Blitz Picks - Week 7
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%
WEEK 5 PICKS: 38-45, 84.4%
WEEK 6 PICKS: 28-30, 93.3%
SEASON: 204-249, 81.9%
Week seven is here and all but two of the Big Country Blitz coverage area districts (13-1A Division II and 14-1A Division II) will be playing the games that really count towards deciding who will be in the playoffs.
As for the picks in week six? Insert fire emoji here. A few of them if you want. But it could all come crashing down this week as there are some TOUGH games to pick: Coleman/Tolar, Clyde/Vernon, Dublin/Merkel, Winters/Anson, Cross Plains/Roscoe, Perrin-Whitt/Baird and Jayton/Aspermont all really made me think this time around. As did ACU/Tarleton and Cisco/NEO A&M in the college ranks.
The home stretch is here, get out and enjoy some Big Country high school and college football this weekend!
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Contact: cody@bigcountryblitz.com
Amarillo Caprock (4-2, 1-1) at Abilene High (2-4, 1-1)
Series: First meeting
The Eagles and Longhorns meet Friday at Shotwell Stadium hoping to put last week behind them.
Abilene fell 36-14 to Tascosa while Caprock dropped a 52-20 decision to Amarillo.
This game will be key to the playoff chase out of 2-5A Division I and both teams would love to win it.
Caprock could be considered a bit of a surprise to be 4-2. The Horns have wins over Hereford 54-7, Palo Duro 23-3, Pampa 20-0 and Lubbock Coronado 40-24 to go along with the loss to Amarillo and a 35-32 loss to Canyon.
Abilene High, averaging just 15.8 points per game this season, needs to get the offense going and facing a Longhorn defense that has given up 38.3 points per contest over the past three weeks after allowing just ten points through the first three games.
STAT LEADERS
Caprock
Lleyten Brown: 48-83, 739 yds, 5 TD, 1 int; 101 yds rushing
Abdulai Doley: 337 yds, 4 TD rushing
Jaydis Marlow: 26 rec, 283 yds, 2 TD
Aundre Reyes: 46 tkl, 7 tfl
Abilene High
Dylan Slack: 87-142, 782 yds, 7 TD, 8 int; 1 rushing TD
Bam Rashaw: 344 yds, 3 TD
Austin Wood: 24 rec, 171 yds, 1 TD
DeMarco Upshaw: 12 rec, 111 yds, 1 TD
Brelon Badon: 10 rec, 151 yds, 1 TD
Bryce Neves: 44 tkl, 4 TFL, 3 sacks
Kenneth Johnson: 39 tkl, 6 sacks
Noah Hatcher: 41 tkl
Tristen Hall: 15 tkl, 3 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Caprock: #59 in 5A D1
Abilene High: #43 in 5A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: ABILENE HIGH BY 11
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH
Cooper (2-3, 0-0) at Wichita Falls Rider (3-2, 0-0)
Series: Cooper leads 5-3
Cooper returns to play after the bye week with a road trip to preseason district favorite Wichita Falls Rider.
The Raiders enter on a two-game losing streak after falling at Lubbock Cooper 17-14 and Stephenville 43-42 the past two weeks. They topped Wichita Falls 58-10, Decatur 30-24 and Coronado 28-24 over the first three weeks of the season.
The Cougars also have a win over Coronado, 33-28, under their belts and would love to get district play started on the right foot. Cooper has been prolific through the air so far this season but the ground game needs to be better for the Coogs to contend for a district title.
Friday will be the first meeting between the two teams since a 38-32 Cooper victory in 2015.
STAT LEADERS
Cooper
Chris Warren: 100-166, 1131 yds, 10 TD, 7 int; 56 yds, 1 TD rushing
Daniel Bray: 128 yds, 1 TD rushing
Cam Herron: 31 rec, 304 yds, 1 TD
D’Andre Ralston: 28 rec, 627 yds, 5 TD
Rider
N/A
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Cooper: #21 in 5A D2
Rider: #11 in 5A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: RIDER BY 15
THE PICK: RIDER
Photo: Kerr Broadstreet/WylieSports.com
Plainview (2-3, 0-0) at Wylie (2-3, 0-0)
Series: Wylie leads 3-1
It’s a battle of Bulldogs to kickoff District 2-5A Division II play at Hugh Sandifer Stadium Friday night.
Wylie hopes to put the heartbreaking loss to San Angelo Central behind them as they push towards the playoffs and the first test will be Plainview.
Plainview is coming off a 35-32 win over Hereford in its last game and also beat Levelland 42-3 to kick off the season. Their losses are to Pampa 25-21, Wichita Falls 33-26 and Dumas 57-6.
We know Wylie, averaging 39.6 points per game this season, can score but they’ll have to improve on a defense that gives up 35.2 per game to challenge for a district title.
Wylie lost 22-19 to Plainview in district play in 2018, but has won the last three meetings in convincing fashion 28-6, 48-0 and 35-0.
STAT LEADERS
Plainview
Seth Mayberry: 75-111, 851 yds, 7 TD, 5 int; 27 yds, 1 TD rushing
Isaac Garza: 231 yds, 5 TD rushing
Maddox Ellis: 16 rec, 99 yds
Jerome Johnson: 16 rec, 210 yds, 2 TD
Wylie
K.J. Long: 85-122, 1388 yds, 14 TD, 3 int; 361 yds, 2 TD rushing
Landry Carlton: 563 yds, 4 TD rushing
Braden Regala: 33 rec, 444 yds, 3 TD
Harrison Heighten: 19 rec, 441 yds, 4 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Plainview: #95 in 5A D2
Wylie: #22 in 5A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: WYLIE BY 34
THE PICK: WYLIE
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
Big Spring (4-2, 0-0) at Brownwood (4-2, 0-0)
Series: Brownwood leads 12-5
The Lions saw a four-game winning streak come to an end and fell out of the top ten after their loss to rival Stephenville, but have a good chance to start a more important four-game winning streak as district play opens against Big Spring.
The Steers dropped a 63-28 decision at Seminole last week to see their own four-game winning streak come to an end. That result was the first time the Big Spring defense had allowed over 30 points all season.
Brownwood’s potent offense should have a chance to rack up yardage and points, but they have to watch the penalties and turnovers that have plagued them at times this season.
The Lions and Steers will be playing for the first time since a 56-2 Brownwood win in 2017. Brownwood has won three straight in the series and the last Big Spring win came in 2014.
