Blitz Picks - Week 5
WEEK 1 PICKS: 30-40, 75%
WEEK 2 PICKS: 34-44, 77.3%
WEEK 3 PICKS: 42-47, 89.4%
WEEK 4 PICKS: 32-43, 74.4%
SEASON: 138-174, 79.3%
I knew week four would be a tough one and, hey, that’s actually one thing I knew!
The picks weren’t horrible, but not where we’d like to be. Congrats to Jim Ned, Bangs, Coper, Blanket and Loraine for proving me wrong.
Week five means district play is here for five of our area districts: 2-5A Division I, 4-2A Division I, 5-2A Division II and 7-2A Division II and TAPPS 1A Division II.
Photo: @AbileneClips
Lubbock Monterey (0-4) at Abilene High (1-3)
Series: Abilene High leads 17-7
The Eagles head into district play on a two game losing streak to meet a Monterey team that has yet to find the win column this season.
Abilene High had their chances to knock off Frenship last week, but fell at home 21-7. Monterey came up shy against Midland, 18-13, and fell to Frenship 39-26 the week before that. They also have a 30-0 loss to Wylie and a 42-39 loss at Odessa.
The Eagles played much better on defense against the Tigers than the previous week against Midland Legacy, and should be in good shape as they get set to face a Monterey team averaging 337 yards and just under 20 points per game. The Abilene High offense outgained Frenship, but three key turnovers and numerous penalties led to the loss.
This will be the first meeting between the two schools since a 17-0 Eagle victory in 2007.
STAT LEADERS
Monterey
DJ Williams: 54-88, 600 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT
Luke Arrington: 23-32, 273 yds, 1 TD
Jayden Hibbler: 398 yds, 5 TD rushing
Hebrew Hunter: 27 rec, 494 yds, 3 TD
Takeo Young: 38 tkl, 1 int
Justin Perez: 38 tkl, 3 tfl
Abilene High
Dylan Slack: 65-96, 564 yds, 4 TD, 4 INT
Bam Rashaw: 207 yds, 1 TD
Austin Wood: 19 rec, 144 yds, 1 TD
DeMarco Upshaw: 11 rec, 108 yds, 1 TD
Bryce Neves: 27 tkl, 3 TFL, 2 sacks
Kenneth Johnson: 18 tkl, 4 sacks
Noah Hatcher: 23 tkl
Tristen Hall: 3 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Lubbock Monterey: #84 in 5A D1
Abilene High: #43 in 5A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: ABILENE HIGH BY 21
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH
Cooper (2-2) at Odessa Permian (4-0)
Series: Permian leads 35-14
The Cougars hit the road again for likely their toughest of five non-district games against unbeaten Odessa Permian.
Cooper has scored at the end of the game two weeks in a row to beat San Angelo Central and Lubbock Coronado, now they hope to take down a third straight larger opponent on the road at Ratliff Stadium.
Permian trailed Harker Heights 27-7 at the half but scored twice in the final four minutes of the game to rally for a 28-27 win. The Panthers knocked off Abilene High 17-3 in the season opener, while Cooper fell to the Eagles 14-10 the following week.
Chris Warren has been hot over the past couple weeks, including a five touchdown pass effort in the win over Coronado. Cooper will have to keep pace with a balanced Permian offense that runs for 158 yards and passes for 150 yards per game.
The two teams played in 2020 with Permian taking the season opener 47-35. It was the first meeting since the schools were in the same district 2013.
STAT LEADERS
Cooper
Chris Warren: 83-138, 945 yds, 8 TD, 6 INT; 51 yds, 1 TD rushing
Daniel Bray: 129 yds, 1 TD rushing
Cam Herron: 30 rec, 306 yds, 1 TD
D’Andre Ralston: 24 rec, 583 yds, 3 TD
Malik Jackson: 12 rec, 143 yds, 2 TD
Permian
Rodney Hall: 48-88, 600 yds, 9 TD, 4 INT; 168 yds rushing
Juzstyce Lara: 278 yds, 2 TD rushing
Jaquan Richardson: 18 rec, 253 yds, 3 TD
Jace Gilliam: 33 tkl, 9 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Cooper: #18 in 5A D2
Permian: #41 in 6A
THE DCTF SPREAD: PERMIAN BY 20
THE PICK: PERMIAN
Photo: Kerr Broadstreet/Wyliesports.com
Wylie (2-2) at San Angelo Central (2-2)
Series: First meeting
The Bulldogs play up against a 6A opponent for the first time in program history as they travel to San Angelo to face the Central Bobcats.
Wylie has been great on offense this season, averaging over 34 points per game, but will need to get better on defense after giving up 33 Lubbock Cooper and 56 to Stephenville (two very good offenses, by the way) in losses the last two weeks.
Central evened its season mark at 2-2 with a 35-12 home win over Belton last week, but lost in overtime to Abilene Cooper 41-38 the week before. The Bobcats have also give up 31 points to Killeen Shoemaker and 49 to El Paso Montwood, so the Bulldogs could be in business once again offensively.
However, Central is no slouch on either, averaging 413.8 yards and 37.3 points per game.
STAT LEADERS
Wylie
K.J. Long: 64-96, 906 yds, 9 TD, 3 INT; 217 yds rushing
Landry Carlton: 461 yds, 2 TD
Braden Regala: 26 rec, 279 yds, 1 TD; 96 yds, 3 TD rushing
Harrison Heighten: 11 rec, 249 yds, 2 TD
San Angelo Central
Tyler Hill: 64-104, 704 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT; 451 yds, 6 TD rushing
Tyree Brawley: 238 yds, 3 TD rushing
Jacob English: 14 rec, 203 yds, 3 TD
Darius Floyd: 35 tkl, 4 tfl, 2 sacks
Luke Gould: 2 int, 12 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Wylie: #23 in 5A D2
San Angelo Central: #128 in 6A
THE DCTF SPREAD: SAN ANGELO CENTRAL BY 2
THE PICK: WYLIE
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
#10 Brownwood (3-1) at Waco Connally (3-1)
Series: Brownwood leads 1-0
The Lions hit the highway for the third time in four weeks, looking to extend their winning streak to four as they visit Waco Connally.
Brownwood is in the state ranking for the first time this season after knocking off Glen Rose last week, while the Cadets fell out of the 4A D2 top ten after a 51-21 loss to 4A D1 #2 China Spring. They have wins over Mexia 65-20, Waco La Vega 35-34 and Cameron Yoe 45-40 this season.
The Lions played their best defensive game of the year last week against a team that didn’t have it’s star quarterback, and they may get the same luxury for a second week in a row. Oklahoma State commit Jelani McDonald missed last weeks game due to injury and may be out again against the Lions. The Cadets also have running back Kiefer Sibley, who has an offer from Colorado. Connally averages 327.5 yards per game rushing, so stopping that impressive attack will be goal number one for the Brownwood defense.
Brownwood did not commit a turnover in the win over Glen Rose last week for the first time all season, doing so again will be key against tough competition on the road this week.
This matchup is the first meeting between the teams since a 10-3 Lion victory in 1979.
