Blitz Picks - Week 4
WEEK 1 PICKS: 30-40, 75%
WEEK 2 PICKS: 34-44, 77.3%
WEEK 3 PICKS: 42-47, 89.4%
SEASON: 106-131, 80.9%
That’s more like it!
Skill? Ehh. Luck? Likely.
As they say, “The sun even shines on a dogs…” Well, you know.
On to week four, the final week of non-district play for some of our Big Country teams.
Frenship (2-1) at Abilene High (1-2)
Series: Abilene High leads 3-0
The Eagles hope to bounce back from a rough Friday night in Midland as they get set to face their third 6A opponent on their non-district schedule. It is also the last tune-up before district play begins against Lubbock Monterey. Before Monterey, Abilene High hosts another Lubbock squad: Frenship. The Tigers beat Monterey last week 39-26 and knocked off Lubbock Cooper the week before 36-33. They fell to Lubbock Coronado 20-14 in their season opener.
Coach Mike Fullen and company did a good job of making adjustments between week one and week two, and there’s no doubt they will make some after giving up 56 points to Midland Legacy. They likely won’t face another quarterback as good as Legacy’s Marcos Davila the rest of the regular season, which is a good thing for their aggressive, blitzing defensive scheme.
Frenship looks to be much improved this season, but the Eagles should be able to right the ship as they get set for district action next week.
The Eagles knocked off the Tigers on the road last season 48-28.
STAT LEADERS
Frenship
Hudson Hutcheson: 56-86, 682 yds, 6 TD, 3 INT; 172 yds, 3 TD rushing
Leyton Stone: 18 rec, 293 yds, 5 TD
Landon Hutcheson: 17 rec, 196 yds, 1 TD
Ethan Curbo: 25 tkl
Santiago Sanchez: 25 tkl
Kobe Ayers: 2 sacks
Benjamin Rios: 2 INT
Abilene High
Dylan Slack: 44-67, 353 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Bam Rashaw: 143 yds, 1 TD rushing
Austin Wood: 15 rec, 106 yds, 1 TD
Bryce Neves: 20 tkl
Tristen Hall: 2 sacks
Jayson Henley, S Beckham Paul: 1 INT
THE DCTF SPREAD: ABILENE HIGH BY 5
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH
Cooper (1-2) at Lubbock Coronado (1-2)
Series: Cooper leads 11-5
The Cougars found the win column with an overtime win over 6A San Angelo Central, now they hit the road for the first time this season to battle 5A Division I Lubbock Coronado. Cooper still has a visit to Permian the following week and a bye before opening district play at #2 Wichita Falls Rider on October 7. Needless to say, the schedule is not an easy one for the Coogs and the matchup Friday in Lubbock will be a challenge.
The Cougars got their offense on track against the Bobcats and hope to keep momentum rolling as they get set to take on a team that hasn’t allowed a team to score more than 28 in a game this season. A week ago the Mustangs fell to Rider on the road 28-24 and dropped a close 27-21 decision at Midland the week before. They opened 2022 with a 20-14 win over Frenship.
Cooper won the last meeting between the two 52-24 in 2019 but the Mustangs have won three of the last four.
STAT LEADERS
Cooper
Chris Warren: 61-106, 611 yds, 3 TD, 5 INT; 52 yds, 1 TD rushing
Daniel Bray: 115 yds, 1 TD rushing
Cam Herron: 25 rec, 231 yds
D’Andre Ralston: 17 rec, 231 yds, 2 TD
Coronado
Jett Carroll: 65-99, 675 yds, 6 TD, 3 INT
Bricion Griffin: 130 yds, 1 TD rushing
Jaykel McCutcheon: 19 rec, 228 yds, 2 TD
John Curry: 42 tkl, 4 sacks
THE DCTF SPREAD: CORONADO BY 6
THE PICK: CORONADO
#1 Stephenville (3-0) at Wylie (2-1)
Series: Stephenville leads 6-3
The Bulldogs get set for yet another tough non-district contest as they prepare for defending 4A Division I state champ and #1 ranked Stephenville. The Yellowjackets, who are on a 19-game winning streak and have been an offensive machine so far this season, beat Midlothian Heritage 49-42, Everman 62-61 and Decatur 52-34. You’ll notice they give up a lot of points too, and that will play in the favor of a Wylie team that has been very good on offense so far this season.
The big story in this one is the loss of star Stephenville quarterback Ryder Lambert to injury prior to the Decatur game last week. Sophomore Caron Sanford filled in nicely last week, throwing for 126 yards with two touchdowns and an interception as his team jumped out to a 35-7 lead by halftime. Running back Tate Maruska ran for 291 yards and three touchdowns to carry the load without Lambert. He added 331 yards and five scores the week before against Everman.
This is the first meeting between the two since a 34-0 Stephenville win in 2019. The Yellowjackets have won three straight over Wylie. The Bulldogs last win was 44-3 in 2016.
STAT LEADERS
Stephenville
Ryder Lambert: 36-65, 546 yds, 9 TD, 3 INT
Tate Maruska: 773 yds, 9 TD rushing
Tristian Gentry: 16 rec, 296 yds, 3 TD
Camden McKinney: 24 tkl, 1 sack
Rowdy Markland: 24 tkl
Wylie
K.J. Long: 47-70, 683 yds, 4 TD, 2 INT; 111 yds rushing
Landry Carlton: 357 yds, 2 TD
Braden Regala: 21 rec, 242 yds, 1 TD; 96 yds, 3 TD rushing
THE DCTF SPREAD: STEPHENVILLE BY 9
THE PICK: STEPHENVILLE
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
#7 Glen Rose (3-0) at Brownwood (2-1)
Series: Tied 1-1
The Lions get set for another non-district challenge as they host Glen Rose. The Tigers enter as the seventh-ranked team in 4A D2 after beating Grandview 43-22, Gatesville 49-14 and Graham 49-14 so far this season.
Brownwood rallied to beat Burnet a week ago 33-20 and gets set for their first home game since a week one loss to Wylie.
This is the first meeting of the schools since the Tigers beat the Lions 14-10 in 2012. Brownwood won the year before 28-14.
STAT LEADERS
Glen Rose
Hudson White: 40-66, 594 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT: 494 yds, 11 TD rushing
Ian Bailey: 11 rec, 146 yds, 2 TD rushing
Caden McKenzie: 41 tkl, 1 sack
Brownwood
Konlyn Anderson: 314 yds, 5 TD rushing
Ike Hall: 38-64, 638 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT; 137 yds, 3 TD rushing
Thad Hinds: 14 rec, 299 yds, 1 TD
Chance Jones: 33 tkl
THE DCTF SPREAD: GLEN ROSE BY 12
THE PICK: BROWNWOOD
Photo: Snyder ISD
Snyder (2-1) at Monahans (0-3)
Series: Monahans leads 31-15
The Tigers are coming off a loss for the first time this season as they hit the road to former district foe Monahans.
