Blitz Picks - Week 2
The first week of the season is in the books and it is time to get week two rolling.
Last weeks winners want to keep things moving forward and last week’s losers are hoping a good week of practice can help them find the win column.
I, too, need to move on after a not-so-great first week of picks. Week one is always tough.
In 2021 Big Country Blitz picked 75.6% of the week one games correctly. This year:
WEEK 1 PICKS: 30-40, 75%
So it’s about par for the course. A trend is being established.
Now, on to the week two guesses. We have 12 area games between undefeated teams, ten games between teams that both lost in week one and 19 games between teams with mixed records.
*NOTE: “The Spread” comes from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football (texasfootball.com)
Cooper (0-1) at Abilene High (0-1)
For the second straight season the Crosstown Showdown features a pair of 0-1 teams meeting at Shotwell Stadium. Cooper lost to Keller at home last week while Abilene High could not get the offense going at all in a 17-3 home defeat against Permian. Cooper looked good on offense in the first half but could not consistently move it in the second half and gave up a pair of special teams touchdowns and a touchdown on a pick-six in the end zone. The Cougars want to put a full ballgame together on offense, while the Eagles know they have to establish the run, something they could not do against Permian (16 carries for 16 yards), for their two first-year quarterbacks to have a better shot in the passing game. I’d give Cooper a big edge in this one on offense and Abilene High the edge on defense and special teams. Cooper has won this game three years running, and the Eagle seniors would love to snap that skid and get the black and gold back on top.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Abilene High: #20 in 5A D1, last week #12
Cooper: #24 in 5A D2, last week #24
THE SPREAD: ABILENE HIGH BY 13
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH
Wylie (1-0) at Lubbock Monterey (0-1) - Thursday
The Bulldogs got the season going strong with a bit of an upset win at Brownwood last week, now they visit Lubbock Monterey. Wylie is the underdog, once again, this time against a slightly bigger program that is coming off a 42-39 loss to Odessa High in week one. The Bulldogs had a great first half last week but were suspect in the second, so they, too, would love to be more consistent. They’ll need to be to knock off the Plainsmen on the road.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Wylie: #37 in 5A D2, last week #50
Monterey: #67 in 5A D1, last week #66
THE SPREAD: MONTEREY BY 4
THE PICK: WYLIE
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
Brownwood (0-1) at Marble Falls (1-0)
The Lions play their first road game of the season and will have a tough challenge on their hands at Marble Falls. The Mustangs beat Pflugerville Connally, a 5A DII school, last week 52-7. Brownwood rallied in the second half against Wylie last week, and if they play in the second half this week like they did against the Bulldogs they may have a shot at pulling off the upset.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Brownwood: #39 in 4A D1, last week 32
Marble Falls: #14 in 4A D1, last week #20
THE SPREAD: MARBLE FALLS BY 8
THE PICK: MARBLE FALLS
Snyder (1-0) at Levelland (0-1)
The Tigers hit the road after a season opening 28-14 victory over Slaton to face Levelland. The Lobos, coached by Abilene High and Texas Tech great Lyle Leon, fell 42-3 at Plainview in week one. Snyder is battling through some early season injuries, but should have enough in the tank to get to 2-0 Friday night.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Snyder: #58 in 4A D2, last week 46
Levelland: #86 in 4A D2, last week 87
THE SPREAD: SNYDER BY 21
THE PICK: SNYDER
Photo: Kevin Wright Photo & Design
San Angelo Lake View (1-0) at Sweetwater (0-1)
The Mustangs host long time non-district foe Lake View in their 2022 home opener, looking to even their record after a season opening loss at Idalou. Lake View beat Lamesa 44-28 in week one. Sweetwater topped the Chiefs 47-20 at the Mustang Bowl a year ago and also beat them in San Angelo in 2020.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Lake View: #86 in 4A D1, last week #82
