Blitz Picks - Week 11
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%
WEEK 7 PICKS: 35-40, 87.5%
WEEK 8 PICKS: 33-38, 86.8%
WEEK 9 PICKS: 32-38, 84.2%
WEEK 10 PICKS: 37-42, 88.1%
SEASON: 341-412, 82.7 %
The final week of the regular season is upon us.
For some it means tuning up for the playoffs.
Others are in a must-win to make the playoffs.
Some have to sit through a bye to see how things shake out.
Still others will be playing their final game of the season, and some seniors will play the final game of their football career.
Here’s hoping your squad can get the job done and move on to the postseason.
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Contact: cody@bigcountryblitz.com
Cooper (5-4, 3-1) at Wylie (6-3, 4-0)
Series: Cooper leads 3-0
It’s the biggest Southtown Showdown to date: Cooper making the short drive to Wylie with the district championship on the line. Sure, Wichita Falls Rider is in the mix, but for the Bulldogs a win gets them the district title and #1 seed for the playoffs — something nobody predicted when they hit the field for practice in August.
Cooper lost its district opener to Rider but has cruised since against overmatched competition to get to 3-1.
Wylie got a scare at Palo Duro last week but held on 27-24 to give themselves a shot at the crown.
Comparative scoring tells you Wylie is better because they beat Rider and Cooper didn’t, but Cooper blew out Palo Duro and Wylie had to score in the minutes to win. The circumstances were different, of course, and that’s what makes this one a tough game to pick.
The Wylie offense has been great all season, but is coming off its lowest scoring output in a game in 2022. Cooper is averaging nearly 50 points per game and giving up just seven per game over the past few weeks and will bring tons of momentum with them to Hugh Sandifer Stadium.
This is the first meeting between the two as members of the same district. Cooper won 30-24 last season, 30-0 in 2019 and 48-0 in 2018.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
If Wylie wins they get the #1 seed in the playoffs and Cooper would be #3 and play in El Paso (either Andress or Chapin) in the bi-district round.
Whatever team ends up #1 will host El Paso High in the first round.
If Cooper wins and Wichita Falls Rider were to be upset by Lubbock, not likely, I know, then the Cougars would be the #1 seed in the playoffs.
If Cooper and Rider win the seeding would come down to points.
If Wylie wins and Rider wins the Cougars will be the #3 seed for the playoffs and play in El Paso (either Andress or Chapin) in the bi-district round.
STAT LEADERS
Cooper
Chris Warren: 151-252, 1859 yds, 17 TD, 10 int; 88 yds, 2 TD rushing
Daniel Bray: 419 yds, 6 TD rushing
Cam Herron: 45 rec, 545 yds, 6 TD
D’Andre Ralston: 41 rec, 801 yds, 6 TD; 133 yds, 6 TD rushing
Malik Jackson: 22 rec, 321 yds, 3 TD
Wylie
K.J. Long: 134-179, 2286 yds, 24 TD, 5 int; 506 yds, 3 TD rushing
Landry Carlton: 796 yds, 6 TD rushing; 9 rec, 83 yds, 1 TD
Malachi Daniels: 258 yds, 4 TD rushing; 5 rec, 87 yds, 1 TD
Braden Regala: 58 rec, 973 yds, 8 TD; 109 yds, 3 TD rushing
Harrison Heighten: 27 rec, 570 yds, 8 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings
Cooper: #20 in 5A D2
Wylie: #25 in 5A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: PICK ‘EM
THE PICK: WYLIE
Sweetwater (1-8, 0-3) at Snyder (3-6, 1-2)
Series: Sweetwater leads 45-28-1
These two rivals have not had the greatest of seasons, but the winner of this one lives to play another week and the loser gets ready for basketball.
Sweetwater has yet to win a game and brings a six-game losing streak into the contest, while Snyder is coming off a bye but fell to Hirschi 56-14 the week before.
The Mustangs look for a fourth straight trip to the playoffs, while Snyder hopes to make it two straight and seven out of eight.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
The Snyder/Sweetwater winner will play the winner of the Ferris (4-5, 4-0) vs. Glen Rose (8-1, 4-0) District 4 championship game this week in the bi-district round of the playoffs.
STAT LEADERS
Sweetwater
Tate Thompson: 38-76, 398 yds, 1 TD, 9 int; 131 yds, 1 TD rushing
Jamarian Amos: 338 yds, 1 TD rushing; 13 rec, 107 yds, 1 TD
Jadyn Forbes: 26 rec, 323 yds, 4 TD
Korda Moore: 82 tkl, 20 tfl
Roman Camacho: 76 tkl, 7 tfl
Noel Mekogue: 72 tkl, 9 tfl
Snyder
Easton Stewart: 111-163, 1186 yds, 13 TD, 2 int; 92 yds, 1 TD rushing
Dom Dominguez: 305 yds, 1 TD rushing; 19 rec, 261 yds, 4 TD
Dyllan Angeley: 21 rec, 217 yds, 5 TD; 53 tkl, 3 int
Jay Castillo: 21 rec, 335 yds, 3 TD
Chon Vasquez: 55 tkl, 4 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings
Sweetwater: #66 in 4A D2
Snyder: #46 in 4A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: SNYDER BY 14
THE PICK: SNYDER
Photo: Rachel Laughlin
Clyde (4-5, 0-4) at Breckenridge (7-2, 2-2)
Series: Breckenridge leads 21-8
The Bulldogs hope to close out their season with a bang and finish .500 as they visit Breckenridge Friday night.
The Buckaroos are in the playoffs and hoping for the better seeding that will come with a win.
Clyde was 4-1 entering district play but has battled injuries and dropped four in a row.
Breckenridge was in the 3A D2 top ten for a few weeks before a pair of seven point losses to Vernon and Jim Ned put them in survival mode. They bounced back against Bowie last week, shutting out the Jackrabbits to secure a spot in the postseason for the second year in a row.
The teams have alternated wins in the last six games in the series. The Buckaroos won last year 44-29.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Breckenridge could still end up anywhere from #2 to #4.
They currently sit in the #4 spot, but could get as high as #2 with a win, an Iowa Park loss to Jim Ned and a Vernon loss to Bowie.
If the Bucks win, Vernon wins and Iowa Park loses there would be a three-way tie for #2.
If they lose they will be #4.
The Buckaroos would love to avoid the #4 seed and a first round matchup with Brock. #2 and #3 will matchup against either Paradise or Whitesboro (who is also very good).