The Loboes have yet to find the win column, falling to #7 in 3A D1 Shallowater 47-27, Andrews 59-29 and Big Spring 24-20.
Snyder won a pair of games 28-14 over Slaton and 21-7 over Levelland to get to 2-0 before falling to Canyon Randall, down from 5A to 4A this season, last week 41-6.
The Tigers beat the Loboes in district play last season, but Monahans has won 11 of the last 13 games in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Sndyer
Dylann Angeley: 15-30, 254 yds, 4 TD, 2 INT; 100 yds rushing
Dom Dominguez: 113 yds rushing; 8 rec, 148 yds, 2 TD
Damian Jiminez: 16 tkl
Easton Stewart: 2 int
THE DCTF SPREAD: MONAHANS BY 12
THE PICK: SNYDER
Photo: Kevin Wright Photo & Design
Big Spring (2-1) at Sweetwater (1-2)
Series: Sweetwater leads 55-30
These two long-time rivals meet up for the 86th time after a two-year hiatus. Sweetwater won the last contest 48-27 in 2019.
The Mustangs are coming off win number one of the season, a 32-10 decision over Pecos, while the Steers enter on a two-game winning streak.
Big Spring fell to Pampa 27-20 in week one but rallied with home wins over Lubbock High 51-20 and Monahans 24-20.
Chris Gomez has settled in as the Mustang quarterback, going 16-18 for 184 yards and three touchdowns last week.
STAT LEADERS
Big Spring
Gavin Padron: 86-124, 1034 yds, 9 TD, 4 INT
Kavien Ford: 258 yds, 3 TD
Zeyire Franklin: 26 rec, 442 yds, 3 TD
Sweetwater
Chris Gomez: 21-27, 250 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT; 25 yds, 1 TD rushing
Malik Brown: 104 yds, 2 TD rushing
Jadyn Forbes: 12 rec, 210 yds, 3 TD
Roman Camacho: 34 tkl
Noel Mekogue: 34 tkl
Korda Moore: 28 tkl
THE DCTF SPREAD: BIG SPRING BY 2
THE PICK: BIG SPRING
Photo: Gary Stennett
Photo: Eastland ISD
#9 Breckenridge (3-0) at Eastland (0-3)
Series: Breckenridge leads 28-14-2
The Buckaroos are in the 3A Division I top ten after their 3-0 start, the latest victory a 30-27 conquest of Cisco last week. Breckenridge had to hold off a late rally, but did so to beat the Big Dam Loboes for the first time since 1999. Now they prepare for another local rival: Eastland.
Breckenridge is 3-0 for the first time since 2010 and has a good shot at getting to 4-0 for the first time since 2006.
The young Mavericks have struggled to an 0-3 start with a 49-20 loss to Wall, a 26-0 loss at Clyde and a 36-12 loss to 2A D1 #2 Hawley last week. Eastland is 0-3 for the third straight season, but have rallied to win district titles the previous two seasons.
Eastland has a ten-game winning streak in the series and the Mavericks have not lost to the Bucks since 2010.
STAT LEADERS
Breckenridge
Chase Lehr: 18-33, 324 yds, 6 TD, 3 INT
Jerry Lawson: 195 yds, 2 TD rushing
Anson Rodgers: 122 yds, 3 TD rushing; 5 rec, 80 yds, 2 TD
Adrian Ruiz: 5 rec, 95 yds, 2 TD
Zeke Castillo: 37 tkl
Caiden Marin: 35 tkl
Eastland
Isaiah Hays: 53-88, 612 yds, 5 td, 5 int
Cason Browning: 115 yds rushing
Jay Oznick: 17 rec, 285 yds, 4 TD
Cayden Alford: 35 tkl
THE DCTF SPREAD: BRECKENRIDGE BY 21
THE PICK: BRECKENRIDGE
Photo: @FootballClyde
Clyde (2-1) at Ballinger (0-3)
Series: Ballinger leads 20-10-1
The Bulldogs look for their third win in a row as they travel to struggling Ballinger Friday night.
Clyde has been on fire the last two weeks after a season opening loss to Cisco, shutting out Eastland 26-0 and beating Merkel 41-21. Quarterback Blake Carr has been a big reason for that. He threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 106 and another score against Merkel to earn player of the week honors from just about every media outlet in the area
Ballinger fell at home to Stamford 32-14 last week to follow up a 48-0 loss to Coleman and 29-7 loss to Sonora so far this season.
Ballinger has beaten the Bulldogs the last two seasons. Clyde’s last victory in the series came in 2017.
STAT LEADERS
Clyde
Blake Carr: 57-81, 768 yds, 9 TD, 3 INT; 226 yds, 2 TD rushing
Garis Gray: 12 rec, 297 yds, 1 TD
Daijon Booker: 13 rec, 149 yds, 3 TD
Connor Hawk: 15 rec, 194 yds, 1 TD
Ballinger
Cade Strube: 10-19, 139 yds
Nathan McDuffee: 2-2, 72 yds, 1 TD; 138 yds, 1 TD rushing; 7 rec, 144 yds, 1 TD
THE DCTF SPREAD: CLYDE BY 17
THE PICK: CLYDE
Photo: Jan Chitsey
Jim Ned (0-3) vs Rockdale (1-2) at San Saba
Series: First meeting
The Indians and Tigers meet for the first time at a neutral field in San Saba Friday night. Both are proud programs with recent state titles, but both are not off to great starts.
Jim Ned, still battling an injury bug in non-district action, flexed its defensive muscle in a 3-0 loss at Wall last week, but the offense has some work to do against a Rockdale squad that is averaging over 32 points per game. Rockdale beat Teague 38-29 in week one but is on a two-game losing streak, falling to Taylor 55-41 in week two and Lexington 33-18 in week three.
I covered many Rockdale games in my time working at KBTX-TV in Bryan/College Station and saw them win it all in 2017 behind current Arkansas wide receiver Jaquayln Crawford and current Kansas Jayhawk Torry Locklin. Their yearly matchup with Cameron Yoe in the Battle of the Bell is up there with the best rivalry games in the state and the best rivalries I’ve seen with my own eyes.