STAT LEADERS
Big Spring
Gavin Padron: 139-205, 1622 yds, 15 TD, 5 int
Kavien Ford: 425 yds, 3 TD rushing
Zeyire Franklin: 34 rec, 556 yds, 4 TD
Brownwood
Konlyn Anderson: 615 yds, 8 TD rushing
Ike Hall: 72-126, 1121 yds, 7 TD, 4 INT; 401 yds, 6 TD rushing
Thad Hinds: 22 rec, 442 yds, 4 TD
Chance Jones: 56 tkl
Quinten McCarty: 53 tkl, 7 tfl
Sam Kallman: 50 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Big Spring: #63 in 4A D1
Brownwood: #10 in 4A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: BROWNWOOD BY 33
THE PICK: BROWNWOOD
Photo: Snyder ISD
Snyder (2-4, 0-0) at Midland Greenwood (3-3, 0-0)
Series: Greenwood leads 10-8
The Tigers resume their district rivalry with Greenwood Friday night, hoping to snap a four-game losing streak.
Snyder fell 48-14 to Holliday, the #2 ranked team in 3A Division II, last week to drop to 2-4 while Greenwood improved to 3-3 with a 31-6 victory at San Angelo Lake View.
The Rangers have won six straight in the series dating back to a 42-14 Snyder victory in 2015.
STAT LEADERS
Snyder
Easton Stewart: 61-97, 730 yds, 7 TD, 2 int; 24 yds, 1 TD rushing; 8 tkl, 2 int
Dom Dominguez: 268 yds, 1 TD rushing; 11 rec, 219 yds, 4 TD
Hayden Foster: 17 rec, 150 yds, 1 TD
Chon Vasquez: 11 rec, 182 yds, 2 TD; 43 tkl, 2.5 tfl
Greenwood
Ty Flowers: 52-91, 602 yds, 3 TD, 7 int; 122 yds, 2 TD rushing
Dylan Dominguez: 296 yds, 4 TD rushing
Rance D. Purser: 20 rec, 330 yds, 2 TD
Jimmy Vazquez: 115 tkl, 6 tfl
Shawn Kelly: 82 tkl, 3 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Snyder: #58 in 4A D2
Greenwood: #26 in 4A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: GREENWOOD BY 24
THE PICK: GREENWOOD
Photo: Rachel Laughlin
Vernon (3-2, 0-0) at Clyde (4-1, 0-0)
Series: Vernon leads series 4-3
Clyde brings a four-game winning streak into the start of district play and welcomes Vernon to Callahan County Friday night in a matchup of teams that have turned things around after going 1-9 a year ago.
The Bulldogs last outing was a thrilling 29-28 overtime win over Sweetwater, while Vernon is coming off a 35-30 loss to Burkburnett.
The Lions opened the season with wins over City View 56-0, Gainesville 36-24 and Lake View 23-6 before falling to Idalou 17-0 and Burkburnett.
The Lions and Bulldogs are playing for the first time since 2009.
Vernon won the first four games in the series but Clyde has won the last three.
STAT LEADERS
Vernon
N/A
Clyde
Blake Carr: 84-130, 1279 yds, 15 TD, 6 int; 416 yds, 4 TD rushing
Fabian Gomez: 188 yds, 1 TD rushing
Garis Gray: 19 rec, 489 yds, 3 TD
Daijon Booker: 17 rec, 247 yds, 5 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Vernon: #42 in 3A D1
Clyde: #51 in 3A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: VERNON BY 2
THE PICK: CLYDE
Photo: Breckenridge Texan
#7 Breckenridge (5-0, 0-0) at Iowa Park (1-4, 0-0)
Series: Breckenridge leads series 10-7
Breckenridge remains in the 3A D1 top ten at number seven after the bye week and begins working toward its first district title since 2017 Friday night at Iowa Park.
The Hawks may be 1-4, but they have played some tough competition, losing to state-ranked Holliday 28-7 as well as 4A Graham 31-17, 4A Wichita Falls 34-7 and 4A Burkburnett 29-22. Their lone win is over 4A Benbrook 63-21, a team Breckenridge beat 56-17.
The Bucks bring the top scoring offense, 45 points per game, in the Big Country into this one. They are seventh in the area in scoring defense giving up just 15.4 points per contest.
The Buckaroos have won four straight and five of six in the series with Iowa Park, including a 37-21 win in their last meeting in 2005. The Hawks last victory came in 1991.
STAT LEADERS
Breckenridge
Chase Lehr: 45-68, 723 yds, 10 TD, 5 int; 181 yds, 3 TD rushing
Jerry Lawson: 501 yds, 6 TD rushing; 2 rec, 18 yds
Anson Rodgers: 305 yds, 7 TD rushing; 12 rec, 169 yds, 4 TD
Zeke Castillo: 56 tkl, 2 tfl
Caiden Marin: 49 tkl, 3 tfl
Iowa Park
N/A
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Breckenridge: #19 in 3A D1
Iowa Park: #46 in 3A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: BRECKENRIDGE BY 15
THE PICK: BRECKENRIDGE
Photo: Prelude Production
Jim Ned (2-3, 0-0) at Bowie (0-5, 0-0)
Series: Jim Ned leads 1-0
The Indians seem to be getting healthy and hot at the perfect time: the start of district play.
Jim Ned dropped their first three games but have wins over Rockdale and Eastland in their last two outings. The switch to Troy Doran at quarterback seems to have paid dividends to help the Indians get their offense going.
Bowie has yet to win a game this season, falling to Graham 41-22, Bridgeport 63-62, Henrietta 29-26, Burkburnett 41-16 and Childress 49-22.
The only other time these two teams have met was a 34-29 bi-district victory for the Indians in 2017.
STAT LEADERS
Jim Ned
Troy Doran: 17-26, 221 yds, 5 TD, 1 int; 201 yds, 3 TD rushing; 10 rec, 111 yds, 1 TD; 29 tkl
Brayden Shipman: 309 yds, 1 TD rushing
Gray Beasley: 305 yds, 1 TD rushing
Carter Wood: 6 rec, 62 yds, 2 TD
Trey Hicks: 38 tkl
Bowie
N/A
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Jim Ned: #47 in 3A D1
Bowie: #89 in 3A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: JIM NED BY 20
THE PICK: JIM NED
Check out another great Prelude Production video featuring the Indians while you’re here:
Photo: Mike Jones
Photo: Chad McDuffee
Early (2-3, 0-0) at Ballinger (0-5, 0-0)
Series: Ballinger leads 11-7
Early seems to have righted the ship over their past two games, shutting out Troy 26-0 and coming up just shy against 4A Burnet 49-48 in their last outing.
The Horns entered the season hoping to have a shot at their first district title since 2005, and have a chance to get things going against a struggling Bearcat team that is last in the Big Country in scoring offense (eight points per game). Ballinger dropped a 55-0 decision at Mason in its last outing and are still looking for the first victory for new head coach Ty Lang.