Clyde has been eliminated from playoff contention.
STAT LEADERS
Clyde
Blake Carr: 98-151, 1460 yds, 15 TD, 8 int; 509 yds, 7 TD
Tucker Jones: 44-82, 603 yds, 5 TD, 6 int
Fabian Gomez: 405 yds, 2 TD rushing
Josh Hutton: 298 yds rushing; 4 rec, 46 yds, 1 TD
Garis Gray: 21 rec, 518 yds, 3 TD
Daijon Booker: 26 rec, 360 yds, 6 TD
Connor Hawk: 33 rec, 421 yds, 3 TD
Breckenridge
Chase Lehr: 79-118, 1146 yds, 14 TD, 8 int; 239 yds, 5 TD rushing
Jerry Lawson: 562 yds, 7 TD rushing
Anson Rodgers: 627 yds, 12 TD rushing; 19 rec, 244 yds, 5 TD
Adrian Ruiz: 19 rec, 258 yds, 4 TD
Zeke Castillo: 81 tkl, 3 tfl
Caiden Marin: 72 tkl, 9 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings
Clyde: #74 in 3A D1
Breckenridge: #30 in 3A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: BRECKENRIDGE BY 28
THE PICK: BRECKENRIDGE
Photo: Prelude Production
Jim Ned (6-3, 4-0) at Iowa Park (4-5, 3-1) - Thursday
Series: First meeting
The Indians aim for the outright 3-3A D1 title as they head north for their first ever football meeting with Iowa Park.
The Hawks, like Jim Ned, have turned things around this season. They started the season 1-5 but have won three straight to put themselves in the playoffs and in the mix for the #1 seed in the playoffs.
Jim Ned has reeled off six straight wins after losing their first three games of the season, thanks to a defense that is improving weekly and a hard to stop rushing attack that is averaging 304.3 yards per game in district play.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
The Indians will be the #1 seed if they win at Iowa Park Friday and the #2 seed if they lose. The top seed will likely face Boyd (5-4, 2-3) in the bi-district round, while #2 will probably face Paradise (8-2, 4-2).
STAT LEADERS
Jim Ned
Troy Doran: 38-75, 486 yds, 9 TD, 4 int; 681 yds, 10 TD rushing; 10 rec, 111 yds, 1 TD; 32 tkl, 3 int
Brayden Shipman: 879 yds, 7 TD rushing
Gray Beasley: 368 yds, 1 TD rushing; 2 int
Carter Wood: 9 rec, 115 yds, 3 TD
Trey Hicks: 76 tkl, 5 tfl
Davis Soben: 57 tkl
Tanner Hussman: 62 tkl, 7 tfl
Carter Lange: 28 tkl, 7 sacks
Iowa Park
N/A
DCTF Computer Rankings
Jim Ned: #33 in 3A D1
Iowa Park: #46 in 3A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: JIM NED BY 4
THE PICK: JIM NED
Photo: Chad McDuffee
Grape Creek (0-9, 0-4) at Ballinger (0-9, 0-4)
Series: Ballinger leads 9-3
One of the “O’s” has got to go this week as the improving Bearcats play host to winless Grape Creek.
Ballinger has shown some life over the past two weeks, giving Brady fits and nearly knocking off TLCA San Angelo.
Grape Creek has had a tough season. They’ve only scored 51 points the entire year, but almost knocked off Brady last week in a 22-19 defeat. Those 19 points were their first points in district after starting with shutout losses to Wall 68-0, TLCA 28-0 and Early 69-0.
The Eagles beat the Bearcats 20-13 last year on their way to claiming a share of the district title
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Both teams are out of playoff contention. The Bearcats will see a seven year playoff streak come to an end.
DCTF Computer Rankings
Grape Creek: #97 in 3A D2
Ballinger: #85 in 3A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: BALLINGER BY 19
THE PICK: BALLINGER
Photo: Mike Jones
TLCA San Angelo (4-5, 2-2) at Early (5-4, 3-1)
Series: Early leads 2-0
Early could not get their usually high powered offense rolling in a 10-7 loss to Wall last week, but chances are they will have it going full steam as they host TLCA San Angelo this week.
The Longhorns missed on a shot at their first district championship since 2007 but are still a lock for making the playoffs for a third straight season, which is their best run since making it four years in a row from 2005 to 2008.
Early beat up on the Eagles last season 72-0 and 52-6 the year before.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Early is in the playoffs and will clinch the #2 seed with a win.
If they win and Brady upsets Wall there would be a three-way tie for the district title and top seed in the playoffs.
If the Longhorns lose and Brady beats Wall there could be a three-way tie for second place between TLCA, Brady and Early.
The #2 seed will play Odessa Compass (3-6) in the bi-district round. The #1 seed gets a bi-district bye as Tornillo has decided to call it quits this season. The #3 seed will face the loser of the Alpine/Crane game on Friday.
STAT LEADERS
Early
Jaxyn Price: 152-279, 2093 yds, 22 TD, 6 int; 77 yds, 2 TD rushing
Griffin Cheslock: 902 yds, 8 TD rushing; 30 tkl
Kaleb Ozuna: 410 yds, 5 TD rushing; 98 tkl, 7 tfl
Jeremy Brown: 47 rec, 784 yds, 11 TD; 35 tkl, 3 int; kickoff return for TD
John-Stewart Gordon: 27 rec, 328 yds, 1 TD
Caleb McCullough: 89 tkl, 21 tfl, 8 sacks; 11 rec, 257 yds, 4 TD
Colton Allen: 40 tkl, 5 int
TLCA San Angelo
N/A
DCTF Computer Rankings
TLCA San Angelo: #88 in 3A D2
Early: #23 in 3A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: EARLY BY 41
THE PICK: EARLY
Merkel (3-6, 2-2) at Millsap (6-3, 2-2) - Thursday
Series: Millsap leads 2-0
The Badgers look to snap a two-game skid as they wrap up the third of their stretch against tough competition in District 5-3A D2.
Merkel has lost back-to-back games at home against Jacksboro and Comanche and now gets set to face Millsap. The Bulldogs, like Merkel, have lost to Comanche and Jacksboro by big margins and beaten Dublin and Eastland.
Millsap beat Merkel 25-21 last season and 45-27 in 2020 in their only two previous meetings.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Merkel will be the #3 seed if they beat Millsap and the #4 seed if they lose. The Badgers bi-district opponent will either be #2 Holliday or Callisburg. Those two play Thursday night as well.