STAT LEADERS
Jim Ned
Grant Glidewell: 22-33, 215 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT
Brayden Shipman: 220 yds rushing
Troy Duran: 10 rec, 111 yds, 1 TD; 23 tkl
Rockdale
Blaydn Barcak: 55-92, 691 yds, 5 TD, 3 INT; 358 yds, 5 TD
Robert Owens: 27 rec, 416 yds, 3 TD
THE DCTF SPREAD: JIM NED BY 26
THE PICK: ROCKDALE
Photo: Mike Jones
Troy (1-2) at Early (1-2)
Series: First meeting
The Trojans make the the two-hour drive northwest to take on Early Friday night in the first matchup between the two schools.
Both teams are 1-2 after winning in week one.
Troy took down Whitney 23-20 but then fell to Lexington 43-24 and Rogers 28-21, while Early beat Bangs 34-20 before losing to Tolar 51-14 and Comanche 49-40.
The Longhorns got their offense going in the loss at Comanche, but need to turn it around on defense to have the kind of season they had hoped to when the season kicked off.
Troy features a balanced offense that has thrown for 454 yards and picked up 472 rushing.
STAT LEADERS
Early
Jaxyn Price: 62-114, 822 yds, 7 TD, 3 INT; 38 yds, 1 TD rushing
Griffin Cheslock: 245 yds, 3 TD
Jeremy Brown: 20 rec, 325 yds, 2 TD
John-Stewart Gordon: 16 rec, 214 yds, 1 TD
Caleb McCullough: 28 tkl, 8 tfl, 4 sacks
Troy
Ethan Sorenson: 30-65, 454 yds, 7 TD, 2 INT
Cooper Valle: 155 yards rushing
Reed Ketcham: 11 rec, 206 yds, 2 TD
THE DCTF SPREAD: EARLY BY 14
THE PICK: EARLY
Bangs (1-2) at Merkel (1-2)
Series: Bangs leads 7-5
The Dragons snapped a five-game losing streak with a blowout 53-6 win at Grape Creek last week, now they hit the highway again to face Merkel.
The Badgers fell at Clyde 41-21 last week, turning in their worst defensive effort of the year for what has been a solid group.
Bangs has caught my eye as a team on the rise early this season after hanging tough with Early and Comanche before breaking through with the win, and if the Badgers can get their offense going, other than the Joey Zink to Maddox O’Malley deep ball connection that has worked well, they’re still in great shape to make a run in district play.
The Dragons have been great on the ground, led by Guy Powell’s 506 yards and three touchdowns, but still have room for improvement in the passing game as Kenny Cole has completed just 14 of 44 passes for 218 yards and three interceptions.
Bangs won the last meeting between the teams 47-6 in 2019.
STAT LEADERS
Bangs
Guy Powell: 506 yds, 3 TD rushing
Kenny Cole: 14-44, 218 yds, 0 TD, 3 INT
Nate Stoffer: 4 rec, 77 yds, 1 TD; 29 tkl, 1 INT
Keygan Pitts: 29 tkl
Merkel
Joey Zink: 19-25, 280 yds, 2 TD; 121 yds rushing
Elijah Olivarez: 113 yds, 2 TD rushing; 3 rec, 59 yds, 1 TD; 26 tkl, 6 tfl
Maddox O’Malley: 9 rec, 189 yds, 2 TD
THE DCTF SPREAD: PICK ‘EM
THE PICK: MERKEL
Photo: Anson Tiger Sports Pics
Haskell (1-2) at Anson (0-3)
Series: Haskell leads 45-44-1
One of the Big Country’s longest rivalries is back this week when the Indians head to Anson for a non-district contest.
Anson is still looking for win number one under Cory McCombs, while the Indians have lost two in a row after a season opening victory over New Home. Haskell fell to Stamford 28-9 in week two and Olney 34-7 last week, while the Tigers have losses to Seymour 47-22, Archer City 32-17 and Dublin 24-21.
The Indians snapped a five-game losing streak to the Tigers with their district win last season. Anson had won the previous five by a combined 265 to 65.
STAT LEADERS
Haskell
Marquise Johnson: 31-51, 262 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 292 yds, 3 TD rushing
Trevor Henry: 135 yds rushing
Nemo Silva: 8 rec, 102 yds, 2 TD
Anson
Tyler Wilburn: 22-41, 253 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT; 116 yds rushing
Tegen Saiz: 309 yds, 3 TD rushing
Stryker Dillard: 9 rec, 101 yds, 1 TD
THE DCTF SPREAD: HASKELL BY 11
THE PICK: HASKELL
Photo: Gary Stennett
Jacksboro (2-1) at #8 Cisco (2-1)
Series: Cisco leads 3-0
The Loboes look to bounce back from a three-point loss to now state-ranked Breckenridge as they welcome 2-1 Jacksboro to town.
Cisco stays in the state polls at #8 and will face its fourth consecutive 3A team in non-district play before kicking off the games that really count next week against Colorado City.
Jacksboro’s only loss came to Breckenridge as well, but by a much larger 42-13 margin. The Tigers squeaked past Boyd 28-27 in week two and Peaster 41-30 last week.
Cisco continues to lean on its amazing rushing attack, but Hunter Long has been pretty good passing the ball this season as well.
STAT LEADERS
Jacksboro
Lando Belcher: 55-87, 602 yds, 8 TD, 1 INT; 210 yds, 2 TD rushing
Kaleem Howard: 15 rec, 203 yds, 3 TD
Jackson McComis: 47 tkl
Cisco
Hunter Long: 20-36, 249 yds, 2 TD; 360 yds, 6 TD rushing
Trent Huston: 262 yds, 3 TD rushing
Jhermie Hernandez: 6 rec, 132 yds, 2 TD; 2 INT
THE DCTF SPREAD: CISCO BY 18
THE PICK: CISCO
Photo: Cassie Gang
Coahoma (2-1) at Colorado City (0-3)
Series: Colorado City leads 26-16-2
The Wolves look to get in the win column as they get set to host Coahoma in their non-district finale.
Colorado City as gotten closer to a win each week, losing 46-20 to Roscoe in week one, New Home 50-13 in week two and 26-7 to Christoval last week.
The Bulldogs enter on a two game winning streak thanks to beating Kermit 51-21 in week three and Sonora 31-27 in week two. They lost their season opener to Forsan 21-13.
The Bulldogs have won two in a row over the Wolves, but Colorado City won nine straight before that.
STAT LEADERS
Coahoma
Billy Bailey: 7-16, 164 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT; 77 yds rushing
Isaiah Eleda: 103 yds, 1 TD rushing
Austin Perkins: 6 rec, 152 yds, 2 TD
Colorado City
Jordan Garza: 193 yds, 2 TD passing; 194 yds, 2 TD rushing
Aedan Briseno: 298 yds, 1 TD rushing
Trey Martinez: 6 rec, 80 yds, 1 TD
Nicholas Santana: 23 tkl
THE DCTF SPREAD: COAHOMA BY 21
THE PICK: COAHOMA
#2 2A D1 Hawley (3-0) at #1 2A D2 Albany (3-0)
Series: Albany leads 20-3-1
Shackelford County plays host to one of the biggest games in the state this week as championship contender Hawley visits championship contender Albany.
