Canyon (5-2, 1-1) vs Canyon Randall (6-1, 1-1): It’s the battle of the goat in Canyon ISD as the district’s two oldest high schools renew their rivalry in a key game in 2-4A Division I as both teams look to try and bounce back from tough losses a week ago. Canyon High dropped an 18-16 heartbreaker to Canyon West Plains. RB Austin Turner’s touchdown run with under three minutes left gave CHS the lead, but the Eagles defense was unable to hold late and WPHS kicked a game-winning field goal in the dying seconds to escape with the win. Turner would finish the night with 218 yards on the ground to lead the Canyon offense. Randall, after rolling in their first six games of the year, was stunned last week by a banged up, but scrappy Dumas squad in a 28-19 defeat. Randall appeared to be on their way to their seventh straight win as they led 19-10 at the half behind two Hendrix Funk touchdown passes and two field goals, but the offense sputtered in the second half and Dumas found their offense to rally for the win. Canyon’s offensive line and ground game is stout and as long as the Eagles can keep Randall’s speedy skill players bottled up, I expect Canyon to pull away in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Canyon by 11
Lubbock Estacado (8-0, 2-0) at Lubbock Cooper-Liberty (7-0, 1-0): The biggest game in the Hub City this week is a battle of unbeaten teams as Estacado visits state-ranked Lubbock Cooper-Liberty in a game for bragging rights and possibly a district title. Estacado took on Borger last week and the Matadors cruised to an easy 66-0 victory. Sophomore QB Jayric Ward had a big night completing 21 of 27 passes for 303 yards and three scores; he also added a rushing touchdown. RB Shamus Wright led a balanced Matadors ground game with 107 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Liberty is fresh off a bye week and the Patriots have been nothing short of dominant all year long and that dominance was evident in their most recent outing two weeks ago in a 64-6 win over Borger. Liberty led 49-0 at the half and both coaches agreed to eight-minute quarters in the second half. QB Cy Leach only threw a dozen passes on the night, but completed nine of them for 111 yards and three scores, two of those scores went to TE Koleman Hendrix. RB Talon Wilcox led the Patriots ground game with 68 yards on the ground and two touchdowns on just six carries. Estacado has the edge with overall explosiveness at the skill spots, but Liberty isn’t far behind. Where the Patriots have the huge edge is in overall depth and line play, that is where this game swings in Liberty’s favor. Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Cooper Liberty by 16