STAT LEADERS
Brownwood
Konlyn Anderson: 443 yds, 5 TD rushing
Ike Hall: 45-82, 732 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT; 190 yds, 4 TD rushing
Thad Hinds: 15 rec, 300 yds, 1 TD
Chance Jones: 40 tkl
Sam Kallman: 36 tkl
Waco Connally
Jelani McDonald: 5-11, 124 yds, 3 TD; 391 yds, 5 TD rushing
Kiefer Sibley: 637 yds, 9 TD rushing
Kobe Black: 5 rec, 141 yds, 3 TD
Jaylin Petty: 29 tkl, 2 tfl
Kaiden Turner: 20 tkl, 4 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Brownwood: #11 in 4A D1
Connally: #11 in 4A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: BROWNWOOD BY 1
THE PICK: BROWNWOOD
Photo: Snyder ISD
Snyder (2-2) at Big Spring (3-1)
Series: Big Spring leads 32-28-1
The Tigers hope to snap a two-game losing streak as they visit Big Spring Friday night.
The Steers are coming off a 20-7 win at Sweetwater last week while Snyder dropped a 48-21 decision at Monahans.
The Tigers have give up nearly 45 points per game over the past two weeks after allowing just three touchdowns the first two weeks of the season.
Big Spring has not been an offensive juggernaut this year, but they do average 28.8 points per game compared to Sndyer’s 19.
These two old rivals have not faced off since a 40-13 Tiger victory in 2017. Snyder has won three in a row in the series and six of the last eight.
STAT LEADERS
Sndyer
Easton Stewart: 28-46, 285 yds, 4 TD, 2 INT; 24 yds, 1 TD rushing; 6 tkl, 2 INT
Dylann Angeley: 18-39, 267 yds, 4 TD, 3 INT; 31 tkl, 2 INT
Dom Dominguez: 195 yds, 1 TD rushing; 9 rec, 185 yds, 3 TD
Chon Vasquez: 30 tkl, 2.5 tfl, 1 INT
Big Spring
Gavin Padron: 109-164, 1315 yds, 11 TD, 5 INT
Kavien Ford: 352 yds, 3 TD
Zeyire Franklin: 30 rec, 500 yds, 4 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Snyder: #64 in 4A D2
Big Spring: 59 in 4A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: BIG SPRING BY 13
THE PICK: BIG SPRING
Photo: Kevin Wright Photo & Design
Photo: Rachel Laughlin
Sweetwater (1-3) at Clyde (3-1)
Series: Sweetwater leads 10-1
The Bulldogs look to run their winning streak to four, something they haven’t done since 2016, as they welcome Sweetwater to town.
The Mustangs haven’t had to play on the road since a week one loss at Idalou, and are coming off a 20-7 loss to Big Spring at the Mustang Bowl.
Clyde defeated Ballinger on the road 41-19 last week and now get set for their only 4A opponent on the schedule this season.
The Bulldogs are averaging an impressive 426 yards and 30.3 points per game, while the Mustangs pick up 256 yards and 21 points per contest.
Sweetwater beat the Bulldogs 42-21 a year ago and 54-10 in 2020. Clyde hasn’t beaten Sweetwater since 2009, its only win in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Sweetwater
Chris Gomez: 33-45, 335 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT
Malik Brown: 109 yds, 2 TD rushing
Jadyn Forbes: 15 rec, 228 yds, 3 TD
Roman Camacho: 48 tkl, 5 tfl
Noel Mekogue: 39 tkl, 4 tfl
Korda Moore: 36 tkl, 8 tfl
Clyde
Blake Carr: 67-101, 1026 yds, 12 TD, 4 INT; 355 yds, 3 TD rushing
Fabian Gomez: 129 yds, 1 TD rushing
Garis Gray: 16 rec, 428 yds, 3 TD
Daijon Booker: 15 rec, 193 yds, 4 TD; 2 INT
Connor Hawk: 15 rec, 194 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Sweetwater: #58 in 4A D2
Clyde: #51 in 3A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: CLYDE BY 5
THE PICK: CLYDE
Photo: Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan
Benbrook (0-4) at #8 Breckenridge (4-0)
Series: First meeting
The unbeaten Buckaroos host the winless Bobcats in a 4A vs 3A matchup this week.
Breckenridge moved up one spot in the state rankings with last week’s 50-point win over Eastland, while Benbrook dropped a 56-21 home decision against Bridgeport. They also have losses to Sanger 49-35, Iowa Park 63-21 and Mineral Wells 28-14 this season.
Pitting a Breckenridge offense that is averaging 42.3 points per game against a Bobcat defense giving up an average of 54.3 is a pretty good indicator that the Bucks could light up the scoreboard early and often for a second straight week. The Buckaroos are gaining 389 yards per game and the Bobcats give up 360 per contest.
STAT LEADERS
Benbrook
Collin Thompson: 58-101, 863 yds, 7 TD, 3 INT; 393 yds, 6 TD rushing
Kyler Hayes: 15 rec, 279 yds, 6 TD
Kade Cross: 13 rec, 226 yds
Breckenridge
Chase Lehr: 40-62, 623 yds, 8 TD, 5 INT
Jerry Lawson: 365 yds, 4 TD
Anson Rodgers: 250 yds, 6 TD rushing; 9 rec, 88 yds, 2 TD
Adrian Ruiz: 7 rec, 123 yds, 2 TD
Zeke Castillo: 44 tkl, 3 pbu
Caiden Marin: 40 tkl, 2 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Breckenridge: #17 in 3A D1
Benbrook: 88 in 4A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: BRECKENRIDGE BY 43
THE PICK: BRECKENRIDGE
Photo: Eastland ISD
Eastland (0-4) at Jim Ned (1-3)
Series: Eastland leads 10-8
The Indians rallied past Rockdale last week for a 22-21 victory, their first of the season, and look to put a winning streak together as they host struggling Eastland Friday night.
The Mavericks are coming off a 62-12 loss to Breckenridge, and also have a 24-point loss to Hawley, a 26-point loss to Clyde and a 29-point loss to Wall so far in 2022. Eastland is off to an 0-4 start for the first time since 2000, but have won district after slow non-district starts the last three years.
Like the Mavericks, Jim Ned is off to a slow start against some tough competition, but expecting to get some key injured players back on the field for the start of district in two weeks. Eastland is playing a lot of sophomores in key positions this season and experiencing some growing pains. They have had issues in the running game, only averaging 26.8 yards per contest.
STAT LEADERS
Eastland
Isaiah Hays: 70-116, 867 yds, 7 TD, 5 INT
Cason Browning: 113 yds rushing
Jay Oznick: 21 rec, 376 yds, 5 TD
Derek Harris: 16 rec, 137 yds, 1 TD
Cayden Alford: 35 tkl
Preston Rose: 31 tkl
Jim Ned
Grant Glidewell: 22-33, 215 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT
Tory Doran: 6-11, 86 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT; 10 rec, 111 yds, 1 TD; 25 tkl
Gray Beasley: 143 yds, 1 TD rushing; 3 rec, 18 yds
Brayden Shipman: 309 yds, 1 TD rushing
Trey Hicks: 28 tkl
Ty Farmer: 24 tkl, 4 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Eastland: #55 in 3A D2
Jim Ned: #53 in 3A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: JIM NED BY 13
THE PICK: JIM NED
Photo: Ballinger Bearcat Athletic Booster Club
Ballinger (0-4) at Mason (3-1)
Series: Ballinger leads 5-3
The Bearcats have another tough contest on their hands as they head to Mason Friday night to battle the 3-1 Punchers.