STAT LEADERS
Merkel
Joey Zink: 59-106, 925 yds, 9 TD, 2 int; 536 yds, 2 TD rushing
Elijah Olivarez: 158 yds, 4 TD rushing; 15 rec, 235 yds, 4 TD; 128 tkl, 18 tfl
Connor Willyerd: 421 yds, 3 TD rushing
Maddox O’Malley: 14 rec, 291 yds, 3 TD
Jose Flores: 63 tkl
Jack Travis: 62 tkl, 6 tfl, 3 sacks
Millsap
CR Tippie: 66-120, 898 yds, 10 TD, 8 int
Ryder Douglas-Oliver: 1340 yds, 14 TD rushing
Carter Nairn: 25 rec, 383 yds, 4 TD
Morgan Birdwell: 47 tkl, 4 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings
Merkel: #71 in 3A D2
Millsap: #46 in 3A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: MILLSAP BY 14
THE PICK: MILLSAP
Photo: Breckenridge Texan
Eastland (1-8, 1-3) at Comanche (8-1, 4-0)
Series: Eastland leads 30-26
The Mavericks picked up their first win last week over Dublin to avoid a winless season, now they wrap up 2022 with another difficult contest against district leading Comanche.
Eastland is no stranger to playing tough teams as they took on Wall, Hawley, Breckenridge and Jim Ned (all playoff teams) in the non-district.
The Indians are one a five-game winning streak and their only loss of the season was a 45-14 defeat by Tolar, who is unbeaten and ranked #7 in 2A Division I.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Eastland is out of the playoff race and will miss the postseason for the first time since 2008.
Comanche is the #1 seed from the district whether they win or lose. They will play the winner of the Henrietta/Valley View game in the bi-district playoffs.
STAT LEADERS
Eastland
Isaiah Hays: 117-203, 1453 yds, 14 TD, 10 int
Cason Browning: 282 yds, 1 TD rushing; 26 tkl
Jay Oznick: 32 rec, 589 yds, 8 TD; 239 yds, 2 TD rushing
Brayden Foust: 59 tkl, 4.5 tfl
Comanche
Layden Welch: 59-109, 1167 yds, 13 TD, 6 int; 332 yds, 8 TD rushing
Sawyer Wilkerson: 1919 yds, 23 TD rushing; 7 rec, 152 yds, 1 TD
Miguel Martinez: 32 rec, 640 yds, 8 TD; 31 tkl, 6 int
Israel Medrano: 85 tkl, 6 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings
Eastland: #73 in 3A D2
Comanche: #8 in 3A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: COMANCHE BY 42
THE PICK: COMANCHE
#8 Cisco (8-1, 5-0) at #2 Hawley (9-0, 5-0)
Series: Cisco leads 8-3
One of the most highly anticipated games on the schedule is finally here, a top-ten Cisco vs. Hawley throwdown to decide the District 4-2A D1 championship.
The Bearcats squeaked past the Loboes in the quarterfinals a year ago Shotwell Stadium 17-14 and fans have been counting down for the rematch ever since these two powerhouses were put in the same district.
Cisco has won its five district games by 236 to 41, while Hawley has done it 242 to 20.
The Bearcats closest district game was a 34-7 win over Olney, while the Loboes best test was a 34-15 decision over the Cubs.
These are the top two scoring teams in the Big Country, with Hawley putting up 40.9 points per game and Cisco right behind them at 40.3. The Loboes are averaging 295.4 yards per game rushing and just under 100 per game passing, while Hawley is more balanced, rushing for 175.7 yards per game and putting up 200.7 per game through the air.
The Loboes rely on the ground game and improved passing game from Hunter Long and the running of Trent Huston, the Bearcats have four legit downfield receiving threat for Rodey Hooper to throw to in Will Scott, Chandlin Myers, Kason O’Shields and Diontay Ramon — not to mention the powerful running of Austin Cumpton.
I attended a Hamlin/Hawley week two game a couple years ago where attendance was pretty much maxed out, so I can’t imagine how full the stands and area surrounding Forrest Field will be this week.
Other than the playoff game last season, the Bearcats and Loboes have not played since 2013, a 64-12 Cisco win.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
The district winner will face Christoval, Reagan County or Sonora in the first round of the playoffs, while the #2 seed will get Forsan, Reagan County or Sonora.
STAT LEADERS
Hawley
Rodey Hooper: 97-143, 1738 yds, 18 TD, 3 int; 65 yds, 1 TD rushing
Austin Cumpton: 1229 yds, 24 TD rushing; 64 tkl, 12 tfl
Will Scott: 28 rec, 477 yds, 5 TD; 68 tkl, 10 tfl, 3 int
Kason O’Shields: 29 rec, 495 yds, 7 TD; 58 tkl, 1 int
Chandlin Myers: 20 rec, 346 yds, 4 TD; 33 tkl, 1 int
Diontay Ramon: 22 rec, 422 yds, 4 TD; 32 tkl, 14 tfl, 5.5 sacks
Hez Parker: 77 tkl, 13 tfl, 2 int
Cisco
Hunter Long: 50-81, 883 yds, 11 TD, 2 int; 1358 yds, 21 TD rushing
Trent Huston: 704 yds, 11 TD rushing; 5 rec, 64 yds, 1 TD
Cade Gayle: 20 rec, 449 yds, 6 TD; 1 punt return TD
DCTF Computer Rankings
Cisco: #11 in 2A D1
Hawley: #4 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 13
THE PICK: HAWLEY
Stamford (7-2, 3-2) at Colorado City (1-8, 1-4)
Series: Stamford leads 21-16-1
The Bulldogs head west to wrap up the regular season and hope to gain some momentum after last weeks shut out loss to Hawley.
Colorado City got in the win column two weeks ago but gave up 471 yards rushing and fell 56-0 at Olney last week to fall to 1-8.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Stamford is in the playoffs and locked into the #3 seed. They’ll face Forsan, Reagan County, Christoval or Sonora from the yet to be decided District 3-2A D1.
Colorado City is no longer in the playoff discussion.
