North Crowley (11-1) vs Coppell (10-1), 1 p.m. Saturday at Midlothian’s Midlothian ISD Stadium: Defending state champion North Crowley meets up with Coppell in the regional semifinals for the second year in a row. Unlike last year, when both teams came into this one undefeated, each team has a blemish on the resume. North Crowley went out to West Texas last week and had no troubles with Midland Legacy in a lopsided 63-17 win. The Panthers defense forced three turnovers as they raced out to a 42-3 halftime lead before resting their starters most of the second half. Sophomore WR Damarion Mays hauled in three touchdown passes from junior QB Hayes Cloutier, while RB Kiante Ingram had two touchdown runs on just seven carries. It was a total demolition from the start as has been the case when the Panthers play a team from West Texas in the playoffs the last three seasons. Coppell was also dominant in their win last week as the Cowboys rolled past Richardson 38-7. Sophomore QB Carter Zingelmann completed 15 of his 17 passes for 239 yards and three scores to lead an efficient Coppell attack. Coppell’s defense was lights out last week against the pass, but this week they’ll have to try and slow down a stout North Crowley running game. The Cowboys aren’t super explosive on offense, so they’ll need the defense to slow the Panthers down and put the offense in good position. I expect Coppell to push NCHS much like last year, but North Crowley’s a little too dynamic and they wear Coppell down in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: North Crowley by 11
Waxahachie (10-1) vs Cypress Ranch (10-2), 2 p.m. Saturday at Waco’s Waco ISD Stadium: A week ago, Waxahachie’s defense put on an absolute master class as they handcuffed one of the state’s most explosive offensive attacks in a dominant 37-20 win over North Forney. The Indians forced four turnovers and held NFHS QB Legend Bey to just 79 yards rushing. It was the second year in a row Waxahachie had befuddled the Falcons. The Indians offense wasn’t eye popping but they did enough as RB Taylen Furlough-Strange ran for 204 yards and Texas WR commit Kohen Brown hauled in a touchdown pass from TCU commit QB Jerry Meyer, III. Waxahachie’s special teams also contributed in a major way with a blocked punt return for a score. Cy Ranch moved into the third round of the playoffs this past week with a hard-fought 27-13 win over upstart Conroe Grand Oaks. The Mustangs defense was absolutely dominant, suffocating Grand Oaks after an opening drive score. RB Peyton Thomas had a touchdown run and hauled in a 27-yard touchdown pass that basically put the game away late in the third quarter. Cy Ranch’s physicality will be tested by this Waxahachie team that’s loaded with speed on both sides of the ball. I’m not sure Cy Ranch can generate consistent offense, so they’ll have to hope they can be clean on special teams, where Waxahachie has excelled much of the season. A score on defense or special teams may be the Mustangs only path to the upset. Stepp’s Pick: Waxahachie by 12