The Longhorns and Bearcats are playing for the first time since 2013 when Early earned a 31-15 win.
Ballinger won the first eight in the series but the Longhorns have come away with a win in seven of the last ten matchups.
STAT LEADERS
Early
Jaxyn Price: 105-191, 1347 yds, 14 TD, 5 int; 74 yds, 2 TD rushing
Griffin Cheslock: 377 yds, 4 TD rushing
Jeremy Brown: 33 rec, 549 yds, 7 TD; 23 tkl, 2 int
John-Stewart Gordon: 19 rec, 260 yds, 1 TD
Kaleb Ozuna: 47 tkl, 2 tfl
Caleb McCullough: 47 tkl, 11 tfl, 5 sacks
Ballinger
Cade Strube: 10-19, 139 yds
Nathan Rivera-McDuffee: 138 yds, 1 TD rushing; 7 rec, 144 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Early: #28 in 3A D2
Ballinger: #81 in in 3A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: EARLY BY 22
THE PICK: EARLY
Dublin (2-3, 0-0) at Merkel (1-4, 0-0)
Series: Dublin leads 3-2
The Lions and Badgers are part of the same district once again, one that was nip and tuck throughout the 2021 season. These two teams have playoff aspirations and, although its early, the winner of this one will have a big leg up in the postseason chase.
Merkel is averaging just 12 points per game so far this season, 25th among the 28 11-man teams in the Big Country Blitz coverage area. The Badgers will have to find the end zone more often in district, and facing a Lion squad that gives up 44.4 points per game might be a great place to get on track.
Dublin has wins over Anson 24-21 and Florence 34-23 to go along with losses to Fort Worth Christian 61-23, Albany 55-14 and Brady 62-42.
This is now the third year in a row the two teams have met as district foes. Merkel won in 2020 and 2021 while the Lions picked up a 28-20 victory last season.
STAT LEADERS
Dublin
Chris Teten: 60-119, 838 yds, 6 TD, 5 int; 338 yds, 7 TD rushing
Cameron Patton: 246 yds, 3 TD rushing
Dalan Rasberry: 20 rec, 413 yds, 3 TD; 16 tkl, 1 int
Lucas Azua: 38 tkl, 1 tfl
Merkel
Joey Zink: 35-52, 551 yds, 3 TD, 3 int; 121 yds rushing
Elijah Olivarez: 126 yds, 2 TD rushing; 35 tkl, 10 tfl
Maddox O’Malley: 14 rec, 291 yds, 3 TD
Jack Travis: 20 tkl, 2 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Dublin: #75 in 3A D2
Merkel: #78 in 3A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: MERKEL BY 2
THE PICK: MERKEL
Eastland (0-5, 0-0) at Jacksboro (3-2, 0-0)
Series: Eastland leads 10-4
The young Mavericks will have their work cut out for them in week one of District 5-3A Division II play as they travel to Jacksboro.
Eastland, the two-time defending district champions, is still looking for the first win of the season and coming off a 50-point loss to Breckenridge and a 31-point loss to Jim Ned. The Mavericks non-district schedule was very tough, as their five opponents are a combined 20-5. They hope that level of competition has them ready for district.
Jacksboro took down Henrietta 41-0 in its last outing and, like Eastland, has a loss to Breckenridge (42-13) on the ledger as well.
The Tigers won a shootout over the Mavs 51-48 last season, but the Mavericks had won the previous seven meetings before that.
STAT LEADERS
Eastland
Isaiah Hays: 81-139, 998 yds, 8 TD, 6 int
Cason Browning: 169 yds rushing
Jay Oznick: 21 rec, 376 yds, 5 TD
Preston Rose: 42 tkl; 2 int
Jacksboro
Lando Belcher: 75-124, 878 yds, 14 TD, 4 int; 360 yds, 3 TD rushing
Luke Sams: 329 yds, 3 TD rushing
Kaleem Howard: 23 rec, 358 yds, 6 TD
Jackson McComis: 61 tkl, 3 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Eastland: #62 in 3A D2
Jacksboro: #9 in 3A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: JACKSBORO BY 33
THE PICK: JACKSBORO
Photo: Gary Stinnett
Photo: Anson Tiger Sports Pics
Winters (1-5, 0-2) at Anson (1-5, 1-1)
Series: Winters leads 22-21-2
Anson looks to put a winning streak together as they host Winters Friday night.
The Tigers got past Colorado City 22-6 last week to earn the first win for head coach Cory McCombs at Anson, while the Blizzards had their hands full in a 60-6 loss to Cisco.
This game is a key one in the district, as the loser will likely have a hard time reaching the postseason.
The Tigers have claimed wins in the last six meetings with Winters. The last Blizzard victory was 35-12 in 1995.
STAT LEADERS
Winters
Chris Martinez: 64-129, 735 yds, 7 TD, 11 INT; 59 yds rushing
Alejandro Garcia: 479 yds, 4 TD rushing
Aidan Bryant: 18 rec, 196 yds, 2 TD
Aidan Leamon: 11 rec, 165 yds, 2 TD
Anson
Tyler Wilburn: 45-87, 441 yds, 3 TD, 4 int
Tegen Saiz: 464 yds, 4 TD rushing
Stryker Dillard: 21 rec, 243 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Winters: #82 in 2A D1
Anson: #78 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: ANSON BY 4
THE PICK: ANSON
Photo: Gary Stinnett
Olney (4-1, 0-1) at #8 Cisco (5-1, 2-0)
Series: Cisco leads 1-0
Two of the best rushing offenses around meet in a key District 4-2A Division I clash Friday night in Cisco. The Loboes took care of Winters last week, while Olney lost for the first time this season at home to Stamford 22-13.
Look away if you are a fan of the forward pass! These two teams have only combined to throw 78 passes so far this season.
Olney is averaging 384 yards per game rushing, while the Loboes check in at 281 per contest.
Cisco is picking up over 100 yards per game through the air, however, while Olney averages just 26.2.
The Loboes won the only previous meeting with the Cubs 48-0 in the bi-district playoffs in 2006.