STAT LEADERS
Stamford
Christian Duran: 72-120, 1218 yds, 13 TD, 4 int; 437 yds, 7 TD rushing
Hayden Henager: 755 yds, 4 TD rushing; 22 rec, 381 yds, 4 TD
Kaston Vega: 545 yds, 5 TD rushing; 90 tkl, 10 tfl
Quinton Pryor: 20 rec, 353 yds, 3 TD
Cruz Cantu: 68 tkl, 11 tfl
Colorado City
Jordan Garza: 27-69, 289 yds, 2 TD, 2 int; 244 yds, 3 TD rushing; 41 tkl
Mayson Monroe: 19-42, 397 yds, 2 TD, 6 int; 142 yds, 2 TD rushing; 7 rec, 71 yds, 1 TD
Aedan Briseno: 774 yds, 3 TD rushing; 12 tkl
Jordan Raschke: 17 rec, 323 yds, 1 TD; 34 tkl, 4 tfl, 2 int
Nicholas Santana: 68 tkl, 1 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings
Stamford: #20 in 2A D1
Colorado City #85 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: STAMFORD BY 37
THE PICK: STAMFORD
Photo: Gary Stennett
Olney (6-3, 2-3) at Winters (1-8, 0-5)
Series: Winters leads 1-0
The Blizzards look for a win on senior night after a week ten bye, but it will be tough against the amazing rushing attack of Olney.
The Cubs nearly went for 500 yards against Colorado City last week, and that’s a team that beat Winters by 30 two weeks ago.
Winters has lost seven in a row after a week two overtime win at Eldorado.
This will be the first meeting between the two schools since a 34-7 Winters playoff win in 1962.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Winters is eliminated from playoff contention.
Olney is locked in as the #4 seed from the district and will likely face Forsan in the bi-district playoffs. Sonora and Reagan County are also possible opponents depending on how things go this week.
STAT LEADERS
Olney
Gatlin Guy: 12-30, 168 yds, 1 TD, 4 int; 962 yds, 12 TD rushing; 41 tkl, 1 int
Jovani Rockmore: 1365 yds, 14 TD rushing
Luis Castillo: 5 rec, 103 yds; 58 tkl, 7 tfl, 4 sacks
AB Marquez: 72 tkl, 4 tfl
Winters
Chris Martinez: 64-129, 735 yds, 7 TD, 11 int
Alejandro Garcia: 479 yds, 4 TD rushing
Aidan Bryant: 18 rec, 196 yds, 2 TD
Aidan Leamon: 11 rec, 165 yds, 2 TD
Elijah Kelly: 9 rec, 147 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings
Olney: #25 in 2A D1
Winters: #98 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: OLNEY BY 43
THE PICK: OLNEY
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
#10 Coleman (7-2, 4-1) at Bangs (6-3, 4-1) - Thursday
Series: Coleman leads 21-17
The second seed out of 5-2A D1 is on the line this week as Coleman makes the short drive to Bangs on Thursday.
Tolar has been the only thorn in either teams side in district, as the Dragons lost 59-0 two weeks ago while Coleman came up just short 16-6.
Bangs won at Hamilton 34-27 last week to give themselves a shot at second place, while the Bluecats handled De Leon 50-0.
Coleman will have to key on running back Guy Powell, who has been a force all season, while the Dragons have a handful of folks to try to stop led by Jadin Jackson, Ryland Gentry and Braxton Smith on offense.
This is the first game between the close communities since they were in the same district from 2016 to 2019. The Dragons won the last meeting 44-21.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
The winner gets the #2 seed in the playoffs and the loser gets the #3 seed. Alvord, Nocona and Whitewright are the possible playoff matchups.
STAT LEADERS
Coleman
Jadin Jackson: 62-107, 874 yds, 14 TD, 4 int; 592 yds, 8 TD rushing
Ryland Gentry: 817 yds, 14 TD rushing; 4 rec, 49 yds
Brent Bouldin: 208 yds, 3 TD rushing; 1 rec, 18 yds
Braxton Smith: 28 rec, 548 yds, 7 TD
Bangs
Kenny Cole: 59-133, 853 yds, 5 TD, 6 int; 332 yds, 4 TD rushing
Guy Powell: 1616 yds, 17 TD; 7 rec, 116 yds, 3 TD; 86 tkl
Guy Funk: 12 rec, 200 yds, 3 TD
Skylar Minshew: 12 rec, 125 yds, 1 TD
Nate Stoffer: 9 rec, 134 yds, 1 TD; 81 tkl, 3 int
Keygan Pitts: 84 tkl, 3 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings
Coleman: #9 in 2A D1
Bangs: #37 in 2A D1
THE DCTF SPREAD: COLEMAN BY 26
THE PICK: COLEMAN
Photo: Julia Vega/Albany Lions Photos
TLCA Abilene (0-9, 0-4) at #7 Albany (7-2, 4-0) - Thursday
Series: First meeting
The Eagles have a tall task if they want to avoid a winless record in their first season of 11-man football as they visit #7 Albany.
The Lions have already wrapped up the district championship and the number one seed in the district with four dominating wins by an average of 47.8 points per game.
TLCA has been outscored 275-12 in district action.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Albany is the district champion and the #1 seed. They will face Eldorado or Sterling City in the first round.
TLCA Abilene is out of playoff contention.
STAT LEADERS
TLCA Abilene
N/A
Albany
Cole Chapman: 42-74, 478 yds, 6 TD, 0 int; 117 yds rushing
London Fuentes: 25-40, 420 yds, 6 TD, 3 int; 199 yds, 2 TD rushing; 18 rec, 270 yds, 3 TD; 25 tkl, 2 int
Adam Hill: 1060 yds, 16 TD rushing; 11 rec, 227 yds, 5 TD; 67 tkl, 14 tfl, 4.5 sacks
Coy Lefevre: 780 yds, 12 TD rushing; 8 rec, 135 yds, 2 TD; 26 tkl
Cason Fairchild: 20 rec, 218 yds, 1 TD; 33 tkl, 2 int
Coy Cauble: 79 tkl, 1 sack
Tye Edgar: 56 tkl, 5 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings
TLCA Abilene: #100 in 2A D2
Albany: #2 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: ALBANY BY 97
THE PICK: ALBANY
Photo: Cross Plains School Yearbook
Miles (7-2, 3-1) at Cross Plains (7-2, 2-2)
Series: Cross Plains leads 10-9
This is a key one in the District 6-2A D2 race.
Miles comes in red hot with three straight wins by a combined 186-26 over Hamlin, TLCA Abilene and Roscoe and has the #2 seed in the playoffs at the moment.
Cross Plains has battled back to .500 in district with wins over Hamlin and TLCA Abilene after falling to Roscoe and Albany in the first two weeks of district play.