Sweetwater: #57 in 4A D2, last week #54
THE SPREAD: SWEETWATER BY 18
THE PICK: SWEETWATER
Photo: Breckenridge Texan
Breckenridge (1-0) at #7 Childress (1-0)
The Buckaroos took care of Jacksboro in blowout fashion and now get a tougher test at state ranked Childress. The Bobcats moved up a spot in the rankings this week after sneaking past highly touted Abernathy 16-14 in week one. It is part of a tough stretch of games for the Bucks, who host state ranked Cisco next week and visit Eastland on Sept. 16. A win at Childress could open up a lot of eyes on the state level that the Buckaroos have arrived.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Breckenridge: #44 in 3A D1, last week #44
Childress: #9 in 3A D2, last week #8
THE SPREAD: CHILDRESS BY 21
THE PICK: BRECKENRIDGE
Eastland (0-1) at Clyde (0-1)
Clyde lost at Cisco last week and now gets a crack another team just down the road on I-20 as they host Eastland. The Mavericks also tasted defeat in week one, falling at home to Wall 49-20.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Eastland: #27 in 3A D2, last week #23
Clyde: #66 in 3A D1, last week 64
THE SPREAD: EASTLAND BY 17
THE PICK: CLYDE
#5 Holliday (1-0) at Jim Ned (0-1)
The brutal non-district schedule continues for the short-handed Indians, who fell at Hawley last week and now host Holliday, the fifth ranked team in 3A Division II. Holliday knocked off Iowa Park, a team in the Indians district, 28-7 to get the season going to move up a spot in the 3A DII rankings. Jim Ned fell out of the 3A DI top ten with their loss to the Bearcats. Jim Ned is battling an early season injury bug and hopes to get things turned around, starting at home this week against the Eagles.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Holliday: #5 in 3A D2, last week #6
Jim Ned: #12 in 3A D1, last week #5
THE SPREAD: JIM NED BY 5
THE PICK: HOLLIDAY
Photo: Colemantoday.com
Ballinger (0-1) at #6 Coleman (1-0)
The Bluecats escaped Mason with a 7-6 victory last week and jumped up from nine to six in the latest state rankings. They’ll host a larger program Friday as Ballinger comes to town. The Bearcats dropped a 29-7 season opening decision at Sonora in week one in their first game for new head coach Ty Lang.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Ballinger: #67 in 3A D2, last week #66
Coleman: #6 in 2A D1, last week #9
THE SPREAD: COLEMAN BY 38
THE PICK: COLEMAN
Photo: Mike Jones/Brownwoodnews.com
Tolar (1-0) at Early (1-0)
The Longhorns pulled away from Bangs 34-20 last week to earn victory number one on the season, but will face a tougher test this week with Tolar coming to town. The Rattlers may be a 2A DI team, but they knocked off Peaster last week 29-15 and are expected to contend with Coleman for the District 5-2A DI title. Early won at Tolar a year ago 33-16 and home in 2020 41-25.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Tolar: #11 in 2A D1, last week #12
Early: #21 in 3A D2, last week, #15
THE SPREAD: EARLY BY 2
THE PICK: EARLY
Photo: Gary Stennett
#7 Cisco (1-0) at Wall (1-0)
Wall aims for an Eastland County sweep after winning at Eastland last week, but it will be tougher for them Friday when #7 Cisco comes to town. The Loboes got past Clyde in week one, their first of four non-district games against Class 3A opponents. Cisco beat Wall at home 27-21 in overtime a year ago but lost to the Hawks on the road 35-14 in 2020. Both teams love to run the football, so get there early to take in what could be a quick ballgame between two old-school attacks.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Cisco: #10 in 2A D1, last week #10
Wall: #11 in 3A D2, last week #18
THE SPREAD: CISCO BY 1
THE PICK: CISCO
Photo: Brownwoodnews.com
Comanche (1-0) at Bangs (0-1)
The Dragons have another tough test on their home field this week as they take on Comanche. The Indians earned one of the bigger surprise victories of week one with their 49-7 beatdown of Brady. Bangs fell to Early a week ago but hung around for a while against the highly touted Longhorns. The Indians had a huge jump in this weeks Dave Campbell’s Texas Football computer rankings.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Comanche: #34 in 3A D2, last week #68