Ballinger put 19 points on the board, the most they’ve scored so far this season, in a 41-19 loss to Clyde last week, but the Bearcats are still looking for their first win under Ty Lang.
Mason fell to Coleman in a 7-6 slugfest in week one but has beaten Brady 27-7, Ozona 42-7 and Christoval 52-12 over the past three weeks.
This is the first meeting between the two since a 47-0 Mason victory in 2017. Ballinger’s last win came in 1967. They did not play from 1968 to 2015.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Ballinger: #79 in 3A D2
Mason: #14 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: MASON BY 36
THE PICK: MASON
Photo: Mike Jones
Burnet (2-2) at Early (2-2)
Series: Burnet leads 9-0
The Longhorns shut out Troy last week to even their record at .500 and now get set to face 4A Division I Burnet, a big jump in enrollment size for 3A Division II Early.
Burnet beat Giddings 28-7 last week and lost at home to Brownwood 33-20 the week before that. My football dads in Brown County tell me they can’t remember the last time the Longhorns and Lions played the same team in non-district play, but Early hopes to send the Bulldogs to an 0-2 mark against the pair.
After giving up a combined 100 points in losses to Tolar and Comanche, Early had quite the turnaround on the defensive side of the ball against Troy. They’ll need to keep that trend going this week, but Burnet averages just over 26 points per game — not exactly an offensive force but a team to be reckoned with, especially with their depth advantage as a bigger school.
The Bulldogs will have to be on the lookout for the Jaxyn Price to Jeremy Brown connection that has hooked up 15 times for over 300 yards and four touchdowns over the past two weeks.
STAT LEADERS
Early
Jaxyn Price: 78-141, 972 yds, 9 TD, 3 INT
Griffin Cheslock: 270 yds, 3 TD
Jeremy Brown: 25 rec, 414 yds, 4 TD
John-Stewart Gordon: 16 rec, 214 yds, 1 TD
Caleb McCullough: 28 tkl, 8 tfl, 4 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Burnet: #65 in 4A D1
Early: #30 in 3A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: BURNET BY 1
THE PICK: BURNET
Merkel (1-3) at Coahoma (3-1)
Series: Merkel leads 14-6
The Badgers hope to get their offense in gear and shore up some recent lapses on defense as they head to Coahoma this week.
Merkel fell at home to Bangs 28-13 and would love to find a rhythm this week before district play begins.
Coahoma fell to Forsan 21-13 in week one but has won three straight: 31-27 over Sonora, 51-21 over Kermit and 35-7 over Colorado City.
The Badgers beat the Bulldogs on the road 37-20 a year ago, which is the best scoring output in a game so far in the Will Kates era.
Merkel has won three straight in the series. The Bulldogs last victory was a 12-3 decision in 1989.
STAT LEADERS
Merkel
Joey Zink: 35-52, 551 yds, 3 TD, 3 INT; 121 yds rushing
Elijah Olivarez: 126 yds, 2 TD rushing; 4 rec, 60 yds, 1 TD; 26 tkl, 6 tfl
Maddox O’Malley: 14 rec, 291 yds, 3 TD
Coahoma
Boyd Cox: 35-64, 556 yds, 5 TD
Jaidyn Vineyard: 197 yds, 4 TD rushing
Tristan Guerrero: 8 rec, 228 yds, 2 TD
Rance Redden: 51 tkl, 2 fr
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Merkel: #77 in 3A D2
Coahoma: #59 in 3A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: COAHOMA BY 10
THE PICK: COAHOMA
Photo: Anson Tiger Sports Pics
#2 Hawley (4-0) at Anson (0-4)
Series: Anson leads 26-12
District play is here in 4-2A Division I, and the question is will anybody be able to stop the anticipated Cisco/Hawley showdown for the crown in the regular season finale?
Olney and Stamford hope to have a say, as does Anson as they look to turn things around after a winless run in non-district play.
They’ll have a tough task against the Bearcats, who knocked off then #1 in 2A D2 Albany last week 26-14 to improve to 4-0 and have only allowed four touchdowns the entire season.
Anson has struggled on offense so far this year, getting shut out last week and putting up 15 points per game.
Hawley continues to be great on defense and very good in the run game on offense behind Austin Cumpton and the passing game behind Rodey Hooper and a host of quality receivers.
STAT LEADERS
Hawley
Austin Cumpton: 617 yds, 11 TD rushing; 33 tkl, 4 tfl, 1 INT
Rodey Hooper: 51-74, 674 yds, 4 TD, 0 INT
Will Scott: 14 rec, 179 yds; 36 tkl
Kason O’Shields: 14 rec, 146 yds, 2 TD
Chandlin Myers: 12 rec, 148 yds, 1 TD; 1 INT
Hez Parker: 45 tkl, 10 tfl, 2 INT, 2 sacks
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
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hawley: #3 in 2A D1
Anson: #86 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 59
THE PICK: HAWLEY
Photo: Cassie Gang
Photo: Gary Stennett
Colorado City (0-4) at #8 Cisco (3-1)
Series: Cisco leads 8-2
The winless Wolves will have their hands full in this district battle of canines at state-ranked Cisco.
The Loboes trailed early but rallied past Jacksboro last week 41-28, while Colorado City fell at home to Coahoma 35-7.
As usual, Cisco has been a force on the ground averaging 242.3 yards per game — led by Hunter Long and Trent Huston. Colorado City, giving up nearly 40 points per game, will have to step up big time to have a shot in this one.
This is the first meeting of the schools since 2013. The Wolves have not beaten the Loboes since 1976.
STAT LEADERS
Colorado City
Jordan Garza: 23-62, 264 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT; 216 yds, 3 TD rushing
Aedan Briseno: 391 yds, 1 TD rushing
Trey Martinez: 7 rec, 87 yds, 1 TD
Nicholas Santana: 23 tkl
Cisco
Hunter Long: 25-42, 313 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT; 511 yds, 9 TD rushing
Trent Huston: 320 yds, 4 TD rushing
Jhermie Hernandez: 8 rec, 168 yds, 2 TD; 2 INT
Tre Brackeen: 8 rec, 71 yds
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Colorado City: #98 in 2A D1
Cisco: #9 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: CISCO BY 59
THE PICK: CISCO
Photo: Stamford Athletic Booster Club
Winters (1-3) at Stamford (4-0)
Series: Stamford leads 21-11
Winters visits Stamford in the third and final district opener for 4-2A Division I. Olney has a bye this week.
The Bulldogs have been on a tear, winning their four non-district games by an average of nearly 33 points per game. They knocked Pantego Christian 52-6 last week to get to 4-0.