Miles has a powerful offense led by quarterback Hayven Book who has thrown 32 touchdown passes and just four interceptions this year. The Buffs defense has been solid all season, other than giving up 56 to powerful Albany, and will be tested in a big way by the Bulldogs.
The Buffaloes have won the last five games in the series, with the last Bulldog win coming in 2011.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Cross Plains can set up a three-way tie for second place behind Albany with Miles and Roscoe with a win and a Roscoe win over Hamlin.
The Buffaloes could end up in a three-way tie for third place if they lose and Hamlin beats Roscoe.
If Cross Plains loses and Roscoe beats Hamlin the Buffs will be the #4 seed.
Miles wraps up the #2 seed with a win.
McCamey, Eldorado or Sterling City would be the first round opponent in the bi-district round.
STAT LEADERS
Miles
Hayven Book: 122-192, 1903 yds, 32 TD, 4 int; 337 yds, 9 TD rushing
Devin Medina: 326 yds, 6 TD rushing
Carson Ellison: 37 rec, 547 yds, 10 TD; 33 tkl, 5 int
Jaxon Petillo: 67 tkl, 5 tfl
Cross Plains
Kade Purvis: 88-144, 1042 yds, 11 TD, 7 int
Noah Moses: 823 yds, 11 TD
Ryan Reed: 30 rec, 517 yds, 8 TD
Dusty Wyatt: 27 rec, 243 yds, 1 TD; 261 yds, 7 TD rushing
DCTF Computer Rankings
Miles: #23 in 2A D2
Cross Plains: #37 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: MILES BY 9
THE PICK: MILES
Hamlin (5-4, 1-3) at Roscoe (5-4, 2-2)
Series: Hamlin leads 22-15-1
The Pipers playoff hopes hinge on this road trip to Roscoe, but a lot of things are still undecided in the district entering the final night of play.
Hamlin has lost back-to-back district games to Cross Plains and Albany to fall out of the top four, while Roscoe has lost two in a row to Albany and Miles to put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
Both teams have been battling injuries in a big way and been having to use younger players at key positions over the past few weeks.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Hamlin can earn a trip to the playoffs if they win and Cross Plains beats Miles.
A Plowboys loss and a Cross Plains loss would put the Pipers, Buffs and Roscoe in a three-way tied for the last two playoff spots.
Roscoe earns a playoff bid with a win as well and would be the #3 seed if Miles beats Cross Plains.
They’d be out of the playoffs with a loss and a Cross Plains win.
STAT LEADERS
Hamlin
Swenson Benavides: 42-83, 686 yds, 5 TD, 2 int; 551 yds, 5 TD rushing
Ian Gruben: 14-32, 259 yds, 4 TD, 2 int; 14 yds, 1 TD rushing
Colten Spalding: 546 yds, 6 TD rushing
Zayiman Montoya: 11 rec, 183 yds, 3 TD
Isaiac Stephens: 13 rec, 234 yds, 2 TD
Roscoe
Jax Watts: 85-139, 1228 yds, 13 TD, 6 int; 161 yds, 2 TD rushing
Gaven Martinez: 317 yds, 1 TD rushing
Seth Wilcox: 34 rec, 682 yds, 8 TD
Parker Gleaton: 20 rec, 255 yds, 4 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings
Hamlin: #56 in 2A D2
Roscoe: #47 in 2A D2
THE DCTF SPREAD: ROSCOE BY 8
THE PICK: ROSCOE
Ira (7-2, 3-1) at Hermleigh (7-2, 3-1)
Series: Ira leads 27-20
These two met a year ago in the last game of the season with playoff berths sewn up and the district championship on the line. This time around it’s win or go home as they meet for the #2 spot in the playoffs behind Westbrook.
Ira is coming off a 58-12 loss to the Wildcats while Hermleigh picked up a come from behind 58-50 win at Highland to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Cardinals fell to Westbrook 62-14 the week before.
The Bulldogs and Cardinals are meeting in a district game for the 13th straight season, and Ira has won nine of the previous 12. Hermleigh got the best of them last season, however, to claim the district title.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
The winner gets the #2 seed in the playoffs. The opponent would the winner of the #7 Garden City vs. #5 Rankin game. Those teams play this week at Rankin..
STAT LEADERS
Hermleigh
N/A
Ira
Bryton Partain: 25-48, 544 yds, 10 TD, 5 int; 918 yds, 19 TD rushing; 46 tkl, 1 int
Demitri Juarez: 186 yds, 7 TD rushing; 46 tkl, 1 int
Kaden Foree: 14 rec, 292 yds, 5 TD
Jaren Pena: 431 yds, 13 TD rushing; 48 tkl, 1 int
Zane Allen: 21 rec, 434 yds, 11 TD; 49 tkl, 2 int
DCTF Computer Rankings
Ira: #17 in 1A D1
Hermleigh: #29 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Ira: #18 in 1A D1
Hermleigh: #28 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: IRA BY 9
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: IRA BY 26
THE PICK: IRA
Highland (2-7, 1-3) at Roby (1-8, 1-3)
Series: Series tied 1-1
Both teams hope to end 2022 on a high note as they close things out in Roby this week.
The Hornets gave up a big lead to fall to Hermleigh 58-50 last week while Roby earned Fisher County bragging rights with a 59-34 victory over rival Rotan.
The Lions finally broke into the win column after several frustrating losses this season and look to keep momentum rolling against a Highland team that has also had its share of close defeats—including a 47-40 loss at Borden County and a 54-44 loss to Ira before the Hermleigh defeat.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Both teams are out of playoff contention
STAT LEADERS
Highland
Bubba Byrne: 32-73, 485 yds, 6 TD, 3 int; 53 yds, 1 TD rushing; 53 tkl, 1 int
Cooper Bowen: 1127 yds, 18 TD rushing; 15 rec, 279 yds, 6 TD; 74 tkl
Tylan Balthrop: 15 rec, 251 yds, 2 TD; 475 yds, 12 TD rushing; 44 tkl
Braxton Smith: 25-49, 470 yds, 7 TD, 2 int; 102 yds rushing; 16 tkl, 1 int
Roby
N/A
DCTF Computer Rankings
Highland: #37 in 1A D1
Roby: #50 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Highland: #33 in 1A D1
Roby: #60 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: HIGHLAND BY 10
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: HIGHLAND BY 45
THE PICK: HIGHLAND
Rotan (2-6, 0-4) at #2 Westbrook (8-1, 4-0) - Thursday
Series: First meeting
The Wildcats hope to finish strong as they head into the postseason, and it starts with the home finale Thursday against Rotan.
