Time has flown by and the final week of the regular season is already here. The offseason always seems to take forever as we look forward to teams returning the field, but when the season gets here it goes by in a flash. Fortunately for us in the Big Country, we have plenty of playoff teams to keep following and some great Week 11 games that will decide playoff spots.

I am coming off my best (luckiest) week of picks of the season and hoping to keep the luck going in the final week of the regular season.

Season: 294-375, 78.4%
Week 1: 31-41, 75.6%
Week 2: 29-41, 70.7%
Week 3: 30-37, 81.1%
Week 4: 31-41, 75.6%
Week 5: 33-38, 86.8%
Week 6: 23-28, 82.1%
Week 7: 25-31, 80.7%
Week 8: 28-41, 68.3%
Week 9: 31-40, 77.5%
Week 10: 33-37, 89.2%

San Angelo Central (4-5, 2-3) at Abilene High (6-3, 4-1) - THURSDAY

The Eagles continue their hot streak to wrap up the regular season. They have already clinched the top seed in the 6A Division II playoff bracket and can get a share of the district title if Permian upsets Midland Legacy. Abilene High was only up 21-14 at the half against Midland last week but told the Bulldogs, “Try to stop us,” on the ground in the second half to pull away for the win. The Eagles ran the ball on 23 of 24 second half plays and, with quality backs Da’King Thomas and Bam Rashaw along with a good running quarterback in Abel Ramirez, that might be a good idea this week as well against a Central team that gave up 340 yards rushing to Legacy last week and is giving up over 38 points per game.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: The Eagles are in the playoffs and will be the #1 seed from the district in the 6A Division II bracket. Their opponent will be settled this week, and could be El Paso Pebble Hills or El Paso Eastwood. El Paso Americas and Eastwood are both 3-3 and play each other this week. If Americas wins the Eagles would face Pebble Hills and if Eastwood wins the Eagles would have a 2020 bi-district rematch with the Troopers. Central is locked in as the fourth playoff team from the district and will be the #2 seed in the 6A Division II bracket with a likely bi-district matchup against El Paso Eastlake.

THE SPREAD: ABILENE HIGH BY 19
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH

Other District 6-2A games: Midland (2-7, 1-4) at Frenship (3-5, 1-4), Permian (7-2, 4-1) at Midland Legacy (7-1, 5-0)

Crowley (2-7, 2-4) at Cooper (5-4, 3-3)

The Cougars look to get back in the win column in a season finale with playoff implications at home against Crowley. As much as the Coogs have struggled on the road against the top three teams in the district (Northwest 33-21, Brewer 37-14, Azle 52-23), they have beat up on the rest of the district at home — Granbury 56-34, Arlington Heights 43-0 and Saginaw 44-13.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Cooper will be in the playoffs as the #4 seed from District 3-5A Division I with a win over Crowley at home Friday. Crowley would earn the four seed with a win and a Granbury loss. Crowley and Granbury wins would put them into a three-way tie with Cooper for the last playoff spot and go to a points tiebreaker. The #4 seed will have to travel to District 4 champ Colleyville Heritage in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

THE SPREAD: COOPER BY 18
THE PICK: COOPER

Other District 3-5A Division I games: Arlington Heights (2-7, 1-5) at Brewer (7-2, 5-1), Azle (7-2, 5-1) at Justin Northwest (7-2, 6-0), Granbury (4-5, 2-4) at Saginaw (1-8, 0-6)

Wylie (3-6, 1-3) at Plainview (1-8, 0-4)

The Bulldogs head into Week 11 needing a win and some help to reach the playoffs for a second straight season. Wylie knocked off Canyon Randall two weeks ago to stay in the playoff chase, but could not upset Lubbock Cooper last week to control their own destiny. The Wylie offense will have to come to play this week, they’ve scored the fewest points in the district (183) this season, but playing against Plainview could be the prescription for what ails them. Plainview has given up over 50 points in every district game this season.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Wylie needs to beat Plainview and hope Wichita Falls can upset Wichita Falls Rider and Lubbock Cooper beats Canyon Randall. That would give the Coyotes the three seed and lock the Bulldogs into a fourth-place tie with Randall, a team they beat 16-13 and have the tie-breaker against. The #4 seed will play the winner of the District 4 championship game this week between Grapevine (6-3, 5-1) and Forth Worth Wyatt (7-2, 6-0)