Bangs: #79 in 2A D1, last week #84
THE SPREAD: COMANCHE BY 16
THE PICK: COMANCHE
#1 Albany (1-0) at Dublin (0-1)
The Lions got a big test in week one, rallying past Lubbock Trinity Christian 19-15 to move to 1-0. They’ll have to be on their A-game this week as well as they visit 3A DII Dublin. Dublin also took on a private school last week, falling 61-23 at Fort Worth Christian.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Albany: #1 in 2A D2, last week #1
Dublin: #48 in 3A D2, last week #45
THE SPREAD: ALBANY BY 21
THE PICK: ALBANY
Stanton (1-0) at Merkel (0-1)
The Badgers suffered a disappointing week one loss to Clifton and hope to bounce back as they host Stanton. The Buffaloes took care of Grape Creek 33-8 a week ago and now look to snap a two-game losing streak to the Badgers. Merkel shut out Stanton 19-0 last season and beat them 24-22 in 2020.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Stanton: #55 in 3A D2, last week, #59
Merkel: #79 in 3A D2, last week #77
THE SPREAD: STANTON BY 7
THE PICK: MERKEL
Anson (0-1) at Archer City (1-0)
The Tigers head north again this week, paying a visit to Archer City after falling at Seymour 47-22 in Cory McCombs Anson head coaching debut. Archer City knocked off Quanah in week one 35-12 and join Haskell and Windthorst as the favorites in District 7-2A DII this season.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Anson: #86 in 2A D1, last week #78
Archer City: #18 in 2A D2, last week #23
THE SPREAD: ARCHER CITY BY 33
THE PICK: ARCHER CITY
Photo: Cassie Gang
Colorado City (0-1) at New Home (0-1)
The Wolves are also on the road again in week two. Colorado City fell 46-20 to Roscoe last week and now visit New Home. The Leopards dropped a 27-7 decision to Haskell and will be hoping to get back on track in their home opener.
DCTF Computer Ranking:
Colorado City: #95 in 2A D1, last week #98
New Home: #39 in 2A D2, last week #27
THE SPREAD: NEW HOME BY 38
THE PICK: NEW HOME
Photo: Cinco Cinco Productions
Lubbock Roosevelt (0-1) at #2 Hawley (1-0)
My “picking against Hawley” lesson has been learned after their impressive victory over Jim Ned last week. The Bearcats jumped from #5 to #2 in the polls this week and will welcome another good program to town this Friday night. Lubbock Roosevelt lost 15-12 at Amarillo River Road last week but is coming off a trip to the 3A DII state semifinals last season, which was the best season in program history.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Roosevelt: #28 in 3A D2, last week #19
Hawley: #1 in 2A D1, last week, #5
THE SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 16
THE PICK: HAWLEY
Photo: Stamford Athletic Booster Club
Haskell (1-0) at Stamford (1-0)
The Indians beat their rivals to the south for the first time since 2009 a year ago, and would love to do it again in a battle of 1-0 teams this week. The Indians impressed with a 27-7 home win over New Home last week, while Stamford has no trouble shutting out Hamlin 48-0. This ballgame is a non-district contest for the first time since 2019. This is the 104th meeting in the series, with Stamford holding the all-time advantage 68-33 with a pair of ties. They have played this game every year since 1958 and before that every season from 1917 to 1955.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Haskell: #26 in 2A D2, last week, #39
Stamford: #35 in 2A D1, last week #40
THE SPREAD: STAMFORD BY 4
THE PICK: STAMFORD
Winters (0-1) at Eldorado (1-0)
The Blizzards blow into Eldorado in week two looking for victory number one on the season. Winters fell at home to Cross Plains 40-14 last week, while Eldorado won a defensive struggle at Christoval 7-0. The two teams haven’t met since a 26-20 Blizzard victory in 2019.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Winters: #91 in 2A D1, last week #81
Eldorado: #10 in 2A D2, last week, #18
THE SPREAD: ELDORADO BY 40
THE PICK: ELDORADO
De Leon (1-0) at Cross Plains (1-0)
The Buffaloes earned victory at Winters in week one and look to stay perfect with their home opener against De Leon. The Bearcats snapped a 15-game losing streak with a 28-8 home win against Junction.