STAT LEADERS
Olney
Gatlin Guy: 7-19, 131 yds, 0 TD, 2 int; 441 yds, 5 TD rushing
Jovani Rockmore: 670 yds, 9 TD rushing
Luis Castillo: 2 rec, 95 yds; 23 tkl, 3 sacks
AB Marquez: 41 tkl
Braulio Flores: 16 tkl, 3 INT
Cisco
Hunter Long: 34-56, 595 yds, 8 TD, 1 INT; 694 yds, 12 TD rushing
Trent Huston: 383 yds, 5 TD rushing; 4 rec, 65 yds, 1 TD
Cade Gayle: 11 rec, 256 yds, 4 TD; 175 yds, 2 TD rushing; 2 INT
Tre Brackeen: 9 rec, 89 yds, 1 TD; 110 yds, 1 TD rushing
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Olney: #21 in 2A D1
Cisco: #9 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: CISCO BY 15
THE PICK: CISCO
Photo: Cassie Gang
Colorado City (0-6, 0-2) at #2 Hawley (5-0, 1-0)
Series: Hawley leads 8-6
The winless Wolves have a tough task on their hands Friday night as they visit #2 Hawley.
The Bearcats continue to have the top scoring defense (6.6 points per game) in the Big Country and Colorado City puts up just 8.8 points per contest, second worst in the area.
Hawley is coming off its bye week, while the Wolves dropped a 22-6 decision to Anson last week.
The Bearcats shut out Colorado City 55-0 last season and 54-0 in 2020.
STAT LEADERS
Colorado City
Jordan Garza: 26-68, 279 yds, 2 TD, 2 int; 243 yds, 3 TD rushing
Mayson Monroe: 10-22, 212 yds, 0 TD, 1 int; 7 rec, 71 yds, 1 TD
Aedan Briseno: 550 yds, 2 TD rushing
Jordan Raschke: 12 rec, 202 yds; 28 tkl, 4 tfl
Nicholas Santana: 43 tkl
Hawley
Rodey Hooper: 60-92, 859 yds, 7 TD, 1 int; 52 yds, 1 TD rushing
Austin Cumpton: 757 yds, 13 TD rushing; 38 tkl, 5 tfl
Will Scott: 18 rec, 276 yds, 1 TD; 46 tkl, 7 tfl, 2 int
Kason O’Shields: 16 rec, 202 yds, 3 TD
Hez Parker: 45 tkl, 10 tfl, 2 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Colorado City: #98 in 2A D1
Hawley: #3 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 74
THE PICK: HAWLEY
Goldthwaite (0-6, 0-2) at Bangs (3-2, 1-0)
Series: Goldthwaite leads 21-15-3
The Dragons continue to turn things around after a tough 2021 season and can stay in at least a tie for the district lead with a win over 0-6 Goldthwaite Friday night.
Bangs was off last week but started district with a 49-21 win over De Leon, the same squad Goldthwaite lost to last week 44-19.
Guy Powell has carried the load for the Dragons this season and ran for 323 yards and scored six touchdowns in the win over the Bearcats.
The last meeting was a 48-20 Goldthwaite win in 2015. The last time the Dragons won in the series was a 45-27 decision in 2013.
STAT LEADERS
Goldthwaite
Bryce Brookings: 21-66, 237 yds, 2 TD, 7 int
Carsyn Campbell: 274 yds, 3 TD rushing
Collin Gardner: 12 rec, 188 yds, 1 TD
Bangs
Kenny Cole: 24-68, 385 yds, 0 TD, 4 int
Guy Powell: 979 yds, 8 TD rushing; 48
Hunter Newton: 5 rec, 110 yds, 1 TD
Nate Stoffer: 57 tkl; 3 int
Keygan Pitts: 54 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Goldthwaite: #91 in 2A D1
Bangs: #36 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: BANGS BY 30
THE PICK: BANGS
Photo: Colemantoday.com
#9 Tolar (5-0, 1-0) at #6 Coleman (5-1, 2-0)
Series: Series tied 1-1
The game of the week in the Big Country is probably this one as two top-ten teams in the state meet to stay atop the District 5-2A Division I standings.
Coleman has opened district play by outscoring Goldthwaite and San Saba 110-0, while the unbeaten Rattlers took care of Hamilton 56-7 last week.
Tolar’s most impressive victories this season are 51-14 over Early and 45-14 over Comanche, both who will likely be playoff teams in 3A Division II.
The Rattlers can throw it a bit but mainly lean on the run and super sophomore running back Peyton Brown, who already has over 1,000 rushing yards this season and ran for a season high 272 and six touchdowns last week against Hamilton.
The two teams have not met since 2017 when the Rattlers claimed a 26-13 district victory. The Bluecats won the season before 28-6.
STAT LEADERS
Tolar
Jackson Lecluyse: 36-65, 548 yds, 7 TD, 2 int; 153 yds, 2 TD rushing
Peyton Brown: 1038 yds, 16 TD rushing
Wyatt Jones: 17 rec, 327 yds, 5 TD
Brock Owens: 47 tkl
Coleman
Jadin Jackson: 39-68, 776 yds, 8 TD 3 INT; 376 yds, 4 TD rushing
Ryland Gentry: 648 yds, 12 TD rushing; 3 rec, 35 yds
Braxton Smith: 20 rec, 458 yds, 5 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Tolar: #5 in 2A D1
Coleman: #8 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: TOLAR BY 2
THE PICK: COLEMAN
Photo: Julia Vega/Albany Lions Photos
#9 Albany (3-2, 0-0) at Miles (4-1, 0-0)
Series: Albany leads 6-0
Albany returns to action after the bye week with a road trip to Miles to begin district play.
The Bulldogs raced out to a 4-0 start but dropped their first game to Ozona 41-26 in their last outing. Miles is averaging 49.4 points per game and may provide a challenge for the Lion defense.
Albany, battling the injury bug, has lost its last two games to Hawley and Comanche — bigger schools that are a combined 9-1 on the season. Miles’ opponents are just 8-21 so far this season.
The Lions are facing the Bulldogs for the first time since 2019. They have won the previous six matchups by a combined 343-46.
STAT LEADERS
Albany
Cole Chapman: 27-44, 274 yds, 2 TD; 112 yds rushing
London Fuentes: 16-25, 224 yds, 2 TD, 3 int; 132 yds, 1 TD rushing; 11 rec, 129 yds, 1 TD; 21 tkl, 2 int
Adam Hill: 719 yds, 9 TD rushing; 5 rec, 99 yds, 2 TD; 44 tkl, 8 tfl
Cason Fairchild: 15 rec, 191 yds, 1 TD
Coy Cauble: 49 tkl
Miles
Hayven Book: 70-112, 1144 yds, 20 TD, 2 int; 163 yds, 4 TD rushing
Devin Medina: 255 yds, 6 TD rushing
Carson Ellison: 21 rec, 300 yds, 8 TD
Jaxon Petillo: 38 tkl, 2 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Albany: #3 in 2A D2
Miles: #33 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: ALBANY BY 27
THE PICK: ALBANY
Photo: Cross Plains School Yearbook Facebook
Photo: Henry Camargo
Cross Plains (5-0, 0-0) at Roscoe (3-2, 0-0)
Series: Series tied 8-8
Two teams seemingly headed in opposite directions meet for the district opener Friday night in Nolan County.
