Justin Northwest (6-1, 4-1) vs Trophy Club Nelson (5-2, 3-2):
It's a big district showdown in 4-6A as Northwest ISD rivals Northwest and Byron Nelson meet for the first time in several years. After cruising through their first six games, Northwest's unbeaten season came to a crashing halt last week with a 48-7 loss to Southlake Carroll. The Texans struggled to generate any offensive consistency against Carroll's stout defense, and their schedule remains tough down the stretch. Byron Nelson, meanwhile, has bounced back nicely from an 0-2 start in district play, winning their last three games, including last week’s 42-28 win over Haslet Eaton. QB Grant Bizjack tallied 302 total yards and threw three touchdown passes—one to Baylor commit Leo Almanza and two to junior TE Parker Almanza. While Northwest has gotten off to a strong start, they haven't beaten a team with a winning record. That lack of strength in their schedule, combined with a playoff-tested Byron Nelson squad at the 6A level, points to a Bobcats win and a major step toward securing a playoff spot.
Stepp’s Pick: Trophy Club Nelson by 7
Prosper (6-1, 5-0) at Allen (7-0, 5-0):
The 6-6A title is on the line in this one, as Prosper—who has beaten Allen in their last three meetings—looks to extend their winning streak. However, the challenge will be steep as they head to Eagle Stadium. Prosper was pushed last week but managed to escape McKinney with a hard-fought 29-17 win. RB Jacob Martinez led the way with 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns, working behind one of the state's best offensive lines. Allen, meanwhile, has quietly pieced together a strong season, giving their massive fanbase hope for a return to glory in 2024. Last week, AHS cruised past struggling Plano West 63-14, racking up 559 yards while seeing seven different players score touchdowns. Prosper’s offensive line poses a tough matchup for an Allen defense that isn't particularly big, but with the development of QB Brady Bricker, Allen looks poised to take the next step. At home, Lee Wiginton’s squad secures one of their biggest regular season wins in recent memory.
Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 2