DCTF Computer Ranking
De Leon: #99 in 2A D1, last week #102
Cross Plains: #35 in 2A D2, last week, #40
THE SPREAD: CROSS PLAINS BY 31
THE PICK: CROSS PLAINS
Photo: Gary Ford
Hamlin (0-1) at Water Valley (1-0)
The Pied Pipers struggled in a 48-0 season opening loss to Stamford, and now have to hit to road to face a Water Valley team that put 80 points on the board in week. The Wildcats, playing their first 11-man game since 2001, topped TLCA Abilene 80-19 to jump to 1-0 on the young season. Hamlin has been shut out in eight of their 11 games so far under Chris Evans and will need to get some offense going in this one to have any chance at picking up a victory.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Hamlin: #90 in 2A D2, last week #85
Water Valley: #41 in 2A D2, last week, #44
THE SPREAD: WATER VALLEY BY 24
THE PICK: WATER VALLEY
Photo: TLCA-Abilene Athletic Boosters
TLCA Abilene (0-1) at Munday (1-0)
The Eagles welcome to 11-man football was not a warm one at Water Valley, now they continue their five-game non-district road trip at Munday. The Moguls ended a 16-game losing streak with an 18-14 win over Mercy Culture Prep in their first game under longtime Wylie assistant and new head coach Webb Murphy.
DCTF Computer Ranking
TLCA Abilene: #99 in 2A D2, last week, #99
Munday: #83 in 2A D2, last week, #86
THE SPREAD: MUNDAY BY 13
THE PICK: MUNDAY
Abilene Christian (1-0) at Hermleigh (1-0)
A pair 1-0 squads meet Friday night in Hermleigh as the Cardinals host Abilene Christian School. The Panthers got past the Lubbock Titans 62-32 last week while the Cardinals won at Sands 71-39.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Abilene Christian: #24 in 6-Man private schools, last week #26
Hermleigh: #21 in 1A D1, last week #18
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Abilene Christian: #15 in TAPPS DII, last week #20
Hermleigh: #19 in 1A D1, last week #11
THE SPREAD DCTF: HERMLEIGH BY 6
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: HERMLEIGH BY 45
THE PICK: HERMLEIGH
Photo: David Gonzales
Highland (0-1) at Throckmorton (0-1)
The Hornets have another tough game against a 1A DII opponent as they visit Throckmorton this week. Highland dropped a 48-15 decision to state ranked Loraine, while Throckmorton was somewhat surprisingly shut out 49-0 by Gordon. The spreads are no help at all this week for picking purposes, as DCTF has Throckmorton by 30 while the sixmanfootball computers have Highland as a 33 point favorite.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Highland: #41 in 1A D1, last week #33
Throckmorton: #19 in 1A D2, last week #8
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Highland: #26 in 1A D1, last week #25
Throckmorton: #16 in 1A D2, last week #14
THE SPREAD DCTF: THROCKMORTON BY 30
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: HIGHLAND BY 33
THE PICK: HIGHLAND
Ira (1-0) at Paint Creek (1-0)
The Bulldogs took care of previously state ranked Motley County 54-6 at the Jayton Gridiron Classic and now turn their attention to Paint Creek. The Pirates won their first game under new head coach Shannon Waters, beating Harrold 57-12, but will have to step their game up to a new level to compete with Ira.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Ira: #11 in 1A D1, last week #30
Paint Creek: #61 in 1A D2, last week #71
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Ira: #7 in 1A D1, last week #19
Paint Creek: #60 in 1A D2, last week #69
THE SPREAD DCTF: IRA BY 39
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: IRA BY 45