Roscoe has dropped two in a row after a fast start, while Cross Plains is one of the six unbeaten teams left in the Big Country.
The Buffs only allow 13.4 points per game, third best in the area, and score at a 36 points per game clip, seventh best in the Big Country Blitz coverage area.
Roscoe is no slouch on offense, scoring 37.5 points per contest, but they have given up a combined 107 points over the past two weeks to New Home and Sunray.
The Buffaloes have won the last four in the series dating back to 2012, including a 45-20 district win in 2019. The Plowboys last win over Cross Plains came in the playoffs in 2001, 62-0.
STAT LEADERS
Cross Plains
Kade Purvis: 61-96, 693 yds, 9 TD, 4 int
Noah Moses: 686 yds, 9 TD; 2 int
Ryan Reed: 18 rec, 294 yds, 6 TD
Dusty Wyatt: 22 rec, 212 yds, 1 TD
Roscoe
Jax Watts: 69-110, 1014 yds, 11 TD, 4 INT
Gaven Martinez: 178 yds rushing
Seth Wilcox: 29 rec, 612 yds, 7 TD
Parker Gleaton: 15 rec, 208 yds, 4 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Cross Plains: #38 in 2A D2
Roscoe: #40 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: ROSCOE BY 1
THE PICK: CROSS PLAINS
Photo: Gary Ford
Photo: TLCA Abilene Booster Club
Hamlin (4-1, 0-0) at TLCA Abilene (0-5, 0-0) - Thursday at Hawley
Series: First meeting
The Pied Pipers put a four-game winning streak on the line as they open District 6-2A Division II play against TLCA Abilene Thursday night.
The Eagles played all five non-district games on the road and will get to play their first “home” game, at Hawley, this season.
Hamlin started the year with a 48-0 loss to Stamford, but bounced back to defeat Water Valley, Crosbyton, Munday and Quanah over the past month. However, those four teams are just a combined 7-14 on the season.
The Eagles will be tested by the stout Piper offense that allows just 14 points per game, fifth best in the Big Country.
STAT LEADERS
Hamlin
Swenson Benavides: 28-58, 461 yds, 4 TD, 2 int; 480 yds, 4 TD rushing
Colten Spalding: 340 yds, 3 TD rushing
Isaic Stephens: 9 rec, 152 yds, 1 TD
TLCA Abilene
Johnathon Rico: 55-148, 537 yds, 6 TD, 5 int; 199 yds, 4 TD rushing
Manuel Rios: 21 rec, 273 yds, 2 TD
Jay Kirk: 18 rec, 227 yds, 4 TD
Anthony Cordero: 20 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hamlin: #48 in 2A D2
TLCA Abilene: #99 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: HAMLIN BY 38
THE PICK: HAMLIN
Photo: Archer County News
Munday (3-3, 1-1) at Haskell (3-3, 1-1)
Series: Haskell leads 44-31-1
Munday makes the short drive to Haskell Friday night for a key District 7-2A Division II contest with the Indians.
The Moguls got past Electra 20-18 Friday night to even their district record, while Haskell did the same with a 42-20 win at Petrolia.
The last meeting between the Moguls and Indians was a 34-7 Haskell win in 2018, but Munday had won seven of the previous eight. This series dates all the way back to 1924 and was played consecutively every year from 1974 to 2005.
STAT LEADERS
Munday
Chris Garcia: 66-102, 794 yds, 5 TD, 4 int; 411 yds, 10 TD rushing; 31 tkl, 1 int
Keon Taylor: 18 rec, 322 yds, 2 TD
Bryson Wilson: 13 rec, 215 yds, 2 TD
Darrius McDaniel: 32 tkl, 2 tfl
Haskell
Marquise Johnson: 41-79, 380 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT; 472 yds, 4 TD rushing
Trevor Henry: 483 yds, 8 TD rushing
Cory Mathis: 13 rec, 149 yds, 3 TD
Nemo Silvas: 9 rec, 106 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Munday: #93 in 2A D2
Haskell: #31 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: HASKELL BY 41
THE PICK: HAKSELL
Roby (0-5, 0-0) at Hermleigh (4-1, 0-0)
Series: Hermleigh leads 15-8
The winless Lions head to Hermleigh to battle the 4-1 Cardinals in the district opener for both teams.
Roby dropped a 56-6 decision to 1A D2 #1 Benjamin their last time out, while Hermleigh picked up a nice road win at Throckmorton 60-36.
The Cardinals average 60.8 points per game, the second best mark among six-man schools in the Big Country, while the Lions have had a hard time scoring in three of their five games.
The Cardinals have won all three matchups while both schools were six-man teams. The last Roby win was in 2005 when both schools played 11-man ball.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Roby: #64 in 1A D1
Hermleigh: #23 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Roby: #58 in 1A D1
Hermleigh: #26 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: HERMLEIGH BY 33
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: HERMLEIGH BY 45
THE PICK: HERMLEIGH
Ira (4-1, 0-0) at Rotan (2-2, 0-0)
Series: Ira leads 6-0
Ira enters district play as one of the top contenders to reach the playoffs, but the Hammers hope to have a say in it as well.
Rotan has been playing better lately, shutting out Lueders-Avoca 58-0 last week and scoring 91 in a loss to Strawn the week before.
Ira played all 1A D2 schools in non-district, but four of the five were ranked or still are ranked at some point this season. Their last outing was a 64-40 win over Klondike.
The Bulldogs have never lost to the Yellowhammers in six tries, but last years 52-38 game was the closest in the series.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Ira: #12 in 1A D1
Rotan: #50 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Ira: #15 in 1A D1
Rotan: #46 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF : IRA BY 28
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: IRA BY 45
THE PICK: IRA
#2 Westbrook (4-1, 0-0) at Highland (1-4, 0-0)
Series: Highland leads 11-7
The Wildcats run for a second straight district title begins at Highland Friday night.
Westbrook fell to Garden City its last time out, while the Hornets struggled to a 1-4 mark in non-district action but did battle well in a close 47-40 loss at Borden County two weeks ago.
Westbrook has wins in the series in their last two meetings, but Highland has won nine of the last 13 — including a 44-38 victory in 2019.