Winters has dropped two straight after an overtime week two win at Eldorado to fall to 1-3. The Blizzards could not keep up with Miles in a 56-12 home loss last week.
Stamford’s offense has been a machine so far, scoring 40 points per game and gaining 426 yards per game.
Stamford has won the last five in the series. The last Blizzard victory was 13-12 in 1997.
STAT LEADERS
Winters
Chris Martinez: 30-65, 471 yds, 5 TD, 7 INT
Alejandro Garcia: 166 yds, 2 TD rushing
Aidan Bryant: 7 rec, 118 yds, 2 TD
Aidan Leamon: 8 rec, 117 yds, 1 TD
Stamford
Christian Duran: 38-56, 703, yds, 6 TD, 1 INT
Hayden Henager: 421 yds, 4 TD rushing; 10 rec, 219 yds, 2 TD
Kason Vega: 223 yds, 4 TD rushing; 36 tkl, 5 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Winters: #83 in 2A D1
Stamford: #16 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: STAMFORD BY 44
THE PICK: STAMFORD
Photo: Mike Jones
Bangs (2-2) at De Leon (3-1)
Series: De Leon leads 23-5-2
The Dragons and Bearcats both bring a two-game winning streak with them into District 5-2A Division I play. Both have turned things around, so far, in 2022 after combining to go 1-18 in 2021.
Bangs won at Merkel last week and Grape Creek the week before that, while the Bearcats topped Junction 28-8 in week one, fell at Cross Plains 27-6 in week two, snuck past Valley Mills 38-36 in week three and blasted Hico 52-7 last week.
Although early in the district schedule, this game is key for one of these teams making the playoffs. Coleman, Tolar and San Saba enter as favorites to claim three of those spots, leaving just one spot up in the air for Bangs, De Leon, Hamilton and Goldthwaite.
The teams have not played since 2001. Bangs has won the last four, but prior to that De Leon dominated the series with wins in 23 of the previous 26 games.
STAT LEADERS
Bangs
Kenny Cole: 19-55, 307 yds, 0 TD, 3 INT
Guy Powell: 656 yds, 8 TD rushing
Hunter Newton: 5 rec, 110 yds, 1 TD
Nate Stoffer: 42 tkl, 2 INT
Keygan Pitts: 39 tkl, 2 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Bangs: #36 in 2A D1
De Leon: #75 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: BANGS BY 16
THE PICK: BANGS
Photo: Colemantoday.com
Goldthwaite (0-4) at #6 Coleman (3-1)
Series: Coleman leads 15-7-2
The Bluecats are coming off their first regular season loss since 2021, a 31-6 defeat at 4A unbeaten Llano, and now get set for winless Goldthwaite to open district play.
The Eagles have struggled in their first season under head coach Andy Howard, falling to Crawford 49-0, Santo 20-7, Rosebud-Lott 36-14 and Granger 42-26.
Coleman dropped just one spot in the state rankings and they should be able to regroup for another run to the playoffs.
Coleman has won the last four and eight of nine in the series. The Eagles last win was 15-10 in 2003.
STAT LEADERS
Goldthwaite
Bryce Brookings: 12-32, 151 yds, 1 TD, 4 INT
Carsyn Campbell: 149 yds rushing
Collin Gardner: 7 rec, 99 yds
Coleman
Jadin Jackson: 24-46, 487 yds, 4 TD, 3 INT; 234 yds, 3 TD rushing
Ryland Gentry: 349 yds, 6 TD rushing; 3 rec, 35 yds
Braxton Smith: 12 rec, 289 yds, 3 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Goldthwaite: #63 in 2A D1
Coleman: #10 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: COLEMAN BY 40
THE PICK: COLEMAN
Comanche (3-1) at #3 Albany (3-1)
Series: Comanche leads 2-0
Another week, another tough opponent for the Albany Lions.
Albany suffered its first loss last season, a respectable 26-14 defeat at the hands of 2A D1 Hawley, now they get set to host 3-1 Comanche.
The Indians jumped out to a 3-0 start before running into 2A D1 #9 Tolar last week, falling 45-14.
The Lions played without some key players last week and hope to get healthy before beginning district action Oct. 7 at unbeaten Miles.
Comanche features a very good offense that picks up nearly 450 yards and 38.5 points per game, led by sophomore stud running back Sawyer Wilkerson. They’ll have a challenge going up against a Lion defense that only gives up 17 points per contest.
These have not met on the field since 1931. The Indians won by forfeit that year and 25-7 in 1929.
STAT LEADERS
Comanche
Layden Welch: 32-65, 566 yds, 6 TD, 4 INT; 178 yds, 2 TD rushing
Sawyer Wilkerson: 739 yds, 8 TD rushing; 4 rec, 94 yds, 1 TD
Miguel Martinez: 18 rec, 355 yds, 2 TD
Israel Medrano: 39 tkl
Albany
Cole Chapman: 27-44, 274 yds, 2 TD
Adam Hill: 489 yds, 6 TD rushing; 4 rec, 98 yds 2 TD; 24 tkl, 5 tfl
London Fuentes: 11 rec, 129 yds, 1 TD; 14 tkl, 2 INT
Coy Cauble: 31 tkl
Jayden Lucas: 25 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Comanche: #31 in 3A D2
Albany: #2 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: ALBANY BY 24
THE PICK: ALBANY
Photo: Cross Plains School Yearbook
Smyer (1-3) vs. Cross Plains (4-0) at Snyder
Series: First meeting
The Buffaloes will cross Smyer off the list of teams they’ve never played when the two meet in Snyder Friday night.
Cross Plains enters the contest with one of the best offenses (33.8 points per game) and defenses (11.8 points allowed per game) through four weeks and is coming off a 35-20 win over Junction a week ago.
Smyer knocked off Crosbyton 47-26 in week one but enters on a three game skid with losses to Ralls 24-18, Floydada 42-18 and Clarendon 55-8.
STAT LEADERS
Smyer
Peyton Casillas: 56-105, 731 yds, 5 TD, 5 INT; 73 yds, 1 TD rushing
Caleb Clausen: 273 yds rushing
Landon Polk: 15 rec, 255 yds, 2 TD
Gavin St. Clair: 43 tkl, 1 INT
Cross Plains
Kade Purvis: 53-71, 533 yds, 7 TD, 1 INT
Noah Moses: 560 yds, 7 TD rushing
Ryan Reed: 16 rec, 248 yds, 5 TD
Dusty Wyatt: 18 rec, 128 yds
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Smyer: #78 in 2A D2
Cross Plains: #39 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: CROSS PLAINS BY 23
THE PICK: CROSS PLAINS
Photo: Gary Ford
Quanah (1-3) at Hamlin (3-1)
Series: Hamlin leads 8-3
Hamlin heads into its non-district finale on a three-game winning streak thanks to victories over Water Valley, Crosbyton and Munday the past three weeks. The Pied Pipers have seemingly turned things around after a brutal 2021 and a 48-0 shut out loss to powerful Stamford in the season opener.
Quanah enters off a 32-6 loss to Seymour. They’ve also fallen to Archer City 35-12 and Nocona 28-6 and their lone victory was in week three over winless Petrolia 36-21.