THE PICK: IRA
Lubbock Kingdom Prep (0-1) at Roby (0-1)
Roby hopes to bounce back from a disappointing week one loss to Claude as they host TAPPS power Lubbock Kingdom Prep Friday night. The Lions blew a big lead and should enter with a 1-0 record, while Kingdom Prep battled hard and fell just 42-38 to #7 Borden County.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Kingdom Prep: #11 in 6-Man private schools, last week #8
Roby: #58 in 1A D1, last week #58
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Kingdom Prep: #3 in TAPPS DIII, last week #3
Roby: #44 in 1A D1, last week #28
THE SPREAD DCTF: KINGDOM PREP BY 36
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: KINGDOM PREP BY 45
THE PICK: KINGDOM PREP
#1 Westbrook (1-0) at #4 Jonesboro (1-0) - Thursday
The Wildcats took care of 2021 state semifinalist Happy 62-16 last week and look to do the same at #4 Jonesboro on the road Thursday night. The Eagles took down Coolidge 68-20 in their season opener and now look to turn their intensity up a notch as they get set to host the unanimously top ranked team in Texas in six-man football.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Westbrook: #1 in 1A D1, last week #1
Jonesboro: #5 in 1A D1, last week #4
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Westbrook: #1 in 1A D1, last week #1
Jonesboro: #5 in 1A D1, last week #6
THE SPREAD DCTF: WESTBROOK BY 7
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: WESTBROOK BY 31
THE PICK: WESTBROOK
Baird (0-1) at Moran (0-1)
The Bears make the short trip to Moran after a much longer drive to Meadow last week. Baird fell to the Broncos 46-0 but have a good shot at bouncing back against the Bulldogs. Moran dropped a 78-6 decision to #1 Benjamin last week.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Baird: #57 in 1A D1, last week #45
Moran: #62 in 1A D2, last week #65
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Baird: #39 in 1A D1, last week #20
Moran: #65 in 1A D2, last week #63
THE SPREAD DCTF: BAIRD BY 23
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BAIRD BY 45
THE PICK: BAIRD
Photo: Megan Lusty Photography
Gorman (1-0) at Evant (0-1)
The Panthers eased past Lometa 58-12 a week ago and look to keep the good times rolling as they head to Evant this week. The Elks are coming off a 64-24 season opening loss to Stephenville Faith.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Gorman: #18 in 1A D1, last week #19
Evant: #37 in 1A D1, last week #56
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Gorman: #8 in 1A D1, last week #22
Evant: #56 in 1A D1, last week #46
THE SPREAD DCTF: GORMAN BY 21
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: GORMAN BY 45
THE PICK: GORMAN
Ranger (0-1) at Gordon (1-0)
The Bulldogs have a tough one Friday night against a Gordon squad that shut out Throckmorton last week. Ranger went the distance but lost at Newcastle 72-42 last week.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Ranger: #55 in 6-Man private schools, last week #53
Gordon: #6 in 1A D1, last week #15
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Ranger: #2 Independent, last week #2
Gordon: #20 in 1A D1, last week #26
THE SPREAD DCTF: GORDON BY 27
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: GORDON BY 45
THE PICK: GORDON
Austin St. Stephen’s (1-0) at #3 May (1-0)
The Tigers dismantled Jayton in week one and now host private school power Austin St. Stephen’s in their home opener. The Spartans beat Marble Falls Faith 66-20 in their opener and are coming off a TAIAO state championship last season.