STAT LEADERS
Westbrook
Parker Matlock: 32-47, 361 yds, 6 TD, 3 int; 42 tkl, 3 int
Cedric Ware: 903 yds, 22 td rushing; 12 rec, 177 yds, 3 TD; 38 tkl
Grayson Jeffrey: 329 yds, 6 TD rushing; 3 rec, 25 yds, 1 TD; 14 tkl, 3 int
Colton Walters: 7 rec, 67 yds
Pahton Dominguez: 48 tkl, 9.5 tfl, 3 sacks, 3 ff
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Westbrook: #5 in 1A D1
Highland: #29 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Westbrook: #3 in 1A D1
Highland: #37 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF : WESTBROOK BY 40
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: WESTBROOK BY 45
THE PICK: WESTBROOK
Photo: Kelsey Pierce
Perrin-Whitt (2-3, 0-0) at Baird (3-2, 0-0)
Series: Baird leads 3-0
Baird enters district play on a two-game winning streak and winners of three of their last four.
The Bears blew away Amarillo PCHEA last week but will get an upgrade in competition against the Pirates.
Perrin-Whitt is coming off a 33-31 loss to Azle Christian in their last outing and a 48-0 loss to Covington the week before that. Their wins are 37-27 over Gold-Burg and 42-6 over Ranger.
The last meeting between the two teams was a 14-0 Baird win in 11-man district play in 2015.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Perrin-Whitt: #54 in 1A D1
Baird: #51 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Perrin-Whitt: #48 in 1A D1
Baird: #49 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: BAIRD BY 1
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: PERRIN-WHITT BY 13
THE PICK: BAIRD
Photo: Megan Lusty Photography
Gorman (4-1, 0-0) at #9 Gordon (5-0, 0-0)
Series: Gorman leads 3-0
The district opener is no walk in the park for the Panthers as they open on the road at ninth-ranked Gordon.
The Longhorns have cruised to mercy rule wins in all five of their games so far this season, including a 62-14 win at Santa Anna last week.
Gorman took one on the chin at home against Milford 62-28 in their last game to fall from the ranks of the unbeaten.
The teams are meeting for just the fourth time, surprisingly, and the Panthers have won all three previous meetings in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
STAT LEADERS
Gorman
Joseph Rainey: 23-46, 403 yds, 7 TD, 1 INT; 584 yds, 5 TD rushing; 1 rec, 50 yds, 1 TD; 23 tkl, 2 INT
Maddox Roberts: 206 yds, 4 TD rushing
Erik Ramirez: 8 rec, 144 yds, 1 TD; 42 tkl, 5 tfl, 2 fr
Gordon
N/A
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Gorman: #41 in 1A D1
Gordon: #10 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Gorman: #44 in 1A D1
Gordon: #7 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: GORDON BY 46
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: GORDON BY 45
THE PICK: GORDON
Evant (0-5, 0-0) at #3 May (5-0, 0-0)
Series: May leads 11-2
May begins the quest for another district title as they host winless Evant Friday night.
The Tigers took care of Burnet Smoking For Jesus 58-12 in their last outing and have the top scoring offense in the Big Country at 67.4 points per game.
Evant fell 68-22 at Blanket last week and has only gone the distance once this year in a 64-24 season opening loss to Stephenville Faith.
The Tigers have won three straight games against Evant, including a 63-6 victory a year ago. The Elks last win against May was in 2003.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Evant: #63 in 1A D1
May: #1 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Evant: #69
May: #1 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: MAY BY 82
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: MAY BY 45
THE PICK: MAY
Jayton (3-3, 0-0) at Aspermont (6-0, 0-0)
Series: Aspermont leads 27-13
This is one of the better six-man games in the area this week as both the Jaybirds and Hornets enter district play with title aspirations.
Jayton was the preseason favorite but the Hornets have been impressive in non-district play with wins over Blackwell, Southland, Moran, Lueders-Avoca, Rule and Newcastle.
The Jaybirds have played the tougher schedule, facing three teams that are or have been ranked in May, Klondike and Ira. Their six opponents are a combined 23-11 while Aspermont’s are just 15-19.
Jayton has won the last three games in the series. Aspermont’s last win against the Jaybirds was a 76-38 decision in 2018.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Jayton: #19 in 1A D2
Aspermont: #28 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Jayton: #15 in 1A D2
Aspermont: #20 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: JAYTON BY 3
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: JAYTON BY 45
THE PICK: JAYTON
Woodson (1-5, 0-0) at Rule (3-2, 0-0)
Series: Woodson leads 16-13
Rule begins a run that they hope reaches the postseason with the district opener against struggling Woodson.
The Bobcats got past Guthrie last week 44-38 to improve to 3-2, while the Cowboys were 45’d by Rising Star 54-6.
The Bobcats won the last meeting between the two teams 52-6 in 2020, but the Cowboys have won 10 of the last 13.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Woodson: #50 in 1A D2
Rule: #39 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Woodson: #62 in 1A D2
Rule: #32 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: RULE BY 32
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RULE BY 45
THE PICK: RULE
Lueders-Avoca (2-4, 0-0) at Throckmorton (3-3, 0-0)
Series: Throckmorton leads 3-2
It’s a tough draw in the district opener for the Raiders as they visit preseason favorite Throckmorton.
The Hounds have dropped back-to-back games against Whitharral 102-52 and Hermleigh 60-36, while Lueders-Avoca is coming off a 58-0 loss at Rotan.
The Greyhounds have won the last three meetings in the series after the Raiders took the first two in 2016 and 2017.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Lueders-Avoca: #66 in 1A D2
Throckmorton: #15 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Lueders-Avoca: #56 in 1A D2
Throckmorton: #23 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: THROCKMORTON BY 40
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: THROCKMORTON BY 45
THE PICK: THROCKMORTON
Blackwell (3-3) at Paint Rock (2-3)
Series: Blackwell leads 22-19-1
Blackwell has been picking up steam the past couple weeks and looks to extend its winning streak to three this week in the non-district finale at Paint Rock.
The Hornets beat Panther Creek 58-12 last week and took care of Brookesmith 56-6 the week before.
The Indians fell to Veribest 58-6 last week but did knock off Trent 66-16 in their game before that.
The Hornets have won two in a row in the series with the last victory coming by a 58-0 margin in 2017.
Paint Rock last beat Blackwell in 2011.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Blackwell: #25 in 1A D2
Paint Rock: #58 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Blackwell: #30 in 1A D2
Paint Rock: #51 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: BLACKWELL BY 20
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BLACKWELL BY 45
THE PICK: BLACKWELL
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
#5 Loraine (5-1) at O’Donnell (2-4)
Series: O’Donnell leads 3-1
Loraine did not drop in the rankings after the loss to #1 Benjamin last week and will look to start a new winning streak on the road at O’Donnell.
The Bulldogs will face an Eagle squad that has lost two straight to Nazareth 45-0 and Klondike 55-6. Loraine got past Klondike 60-40 in week three.
