Previews and predictions for the best Texas high school football area round playoff games of 2024
Alvarado (11-0) vs Frisco Panther Creek (10-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Frisco’s Ford Center: If you like offense, the Ford Center is the place to be on Thursday night, as two of the state’s best offensive units, regardless of classification, will hit the field in this 4A Division I showdown. Panther Creek had some midseason hiccups but the Panthers are back to elite form after an impressive Week 11 win at Sulphur Springs and a dominant 49-14 win over Dallas Pinkston a week ago. WRs Cristian Trickett and Jalen Lott combined for 10 catches and 183 yards, scoring four touchdowns in the victory. Alvarado’s offense hasn’t been stopped all year, and the unbeaten Indians average just under 60 points per game. The offense is led by QB Cardea Collier, who is rewriting record books at the helm of the Indians' attack. He’s accounted for an incredible 64 touchdowns this year, but there are other weapons, too, as RB DeMarcus Belton has topped 2,000 yards of offense and WR Lance Sampson has 17 touchdown receptions. Alvarado’s strength of schedule is a concern, while Panther Creek is battle-tested from a brutal 7-4A Division I, but the Alvarado offense is a scary sight indoors. Last team with the ball wins it! Stepp’s Pick: Alvarado by 3