THE SPREAD: WYLIE BY 19
THE PICK: WYLIE

Canyon Randall (5-4, 2-2) at Lubbock Cooper (8-1, 4-0), Wichita Falls (3-6, 2-2) at Wichita Falls Rider (8-1, 3-1)

Brownwood (4-5, 2-2) at #2 Stephenville (9-0, 4-0)

The Lions have done enough to get back in the playoffs, but they will have to dig deep and play their best game of the season to knock off their rivals from Stephenville. The Yellowjackets have scored the third most points (396) in the state in 4A Division I and will face a Brownwood team that has hard a time stopping the opposition this season. This will be the 77th meeting in the series and Brownwood leads it 46-28-2. However, the Yellow Jackets won last year and have taken three of the past four contests.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Brownwood could end up as the three seed with an upset of rival Stephenville and a Midlothian Heritage loss at Alvarado. The more likely scenario will be Brownwood as the #4 seed, which would see the Lions taking on the winner of the Benbrook/Kennedale District 6-4A Division I title matchup set for Friday in the bi-district round. Kennedale knocked the Lions out of the playoffs in 2020.

THE SPREAD: STEPHENVILLE BY 42
THE PICK: STEPHENVILLE

Other District 5-4A Division I games: Midlothian Heritage (6-3, 2-2) at Alvarado (2-7, 1-3), Waco La Vega (6-3, 3-1) at Waxahachie Life (1-8, 0-4)

Pecos (4-5, 0-3) at Snyder (6-3, 1-2)

The Tigers hope to bounce back from a road loss at Greenwood in their regular season finale at home against Pecos. The Eagles have lost all three district games to fall out of playoff contention and their defense has been the issue. Pecos gave up 42 to Greenwood, 61 to Sweetwater and 60 to Monahans. That gives a Snyder offense that only scored seven last week hope that they can get back on track and avoid the four seed in the playoffs.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Snyder is in the postseason and will be the #3 seed with a win over Pecos in the season finale. The Tigers could still be #3 if they lose and Monahans loses to Sweetwater and they’d end up #4 with a loss and a Monahans win. Seminole would be the most likely matchup if the Tigers are #3 and Lubbock Estacado would be the opponent if they end up #4.

THE SPREAD: SNYDER BY 20
THE PICK: SNYDER

Sweetwater (6-3, 3-0) at Monahans (7-2, 1-2)

The Mustangs can wrap up a perfect run through district with a win at Monahans. The Loboes saved their season with a win over Pecos last week and have a chance to improve their playoff positioning if they can take down Sweetwater. The Mustang offense has been red-hot over the past five weeks, averaging 49.8 points per game in wins over Clyde, Eastland, Snyder, Greenwood and Pecos. Monahans started the season 6-0 before dropping their first two district games to Snyder and Greenwood.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: The Mustangs are in the playoffs as the District 1-4A Division II champs. Even if they lose to the Loboes they’d be the #1 seed in the playoffs courtesy of their win over Midland Greenwood. Sweetwater will face the loser of Friday’s Borger at Perryton game in the bi-district round.

THE SPREAD: SWEETWATER BY 4
THE PICK: SWEETWATER

TLCA San Angelo (0-9, 0-4) at Breckenridge (3-6, 2-2)

The Buckaroos are back in the playoffs and have the opportunity to feel even better about themselves as they host winless TLCA San Angelo. Breckenridge played top-ranked Jim Ned as close as anyone in District 3-3A Division I has this season in a 35-12 loss a week ago, now they hope to build on it against the Eagles, who are giving up 66.8 points per game in four district contests.

PLAYOFF STATUS: Breckenridge has clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2018 and will be the #3 seed with a victory over winless TLCA San Angelo this week. If the Bucks end up as the #3 seed they’ll face the loser of the Brock/Pilot Point district championship clash that will take place Friday night.

