Euless Trinity (7-2, 5-2) vs Hurst Bell (5-4, 3-4): One of the most intense rivalry games in the DFW Metroplex has a little extra spice this year, particularly for Hurst Bell which can get into the postseason with a victory and a loss by Keller Central to Trophy Club Nelson on Friday. Trinity has dominated this series winning 25 of the last 26 meetings, but Bell did take the 2023 meeting. Trinity is locked in as the top seed in Division I, but the Trojans would love to come into the postseason with momentum. Last week they rolled past Justin Northwest, 53-14, as RB JT Harris ran for 202 yards on just six carries and RB Keondre Dixon tallied 93 yards and two scores. QB Mack Lineweaver threw for 111 yards and two scores and added a score on the ground. Trinity’s defense contributed as well forcing three turnovers. It’s been a tough stretch for the Blue Raiders, who after getting off to a 5-0 start has dropped their last four games. Bell’s lack of a ground game has been the main culprit recently. Last week they averaged just over two yards per carry, putting a lot of pressure on QB Braylon Harris. Unless Bell can find someone other than Harris to carry the load, Trinity focuses in there and grinds Bell down in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Euless Trinity by 15
Klein (6-3, 4-3) at Magnolia (8-1, 6-1): After getting off to an absolutely roaring start to the season, Klein stumbled mid-season losing three out of four games as injuries and defensive struggles proved to be the Bearkats undoing. Nick Codutti’s squad is still alive for the playoffs, but they’ll need to upset state-ranked Magnolia and they’ll need Tomball Memorial to pull an upset over Klein Oak. Last week KHS kept their season alive by knocking off previously mentioned Tomball Memorial, 56-39, as SMU RB commit Edward Kelly, Jr. led the potent Klein ground game with five touchdowns on the ground. Magnolia had no trouble with archrival Magnolia West as the Bulldogs cruised to a 45-12 win. QB Chase Lowery, who has been so good for MHS all year, had another strong night with two touchdown passes and a touchdown run, while the tough Magnolia defense not only locked MWHS down, but they got into the act themselves with LB Tyler Covar’s fumble return for a score. This Magnolia defense is loaded with experience and very good talent. Klein is a difficult offense to reign in, but if there’s any defense that can slow Klein’s ground game down, it’s Magnolia. Bulldogs get a couple of stops and pull away late to secure a home playoff game. Stepp’s Pick: Magnolia by 13