The Bearcats are playing their usual stout defense so far this season and have allowed a Big Country Blitz coverage area best low 6.3 points per game through weeks in a 30-7 win over Jim Ned, a 33-0 win over Lubbock Roosevelt and a 36-12 win at Eastland last week.
Albany has played some stiff competition through three weeks and come away with a 19-15 win over Lubbock Trinity Christian, a 55-14 win at Dublin and a 27-13 win at Seymour.
Albany is averaging 33.7 points per game, while Hawley is just below them at 33 points per contest.
The Lions will not be at full strength, however, as quarterback Cole Chapman will miss the game due to injury and Coy Lefevre may be out as well. Lute Wheeler will fill in at quarterback and went 4 for 9 for 103 yards and a touchdown last week.
Austin Cumpton has been unreal at running back for the Bearcats so far, while Adam Hill has been equally amazing for Albany. Cumpton has 482 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, while Hill has racked up 489 and six. Hill also has four catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns.
This is the first meeting of the two Big Country powers since a 22-20 Hawley win in 2019.
STAT LEADERS
Hawley
Austin Cumpton: 482 yds, 8 TD rushing
Rodey Hooper: 40-57, 530 yds, 4 TD, 0 INT
Will Scott: 12 rec, 160 yds
Kason O’Shields: 11 rec, 118 yds, 2 TD
Chandlin Myers: 10 rec, 108 yds, 1 TD
Hez Parker: 36 tkl, 2 int
Albany
Adam Hill: 482 yds, 8 TD rushing; 4 rec, 98 yds, 2 TD
Cole Chapman: 274 yds, 2 TD passing; 112 yds rushing
London Fuentes: 11 rec, 129 yds, 1 TD
Coy Cauble: 31 tkl
THE DCTF SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 4
THE PICK: HAWLEY
Photo: Stamford Athletic Booster Club
Arlington Pantego Christian (2-1) at Stamford (3-0)
Series: First meeting
Stamford looks to stay perfect on the season as they prepare for a tough game against Arlington Pantego Christian, a private school that went 10-2 a year ago and is off to a 2-1 start.
Pantego Christian is a TAPPS Division III school. They beat League City Bay Area Christian 25-7 in week one, fell to Fort Worth Trinity Valley 53-18 in week two and bounced back last week with a 50-7 victory over McKinney Christian.
Stamford knocked off Ballinger last week 32-14 and is looking to get to 4-0 to start the year for the first time since 2018.
STAT LEADERS
Pantego Christian
Wesley Smith: 30-53, 287 yds, 4 TD; 304 yds, 4 TD rushing
Noah Harber: 285 yds, 4 TD rushing; 26 tkl
Zeke Kemp: 11 rec, 142 yds, 1 TD
Stamford
Christian Duran: 512 yds, 5 TD, 0 INT
Hayden Henager: 260 yds, 2 TD rushing; 9 rec, 181 yds, 2 TD
Kason Vega: 151 yds, 3 TD rushing; 29 tkl
THE DCTF SPREAD: PANTEGO CHRISTIAN BY 7
THE PICK: STAMFORD
Miles (3-0) at Winters (1-2)
Series: Winters leads 7-1
We have a Runnels County rumble on our hands Friday night as Miles visits Winters in the first meeting between the two since 2017.
The Bulldogs bring a whole lot of momentum with them into the contest as they’ve won their first three games of the season by a combined 165 to 21, including a 56-0 shut out of Water Valley last week. They haven’t played the toughest competition, but have still picked up three wins.
Winters followed up a dramatic win over Eldorado with a tough 36-34 loss to TLCA San Angelo to fall to 1-2.
STAT LEADERS
Miles
Hayven Book: 667 yds, 13 TD passing; 2 rushing TD
Carson Ellison: 9 rec, 161 yds, 5 TD
Winters
Chris Martinez: 20-41, 349 yds, 4 TD, 5 INT
Alejandro Garcia: 63 yds rushing
Aidan Bryant: 6 rec, 112 yds, 2 TD
Aidan Leamon: 7 rec, 109 yds, 1 TD
THE DCTF SPREAD: MILES BY 15
THE PICK: MILES
Photo: Colemantoday.com
#5 Coleman (3-0) at Llano (3-0)
Series: Coleman leads 4-2
Coleman faces Llano for the first time since 1983 Friday night in a battle of unbeaten teams.
The Bluecats took care of 3A Division II Brady last week 56-24 and now get an even tougher test against 3A Division I Llano.
The Yellowjackets have wins over Jarrell 48-26, Burnet 29-21 and Austin Crockett 57-13 under their belts, while Coleman squeaked past Mason 7-6 in week one, blew out Ballinger 48-0 in week two and beat Brady last week.
The Yellowjackets have been just about unstoppable on the ground so far this season, averaging 409.3 yards per game, but the Coleman defense has been very good so far in 2022. I’ll admit this is one of the tougher games to pick this week.
STAT LEADERS
Coleman
Jadin Jackson: 17-29, 419 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT; 230 yds, 3 TD rushing
Ryland Gentry: 279 yds, 5 TD rushing; 2 rec, 24 yds
Braxton Smith: 8 rec, 238 yds, 3 TD
Llano
Briggs Green: 32-45, 407 yds, 7 TD, 1 INT; 153 yds, 1 TD rushing
Carson Kuykendall: 508 yds, 7 TD rushing
Ross Prokop: 8 rec, 197 yds, 2 TD
Hayden Mahan: 22 tkl, 3 sacks
THE DCTF SPREAD: LLANO BY 7
THE PICK: LLANO
Junction (0-3) at Cross Plains (3-0)
Series: First meeting
The Buffaloes look to get to 4-0 with a home contest against winless Junction Friday night.
The Eagles haven’t scored a lot (20 combined points in 2022) but they haven’t given up a ton either (22.7 points per game) in a 28-8 loss to De Leon, a 19-6 loss to San Saba and a 21-6 loss to D’Hanis.
Cross Plains cruised past Hico 33-7 last week to get to 3-0. They haven’t started the year 4-0 since an 8-0 start to the 2000 season.
The teams have a common opponent in De Leon, a team the Buffs beat 27-6 and the Eagles fell to 28-8.