THE SPREAD: BRECKENRIDGE BY 53
THE PICK: BRECKENRIDGE

Photo: Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan

#1 Jim Ned (9-0, 4-0) at Clyde (1-8, 1-3)

The Indians can wrap up a perfect regular season, the fourth in program history and first since 2004, if they can pick up a road win against Clyde. The Bulldogs are out of the playoff race and could make their season with an upset, but Jim Ned has been dominant all year. Don’t expect them to fall off now, even though they have already wrapped up the district title.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Jim Ned is the district champion and will take on the #4 seed from District 4, which could be Paradise, Boyd or Ponder.

THE SPREAD: JIM NED BY 46
THE PICK: JIM NED

Wall (5-3, 3-1) at Early (7-2, 2-2)

The Longhorns have a chance to climb the district standings of they can knock off perennial power Wall. Early has played very well over the past two weeks since Jaxyn Price returned at quarterback from injury, and he will have to be at his best for the Longhorns to upset the Hawks. Early is in the playoffs for the second straight season and Wall is in for the 13th year in a row.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Early will most likely be the #4 seed from District 3-3A Division I and meet up with the winner of the Brock/Pilot Point matchup in the bi-district round. If Early can upset Wall and Breckenridge is upset by TLCA San Angelo the Longhorns could end up as the #3 seed, and an Early win with a Breckenridge win would put the Hawks, Bucks and Longhorns in a three-way tie for second place and go to points. An Early win and a Breckenridge loss would get the Longhorns the #2 seed.

THE SPREAD: WALL BY 5
THE PICK: WALL

Sonora (5-4, 3-1) at Ballinger (4-4, 2-2)

The Bearcats are back in the playoffs and hope to stretch their winning streak to three with a home win over Sonora. Ballinger dropped their first two district games but have outscored Ingram Moore and Bangs 107-3 over the past two weeks to get back on track. They host a Bronco team that is coming off a 7-6 loss to Grape Creek last week.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Ballinger is in the playoffs and will play for seeding next week against Sonora. There COULD be a four-way tie for first place in the district if the Bearcats beat Sonora, Bangs upsets Brady and Grape Creek is upset by Ingram Moore. The most likely scenario is the Bearcats are the #3 seed with a win and the # 4 seed with a loss. The #4 seed will face Crane in the bi-district round, while the #3 seed will take on the winner of the Alpine/Anthony game. Bangs has been eliminated from contention and wraps up the regular season at Brady.

THE SPREAD: SONORA BY 3
THE PICK: BALLINGER

Bangs (1-7, 1-3) at Brady (5-3, 3-1)

The Dragons are playing for pride in week 11, while Brady is still in the mix for a district championship. Bangs was eliminated from playoff contention with last week’s loss to Ballinger, while the Bulldogs dominated Ingram Moore 49-6 to wrap up a postseason berth.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Bangs is out of the playoffs. Brady can win the district title with a win plus Grape Creek and Sonora losses. They can earn at least a share of their first district championship since 2009 with a win.

THE SPREAD: BRADY BY 23
THE PICK: BRADY

Other District 2-3A Division II game: Ingram Moore (2-7, 0-4) at Grape Creek (4-5, 3-1)

Comanche (1-8, 1-3) at Merkel (3-6, 0-4)

The Badgers are out of the playoff chase but can end the season on a high note with a win over Comanche. Merkel was competitive but could not get over the hump in district play, falling by six to Jacksboro, four to Millsap and eight to Dublin before a 45-21 loss at Eastland last week.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Merkel has been eliminated from contention. Comanche could still earn the four seed from the district with a win plus a Millsap loss to Jacksboro.

