Springtown (12-0) vs Alvarado (11-0), 3 p.m. Friday at Fort Worth’s Knight Stadium: After big wins over teams from what many considered the state’s toughest district, unbeaten Springtown tangles with unbeaten Alvarado in a game that expects to feature a ton of points and a ton of action. Springtown dug themselves an early 21-7 hole last week but then rattled off 35 straight and held off a late rally to take down Frisco Panther Creek, 49-41. RB Jon Anthony Lardizabal had a career night for the Porcupines, operating behind a big and physical offensive line to run for 273 yards and five touchdowns on 32 carries. QB Kaine Hill, who has been such an integral part of the Springtown attack, did throw a touchdown pass, but it was the supporting cast that did much of the damage, which is a scary proposition as we get deeper into the playoffs. Alvarado, for the second straight season, ended Sulphur Springs’ season as the Indians jumped out to a big early led at 23-7 and then time after time came up with big plays to hold the Wildcats off in a 51-43 win. RB DeMarcus Belton tallied four touchdowns — two on the ground and two receiving — to lead the charge, while QB KJ Jenkins added four scoring passes to lead the always explosive Alvarado attack. CB Devin Johnson had a strong game for the Indians defense with an interception and a sack and ensuing fumble recovery, which helped AHS get out to the big lead. Alvarado’s offense is as good as any in the state, but the question is still can the defense hold up consistently? If they can force turnovers again this week, they’ll beat Springtown. But if Springtown takes care of the football, I think the ‘Pines advance to a regional final. Stepp’s Pick: Springtown by 8
Kilgore (11-1) vs Bridge City (11-1), 2 p.m. Friday at New Caney’s Randall Reed Stadium: The first two weeks of the playoffs, there might not be a more dominant team in the state than the Kilgore Bulldogs who have outscored two teams 103-14 after last week’s 42-0 shutout win over Stafford. The Bulldogs defense was simply suffocating by allowing just five first downs and 73 yards of offense in the victory. They contributed two scores as David McGowan had an interception return for a score and Isaiah Watters had a fumble return for a score. RB Rayshawn Williams led the Kilgore offense with 164 yards rushing and two scores. Bridge City continued their playoff run last week as the Cardinals took down Navasota, 35-27, as they held off a late rally after heading into the fourth quarter leading 35-14. Abraham Munguia had a sensational game for the Cardinals with three rushing scores to lead the way. Against this Kilgore defense that’s fast and extremely physical, Bridge City will need to put the ball in the air more. If the Cardinals can show balance, they’ll be right in this one late. But this Kilgore defense is ferocious. Stepp’s Pick: Kilgore by 13