are playing in the third round for the first time in school history. Celina last week got a push from Kennedale, but the Bobcats were able to escape with a 34-28 win, as Gabe Gayton ran for 124 yards and a touchdown in the win. Trailing 28-24 going into the fourth quarter, the Bobcats dominated the final frame and punched their third round ticket. Anna took down the defending state champions Stephenville in an absolute thriller Friday night, beating the Yellow Jackets 33-32. QB Evan Bullock and Jambres Dubar (but you can call him Breezy) led the way for the Coyotes as Bullock threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns, while Dubar added 191 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Anna dug themselves a hole in the first meeting and had to scrap back into it down the stretch to win, they can’t do that this week against Celina. They say it’s tough to beat a good team twice in one year, especially when the two teams are evenly matched. The edge goes to Celina in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 3

Tyler Chapel Hill (10-2) vs. Lumberton (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at New Caney’s Randall Reed Stadium: It’s a battle of two of the most explosive teams in the state, who ended the regular season ranked in the top ten of the state poll. Chapel Hill took down a tough Bay City squad 38-24 last week as RB Rickey Stewart ran for 131 yards and two touchdowns and he had 102 receiving yards and a touchdown for the Bulldogs in the win. Lumberton’s defense came to play a week ago as the Raiders handled Stafford 23-8 and forced three turnovers, while QB Lucas Powell again led the way for the LHS offensive attack. Chapel Hill turned the ball over four times last week and also missed two field goals, they can’t expect to be that sloppy and win playoff games very often.  The question for Lumberton is can they deal with the speed and skill position talent Chapel Hill brings to the table? If they can limit Chapel Hill’s big plays and control the line of scrimmage, Lumberton should advance, but if they get into a track meet, the edge is with the Bulldogs. Stepp’s Pick: Tyler Chapel Hill by 6