THE SPREAD: COMANCHE BY 3
THE PICK: COMANCHE

Eastland (4-5, 3-1) at Dublin (7-2, 3-1)

The winner here clinches at least a share of the District 5-3A Division I championship and the outright title if Millsap beats Jacksboro. Dublin had been in the district driver’s seat until a 44-41 loss at Millsap last week, while Eastland overcame a slow start to beat Merkel 45-21. There haven’t been many blowouts in this district, but the Mavericks have two of them in wins over Millsap and Merkel. Dublin has three wins by eight points or less and the three point loss to Millsap.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: The Mavericks can win the district with a win and a Jacksboro loss at home to Millsap and they’d finish second if they win and the Tigers beat the Bulldogs. An Eastland loss would get them in the playoffs as the #3 seed. If the Mavs win district they’ll face the winner of the Nocona/Wichita Falls City View game in the bi-district round, if they finish second they’d likely matchup against Henrietta (assuming a Henrietta loss against unbeaten Holliday), and if they end up third they’d most likely matchup with Callisburg.

THE SPREAD: EASTLAND BY 1
THE PICK: EASTLAND

Other District 5-3A Division I game: Millsap (4-5, 2-2) at Jacksboro (5-3, 3-1)

#5 Hawley (9-0, 4-0) at #10 Forsan (9-0, 4-0)

The district title is on the line as a pair of state-ranked and unbeaten teams meet in Forsan Friday night. The Bearcats have been dominant this season, allowing a state-low 21 points and pitching six straight shut outs to reach the top five in 2A Division I. Forsan has been tested a bit more this season but has always done enough to come out on top thanks to their powerful running game and a stingy defense. The Buffaloes have not won an outright district championship since 1986, while Hawley is looking for its fourth straight outright district crown.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: The Bearcats are in the playoffs and will be the #1 or #2 seed depending on the outcome of their game against Forsan. The #1 seed will more than likely face San Saba in bi-district, while the #2 seed will likely face Goldthwaite.

THE SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 7
THE PICK: HAWLEY

Anson (3-6, 1-3) at Colorado City (1-7, 1-3)

This one of two playoff games before the playoffs to decide the final two spots out of District 3-2A Division I this week. The winner of Anson/Colorado City moves on while the winner goes home. Anson did not expect to be in this position, but find themselves in a must-win after falling to Haskell at home 35-18 last week. Colorado City, on the other hand, is happy to have a shot at the playoffs after going through such a tough stretch lately. Anson started district play with a win over Stamford, but have dropped decisions to Hawley, Forsan and Haskell the past three weeks. The Wolves lone district win came 28-27 at Haskell and they fell to Stamford by just eight before losing 55-0 to Hawley last week.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Anson, Colorado City, Haskell and Stamford are all 1-3 heading into the final week, and two of the four will reach the postseason. Anson plays at Colorado City and Haskell hosts Stamford in a pair of contests that are basically early playoff games. The winners will reach the playoffs, the losers will see their season come to an end. Coleman and Cisco will be the bi-district matchups for the teams that end up as the three and four seeds from 3-2A Division I.

THE SPREAD: ANSON BY 11
THE PICK: ANSON

Stamford (3-6, 1-3) at Haskell (3-6, 1-3)

These two Highway 277 rivals meet in Haskell with a playoff spot on the line. Haskell played one of their best games of the season in taking down Anson 35-18 last week, while Stamford battled Forsan late into the second half before falling 30-6.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: See just above for the playoff rundown. If Stamford wins the Bulldogs would be the #3 seed and face Cisco in the bi-district playoffs and the Anson/Colorado City winner will take on Coleman. If Haskell wins and Anson wins the Indians will be the #3 seed and draw Cisco while Anson would take on Coleman. If Haskell wins and Colorado City wins the Wolves would be #3 and the Indians would be #4.

THE SPREAD: STAMFORD BY 2
THE PICK: STAMFORD

San Saba (2-7, 2-2) at Cisco (7-2, 3-1)

The Loboes are playoff bound and looking to pick up win number eight of the season as they host San Saba. Cisco bounced back from the loss at Coleman with a big win at Goldthwaite last week, while the Armadillos fell to Coleman 49-7 to see a two-game winning streak come to an end.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Cisco has wrapped up the #2 seed from District 4-2A Division I and will take on Anson, Colorado City, Haskell or Stamford in the first round of the playoffs. San Saba will be the #4 seed from the district with a loss and could be #3 with an upset win and a Goldthwaite loss to winless De Leon.