DCTF Computer Ranking
St. Stephen’s: #2 in 6-Man private schools, last week #25
May: #3 in 1A D1, last week #3
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
St. Stephens: #1 in TAIAO, last week #1
May: #4 in 1A D1, last week #5
THE SPREAD DCTF: MAY BY 32
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: MAY BY 2
THE PICK: MAY
Santa Anna (1-0) at Lueders-Avoca (0-1)
The Mountaineers had no problem getting career victory number one for Jose Luna in a 58-13 victory over Veribest, now they turn their attention Lueders-Avoca. The Raiders fell at Trent 79-32 and now get set to host the bigger Mountaineers in their home opener.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Santa Anna: #48 in 1A D1, last week #53
Lueders-Avoca: #64 in 1A D2, last week #47
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Santa Anna: #34 in 1A D1, last week #36
Lueders-Avoca: #59 in 1A D2, last week #49
THE SPREAD DCTF: SANTA ANNA BY 3
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: SANTA ANNA BY 45
THE PICK: SANTA ANNA
Southland (1-0) at Aspermont (1-0) - Thursday
The Hornets made some noise in week one with an upset victory at Blackwell. Now they return home to face Southland, who defeated Cotton Center 69-26 last week. A Hornets victory would get them to 2-0 for the first time since 2018, which is also the last time they made the playoffs.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Southland: #40 in 1A D2, last week #58
Aspermont: #36 in 1A D2, last week #44
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Southland: #30 in 1A D2, last week #39
Aspermont: #27 in 1A D2, last week #34
THE SPREAD DCTF: ASPERMONT BY 15
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ASPERMONT BY 6
THE PICK: ASPERMONT
Bronte (1-0) at Rule (0-0)
The Bobcats get to play their season opener and first game under new head coach Caleb Barkowsky this week after a last minute cancellation against the brand new Abilene Homeschool Flamingos program. They’ll host Bronte, who snuck past Zephyr 44-37 last Thursday night.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Bronte: #43 in 1A D2, last week #41
Rule: #24 in 1A D2, last week #21
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Bronte: #46 in 1A D2, last week #46
Rule: #42 in 1A D2, last week #47
THE SPREAD DCTF: RULE BY 20
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RULE BY 12
THE PICK: RULE
Blackwell (0-1) at Eden (0-1)
Blackwell suffered a somewhat surprising season opening home loss to Aspermont in week one and will hit the road to Eden for week two. The Bulldogs are coming off a 48-8 loss to Leakey last week.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Blackwell: #35 in 1A D2, last week #27
Eden: #52 in 1A D1, last week #46
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Blackwell: #31 in 1A D2, last week #24
Eden: #42 in 1A D1, last week #37
THE SPREAD DCTF: BLACKWELL BY 5
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: EDEN BY 36
THE PICK: EDEN
Photo: David Gonzales
Crowell (0-1) at #9 Loraine (1-0) - Thursday
Loraine is in the DCTF state rankings at #9 after a big win at Highland last week, now they play their home opener against Crowell. The Wildcats had a rough go of in in week one, falling to #6 Klondike 68-20.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Crowell: #33 in 1A D2, last week #32
Loraine: #9 in 1A D2, last week #14
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Crowell: #17 in 1 D2, last week #19
Loraine: #6 in 1A D2, last week #9
THE SPREAD DCTF: LORAINE BY 28
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: LORAINE BY 45
THE PICK: LORAINE
Photo: Ty & Tab Photography
Trent (1-0) at Lohn (0-1)
The Gorillas are above .500 for the first time in a very long time and now have a shot at moving to 2-0 with a win at Lohn. Trent hasn’t been 2-0 since 2013. Lohn dropped its season opener 64-14 to Paint Rock.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Trent: #30 in 1A D2, last week #50
Lohn: #69 in 1A D2, last week #70
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Trent: #51 in 1A D2, last week #64
Lohn: #68 in 1A D2, last week #72
THE SPREAD DCTF: TRENT BY 12
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: TRENT BY 45
THE PICK: TRENT
Blanket (0-1) at Bryson (0-1)