The Yellowhammers are coming off a home loss to Roby, while Westbrook wrapped up the district title with a 58-12 mercy rule win over Ira.
Cedric Ware returned from injury in the win over Ira, which is big news for a Wildcat team that now has its top star back in time for a playoff run.
Rotan lost Jordan Daniel for the season with an injury against Highland, something that surely slowed them down against Roby. Daniel had over 1,500 yards rushing this season and went for 502 yards and eight touchdowns in the Hammers loss to Strawn earlier this season.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Westbrook is the district champ and #1 seed and will face the loser of the Garden City/Rankin game in the first round of the playoffs. The Wildcats beat Rankin 59-58 earlier this season but lost to Garden City 46-42.
Rotan is out of the playoff picture.
STAT LEADERS
Rotan
N/A
Westbrook
Parker Matlock: 47-72, 567 yds, 10 TD, 3 int; 43 yds, 1 TD rushing; 65 tkl, 9 tfl, 4 int
Cedric Ware: 980 yds, 24 TD rushing; 12 rec, 177 yds, 3 TD; 38 tkl
Grayson Jeffrey: 879 yds, 19 TD rushing; 4 rec, 29 yds, 1 TD; 31 tkl, 5 int
Brannon Larson: 353 yds, 6 TD rushing; 13 tkl
Colton Walters: 8 rec, 103 yds
Hadley White: 10 rec, 152 yds, 3 TD; 32 tkl, 7.5 tfl
Bo Payne: 11 rec, 75 yds, 3 TD
Pahton Dominguez: 68 tkl, 15.5 tfl, 4 sacks, 3 ff, 1 fr; 239 yds, 5 TD rushing
DCTF Computer Rankings
Rotan: #58 in 1A D1
Westbrook: #1 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Rotan: #65 in 1A D1
Westbrook: #3 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: WESTBROOK BY 73
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: WESTBROOK BY 45
THE PICK: WESTBROOK
Photo: Kelsey Pierce
Bryson (4-5, 2-2) at Baird (4-5, 1-3)
Series: Bryson leads 1-0
The Bears hope to end the season on a good note and pick up a win on senior night against a Bryson squad that will also miss the playoffs.
Baird lost to #9 Gordon 62-14 a week ago while the Cowboys dropped a 57-12 decision to Gorman.
This will be the first six-man game between the schools and only the second meeting ever. Bryson beat Baird 47-6 in the bi-district playoffs when both teams were 11-man squads in 1991.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Both teams are out of playoff contention.
STAT LEADERS
Bryson
Evan Ford: 57-122, 942 yds, 18 TD, 6 int
Layton Perez: 224 yds, 3 TD rushing
Landon Foster: 16 rec, 243 yds, 3 TD
Baird
Skyler Denning: 690 yds, 8 TD rushing; 5 rec, 112 yds, 3 TD; 39 tkl, 2 int
Jake Collins: 13 rec, 264 yds, 8 TD; 30 tkl, 2 int, 3 fr
Camdyn Schlieve: 26-46, 342 yds, 9 TD; 6 rec, 45 yds; 13 tkl
Jake Gerngross: 284 yds, 4 TD rushing; 6 rec, 60 yds, 2 TD; 63 tkl, 2 sacks, 1 int, 2 ff, 1 fr
Devin Lucas: 17-26, 207 yds, 4 TD; 3 rec, 35 yds, 1 TD; 8 yds, 2 TD rushing; 67 tkl, 4 tfl
James May: 51 tkl, 5 tfl, 2 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings
Bryson: #49 in 1A D1
Baird: #51 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Bryson: #48 in 1A D1
Baird: #50 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: BAIRD BY 1
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BRYSON BY 3
THE PICK: BRYSON
Photo: Megan Lusty Photography
Lingleville (5-3, 1-3) at Gorman (7-2, 3-1)
Series: Gorman leads 5-1
Gorman is playoff bound but looking to stay hot down the stretch in district play.
The Panthers have won three straight after falling to Gordon in the district opener and will take on a Cardinal squad that just picked up its first district win after an 0-3 start to 9-1A D1 play.
Lingleville beat the Panthers last season 60-58 to earn their first victory in the series.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Win or lose to Lingleville Friday the Panthers are the #2 seed out of 9-1A D1. They will most likely take on Saint Jo in the bi-district playoffs, but Campbell or Union Hill could also be a possibility.
STAT LEADERS
Lingleville
Jorge Toledo: 33-56, 526 yds, 11 TD, 0 int; 66 yds, 1 TD rushing; 61 tkl, 3 int
Izzy Juarez: 1324 yds, 19 TD rushing; 7 rec, 149 yds, 6 TD; 43 tkl, 2 int
Rocky Rangel: 21 rec, 368 yds, 8 TD; 50 tkl
Gorman
Joseph Rainey: 29-61, 521 yds, 8 TD, 1 INT; 1021 yds, 15 TD rushing; 5 rec, 173 yds, 2 TD; 40 tkl, 2 INT
Maddox Roberts: 339 yds, 6 TD rushing; 2 rec, 30 yds, 1 TD
Nick Guthery: 327 yds, 3 TD rushing; 4 rec, 107 yds, 1 TD; 10-16, 281 yds, 4 TD, 1 int; 78 tkl, 9 tfl; 3 int
Erik Ramirez: 12 rec, 222 yds, 2 TD; 54 tkl, 7 tfl, 2 fr, 2 ff
DCTF Computer Rankings
Lingleville: #45 in 1A D1
Gorman: #21 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Lingleville: #45 in 1A D1
Gorman: #31 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: GORMAN BY 25
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: GORMAN BY 35
THE PICK: GORMAN
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
Santa Anna (4-5, 1-2) at Lometa (3-6, 1-2)
Series: Santa Anna leads 10-3-1
The Mountaineers snapped a five-game losing streak a week ago and now hope to end the season on a two-game winning streak as they visit Lometa.
The Hornets were off last week and beat Evant 60-12 their last time out. Santa Anna defeated the the winless Elks 62-14.
The teams will be facing off for the first time since a 64-18 Mountaineer victory in district play in 2015. Santa Anna has won five of the last six in the series.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Both teams are eliminated from contention.