THE SPREAD: CISCO BY 24
THE PICK: CISCO

Winters (1-7, 1-3) at #9 Coleman (8-0, 4-0)

The Bluecats can wrap up their first unbeaten regular season since 2014 with a win over Winters. COVID kept these two from playing last season and helped the Blizzards reach the postseason. Coleman continues to have the second-best scoring defense in 2A Division I behind Hawley after allowing just seven to San Saba last week in a 49-7 win. Winters earned district win number one with a 55-21 home victory against De Leon.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Coleman is in the playoffs and will meet Anson, Colorado City, Haskell or Stamford in the bi-district round. Winters would have to beat state-ranked Coleman and see San Saba lose to Cisco and Goldthwaite lose to De Leon to have any shot at the postseason, but I believe they’d be the odd team out in a points tiebreaker (Goldthwaite would be +17, San Saba +13 and Winters -30).

THE SPREAD: COLEMAN BY 47
THE PICK: COLEMAN

Other District 4-2A Division I game: Goldthwaite (4-5, 2-2) at De Leon (0-9, 0-4)

Hamlin (0-9, 0-3) at Roscoe (8-1, 3-0)

The Pied Pipers hope to avoid their first winless season since 2005 as they visit district champion Roscoe. The Plowboys only loss of the season was the season opener at Hawley and they have ripped off eight wins in a row since. Roscoe has already wrapped up their first district title since 2014 with a 46-6 win at Lockney last week.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Roscoe will face either Olney or Quanah in the first round of the playoffs. The Cubs and Indians play in Quanah this week — the loser will take on Roscoe in bi-district and the winner will get the winner of the Lockney/Ralls matchup.

THE SPREAD: ROSCOE BY 46
THE PICK: ROSCOE

Other District 5-2A Division II game: Lockney (7-2, 2-1) at Ralls (6-3, 2-1)

#4 Albany (8-0, 3-0) at Cross Plains (5-3, 1-2)

The Lions are district champs and looking to stay perfect as they visit Cross Plains. Albany’s last unbeaten regular season was in 2017, one of nine they’ve had in the Denney Faith era. Albany knocked off Santo 33-6 last week, while Cross Plains was on their bye week.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: The Lions are in the 2A Division II playoffs as the #1 seed from District 8. Their likely bi-district opponent will be Era, who is 2-7 on the season and will probably fall to 2-8 as they face defending state champ Windthorst Friday. The Buffaloes are in the playoffs even with a loss to Albany this week and will be the four seed from District 8-2A Division II. The likely bi-district matchup will be against District 7 champion Muenster, who checks in at #2 in the state rankings.

THE SPREAD: ALBANY BY 47
THE PICK: ALBANY

Other District 8-2A Division II game: Meridian (1-8, 0-3) at Santo (8-1, 2-1)

Aspermont (2-7, 0--3) at Ira (6-2, 2-1)

The Hornets and Bulldogs wrap up the regular season with everything already settled playoff-wise in District 7-1A Division I. Ira fell to Hermleigh 66-48 in the district title game last week while the Hornets dropped a 53-8 home decision to Rotan.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Ira is in the playoffs as the #2 seed and will battle Westbrook in another playoff rematch. The Wildcats beat the Bulldogs in 2020 by a 45-0 margin. Aspermont has been eliminated from playoff contention.

THE SPREAD DCTF: IRA BY 57
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: IRA BY 45
THE PICK: IRA

Roby (4-4, 1-2) at Rotan (6-3, 1-2)

Fisher County bragging rights are on the line when the Yellowhammers host the Lions Friday night. Both teams are out of playoff contention, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything worth playing for. Rotan can get to seven victories for the first time as a six-man program and first time overall since Russell Lucas led them to a 7-3 record in 2004. Roby hopes to earn bragging rights and end year one under Matt Tarbutton on a good note heading into 2022.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Both teams are out of contention.