The Tigers suffered a somewhat surprising season opening loss at Rising Star in Michael Cherry’s head coaching debut. Now they look to rebound as they head to winless Bryson. The Cowboys dropped game number one 45-0 to Azle Christian.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Blanket: 27 in 1A D2, last week #18
Bryson: #68 in 1A D2, last week #66
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Blanket: #40 in 1A D2, last week #27
Bryson: #61 in 1A D2, last week #60
THE SPREAD DCTF: BLANKET BY 34
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BLANKET BY 8
THE PICK: BLANKET
Sidney (1-0) at Rising Star (1-0)
Rising Star kicked off the season with an upset win over Blanket, now they turn their attention to Sidney. The Eagles won a low-scoring 26-13 contest over Priddy in week one and will have their work cut out for them at resurgent Rising Star.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Sidney: #47 in 1A D2, last week #45
Rising Star: #12 in 1A D2, last week #25
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Sidney: #44 in 1A D2, last week #42
Rising Star: #26 in 1A D2, last week #45
THE SPREAD DCTF: RISING STAR BY 22
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RISING STAR BY 45
THE PICK: RISING STAR
Photo: Brownwoodnews.com
Zephyr (0-1) at Veribest (0-1)
The Bulldogs came oh-so-close to snapping a 14-game skid last week, but fell 44-37 to Bronte. This week they travel to Veribest to battle a bigger Falcons squad that got 45’d by Santa Anna in week one.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Zephyr: #55 in 1A D2, last week #56
Veribest: #69 in 1A D1, last week #67
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Zephyr: #55 in 1A D2, last week #57
Veribest: #67 in 1A D1, last week #67
THE SPREAD DCTF: VERIBEST BY 5
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: VERIBEST BY 18
THE PICK: VERIBEST
Kopperl (0-1) at Brookesmith (0-1)
Brookesmith came up short on the road at Mullin last week 38-6 and will now get to play its home opener under Jack Graves against Kopperl. The Eagles fell 58-8 at Gholson a week ago.
DCTF Computer Ranking
Kopperl: #73 in 1A D2, last week #52
Brookesmith: #66 in 1A D2, last week #68
Sixmanfootball.com Ranking
Kopperl: #71 in 1A D2, last week #70
Brookesmith: #58 in 1A D2, last week #59
THE SPREAD DCTF: KOPPERL BY 10
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BROOKESMITH BY 45
THE PICK: BROOKESMITH
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Lamar (0-0) at ACU (0-0) - Thursday, 7 p.m.
The Wildcats kickoff the Keith Patterson era with a matchup against Lamar under the Thursday night lights. Lamar was set to be in the WAC again with ACU this season but jumped back to the Southland this summer. The Wildcats whipped the Cardinals twice a year ago, 56-0 in Beaumont and 24-17 in Abilene. ACU enters the year with a new head coach and plenty of transfers, including the new starting quarterback Maverick McIvor who transferred from Texas Tech.
THE PICK: ACU
Photo: HSU Sports Information
#6 Hardin-Simmons (0-0) at Wayland Baptist (0-0) - Saturday, 11 a.m.
The Cowboys enter what they feel can be a special season with a road trip to Plainview to face Wayland Baptist. The Cowboys crushed Wayland 49-0 in the season opener a year ago and would love to get off to as good of a start in 2022. The NAIA Pioneers are picked to finish ninth out of ten teams in the Sooner Athletic Conference preseason poll and went 2-8 in 2021.
THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS
Photo: Gary Ford
Howard Payne (0-0) at Texas Lutheran (0-0) - Saturday, 1 p.m.
The Yellow Jackets have very high hopes entering 2022 and open with a road conference game at Texas Lutheran. Howard Payne beat the Bulldogs 43-17 in the season opener in Brownwood last season. HPU was picked to finish third in the ASC preseason poll, while Texas Lutheran is the preseason number six team in the conference.
THE PICK: HOWARD PAYNE
McMurry (0-0) vs. Birmingham-Southern (0-0) - Saturday, 1 p.m. - War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR
The War Hawks head to Arkansas to meet up with 2021 D3 playoff participant Birmingham-Southern to kickoff the season. McMurry enters the season picked to finish 7th in the American Southwest Conference and went 2-7 in 2021. Birmingham-Southern went 10-2 a year ago is picked to finish second behind Trinity this season in the Southern Athletic Association.