The Pipers took the last meeting, in the area round of the playoffs, 55-7 in 2019. The last time they played before that was a Quanah victory in 2011.
STAT LEADERS
Hamlin
Swenson Benavides: 26-47, 357 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT; 467 yds, 4 TD rushing
Colten Spalding: 309 yds, 1 TD rushing; 4 rec, 86 yds
Clayton Rister: 148 yds, 2 TD rushing
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Quanah: #57 in 2A D2
Hamlin: #49 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: HAMLIN BY 6
THE PICK: HAMLIN
Photo: Cassie Gang
New Home (3-1) at Roscoe (3-0)
Series: Tied 1-1
The Plowboys will face their strongest test of non-district play thus far as they host 3-1 New Home.
The Leopards lost 27-7 at Haskell in week one but have beaten Colorado City 50-13, Hale Center 48-12 and Floydada 28-14 over the past three weeks.
Roscoe has the top scoring 111-man offense in the Big Country at 52 points per game and the defense has been pretty solid as well.
This will be the third straight season the Plowboys and Leopards have met. Roscoe won last year 44-12, New Home earned a 46-12 victory in 2020.
STAT LEADERS
New Home
Caleb Cook: 32-57, 679 yds, 9 TD, 5 INT
Logan Addison: 319 yds, 2 TD rushing
Brody Emert: 13 rec, 240 yds, 4 TD
Roscoe
Jax Watts: 29-49, 417 yds, 6 TD, 2 INT
Gaven Martinez: 164 yds rushing
Seth Wilcox: 13 rec, 302 yds, 4 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
New Home: #26 in 2A D2
Roscoe: #15 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: ROSCOE BY 10
THE PICK: ROSCOE
Photo: TLCA Abilene Athletic Boosters
TLCA Abilene (0-4) at Wichita Falls City View (0-3)
Series: First meeting
One team will get into the win column for the first time in 2022 as 0-4 TLCA Abilene visits 0-3 Wichita Falls City View. It will be a big challenge for the Eagles as they play up against a 3A Division II team.
The Mustangs scored their first points of the season last week but fell 31-14 to Boyd. They also have a 56-0 loss at Vernon and a 13-0 loss at Frederick, Oklahoma on the season.
The Eagles fell at Lockney last week 76-13 and have had a hard time stopping teams this season, giving up over 74 points per game.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
TLCA Abilene: #99 in 2A D1
City View: #86 in 3A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: CITY VIEW BY 43
THE PICK: CITY VIEW
Windthorst (1-2) at Haskell (2-2)
Series: Windthorst leads 2-0
The Indians are another Big Country team beginning district play this week and the 7-2A Division II title could be on the line already as they perennial state power Windthorst.
The Trojans have gotten off to a slow start with a 36-7 loss to 3A D2 #7 Henrietta and 31-13 to rival Muenster, but knocked off Wheeler last week 47-16 to get into the win column.
Haskell has yet to really find a groove on offense, but the defense has been great in their wins (27-7 over New Home and 21-0 over Anson).
STAT LEADERS
Windthorst
Logan Cope: 38-70, 529 yds, 5 TD, 2 INT; 207 yds, 1 TD rushing
Clay Hoff: 165 yds, 3 TD rushing; 32 tkl
Brayden Berend: 11 rec, 180 yds, 2 TD
Landon McLemore: 30 tkl
Haskell
Marquise Johnson: 39-70, 343 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT; 399 yds, 4 TD rushing
Trevor Henry: 197 yds, 1 TD rushing
Nemo Silvas: 8 rec, 102 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Windthorst: #21 in 2A D2
Haskell: #35 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: WINDTHORST BY 3
THE PICK: WINDTHORST
Photo: ALuna9hotography/Sixmania
Hermleigh (2-1) at Grady (0-3)
Series: Grady leads 10-4
The Cardinals resume play after the bye with a visit to Grady.
Hermleigh knocked off Sands and Abilene Christian in the first two weeks of the season before falling at Buena Vista 80-59 in week three.
The Wildcats are also coming off an open date, but have yet to find the win column this season with losses to Amherst 32-6, O’Donnell 54-26 and Kress 72-22.
This is the first meeting between the teams since 2007. Grady has won ten straight, with the last Cardinal victory coming in 1982.
STAT LEADERS
Hermleigh
N/A
Grady
Marcus Brown: 7-13, 117 yds, 3 INT
Hunter McAnally: 9-15, 63 yds, 2 INT; 218 yds, 3 TD rushing; 20 tkl
Gunner Cherry: 334 yds, 5 TD rushing; 4 rec, 51 yds
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hermleigh: #33 in 1A D1
Grady: #65 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Hermleigh: #23 in 1A D1
Grady: #60 in 1A D1
THE SPREAD DCTF: HERMLEIGH BY 28
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: 45
THE PICK: HERMLEIGH
Photo: Bob Rose
Highland (1-3) at Borden County (3-1)
Series: Highland leads 12-9-2
Highland is taking on a “County” for the second straight week, and, once again, it won’t be an easy task as they hit the road to Gail.
The Coyotes fell out of the 1A D1 top ten with a 40-8 loss to Follett last week. They started the year with wins over Lubbock Kingdom Prep 42-38, Meadow 62-14 and Claude 65-20.
Highland fell to now #7 Irion County 69-24 last week to fall to 1-3. The Hornets lone win this season was two weeks ago over Blackwell.
The last meeting of the two was a memorable one, a 28-14 Borden County playoff win in 2009 1A Division II state championship game.
Highland took the last regular season game in 2005, 46-21.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Highland: #38 in 1A D1
Borden County: #16 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Highland: #28 in 1A D1
Borden County: #24 in 1A D1
THE SPREAD DCTF: BORDEN COUNTY BY 22
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BORDEN COUNTY BY 17
THE PICK: BORDEN COUNTY
Photo: SMcCowen Photography
Klondike (2-2) at Ira (3-1)
Series: Ira leads 10-3
The Bulldogs fell out of the top ten with a 70-34 loss to 1A D2 #5 Loraine, now they get set to face a Klondike team that was also in the top ten earlier this season before losing to Loraine 60-40.
The Cougars knocked off Sands last week 74-50 and also have a 68-20 week one win over Crowell on their record. Their losses are to #8 Jayton and #5 Loraine.
This is the first meeting since 2017. Ira has won the last six meetings. The last Klondike win was in 1993.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Klondike: #6 in 1A D2
Ira: #13 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Klondike: #10 in 1A D2
Ira: #15 in 1A D1
THE SPREAD DCTF: IRA BY 9
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: IRA BY 9
THE PICK: IRA
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
#1 1A D2 Benjamin (3-0) at Roby (0-4)
Series: Tied 1-1
The Lions get set for their toughest matchup of an already difficult schedule as they face top-ranked Benjamin this week.
The Mustangs have not had to play past halftime yet this season, beating Moran 78-6, Wildorado 74-0 and Guthrie 88-0.
Roby is coming off what they consider a 74-60 win at Wichita Christian but officials marked down as a forfeit because the Lions did not complete the game.