STAT LEADERS
Cross Plains
Kade Purvis: 42-62, 463 yds, 7 TD, 1 INT
Noah Moses: 370 yds, 4 TD rushing
Ryan Reed: 15 rec, 245 yds, 5 TD
Dusty Wyatt: 13 rec, 124 yds
THE DCTF SPREAD: CROSS PLAINS BY 31
THE PICK: CROSS PLAINS
Photo: Gary Ford
Hamlin (2-1) at Munday (2-1)
Series: Hamlin leads 16-11-1
A pair of 2-1 teams meet Friday night in Munday when the Moguls host the Pied Pipers in their first matchup since 2018.
The Pipers have won two in a row over Water Valley 6-2 and Crosbyton 33-0 after a season opening loss to Stamford, while Munday won in week one over Mercy Culture Prep 18-14 and week two over TLCA Abilene 58-30 before falling to Morton a week ago 38-14.
Hamlin scored a Chris Evans era high in points a week ago as the move to Swenson Benavides at quarterback paid off. He threw for 125 yards and two touchdowns and also added 161 yards and two more scores in the rushing game to lead the Piper attack.
Hamlin has won its last three meetings with the Moguls.
STAT LEADERS
Hamlin
Swenson Benavides: 15-37, 178 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 310 yds, 2 TD rushing
Colten Spalding: 198 yds rushing; 3 rec, 66 yds
Clayton Rister: 148 yds, 2 TD rushing
Munday
Chris Garcia: 43-60, 598 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT; 343 yds, 8 TD rushing; 18 tkl
Aiden Loper: 11 rec, 80 yds; 28 yds, 2 TD rushing
Keon Taylor: 16 rec, 324 yds, 2 TD
THE DCTF SPREAD: HAMLIN BY 10
THE PICK: HAMLIN
Photo: Cassie Gang
Sterling City (2-1) at Roscoe (2-0)
Series: Roscoe leads 13-4
The Plowboys and Eagles meet up for the first time since 2005 Friday night.
Roscoe has only played once this season thanks to TLCA Midland cancelling on them last week, so they should be more than ready to return to the field to face a Sterling City squad returning to 11-man football this season. The Eagles played 6-man, very successfully, from 2008 to 2021 and have wins over Odessa Compass 68-0 and TLCA Abilene 83-19 sandwiched around a 40-21 loss to Miles.
The Plowboys only game this year was a week one 46-20 victory over Colorado City.
Sterling City won the last meeting between the two 27-21, but the Plowboys won the eight before that by a combined 388 to 12.
STAT LEADERS
Roscoe
Jax Watts: 18-27, 209 yds, 2 TD
Gaven Martinez: 85 yds rushing
Seth Wilcox: 7 rec, 160 yds, 2 TD
THE DCTF SPREAD: ROSCOE BY 14
THE PICK: ROSCOE
TLCA Abilene (0-3) at Lockney (0-3)
Series: First meeting
The Eagles all road game non-district slate continues this week when they travel to Lockney in a game that will get one team in the win column for the first time in 2022.
TLCA Abilene has losses to Water Valley 80-19, Munday 58-30 and Sterling City 83-19.
Lockney, a playoff team a year ago, has dropped decisions to Seagraves 30-0, Floydada 46-6 and Plains 41-27.
STAT LEADERS
TLCA Abilene
Johnathon Rico: 31-86, 295 yds, 3 TD, 3 INT; 62 yds, 2 TD rushing
Manuel Rios: 13 rec, 129 yds
Jay Kirk: 9 rec, 199 yds, 3 TD; 12 tkl
Lockney
Xavier Jiminez: 172 yds rushing
Andrew Bustillos: 4 rec, 61 yds
Dylann Thiebaud: 181 yds, 1 TD passing
THE SPREAD: LOCKNEY BY 27
THE PICK: LOCKNEY
Photo: SMcCowen Photography
#9 Irion County (3-0) at Highland (1-2)
Series: Irion County leads 5-2-1
Highland plays another group of Hornets for a second week in a row as they host #9 Irion County.
Highland earned victory number one of the season with a 52-32 win over rival Blackwell, but the challenge will be greater this week against unbeaten Irion County.
IC has wins over Buena Vista 80-60, Spur 83-36 and Roby 57-0.
Highland fell to Loraine 48-15 in week one and Throckmorton 36-24 in week two before getting in the win column against Blackwell.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Irion County: #5 in 1A D1, last week #8
Highland: #29 in 1A D1, last week #31
THE SPREAD DCTF: IRION COUNTY BY 24
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: IRION COUNTY BY 45
THE PICK: IRION COUNTY
Photo: SMcCowen Photography
Photo: David Gonzales
#10 1A D1 Ira (3-0) at #6 1A D2 Loraine (3-0)
Series: Ira leads 13-9
For a second straight week both of these squads are involved in one of the best six-man games in the state.
Last week Ira knocked off state-ranked Jayton 50-33 to get to 3-0, while Loraine took care of state-ranked Klondike on the road 60-40 to stay perfect.
This battle of Bulldogs should be something to see, as both teams have impressed in 2022. Ira is in the DCTF top ten for the first time this season and Loraine keeps steadily rising in 1A Division II.
Loraine is led by A.J. Williams, who has thrown for 129 yards and two touchdowns but also leads the team with 381 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing. Davion Walthall (324 yds, 5 td rushing, 31 tkl, 4 sacks) is also one of the many players to watch. Wrangler Little leads the team in tackles with 34, six of those for loss. Williams and Josiah Lujan each have 28.
Bryton Partain has been among the many key players for Ira so far this season.
This is a tough one to pick. I haven’t picked against either team through three weeks.
Ira has won 12 in a row over Loraine, who hasn’t won in the series since 1997.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Ira: #9 in 1A D1, last week #9
Loraine: #4 in 1A D2, last week #7
THE SPREAD DCTF: LORAINE BY 6
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: IRA BY 7
THE PICK: IRA
Photo: Erika Ramirez Castillo/Roby Athletic Booster Club
Roby (0-3) at Wichita Christian (2-1)
Series: First meeting
The Lions have had a rough start to the season and hope to get on track with a trip to Wichita Falls.
Roby lost a big lead in a 48-46 week one loss to Claude and have not been competitive the last two weeks in a 52-2 loss to Lubbock Kingdom Prep and a 57-0 loss to #9 Irion County.
They draw a team this week that is coming off a 64-0 win over Bethesda Christian and a 35-13 win over Forestburg. The Stars lost 54-8 at Saint Jo.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Roby: #44 in 1A D1, last week #44
Wichita Christian: #11 in TAPPS D3, last week #12
THE SPREAD DCTF: WICHITA CHRISTIAN BY 15
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ROBY BY 45
THE PICK: ROBY
Photo: Leroy N Anna Lopez/Rotan Booster Club
Rotan (1-1) at Loop (3-0) - Thursday
Series: First meeting
The Yellowhammers hit the road for the second week in a row looking for a second victory in a row. Rotan took care of Woodson 45-0 last week to even its record after a season opening 67-22 loss to Robert Lee.