O’Donnell’s wins this season are over Grady 54-26 and Lubbock Titans 54-6.
This matchup will be Loraine’s fourth against 1A D1 teams in their seven game non-district slate.
The Bulldogs won 84-77 in their last game against O’Donnell in 2015. The Screamin’ Eagles won the first three matchups in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Loraine
AJ Williams: 13-22 209 yds, 4 TD, 1 int; 789 yds, 19 TD rushing; 43 tkl, 4 int
Davion Walthall: 614 yds, 8 TD rushing; 60 tkl, 8 sacks, 2 ff, 2 fr
Malaki Williams: 5 rec, 77 yds, 2 TD; 28 tkl, 4 int, 1 fr
Josiah Lujan: 52 tkl, 5 tfl, 2 sacks, 3 fr
Wrangler Little: 56 tkl, 8 tfl, 1 fr, 1 ff
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Loraine: #3 in 1A D2
O’Donnell: #35 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Loraine: #4 in 1A D2
O’Donnell: #43 in 1A D1
SPREADS
THE SPREAD DCTF: LORAINE BY 30
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: LORAINE BY 45
THE PICK: LORAINE
Photo: Ty & Tab Photography
#10 Rising Star (5-1) at Trent (5-1) - Thursday
Series: Rising Star leads 3-1
The Wildcats are in the state rankings for the first time in a long time and will be tested at 5-1 Trent Thursday night.
Rising Star has not been challenged the past three weeks, 45-ing Woodson, Lohn and Cranfills Gap to rocket up the state rankings.
Trent rolled past Olfen last week 68-20 and snuck past Paint Creek 53-48 the week before. The Wildcats will be their toughest challenger to date by far in the non-district.
Watch for plenty of passing in this one as both teams like going to the air.
These two could meet again in the first round of the playoffs if things turn out the right way.
This is the first meeting between the Gorillas and Wildcats since a 46-0 Rising Star win in 2017. Trent’s only series victory came in 2012.
STAT LEADERS
Rising Star
N/A
Trent
Hayden Payne: 51-95, 681 yds, 14 TD, 1 int; 312 yds, 3 TD rushing; 20 tkl, 2 int
Breyden Lewis: 610 yds, 10 TD rushing; 16 rec, 249 yds, 4 TD; 51 tkl, 6 tfl
Lance Swinney: 11 rec, 198 yds, 5 TD; 43 tkl, 9 tfl
Brian Crouch: 42 tkl, 2 INT; 47 tkl, 2 int
Braxton Cathey: 6 rec, 107 yds, 4 TD
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Rising Star: #20 in 1A D2
Trent: #63 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Rising Star: #8 in 1A D2
Trent: #44 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: RISING STAR BY 38
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RISING STAR BY 45
THE PICK: RISING STAR
Moran (0-6) at Northside (3-3)
Series: Northside leads 3-1
Moran wraps up their non-district slate still in search of its first win.
The Bulldogs head to Vernon to face the 3-3 Indians, who are coming off a 44-13 win over Forestburg.
Moran has been 45-d in all but one game this season and fell 52-0 to Rochelle last week.
The teams are playing for the first time since a 58-12 Northside win in 2012. Moran’s only victory over Northside was in 1997.
STAT LEADERS
Moran
Ellis Hise: 26-84, 232 yds, 2 TD, 4 int; 24 tkl
Connor Hail: 401 yds, 5 TD rushing; 26 tkl, 1 int
Caleb York: 12 rec, 87 yds; 20 tkl
Tyler Waddell: 4 rec, 74 yds, 2 TD
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Moran: #62 in 1A D2
Northside: #60 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Moran: #67 in 1A D2
Northside: #55 in in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: NORTHSIDE BY 31
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: NORTHSIDE BY 45
THE PICK: NORTHSIDE
Zephyr (5-1) at Gustine (0-6)
Series: Zephyr leads 15-7
The Bulldogs aim to extend their winning streak to six as they visit winless Gustine to open district action.
Zephyr has been on a roll since a 44-37 loss to Bronte in the season opener, earning mercy rule victories over Veribest, Waco Eagle Christian, Lohn, Olfen and Brookesmith. That’s not exactly a muderers’s row, however, as those five teams are just 4-22 on the season.
Gustine is coming off a 64-14 loss to Oglesby last week. A 66-44 loss to Eden is their only game to go the distance.
The series resumes for the first time since a 39-16 Zephyr victory in 2011. The teams played every season between 1992 and 2011, including a pair of playoff games that Gustine won in 2006 and 2007.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Zephyr: #40 in 1A D2
Gustine: #52 in 1A D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Zephyr: #22 in 1A D2
Gustine: #66 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: ZEPHYR BY 42
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ZEPHYR BY 45
THE PICK: ZEPHYR
Ranger (2-3) at Strawn (2-4)
Series: Strawn leads 5-4
Ranger will play at the defending 1A Division II state champs from Strawn Friday night.
The Bulldogs took down Gustine 62-16 in their last action, while Strawn dropped a 104-68 decision to Tyler HEAT last week.
The Greyhounds and Bulldogs are playing for the first time since a 13-0 Ranger win all the way back in 1937 when both teams played 11-man football.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Strawn: #23 in 1A D2
Ranger: #3 in Independent
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Strawn: #28 in 1A D2
Ranger: #65 in Six-Man Private Schools
SPREADS
DCTF: STRAWN BY 13
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: STRAWN BY 45
THE PICK: STRAWN
Photo: @Sykotyk
Amarillo San Jacinto (1-2, 0-1) at Abilene Christian (4-1, 2-0) - Saturday
The Panthers look to continue their strong start to district play as they face Amarillo San Jacinto Saturday.
ACS has eased to district wins over Midland Trinity 69-22 and Harvest Christian 50-0 and have a good shot at doing the same this week.
San Jacinto lost 63-16 to Fort Worth Covenant Classical in their last ballgame.
Abilene Christian beat San Jacinto 62-14 last season and 58-28 the year before that.
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
San Jacinto: #18 in 1A TAPPS D2
Abilene Christian: #5 in 1A TAPPS D2
DCTF Computer Rankings:
San Jacinto: #72 in Six-Man Private Schools
Abilene Christian: #12 in Six-Man Private Schools
SPREADS
DCTF: ABILENE CHRISTIAN BY 45
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ABILENE CHRISTIAN BY 45
THE PICK: ABILENE CHRISTIAN
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
ACU (4-1, 1-0) at #22 Stephen F. Austin (2-3, 0-1)
Series: SFA leads 12-10
The Wildcats take their hot start to the season on the road for the first of two games against Stephen F. Austin this year.