Read more about it in Jonathan Hull’s column in the Wichita Falls Times Record News: There’s two sides to every story, including the Roby-WCS controversy
This will be the third meeting in four years between the two teams. Roby won 37-28 in 2019 and Benjamin won last season 62-50.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Benjamin: #1 in 1A D2
Roby: #54 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Benjamin: #1 in 1A D2
Roby: #62 in 1A D1
THE SPREAD DCTF: BENJAMIN BY 60
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BENJAMIN BY 45
THE PICK: BENJAMIN
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
Strawn (1-3) at Rotan (1-1)
Series: First meeting
The Yellowhammers return to the field for just their third game of the season as they host defending 1A Division II state champion Strawn.
Rotan tried to play Loop last week but the game got rained out Thursday and cancelled Saturday. So far the only on-field results for the Hammers are a 67-22 loss at Robert Lee and a 45-0 win at Woodson.
Their home opener is against a 1-3 Strawn team that may have figured some things out last week. The Greyhounds fell 52-50 at unbeaten 1A D1 Gorman last Friday. They have blowout losses to Gordon and Knox City and a 52-50 win over Dallas Lutheran on their ledger.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Strawn: #13 in 1A D2
Rotan: #51 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Strawn: #17 in 1A D2
Rotan: #51 in 1A D1
THE SPREAD DCTF: N/A
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: STRAWN BY 45
THE PICK: STRAWN
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
#9 Garden City (3-1) at #1 Westbrook (4-0)
Series: Garden City leads 6-5
Nobody can say either one of these teams ducks quality competition.
Garden City follows up a loss at #3 May with a game at #1 Westbrook Friday night, while the Wildcats face a state-ranked team for the fourth time in five non-district contests.
Westbrook 45’d Spur last week 58-8 to add to their list of impressive victories, while Garden City beat Valley, Menard and Midland Trinity before a 63-34 loss to May in week four.
The Bearkats won on their home field last season 56-44, avenging both a regular season and playoff loss to the Wildcats in 2020.
STAT LEADERS
Garden City
N/A
Westbrook
Parker Matlock: 23-34, 239 yds, 5 TD, 3 INT; 36 tkl, 4 tfl, 3 int
Cedric Ware: 824 yds, 19 TD rushing; 10 rec, 115 yds, 2 TD; 34 tkl
Grayson Jeffrey: 295 yds, 5 TD rushing; 2 rec, 11 yds, 1 TD; 9 tkl, 3 int
Pahton Dominguez: 33 tkl, 8.5 tfl, 3 sacks, 1 ff, 2 fr
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Garden City: #11 in 1A D1
Westbrook: #1 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Garden City: #9 in 1A D1
Westbrook: #1 in 1A D1
THE SPREAD DCTF: WESTBROOK BY 22
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: WESTBROOK BY 45
THE PICK: WESTBROOK
Photo: Bobbie Brown/Texas 1A Fan
Milford (1-2) at Gorman (4-0)
Series: Milford leads 2-0
Gorman aims for a 5-0 start as they welcome Milford to town Friday night.
The Bulldogs fell to Union Hill 47-14 a week ago to fall to 1-2. They beat Keene 73-42 in week one and fell to Aquilla 52-40 in week two.
The Panthers got past Strawn 52-50 a week ago to stay perfect and have also beaten Lometa, Evant and Blum as part of their fast start to 2022. Gorman’s last 5-0 start to a season was in 2015 when they ended up 9-0 facing an outlaw schedule in their first year of six-man football.
The only previous meetings were Milford wins, 54-30 in 2019 and 64-14 in 2018.
STAT LEADERS
Milford
N/A
Gorman
Joseph Rainey: 15-29, 327 yds, 6 TD; 508 yds, 4 TD rushing; 1 rec, 50 yds, 1 TD
Maddox Roberts: 186 yds, 3 TD rushing
Nash Guthery: 3-5, 75 yds, 2 TD; 129 yds rushing; 4 rec, 107 yds, 1 TD; 20 tkl
Erik Ramirez: 6 rec, 120 yds, 1 TD; 37 tkl, 4 tfl, 1 fr
Preston Parson: 30 tkl
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Milford: #46 in 1A D1
Gorman: #21 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Milford: #56 in 1A D1
Gorman: #18 in 1A D1
THE SPREAD DCTF: GORMAN BY 36
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: GORMAN BY 45
THE PICK: GORMAN
Photo: Todd White
#10 Medina (4-0) at Santa Anna (3-1) - Thursday
Series: Santa Anna leads 1-0
The Mountaineers tasted defeat for the first time in 2022 last week when they fell at Blanket 52-16 in a somewhat surprising result.
Now they have a quick turnaround to welcome in Medina, who is in the 1A D1 top ten for the first time this season after knocking off Bracken Christian a week ago 80-34. The Bobcats also have wins over Rochelle 76-56, Paint Rock 60-0 and Kerrville Our Lady of the Hills 48-0 this year.
Santa Anna beat Veribest 58-13 and Nueces Canyon 68-20 in their first two games of the year.
The Mountaineers won the only previous meeting last season 65-20 at Medina.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Medina: #17 in 1A D1
Santa Anna: #49 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Medina: #12 in 1A D1
Santa Anna: #48 in 1A D1
THE SPREAD DCTF: MEDINA BY 35
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: MEDINA BY 45
THE PICK: MEDINA
Aspermont (4-0) at Rule (2-1)
Series: Aspermont leads 34-30-5
Aspermont puts its perfect record on the line at Rule in what should be its toughest game since a 34-28 week one win at Blackwell.
Rule is coming off a 62-52 neutral site loss to Hart last week to fall to 2-1 after season opening wins over Bronte and Patton Springs.
Aspermont cruised past Lueders-Avoca last Thursday night to get to 4-0. They last started 5-0 in 2015 when they jumped out to a 6-0 mark.
The Hornets have won ten straight in the series, including a 56-6 win in 2019. Rule’s last victory was in 2008.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Aspermont: #26 in 1A D2
Rule: #41 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Aspermont: #29 in 1A D2
Rule: #32 in 1A D2
THE SPREAD DCTF: PICK ‘EM
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ASPERMONT BY 45
THE PICK: ASPERMONT
Harrold (0-4) at Lueders-Avoca (1-3)
Series: Harrold leads 4-0
The Raiders have a pretty good shot at picking up win number two on the season as they host winless Harrold. They dropped a 68-18 decision at Aspermont in week four, the week after their only win so far of 2022 49-0 over Olfen.
The Hornets have lost to Paint Creek, the Knox City JV, Trent and the May JV by a combined 202-58 and have not won a varsity football game since 2014 (they did not field a team from 2017-2019.)
This is the first meeting in the series since 1993.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Harrold: #72 in 1A D2
Lueders-Avoca: #66 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Harrold: #71 in 1A D2
Lueders-Avoca: #54 in 1A D2
THE SPREAD DCTF: LUEDERS-AVOCA BY 16
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: LUEDERS-AVOCA BY 45
THE PICK: LUEDERS-AVOCA
Photo: SMcCowen Photography
Photo: Ty & Tab Photography
Paint Creek (2-2) at Trent (3-1)
Series: Trent leads 14-5
Trent fell from the ranks of the unbeaten in last weeks loss at Paint Rock 66-16, now they get set to host Paint Creek.
