Monahans (1-0) at Andrews (1-0): It’s an old school West Texas showdown as Monahans visits old rival Andrews, which has ditched the spread offense and joined the Slot-T mafia. Monahans, fresh off a trip to the regional finals in 4A-Division II a year ago, rolled past Shallowater, 48-7, as QB Cheno Navarette accounted for five touchdowns (two passing and three rushing). Andrews pulled off a bit of an upset defeating Canyon Randall, 32-21. RB JaeSean DeBouse ran for 236 yards and a pair of touchdowns to pace the Mustangs in the upset win. Andrews ran for 391 yards on the night and picked off three passes on the defensive end, which spurred the upset. Monahans is a veteran team with a dynamic playmaker at QB who won’t make mistakes. This will be a shootout as I’m not certain Monahans is ready for the challenges the Andrews offense will present. In a shootout, I’ll go with the team who has the best gunslinger and that’s Monahans. Stepp’s Pick: Monahans by 6
Bay City (1-0) at Edna (1-0): Edna proved just how dangerous they were at the 3A-Division I level last season when it stepped up two divisions and knocked off Bay City. The Cowboys will try and do it again, but they’ll need to be sharper than they were last week as they struggled to put away East Bernard in a 41-27 win. QB Jaiden Clay and RB Kade Rodas led the way for the Cowboys in the win. Bay City got a tough test from a much-improved Sweeny squad, but the Blackcats pulled away for a 40-27 win as QB Alex Estrada had a big night with four touchdown passes. Bay City’s overall speed will exceed what Edna brings to the table and its not often Edna faces a team that can present those types of challenges. Add in the fact that BCHS has Baylor commit Carlon Jones on the interior defensive line. As long as it doesn’t make mistakes like last season, Bay City should come away with the win, but it’ll be a well-earned victory. Stepp’s Pick: Bay City by 7