After the WAC schedule was shuffled this summer the teams decided to play a non-conference game, this one, as well as a WAC game in Abilene on November 19.
SFA had playoff aspirations this season but is off to a disappointing 2-3 start that includes a 17-16 loss to rival Sam Houston State last week. The Lumberjacks have also lost to Jacksonville State 42-17 and Louisiana Tech 31-27 to go along with a 31-27 win over Alcorn State and a 98-0, yes, you read that right, win over Warner University, an NAIA school from Florida.
ACU picked up a conference win at Utah Tech 26-10 last Saturday.
The Jacks beat the Cats 41-27 last season in Nacogdoches and in 2020 in overtime in Arlington. ACU’s last series win was 31-24 in two overtimes in 2019.
STAT LEADERS
ACU
Maverick McIvor: 68-120, 825 yds, 5 TD, 4 int
Ethan Long: 30-57, 343 yds, 2 TD
Jermiah Dobbins: 393 yds, 3 TD rushing
Rovaughn Banks: 296 yds, 2 TD rushing
Kobe Clark: 22 rec, 265 yds, 2 TD
Tyrin Bradley: 25 tkl, 5 tfl
Reese Young: 19 tkl, 2 sacks
Stephen F. Austin
Trae Self: 70-129, 950 yds, 10 TD, 2 INT
Jerrell Wimbley: 211 yds, 1 TD rushing
Xavier Gipson: 20 rec, 294 yds, 3 TD
Myles Heard: 42 tkl, 1 int
THE PICK: STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
Photo: Scott Burkhalter
Sul Ross State (2-3, 2-1) at #10 Hardin-Simmons (3-1, 1-1) - Saturday, 1 p.m.
Series: Hardin-Simmons leads 39-3
The Cowboys stay in Abilene for a third straight week as they host Sul Ross State.
HSU dropped its ASC opener to Mary Hardin-Baylor but bounced back to defeat McMurry 45-13 to get to 1-1 in conference play.
Sul Ross is averaging over 400 yards per game and scoring nearly 30 per contest, but also giving up a lot in both categories. Opponents average 446.2 yards and 34.8 points per game against the Lobo defense, which should be good news for a Cowboy offense that is third in the league in scoring (46.3 ppg) and total offense (439.5 yds/gm).
Hardin-Simmons has won eight straight and 25 of the last 26 overall in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Sul Ross State
T.J. DeShields: 92-148, 1168 yds, 12 TD, 0 int; 6 yds, 2 TD rushing
Trent Graves: 32-63, 368 yds, 1 TD, 1 int
Travell Lumpkin: 253 yds, 2 TD rushing
Vicente Luevano: 22 rec, 479 yds, 9 TD
Ronin Williams: 56 tkl, 7.5 tfl, 2 ff
Hardin-Simmons
Gaylon Glynn: 58-95, 935 yds, 12 TD, 2 int
Noah Garcia: 169 yds, 3 TD
Kevi Evans: 17 rec, 372 yds, 5 TD
Gatlin Martin: 16 rec, 205 yds, 3 TD
Terrell Franklin: 25 tkl, 4 tfl
Matt Mitchell: 25 tkl, 3.5 tfl
Jamel LaFond: 22 tkl, 1 ff, 3 pbu
THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS
Photo: HPU Sports Information
McMurry (0-5, 0-3) at Howard Payne (4-1, 3-0) - Saturday, 1 p.m.
Series: Howard Payne leads 49-29-2
The War Hawks hit the road to ASC co-leading Howard Payne Saturday afternoon.
HPU won a 56-42 shootout in Alpine over Sul Ross last weekend while the War Hawks fell at home to rival Hardin-Simmons to drop to 0-5.
McMurry played its third and fourth different quarterback this past week as Dexter Wyble and Luke Bradshaw saw time under center. Richie Luna and Andrew McBride have also seen action this year. While the Howard Payne offense has been fantastic, this week could be a chance for the War Hawk offense to improve against a Yellow Jacket defense that gives up 32 points and nearly 425 yards per game.
Offensively, Howard Payne continues to be the class of the conference racking up a league leading 50.8 points and 603.8 yards per game. The scoring is ninth in all of Division III and yardage still leads the nation by nearly 15 yards over #1 ranked North Central.
Howard Payne has won the last four in the series, including a close 42-36 decision last season. McMurry’s last win came in 2017.
STAT LEADERS
McMurry
Andrew McBride: 54-121, 755 yds, 4 TD, 4 INT
Rajan Cunningham: 217 yds, 1 TD rushing
Kristopher Martin: 18 rec, 283 yds, 1 TD
Zachary Wood: 6 rec, 132 yds
Devin Nixon: 42 tkl, 1 ff
James White: 26 tkl
Howard Payne
Landon McKinney: 96-157, 1763 yds, 16 TD, 4 int; 117 yds, 2 TD rushing
Tauren Bradley: 288 yds, 2 TD rushing
Javian Myles: 324 yds, 5 TD rushing
Billy Reagins: 305 yds, 5 TD rushing
Otis Lanier: 26 rec, 475 yds, 6 TD
Jordan Carroll: 18 rec, 457 yds, 5 TD
Kyle Bell: 33 tkl, 4 pbu
Jarrett Brown: 30 tkl, 1 int
THE PICK: HOWARD PAYNE
Cisco College (2-3, 0-3) at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (2-3, 0-3)
The Wranglers hope to stay out of the conference basement as they travel north to take on NEO in a battle of the only two winless teams in the league.
Cisco has lost two in a row, including a 34-0 shut out loss at Kilgore last week, while the Norsemen are riding a three-game skid. The last loss was by the odd score of 5-0 at home against Tyler.
Neither team has been able to get their offense going in SWJCFC play. NEO has only scored seven points and Cisco has been limited to 26.
NEO does have the stronger defense so far, however, giving up just 16.8 points per game compared to the Wranglers 22.8.
STAT LEADERS
Cisco
Christian Kaopua: 8-26, 212 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 140 yds rushing
Jadarrius Thomas: 210 yds, 2 TD rushing
Brenden Shipp: 5 rec, 56 yds, 1 TD; 102 yds, 1 TD rushing
Bobby Crosby: 67 tkl, 11 pbu
Isaish Pedack: 46 tkl, 8 tfl, 1 sack
NEO A&M
Bryce Bodkin: 6-8, 90 yds, 1 TD
Gavin Kuld: 5-21, 54 yds, 3 int
Trevon Woolforlk: 197 yds, 2 TD
Hayden Hack: 4 rec, 61 yds, 1 TD
Cedric McLendon: 23 tkl, 2 tfl