The Loop Longhorns are the opponent Thursday night. Loop is perfect so far this season, knocking off Lubbock Christ the King 42-16, Lazbuddie 72-44 and Wellman-Union 49-0.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Rotan: #50 in 1A D1, last week #51
Loop: #31 in 1A D2, last week #28
THE SPREAD DCTF: N/A
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ROTAN BY 1
THE PICK: ROTAN
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
#1 Westbrook (3-0) at Spur (2-1)
Series: First meeting
It’s hard to call a trip to Spur a “break” in the schedule, but after playing three top ten teams in a row to start the season you could certainly look at it that way this week for Westbrook.
The Wildcats got past Rankin 59-58 in a thriller last week to get to 3-0, now they face a Spur Bulldog squad that has won two of three to start the season.
Spur beat O’Donnell 64-18 in week one, fell to Irion County 83-36 in week two and knocked off Motley County 77-28 in week three.
Cedric Ware has been impressive as usual to start 2022, rushing for 650 yards and 14 touchdowns and catching seven passes for 96 yards and two more scores so far. Parker Matlock is the leading passer with 170 yards and three scores, and Grayson Jeffrey has been a solid addition to the squad this season with 255 yards and four touchdowns rushing.
Ware leads the team in tackles with 30, with Pahton Dominguez right behind him with 27, 5.5 of those for loss.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Westbrook: #1 in 1A D1, last week #1
Spur: #17 in 1A D1, last week #22
THE SPREAD DCTF: WESTBROOK BY 25
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: WESTBROOK BY 45
THE PICK: WESTBROOK
Bonus note: I have never been to a game at Spur but would love to attend one someday. Charles A. Jones Memorial Stadium looks like a great setting to see a game.
Photo: texasbob.com
Baird (1-2) at Veribest (0-3)
Series: First meeting
The Bears wrap up their four game road trip to kickoff the season Friday night at Veribest.
Baird battled from a 28-point halftime deficit but came up shy at Robert Lee last week 48-36 to fall to 1-2. They fell at Meadow 46-0 in week one and beat Moran 50-0 in week two.
Veribest has struggled to an 0-3 start to the season, but did play a full ballgame last week in a 35-12 loss at Bronte. The Falcons fell 58-13 to Santa Anna in week one and 46-0 to Zephyr in week two.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Baird: #45 in 1A D1, last week #42
Veribest: #71 in 1A D1, last week #72
THE SPREAD DCTF: BAIRD BY 31
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BAIRD BY 45
THE PICK: BAIRD
Photo: Keri Guthery
Strawn (1-2) at Gorman (3-0)
Series: Gorman leads 10-9-2
The Panthers get a shot at the defending 1A D2 state champs as they look to stay perfect on the season.
The Greyhounds lost everyone from last years title team, and are coming off a 52-6 loss to rival Gordon. Strawn fell to Knox City 54-8 in week one and beat Dallas Lutheran 52-50 in week two.
Gorman looks to get to 4-0 for the first time since 2016. Joseph Rainey has been a force for them so far this season, rushing for a team high 272 yards and a touchdown, passing for 281 yards and five scores and also catching one pass for a 50-yard touchdown. Maddox Roberts has picked up 166 yards on the ground and Nash Guthery has added 129 and thrown for 75 and two touchdowns. He’s also caught four passes for 107 yards and one trip to the end zone and is the teams leading tackler with 20. Erik Ramirez has 18 tackles.
Strawn has won the last four in the series, including a 60-15 last year. Gorman last beat the Greyhounds in 2015.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Strawn: #15 in 1A D2, last week #12
Gorman: #14 in 1A D1, last week #13
THE SPREAD DCTF: GORMAN BY 15
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: GORMAN BY 45
THE PICK: GORMAN
Photo: May Tiger Teams
#4 Garden City (3-0) at #3 May (3-0)
Series: Garden City leads 1-0
Another week, another challenge for the May Tigers.
May is still perfect after an 81-58 win at Knox City last week. They also have wins over Jayton (#8 in 1A D2) 58-12 and Austin St. Stephen’s 77-46.
Their opponent, Garden City, is also coming into the game with a perfect record. The Bearcats haven’t played quite as hard of a schedule, but a 30-26 victory over Valley in week one is a very good win. They’ve also beaten Menard (new to six-man from the 11-man ranks) 54-8 and Midland Trinity 61-0.
Damian Salinas has been a force for the Tigers so far in 2022. He has 492 yards and ten touchdowns rushing and leads the club with 42 tackles. Luke McKenzie has throw seven touchdown passes on the season and ran for five scores against Knox City.
Garden City won the only other matchup between the schools 76-22 in 2015.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Garden City: #13 in 1A D1, last week #10
May: #4 in 1A D1, last week #2
THE SPREAD DCTF: MAY BY 14
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: MAY BY 45
THE PICK: MAY
Photo: Todd White
Santa Anna (3-0) at Blanket (2-1)
Series: Santa Anna leads 17-11
The Mountaineers aim to stay perfect on the season as they make the short trip to Blanket to battle the 2-1 Tigers.
Santa Anna beat Nueces Canyon 68-20 on Saturday to get to 3-0, while the Tigers shut out Eden 50-0 to run their winning streak to two after a season opening loss to Rising Star.
Blanket is playing a 1A D1 opponent for a second straight week. Brayden Day has been the Tigers top talent on offense through three games. He has picked up 410 yards and eight touchdowns rushing over the last week weeks. Kannon Kensing has racked up 35 tackles in the Tigers last two outings.
The Mountaineers have won 14 of their last 15 non-district games.
Blanket has won the last two meetings between the two teams, including a 47-0 win in 2019.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Blanket: #33 in 1A D2, last week #41
Santa Anna: #36 in 1A D1, last week #47
THE SPREAD DCTF: BLANKET BY 7
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: SANTA ANNA BY 45
THE PICK: SANTA ANNA
Lueders-Avoca (1-2) at Aspermont (3-0) - Thursday
Series: Aspermont leads Lueders-Avoca 12-1, leads Lueders 10-9
Aspermont can attain a 4-0 record for the first time since 2015 with a home win over Lueders-Avoca Thursday night.
The Raiders earned victory number one for new head coach David Finch last week when they shut out Olfen 49-0.
The Hornets were impressive again, blowing out Moran 56-8 to get to 3-0 after early season victories over Blackwell 34-28 and Southland 72-55.
Lueders-Avoca dropped a week one decision at Trent 79-32.