DCTF Computer Rankings
Santa Anna: #47 in 1A D1
Lometa: #41 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Santa Anna: #58 in 1A D1
Lometa: #38 in 1A D1
SPREADS
DCTF: LOMETA BY 9
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: LOMETA BY 45
THE PICK: LOMETA
Aspermont (8-1, 2-1) at Motley County (3-6, 2-1)
Series: Aspermont leads 10-6
The Hornets have had an amazing turnaround season, but they could still win eight games and miss the playoffs.
It all comes down to week 11 and a trip to Motley County to take on a Matador team that has turned things around in district play after going 1-5 in non-district action against a stacked schedule that featured four 1A D1 opponents.
Aspermont has one of the highest scoring offense in the area at 56.3 points per game and it will be counted on to go up against a Motley County defense that only gave up seven to Patton Springs and 16 to Guthrie.
The key common opponent is district champion Jayton. The Matadors only lost 59-50 while the Hornets were defeated 51-16.
Aspermont will face the Matadors for the first time since 2003 when they picked up a 46-12 win.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
The winner gets the #2 seed behind Jayton and will more than likely face #1 ranked Benjamin in the bi-district playoffs. The loser sees its season come to an end.
DCTF Computer Rankings
Aspermont: #24 in 1A D2
Motley County: #22 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Aspermont: #18 in 1A D2
Motley County: #24 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: MOTLEY COUNTY BY 4
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ASPERMONT BY 18
THE PICK: ASPERMONT
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
Throckmorton (6-3, 3-0) at Rule (6-2, 3-0)
Series: Throckmorton leads 17-15-1
A district championship is up for grabs Friday when the Bobcats welcome Throckmorton to town.
Both teams are playoff bound, but the winner gets the hardware and the top seed heading into the postseason.
Rule enters on a four-game winning streak, while the Hounds have won three in a row.
Throckmorton may be more battle tested against a tougher non-district slate that included 1A D1 #9 Gordon and 1A D2 #8 Whitharral along with Hermleigh and Highland.
The Greyhounds beat the Bobcats 74-26 in non-district play last season, but Rule had won the previous four in the series before that.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Rule is the #1 seed and 7-1A D2 champion with a win and the #2 seed and runner-up with a loss.
Strawn or Gold-Burg would be the opponent if the Bobcats are the #1 seed, Newcastle would be the opponent if they end up #2.
DCTF Computer Rankings
Throckmorton: #25 in 1A D2
Rule: #32 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Throckmorton: #17 in 1A D2
Rule: #31 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: THROCKMORTON BY 9
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: THROCKMORTON BY 38
THE PICK: THROCKMORTON
Paint Creek (2-7, 0-3) at Lueders-Avoca (2-7, 0-3) - Thursday
Series: Lueders-Avoca leads 25-11
The Pirates and Raiders will wrap up their seasons on Thursday night.
Paint Creek looks to snap a six-game losing streak while Lueders-Avoca has dropped four straight, two by forfeit.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Both teams are out of the playoff chase.
DCTF Computer Rankings
Paint Creek: #69 in 1A D2
Lueders-Avoca: #61 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Paint Creek: #66 in 1A D2
Lueders-Avoca: #67 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: LUEDERS-AVOCA BY 12
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: PAINT CREEK BY 19
THE PICK: PAINT CREEK
Blackwell (5-4, 1-1) at Trent (5-4, 0-2) - Thursday
Series: Blackwell leads 26-16-1
The Hornets head to Trent this week looking to nail down a playoff spot and build on last week’s big win over Bronte.
Trent has faded this season after a hot start, but the Gorillas have still put together their best season since going 5-5 in 2014.
Blackwell has played some very good defense over the past month, giving up just 13.2 points per game in their last five games. Trent has scored just seven points so far in district play.
The Hornets have won the last nine games in the series. The last Trent win was in 2012.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Blackwell has clinched the #2 seed from District 13-1A D2 and will face Rising Star Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Trent.
DCTF Computer Rankings
Blackwell: #23 in 1A D2
Trent: #51 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Blackwell: #22 in 1A D2
Trent: #64 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: BLACKWELL BY 33
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BLACKWELL BY 45
THE PICK: BLACKWELL
Photo: David Gonzales
#7 Loraine (8-1, 2-0) at Bronte (4-5, 1-1)
Series: Bronte leads 18-10
The Bulldogs play for their second straight district title as they visit Bronte this week.
Loraine earned a 28-8 win over Blackwell to open district action and shut out Trent last week 55-0.
The Longhorns beat Trent 64-7 two weeks ago but were blasted by Blackwell 66-20 last week.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Loraine will be the #1 seed and outright district champ with a win. The #1 seed would get them a first round playoff game against either Panther Creek or Paint Rock.
Bronte has been eliminated from playoff contention.
DCTF Computer Rankings
Loraine: #6 in 1A D2
Bronte: #39 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Loraine: #4 in 1A D2
Bronte: #34 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: LORAINE BY 41
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: LORAINE BY 45
THE PICK: LORAINE
FORFEIT — Moran (0-10, 0-3) at #9 Rising Star (9-1, 3-0)
Series: Rising Star leads 12-9-1
Moran forfeited and Rising Star is the district champion and will get a little extra rest before beginning their first playoff run since 2015
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Rising Star is the #1 seed in the playoffs and will face Blackwell in the bi-district playoffs Thursday night at Trent.
Blanket (8-1, 3-0) at Zephyr (8-1, 3-0)
Series: Zephyr leads 13-11
The District 15-1A D2 title is up for grabs Friday night when the Tigers make the short trip to take on the Bulldogs.
Zephyr’s turnaround from an 0-10 team to a playoff squad and possible district champion has been amazing in 2022, while Blanket keeps on chugging despite welcoming a first-year head coach in Michael Cherry to the program.
The Bulldogs were off last week but took care of Sidney 68-20 in their last outing.
Blanket took care of the Eagles 58-28 last week to set up this showdown.
Both teams have won eight in a row after season opening losses. These teams have two of the top three scoring defenses in the Big Country. The Bulldogs give up just 10 points per game and Blanket is not far behind at 16.8.
Blanket beat Zephyr last year 61-0 and is on a two-game winning streak in the series.
This one is almost too close to call. I’ll give Zephyr the nod due to home field advantage, but it should be a great game to get out and see in person.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
The winner is the #1 seed and the loser the #2 seed in the postseason. Cherokee is the bi-district matchup for the #2 seed and Richland Springs awaits the district winner in the playoffs.