THE SPREAD DCTF: ROTAN BY 1
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ROTAN BY 2
THE PICK: ROTAN

#10 Westbrook (5-4, 3-0) at Bronte (2-7, 1-2)

The Wildcats are back in the state rankings and looking to close out a perfect run through District 8-1A Division I play as they visit Bronte. Westbrook 45’d Robert Lee last week, while Bronte is coming off a 60-14 loss to Highland.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Westbrook is the number one seed from the district and will face Ira in the bi-district round of the playoffs for the second season in a row.

THE SPREAD DCTF: WESTBROOK BY 64
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: WESTBROOK BY 45
THE PICK: WESTBROOK

Other District 8-1A Division I game: #7 Sterling City (7-2, 2-1) at Robert Lee (2-7, 0-3)

Baird (6-2, 2-1) at Gorman (5-3, 1-2)

The Bears have their season on the line as they visit Gorman this week. Baird rallied past Lingleville to stay in the postseason chase last week and hope the momentum carries over as they visit the Panthers.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Baird is in the postseason with a win over Gorman next week. If Lingleville somehow upsets top-ranked May there would be a three-way tie for the district title and the two spots would be decided by a point differential. If the Bears enter the postseason as the #2 seed they’ll likely face #4 Water Valley for a second straight season. Eden and Irion County are also in the playoff mix out of District 14-1A Division I.

THE SPREAD DCTF: BAIRD BY 1
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BAIRD BY 27
THE PICK: BAIRD

#1 May (9-0, 3-0) at Lingleville (6-2, 2-1)

The Tigers can finish a perfect regular season with a road win at Lingleville. The Cardinals are still in the playoff mix, but have a very tough task on their hands. #7 Sterling City is the only team the Tigers haven’t 45’d this season —a 104-80 shootout in week two. Lingleville could have made this a district championship showdown had they held on to a big lead at Baird last week.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: The Tigers can clinch the outright district title with a win over the Cardinals. They would end up in a three-way tie with Baird and Lingleville with a loss and a Baird win over Gorman. I believe the Cardinals would have to beat May by 14 to make them and the Tigers the two playoff teams from the district. The most likely scenario will see the Tigers in the playoffs as the #1 seed and a matchup against the Irion County/Water Valley loser in the bi-district round. May knocked Irion County out of the playoffs 46-0 a year ago.

THE SPREAD DCTF: MAY BY 39
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: MAY BY 45
THE PICK: MAY

Loraine (6-3, 3-0) at Blackwell (4-5, 3-0)

The District 6-1A Division II title is on the line as the Hornets host the Bulldogs Friday. Blackwell got the best of Loraine 52-44 in this exact scenario to claim the district championship in 2020. Blackwell has mercy-rule wins over TLCA Abilene and Trent to go along with a forfeit win over Olfen in district play, while Loraine has 45’s in all three district contests.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: The winner is the #1 seed and district champion and the loser is the #2 seed. The district champ will face the loser of the Balmorhea/Sanderson game. The Blackwell/Loraine loser will take on the Balmorhea/Sanderson winner.

THE SPREAD DCTF: LORAINE BY 7
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: LORAINE BY 17
THE PICK: LORAINE

Olfen (0-7, 0-3) at TLCA Abilene (2-7, 1-2)

The Eagles have made big strides in 2021 and hope to wrap it up with a third victory. They will likely play 11-man football starting next season and would love to finish their six-man stint with a win. Olfen has not won this season and their last outing was a 50-0 loss to Loraine. TLCA lost last week to Blackwell 65-7 to fall out of the playoff race.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Both teams are out of contention.

THE SPREAD DCTF: N/A
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: TLCA ABILENE BY 20
THE PICK: TLCA ABILENE

Chillicothe (2-7, 1-1) at Rule (4-3, 1-1)

It is a playoff game before the playoffs for these two teams for a second straight season. Chillicothe got the best of the Bobcats 66-44 to keep Rule out of the playoffs in 2020, and the Bobcats will be looking to avenge that defeat and get back in the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Rule fell out of the district title race with a 54-6 loss to Benjamin last week. Chillicothe lost 54-0 to the Mustangs.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: The winner is in the playoffs and the loser is out. The winner will take on the winner of the Jayton/Motley County showdown set for Friday night. Both teams are 9-0, Jayton is ranked #7 while Motley County has been #1 ranked team in 1A Division II all season.