The Pirates fell at Northside at week ago 53-8 but got past Lohn 40-29 the week before. Trent also has a win over Lohn this season, 67-34.
The Gorillas beat the Pirates 67-28 last year. The previous last meeting was a 56-6 Paint Creek win in 2015. Trent has won eight of the last nine in the series.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Paint Creek: #64 in 1A D2
Trent: #56 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Paint Creek: #58 in 1A D2
Trent: #50 in 1A D2
THE SPREAD DCTF: TRENT BY 15
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: TRENT BY 31
THE PICK: TRENT
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
Brookesmith (0-4) at Blackwell (1-3) - Saturday
Series: Blackwell leads 6-0
The Hornets host Brookesmith this week as they try to snap a two-game losing streak.
The Mustangs have yet to find the win column this year and have been outscored 154-14 through four weeks.
Blackwell went back and forth with Robert Lee last week before falling 46-38. They also have losses to Highland and unbeaten Aspermont this year and a 48-0 win over Eden.
The Hornets beat the Mustangs a year ago 48-0, and all six matchups all-time in the series have been mercy rule victories for Blackwell.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Brookesmith: #68 in 1A D2
Blackwell: #25 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Brookesmith: #72 in 1A D2
Blackwell: #31 in 1A D2
THE SPREAD DCTF: BLACKWELL BY 50
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BLACKWELL BY 45
THE PICK: BLACKWELL
Photo: David Gonzales
#5 Loraine (4-0) at Sands (0-4) - Thursday
Series: Loraine leads 17-9-1
The Bulldogs continue to climb in the state rankings as they’re up to #5 this week after taking care of Ira a week ago.
Loraine will face its third 1A D1 team on the season and will have to be focused to not make this a trap game before they host #1 Benjamin next week.
Sands may be winless, but the Mustangs are the highest rated 0-4 1A D1 team in the state in the sixmanfootball.com rankings. They have not been 45’d this year with losses to Hermleigh 71-39, Robert Lee 36-28, Sanderson 44-28 and Klondike 74-50 on the season
This marks the first reunion between the teams since a 82-70 Loraine win in the state quarterfinals in 2014.
STAT LEADERS
Loraine
AJ Williams: 10-14 162 yds, 3 TD; 523 yds, 14 TD rushing
Davion Walthall: 484 yds, 7 TD rushing; 46 tkl, 6 sacks, 2 fr
Malaki Williams: 4 rec, 75 yds, 2 TD
Josiah Lujan: 43 tkl, 4 tfl, 2 sacks, 1 int
Wrangler Little: 43 tkl, 6 tfl, 1 fr
Sands
N/A
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Loraine: #3 in 1A D2
Sands: #33 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Loraine: #3 in 1A D2
Sands: #50 in 1A D1
THE SPREAD DCTF: LORAINE BY 41
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: LORAINE BY 45
THE PICK: LORAINE
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
Photo: Todd White
Moran (0-4) at Blanket (3-1)
Series: Blanket leads 4-2
Blanket pulled off somewhat of an upset over Santa Anna last week and will prepare for winless Moran this week.
The Bulldogs played their best game of the year last week but fell to Mullin 58-44.
The Tigers have one of the top six-man defenses in the area, only giving up 20.3 points per game through four weeks.
Friday will mark the first matchup between the Bulldogs and Tigers since a 67-0 Blanket win in 2005.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Moran: #62 in 1A D2
Blanket: #27 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Moran: #66 in 1A D2
Blanket: #20 in 1A D2
THE SPREAD DCTF: BLANKET BY 50
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BLANKET BY 45
THE PICK: BLANKET
Photo: Eugene Mazzurana
Lohn (0-4) at Rising Star (3-1)
Series: Rising Star leads 1-0
The Wildcats should have a great opportunity to pick up their third straight win as they host winless Lohn Friday night.
Rising Star 45’d Cranfills Gap 52-6 last week and beat Morgan 48-18 the week before to bounce back from a 50-44 week two loss to Sidney.
Lohn dropped a 68-6 decision to Zephyr to fall to 0-4. The Eagles last win was in 2017 over the Paint Rock JV, their last varsity win dates back to a 59-34 victory over Brookesmith in 2014.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Lohn: #67 in 1A D2
Rising Star: #22 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Lohn: #69 in 1A D2
Rising Star: #8 in 1A D2
THE SPREAD DCTF: RISING STAR BY 69
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RISING STAR BY 45
THE PICK: RISING STAR
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
Olfen (0-2) at Zephyr (3-1)
Series: First meeting
The Bulldogs look for their fourth straight victory as they host Olfen Friday night.
Zephyr has been one of the best turnaround stories in the area so far this year, going from an 0-10 2021 to a 3-1 start to 2022. They have mercy-rule wins over Veribest 46-0, Eagle Christian 54-6 and Lohn 68-6 over the past three weeks.
Olfen lost to Dawson 32-13 in week one and Lueders-Avoca 49-0 in week three.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Olfen: #3 in “Unknown” category, #280 overall
Zephyr: #40 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Olfen: #131 in private schools
Zephyr: #2 in 1A D2
THE SPREAD DCTF: ZEPHYR BY 58
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ZEPHYR BY 45
THE PICK: ZEPHYR
Gustine (0-4) at Ranger (1-3) - Thursday
Series: First meeting
The Bulldogs can start a winning streak when they play host to Gustine Thursday night.
Ranger earned victory number one of 2022 with a 37-8 win over Woodson last week and will be favorites against winless Gustine.
The Tigers fell to Eden 66-44 a week ago and also have dropped decisions against Iredell, Morgan and Cranfills Gap.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Gustine: #55 in 1A D2
Ranger: #3 in Independent, #164 overall
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Gustine: #65 in 1A D2
Ranger: #74 in private schools
THE SPREAD DCTF: RANGER BY 21
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RANGER BY 45
THE PICK: RANGER
Photo: @Sykotyk
Harvest Christian (0-3) vs. Abilene Christian (2-1) - at Trent
Series: Abilene Christian leads 7-1
The Panthers got past Lubbock Kingdom Prep last Saturday to improve to 2-1, now they open district action against Keller Harvest Christian. Abilene Christian expects to contend for a district title, so starting their run with a win over a winless team is imperative.
Harvest Christian has losses to Carrollton Prince of Peace 60-58, Westlake Academy 66-21 and Prosper Prestonwood North 48-0 this year.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Keller Harvest Christian: #29 in 1A TAPPS D2
Abilene Christian: #9 in 1A TAPPS D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Keller Harvest Christian: #105 in 1A TAPPS D2
Abilene Christian: #11 in 1A TAPPS D2
THE SPREAD DCTF: ABILENE CHRISTIAN BY 45
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ABILENE CHRISTIAN BY 45
THE PICK: ABILENE CHRISTIAN
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Photo: Jeremy Enlow
Western New Mexico (2-1) at ACU (2-1) - Saturday, 6 p.m.