DCTF Computer Rankings
Blanket: #21 in 1A D2
Zephyr: #20 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Blanket: #25 in 1A D2
Zephyr: #27 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: ZEPHYR BY 3
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BLANKET BY 5
THE PICK: ZEPHYR
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
Brookesmith (1-8, 1-2) at Rochelle (6-3, 1-2)
Series: Brookesmith leads 14-9
Brookesmith returns to the field for its season finale at Rochelle.
The young and battered Mustangs forfeited the last two weeks against Richland Springs and Cherokee.
The Hornets had a very good season but are the hard luck third place finishers behind the state ranked Indians and Coyotes and will miss the playoffs.
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention.
DCTF Computer Rankings
Brookesmith: #59 in 1A D2
Rochelle: #16 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Brookesmith: #63 in 1A D2
Rochelle: #14 in 1A D2
SPREADS
DCTF: ROCHELLE BY 56
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ROCHELLE BY 45
THE PICK: ROCHELLE
Ranger (2-7) at Temple Centex Homeschool (5-4)
Series: First meeting
The Bulldogs wrap up what has been a disappointing season on the road at Temple Centex Homeschool Friday night.
Ranger enters on a four-game losing streak while the Chargers are coming off a 62-44 win over Bellville Faith last week.
DCTF Computer Rankings
Ranger: #114 in Six-man Private Schools
Temple Centex: #57 in Six-man Private Schools
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings
Ranger: #7 in Independent
Temple Centex: #7 in TAIAO Division III
SPREADS
DCTF: N/A
SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: TEMPLE CENTEX BY 45
THE PICK: TEMPLE CENTEX
COLLEGE
Photo: Jeremy Enlow/ACU Sports Information
ACU (5-3, 2-0) at Tarleton (5-3, 1-1) - Saturday, 7 p.m.
Series: ACU leads 20-12-4
The Wildcats are on the road again this week, but this time much closer as they travel to Stephenville instead of North Dakota.
ACU hung around with the Fighting Hawks but came up short 34-31, now they turn their attention to long-time rival Tarleton.
The Texans are coming off a 40-21 loss to Sam Houston State.
The Wildcats knocked off the Texans at home last season 28-3.
STAT LEADERS
ACU
Maverick McIvor: 130-224, 1509 yds, 11 TD, 7 int; 50 yds, 1 TD rushing
Jermiah Dobbins: 724 yds, 7 TD rushing
Kobe Clark: 44 rec, 431 yds, 5 TD
Reese Young: 34 tkl, 2 sacks
Tyrin Bradley: 35 tkl, 8 tfl
Tarleton
Beau Allen: 136-243, 2051 yds, 17 TD, 10 int; 113 yds, 1 TD rushing
Derrel Kelley III: 602 yds, 4 TD
Jaden Smith: 41 rec, 757 yds, 8 TD
D.J. Harris: 66 tkl
THE PICK: ACU
Austin College (1-7, 1-5) at #8 Hardin-Simmons (7-1, 5-1) - Saturday, 1 p.m.
Series: Hardin-Simmons leads 21-8-1
The Cowboys rallied past Howard Payne last week to take over second place in the ASC, now they play at home again against Austin College.
The Kangaroos are coming off a 40-29 loss to Southwestern last week and their only win this season was a 13-10 victory over East Texas Baptist.
The Kangaroos use a run heavy offense that has only completed eight passes this season. Austin has the worst scoring offense (11 points per game) and worst total offense (204.9 yards per game) in the conference. That will mean tough sledding against an HSU defense that leads the ASC in total defense (290.5 yds/gm) and is second to UMHB in scoring defense (17.3 pts/gm).
Hardin-Simmons has the top scoring offense (47.3 pts/gm) and third best total offense (431.1 yds/gm) in the ASC.
The Cowboys won their matchup with the Kangaroos last year in Sherman 56-14.
STAT LEADERS
Austin College
Ben Meraz: 5-13, 111 yds, 0 TD, 1 int; 400 yds, 5 TD rushing
Tiger Dietz: 291 yds, 2 TD rushing
Grant Yudizky: 7 rec, 155 yds, 1 TD
Hardin-Simmons
Gaylon Glynn: 110-178, 1687 yds, 18 TD, 3 int; 182 yds, 2 TD
Colton Marshall: 409 yds, 13 TD rushing
Kevi Evans: 33 rec, 742 yds, 8 TD
Gatlin Martin: 28 rec, 355 yds, 5 TD
Terrell Franklin: 62 tkl, 7 tfl, 3 int
Matt Mitchell: 51 tkl, 3 sacks, 9 tfl, 1 int, 1 fr, 1 ff
Brock Bujnoch: 40 tkl, 5 tfl, 3 int
THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS
#3 Mary Hardin-Baylor (7-1, 6-0) at Howard Payne (6-2, 5-1) - Saturday, 1 p.m.
Series: UMHB leads series 20-2
The Yellow Jackets aim for their first victory over the Crusaders since 2005, and it would be a huge one.
Howard Payne led #8 Hardin-Simmons 19-7 at the half last week but could not hold on, now they get an even tougher test against #3 Mary Hardin-Baylor.
The Crusaders are coming off a bye week and beat Sul Ross 45-14 in their last outing.
HPU could make it a three-way tie atop the ASC standings with a win, but keeping up with the Cru will be tough. UMHB has the #2 scoring offense (44.5 pts/gm), the #2 total offense (492.4 yds/gm), the #1 rushing offense (215.9 yds/gm) and #3 passing offense (276.5 yds/gm) in the conference. Their defense isn’t too shabby either, ranking #1 in scoring defense (14.9 pts/gm) and #2 in total defense (301.6 yds/gm).
The Yellow Jackets still top the ASC in total offense (533.4 yds/gm), which is #5 in the nation, and the #3 scoring offense at 43.9 points per game.
STAT LEADERS
UMHB
Kyle King: 149-222, 2111 yds, 27 TD, 2 int; 152 yds rushing
Aphonso Thomas: 656 yds, 6 TD rushing
K.J. Miller: 43 rec, 593 yds, 7 TD
Durand Hill: 65 tkl, 2 fr
Howard Payne
Landon McKinney: 145-253, 2435 yds, 23 TD, 9 int; 106 yds, 2 TD rushing
Tauren Bradley: 425 yds, 3 TD rushing
Javian Myles: 415 yds, 6 TD rushing
Billy Reagins: 415 yds, 6 TD rushing
Otis Lanier: 49 rec, 813 yds, 10 TD
Kyle Bell: 67 tkl, 3 tfl, 7 pbu