Aspermont has won four in a row over the Raiders and 12 of 13 overall since they’ve been Lueders-Avoca. Lueders-Avoca’s lone win came in 2013.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Lueders-Avoca: #60 in 1A D2, last week #59
Aspermont: #27 in 1A D2, last week #25
THE SPREAD DCTF: ASPERMONT BY 27
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ASPERMONT BY 45
THE PICK: ASPERMONT
Paint Creek (2-1) at Northside (1-2)
Series: Northside leads 6-3
The Pirates head north to battle Northside this week after a 40-29 victory at Lohn. Paint Creek also has a 57-12 win over Harrold and a 50-0 loss to Ira on its ledger so far in 2022.
Northside, a 1A D1 program, beat Patton Springs 58-6 in the season opener but has losses to Lingleville 56-6 and Hedley 49-31 over the past two weeks to fall to 1-2.
This will be the first matchup between the schools since a 63-28 Pirate victory in 2017.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Paint Creek: #62 in 1A D2, last week #62
Northside: #62 in 1A D1, last week #64
THE SPREAD DCTF: NORTHSIDE BY 6
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: NORTHSIDE BY 45
THE PICK: NORTHSIDE
Hart (1-2) vs. Rule (2-0) at Motley County - Thursday
Series: First meeting
The Bobcats look to remain unblemished under Caleb Barkowsky as they meet Hart in Motley County Thursday night.
Rule just got past Bronte 43-40 in its opener and followed up with a 67-19 win over Patton Springs last week, while Hart fell 61-14 to Kress in week one, 67-6 to Nazareth in week two and beat Guthrie last week 68-18.
The Longhorns are coming off a 1-9 2021 season and have not had a winning season since going 7-3 in 2006.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Hart: #49 in 1A D2, last week #49
Rule: #42 in 1A D2, last week #43
THE SPREAD DCTF: RULE BY 13
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RULE BY 27
THE PICK: RULE
Photo: Blackwell CISD
Robert Lee (3-0) at Blackwell (1-2)
Series: Robert Lee leads 6-2
The Hornets battle their third straight 1A Division I program as they meet up with unbeaten Robert Lee.
The Steers have wins over Rotan 67-22, Sands 36-28 and Baird 48-36 to kick off the season, while the Hornets are coming off a 52-32 loss to rival Highland.
Robert Lee has already won more in 2022 they they did the previous two seasons (2-8 in 2021, 2-7 in 2020) and haven’t been 4-0 since the 2018 campaign.
Blackwell and Robert Lee have not played since 2014 when the Steers topped the Hornets 86-50.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Robert Lee: #38 in 1A D1, last week #37
Blackwell: #26 in 1A D2, last week #23
THE SPREAD DCTF: BLACKWELL BY 4
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ROBERT LEE BY 21
THE PICK: BLACKWELL
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
Trent (3-0) at Paint Rock (1-2)
Series: Trent leads 8-5
The Gorillas hope to stay perfect as they visit Paint Rock Friday night.
Trent has jumped out to a 3-0 record with a very good offense that averages a Big Country Blitz coverage area best 74.7 points per game. The Gorillas have wins over Lueders-Avoca 79-32, Lohn 67-34 and Harrold 78-33. Those three opponents are just a combined 1-8 so far this season, however, and this weeks game is against likely their best opponent to date.
Paint Rock has also beaten Lohn, taking them down 64-14 in week one, but lost to Medina 60-0 and Rochelle 51-6 the last two weeks.
The Gorillas leading rusher on the season is Breyden Lewis with 349 yards and six touchdowns. He also has six grabs for 96 yards and two more touchdowns. Lance Swinney (9 rec, 142 yds, 4 td) is the top receiver thus far and sophomore Hayden Payne (27-42, 400 yds, 10 td, 0 int) has been very good through the air. Ian Harris leads Trent with 33 tackles, Brian Crouch and Swinney have 28 and Brayden Cathey has picked off a pair of passes.
The Indians beat the Gorillas in Trent last season 59-38.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Trent: #52 in 1A D2, last week #53
Paint Rock: #55 in 1A D2, last week #55
THE SPREAD DCTF: PAINT ROCK BY 10
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: TRENT BY 18
THE PICK: TRENT
Mullin (2-1) at Moran (0-3)
Series: Mullin leads 7-2
Two squads of Bulldogs meet in Moran this week as the home team tries to bust into the win column.
Moran has been 45’d by Benjamin, Baird and Aspermont (who are a combined 6-2 on the season) while Mullin topped Brookesmith 36-6 in week one, Panther Creek 26-22 in week two and got shut out by Iredell 50-0 in week three.
Connor Hail (109 yds, 1 td) is the top rusher for Moran through three games, while Caleb York (7 rec, 33 yds) is the top pass-catcher and Ellis Hise (70 yds, 1 td, 1 int) is top passer. Hise leads the defense with 12 tackles, while Hail has nine and York eight.
Mullin has been in the news this week for off field activities, as Richland Springs coach Jerry Burkhart was ruled to have attempted to recruit a Bulldog player this offseason and was handed a three-year suspension by the UIL State Executive Committee.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Mullin: #53 in 1A D2, last week #46
Moran: #66 in 1A D2, last week #66
THE SPREAD DCTF: MULLIN BY 5
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: MULLIN BY 45
THE PICK: MULLIN
Rising Star (2-1) at Cranfills Gap (3-0)
Series: First meeting
The Wildcats look for their third win in four games as they visit unbeaten Cranfills Gap.
Rising Star knocked off Morgan 48-18 last week to improve to 2-1, while the Lions took care of Gustine 68-22. They will be playing their home opener against the Wildcats after winning at Bynum 66-21 in week one and Mount Calm 61-12 in week two.
This one has the makings of a close ballgame as both teams are pretty closely ranked by the computers.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Rising Star: #29 in 1A D2, last week #24
Cranfills Gap: #22 in 1A D2, last week #21
THE SPREAD DCTF: CRANFILLS GAP BY 17
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: CRANFILLS GAP BY 36
THE PICK: CRANFILLS GAP
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
Zephyr (2-1) at Lohn (0-3)
Series: Zephyr leads 6-0
The Bulldogs are off to a 2-1 start and have more wins already than in 2021 and 2022 combined.
They have a good shot to get to 3-1 when they play at winless Lohn Friday night. The Eagles are coming off a 40-29 loss to Paint Creek and have also fallen to Paint Rock and Trent this season.
Zephyr 45’d Waco Eagle Christian Academy 54-6 last week and Veribest 46-0 the week before. Their only blemish was a 44-37 loss in week one to Bronte.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Zephyr: #40 in 1A D2, last week #52
Lohn: #67 in 1A D2, last week #67
THE SPREAD DCTF: ZEPHYR BY 48
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ZEPHYR BY 45
THE PICK: ZEPHYR
Brookesmith (0-3) at Priddy (2-1)
Series: Brookesmith leads 3-0
The Mustangs and Pirates are set to meet for the first time since 1958 Friday night.