Series: ACU leads 3-0
The Wildcats return to Abilene for their third home game in four outings after falling at Missouri 34-17 last week.
Division II Western New Mexico is the opponent. The Mustangs are coming off a 35-30 win over Western Oregon. They beat Adams State 34-20 in their opener and lost at Central Washington 24-13 in week two. WNMU, with Iowa State transfer Devin Larsen at quarterback, has scored all its touchdowns via the pass so far this season
ACU opens WAC play next week at Utah Tech and would love to get back in the win column before hitting the road. The Wildcat offense is just 67th in the FCS ranks at 22 points per game, but the defense checks in at number 23 giving up just 20.3 points per contest.
STAT LEADERS
Western New Mexico
Devin Larsen: 72-130, 781 yds, 9 TD, 7 INT
Jamon Chambers: 98 yds rushing
David Telles: 21 rec, 162 yds
Clavon Caine: 24 tkl
ACU
Maverick McIvor: 61-104, 682 yds, 5 TD, 4 INT
Jermiah Dobbins: 152 yds rushing
Kendall Catalon: 15 rec, 199 yds, 1 TD
Tyrin Bradley: 21 tkl, 3 tfl
THE PICK: ACU
Photo: UW-Platteville Sports Information
#5 Mary Hardin-Baylor (2-1, 1--0) at #6 Hardin-Simmons (2-0, 0-0) - Saturday, 6 p.m.
Series: UMHB leads 22-5
We didn’t have to wait long for the marquee game on the American Southwest Conference football schedule as defending national champion and fifth-ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor will be in Abilene Saturday to take on #6 Hardin-Simmons.
The Cowboys came closest to knocking off the Crusaders a year ago, falling 34-28 after leading at the half 28-7.
Hardin-Simmons rolled past then #24 Wisconsin-Platteville on the road last week 41-0. The Crusaders opened ASC play by blasting Southwestern 68-14.
The Cowboys have dropped eight in a row to UMHB, last winning 29-26 in 2015. The Cru has won the last three nip and tuck meetings by a combined 15 points.
Mary Hardin-Baylor has already lost once this year, at #4 Wisconsin-Whitewater 28-24, so this game will be crucial to their playoff hopes.
Hardin-Simmons knows from experience what one loss, even a close one, to the Crusaders can do as far as the playoffs go after missing out last season with a 9-1 record.
STAT LEADERS
Mary Hardin-Baylor
Kyle King: 45-66, 891 yds, 13 TD, 0 INT
Aphonso Thomas: 248 yds, 4 TD rushing
K.J. Miller: 15 rec, 279 yds, 3 TD
Brandon Jordan: 14 rec, 259 yds, 4 TD
Johnny Smith-Rider: 19 tkl, 6.5 tfl
Hardin-Simmons
Gaylon Glynn: 30-49, 442 yds, 6 TD, 1 INT
Noah Garcia: 122 yds, 2 TD
Gatlin Martin: 10 rec, 102 yds, 2 TD
Kevi Evans: 7 rec, 97 yds, 1 TD
Matt Mitchell: 16 tkl, 3 tfl
Terrell Franklin: 11 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 int
THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS
Photo: HPU Sports Information
East Texas Baptist (1-1, 1-0) at Howard Payne (2-1, 1-0) - Saturday, 1 p.m.
Series: ETBU leads 13-10
The high-powered Howard Payne offense looks to stay in high gear against East Texas Baptist this weekend.
The Yellow Jackets lead the ASC in scoring offense (55 points per game), total offense (639.3 yds/game) and passing offense (382.7 yds/gm) and are sixth in an all of Division III in points per game, first in total offense and second in passing offense. The Tigers only gave up seven points last week to McMurry but will be in for a much tougher test this time around.
The Tigers may be up to the challenge, however, as they lead the ASC in total defense giving up 273.5 yards per game.
ETBU dropped its season opener 52-13 at Wisconsin-Oshkosh but topped McMurry in Abilene 28-7 last week in its ASC opener.
HPU looks to beat the Tigers for the second straight season after a 49-38 win in Marshall last season.
STAT LEADERS
East Texas Baptist
Cornelius Banks: 14-27, 77 yds, 1 TD; 83 yds rushing
Melek Hamilton: 165 yds, 1 TD
Kaleb O’Bryant: 7 rec, 105 yds
Joey Johnson: 12 tkl
Howard Payne
Landon McKinney: 58-92, 979 yds, 6 TD, 2 INT; 33 yds, 2 TD rushing
Javian Myles: 229 yds, 5 TD rushing
Hunter Cheek: 9 rec, 285 yds, 4 TD
Kyle Bell: 20 tkl
THE PICK: HOWARD PAYNE
McMurry (0-3, 0-1) at Southwestern (1-2, 0-1) - Saturday, 6 p.m.
Series: Southwestern leads 11-9-4
The War Hawks travel to Georgetown for their first conference road game of the season and they’ll meet up with a Pirate team coming off getting pummeled by Mary Hardin-Baylor.
McMurry could not defend the home field last week, falling to East Texas Baptist 28-7.
Offense has been an issue for the War Hawks, who rank last in the ASC with 9.7 points per game and total offense with 225.7 yards per game.
They do rank highly, however, on the defensive side of ball giving up 27 points per contest (2nd in the ASC) and 307.7 yards per game (2nd in the ASC).
McMurry snapped a five-game losing streak to Southwestern with a 41-31 win a year ago.
STAT LEADERS
McMurry
Andrew McBride: 34-83, 436 yds, 2 TD, 4 INT
Rajan Cunningham: 93 yds rushing
Zachary Wood: 6 rec, 132 yds
Devin Nixon: 27 tkl
Southwestern
Landry Gilpin: 23-51, 365 yds, 2 TD
Sam LeBlue: 111 yds rushing
JoJo Wilson: 17 rec, 182 yds
Payton Vaughn: 23 tkl
THE PICK: McMURRY
Photo: Wrangler Express
Trinity Valley (2-1, 1-0) at Cisco College (2-1, 0-1) - Saturday, 7 p.m.
Cisco picked up a 48-8 win over semipro Dallas Prime at home last week and now return to conference play against Trinity Valley Saturday night.
The Wranglers fell 21-13 Blinn in their only SWJCFC game to date, while the Cardinals are 1-0 after a 28-27 win at Tyler last week. They lost at national power Snow College 36-14 in week one and beat Southern Shreveport 69-6 in week two.
Trinity Valley won the matchup between the two teams 34-31 on their home field last year.
STAT LEADERS
Trinity Valley
Darion Peace: 34-64, 499 yds, 5 TD, 1 INT
Quincy Thompson: 281 yds, 3 TD rushing
Trent Hudson: 10 rec, 223 yds, 2 TD
Casey McCoy: 26 tkl, 2 sacks, 5 tfl
Cisco
Christian Kaopua: 8-26, 212 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 140 yds rushing
Jadarrius Thomas: 69 yds, 1 TD rushing
Brenden Shipp: 4 rec, 52 yds, 1 TD
Bobby Crosby: 39 tkl, 6 pbu
