North Crowley vs Lancaster at Ford Center: It’s a Saturday afternoon showdown that’ll be played in cozy 72-degree temperature indoors at the Ford Center as 6A state semifinalist North Crowley takes on Lancaster a 5A regional finalist a year ago that’s making the move to Class 6A in 2024. North Crowley enters 2024 with an absolutely loaded squad, led by three-year starter QB Chris Jimerson, a North Texas Texas commit. He’s got weapons galore on the outside and an offensive line that has at least three FBS prospects, including Missouri commit Henry Fenuku and junior OL John Turntine, III, who is considered one of the state’s top offensive linemen in the Class of 2026. Texas commit LB Jonathan Cunningham leads what should be a strong defense. The only real question for the Panthers is depth and experience on the defensive line. Despite the move to Class 6A, Lancaster is as talented at the skill spots as anyone led by QB Carter Jones, who is committed to Nevada. Oklahoma WR commit Emmanuel Choice is the headliner on the outside. Lancaster has talent on defense as well with California LB commit Ke’Brion Winston and Texas Tech DB commit Braylan McDonald. Both teams' skill position talent is absolutely loaded. The key to this one will come down to the play up front and that’s where the edge lies with North Crowley. How will Lancaster fair in the trenches with the step up to 6A? Stepp’s Pick: North Crowley by 16
Alvin Shadow Creek at Humble Summer Creek: It was a mere two years ago that these two teams played a fantastic regional semifinal, with Summer Creek establishing themselves as a Houston area power with the win over a favored Shadow Creek squad. The Bulldogs propelled that strong 2022 season to a state title game appearance in 2023. Kenny Harrison’s squad expects to again contend with the return of QB Blake Thomas and a veteran offensive line. Where Summer Creek really shines is on defense as they return seven starters led by TCU commit DE Chad Woodfork. Offensively, Shadow Creek is as dynamic as any team in the state with Baylor WR commit Jacorey Watson and Ashton Jones and Texas WR commit Chris Stewart. Joseph Stewart gives the Sharks a real weapon at QB after he transferred in from Fort Bend Hightower. Shadow Creek’s defense is equally loaded with TCU LB commit Anthony Williams and Texas A&M CB commit Cobey Sellers as the headliners. The key question for Shadow Creek is despite all the skill talent, will they be good enough up front to win games, especially against a team like Summer Creek, who is known for being strong in the trenches. Stepp’s Pick: Humble Summer Creek by 7