Priddy is playing football this season for the first time since 1960 and is off to a 2-1 start with wins over Santa Anna JV 27-12 and Panther Creek 53-28. Their loss was a 26-13 decision at Sidney in week one. The Pirates are an independent six-man team this year and next that will join a UIL district in 2024.
Brookesmith is very young this season and off to an 0-3 start, but last week’s 46-0 loss to Mount Calm is the only game that did not go the distance.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Brookesmith: #69 in 1A D2, last week #69
Priddy: #5 1A Independent team, last week #8
THE SPREAD DCTF: PRIDDY BY 27
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: PRIDDY BY 45
THE PICK: PRIDDY
Woodson (1-2) at Ranger (0-3)
Series: First meeting
The Bulldogs take another crack at earning their first win of the year as they host Woodson this week.
Ranger dropped a 42-6 decision to Perrin-Whitt last week to fall to 0-3. They also have losses to Newcastle 72-42 and Gordon 52-6 on the year.
Woodson has also faced Newcastle, falling to the Bobcats 49-0 in week two. The beat Panther Creek 33-12 in their opener but got shut out 45-0 by Rotan in week three.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Woodson: #48 in 1A D2, last week #47
Ranger: #1 1A Independent, last week #1
THE SPREAD DCTF: RANGER BY 14
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RANGER BY 28
THE PICK: RANGER
Abilene Christian (1-1) at Lubbock Kingdom Prep (2-1) - Saturday
Series: Kingdom Prep leads 2-1
These two are not in the same district this time around, but they have had some great battles over the past two seasons. ACS won in the regular season in 2020 before getting knocked out of the playoffs by the Warriors later that year and Kingdom Prep won a close game at Shotwell a year ago 50-44 to earn the district title.
Kingdom Prep has battled three UIL 1A Division I teams so far this season: falling 42-38 to #5 Bordon County, topping Roby 52-2 and beating Anton 48-0 last week.
Abilene Christian got past the Lubbock Titans 62-32 in their opener and fell 52-38 at Hermleigh in week two. They are coming off their bye week.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Abilene Christian: #10 in 1A TAPPS D2, last week #12
Kingdom Prep: #1 in TAPPS D3, last week
THE SPREAD DCTF: KINGDOM PREP BY 24
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: KINGDOM PREP BY 38
THE PICK: KINGDOM PREP
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Photo: Jeremy Enlow
ACU (2-0) at Missouri (1-1) - Saturday, 11 a.m.
Series: First meeting
The Wildcats take a 2-0 record into their third ever game against an SEC opponent as they visit Missouri Saturday.
ACU has won two close home games so far, getting past Lamar 28-14 and Prairie View A&M 21-13, in the Keith Patterson era.
They’ll take on a Tiger team that got rocked 40-12 on the road at Kansas State last week but beat Louisiana Tech 52-24 in their season opener.
Wildcat QB Maverick McIvor (42-72, 483 yds, 4 td, 3 int) has done enough to help lead the team to wins, but will have to have his best game by far for ACU to compete at Mizzou. Rovaughn Banks Jr. is the leading rusher with just 85 yards and Kendall Catalon is the top receiver with 11 catches for 162 yards and a score.
THE PICK: MISSOURI
Butch Leitl Field — Platteville, WI (Photo: Platteville Sports Information)
#6 Hardin-Simmons (1-0) at #24 Wisconsin-Platteville (1-1) - Saturday, 1 p.m.
I guess I had it in my head that this game was September 10 instead of September 17, so now you get to see the same preview twice.
History will be made for HSU this weekend as they face the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for the first time. The Cowboys will head north looking to get to 2-0 and stay on track for their showdown with Mary Hardin-Baylor, who is coming off a loss to Wisconsin-Whitewater last week to fall from #1 to #5, on September 24.
Hardin-Simmons made easy work of Wayland Baptist in its opener 79-14, while the Pioneers fell at Michigan Tech 23-13 in week one but upset now #21 Bethel on their home field 10-7 on Saturday.
THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS
Photo: HPU Sports Information
Hendrix (1-1) vs. Howard Payne (1-1) - Saturday, 3 p.m. - Prosper, TX
Series: HPU leads 1-0
Howard Payne and Hendrix meet in Prosper for the second straight season.
Both teams enter with 1-1 records after winning in week one but falling in week two. The Yellow Jackets beat Texas Lutheran 59-45 in week one but fell to George Fox a week ago 42-39.
Hendrix topped Austin College, a conference opponent for HPU, 20-0 in their opener but were blown out by Washington University in week two 52-7.
The Yellow Jacket offense has been very good once again to start the season. Quarterback Landon McKinney earned ASC Player of the Week honors in the loss to George Fox by throwing for 249 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 42 yards and two scores.
THE PICK: HOWARD PAYNE
Photo: McMurry Sports Information
East Texas Baptist (0-1) at McMurry (0-2) - Saturday, 1 p.m.
Series: ETBU leads 15-4
The War Hawks kickoff the American Southwest Conference slate at home against East Texas Baptist Saturday afternoon.
McMurry came up short against Millsaps 27-13 last week in its home opener to fall to 0-2, while East Texas Baptist has only played once in 2022: a 52-13 loss at #16 Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Despite the loss, McMurry senior linebacker Devin Nixon was named the ASC Defensive Player of the Week for his 11 tackle effort against Millsaps. The team will need to get more consistent play at quarterback as Andrew McBride has completed just 30 of 73 passes for 423 yards with touchdowns and two interceptions on the season.
The War Hawks lost a close contest at ETBU last season 24-15. They haven’t beaten the Tigers since a 49-22 season opening victory in 2015.
THE PICK: EAST TEXAS BAPTIST
Photo: Wrangler Express
RPA Prep at Cisco College (1-1) - Saturday, 6 p.m.
The Wranglers dropped their conference opener 21-13 at Blinn last week and will have a shot to bounce back against Rezolution Prep Academy, a prep school from Arlington, Texas.
Cisco beat RPA 69-0 a year ago, and the Wildcats have already suffered a 76-0 loss to Blinn this season on Sept. 3.
The Wranglers only managed 169 yards of total offense in the loss at Blinn, 91 rushing and 78 passing, and gave up 397. Quarterback Christian Kaopua ran for 101 yards but only completed 6 of 18 passes for 78 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Bobby Crosby has been a beast on defense for Cisco thus far, already collecting 34 tackles on the season.
The Wranglers will resume SWJCFC play Sept. 24 at home against Trinity Valley.