THE SPREAD DCTF: RULE BY 42
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RULE BY 45
THE PICK: RULE

Other District 8-1A Division II game: #9 Benjamin (9-0, 2-0) at Harrold (0-5, 0-2)

Lueders-Avoca (2-5, 2-1) at Paint Creek (4-4, 0-3)

The Raiders can make it five straight trips to the playoffs with a win at Paint Creek. The Pirates have had a great comeback season but will miss out on the playoffs. They have dropped four straight after winning their first four games of the season. Lueders-Avoca has won two straight after losing their first five games of the year.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: The Raiders are in with a win over Paint Creek or a loss and a Woodson loss to Throckmorton. They would be in a three-way tie for first with a win and an unlikely Woodson win over the Greyhounds. The #2 seed would probably give the Raiders a bi-district matchup against Gold-Burg, who is 7-2 overall and 2-0 in district play entering its season finale against 3-4, 1-1 Forestburg.

THE SPREAD DCTF: LUEDERS-AVOCA BY 23
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: LUEDERS-AVOCA BY 45
THE PICK: LUEDERS-AVOCA

Other District 9-1A Division II game: #8 Throckmorton (9-0, 3-0) at Woodson (4-4, 2-1)

Moran (1-7, 1-3) vs Rochelle JV (at Mullin) - THURSDAY

The Bulldogs hope to end the season on a high note as they meet the Rochelle JV in Mullin.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: None

THE SPREAD DCTF: N/A
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: MORAN BY 45
THE PICK: MORAN

Blanket (8-1, 3-0) at Panther Creek (3-5, 1-2)

The Tigers look to keep momentum rolling towards the playoffs as they finish up the regular season at Panther Creek. They are already in the postseason and will be looking to extend their winning streak seven. Last week the Tigers earned a forfeit win over rival Brookesmith. Panther Creek fell to Rising Star last week 70-44.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Blanket is the district champion and will most likely take on Cherokee in the first round of the playoffs.

THE SPREAD DCTF: BLANKET BY 41
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BLANKET BY 45
THE PICK: BLANKET

Sidney (3-5, 2-1) at Brookesmith (1-8, 0-3)

Brookesmith hopes to wrap up year one under Todd Lawdermilk with a win at home against Sidney. The Mustangs five year playoff streak is coming to an end but they would love to head into 2022 with a little momentum.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Brookesmith is eliminated from contention. Sidney clinches the #2 seed from District 15-1A Division II and a playoff matchup against Richland Springs with a win. A Sidney loss and a Panther Creek loss to Blanket would put the Eagles into a second place tie with Rising Star. Sidney would be in the playoffs thanks to their head-to-head 52-14 win over the Wildcats on Oct. 15. A Sidney loss plus a Panther Creek upset of Blanket would force a three-way tie for #2 between the Eagles, Rising Star and Panther Creek. Sidney is +30 in points against the other two, Rising Star is at 0 and Panther Creek is -30, so Sidney would earn the bid in this scenario as well. Basically Sidney is in with a win or loss and I have written WAY too much about it.

THE SPREAD DCTF: SIDNEY BY 25
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: SIDNEY BY 45
THE PICK: SIDNEY

Temple Centex Homeschool (5-3) vs Ranger (5-4)

The Bulldogs hope to wrap up their outlaw schedule with a fifth straight win. Ranger has rebounded from a 1-4 start to the season with four wins in a row, including a 60-18 victory over the Strawn JV last week.

THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RANGER BY 45
THE PICK: RANGER

Midland Trinity (5-3, 4-1) at Abilene Christian (5-3, 4-1)

The Panthers aim for a fourth straight win as they wrap up district play at home against Midland Trinity.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: Abilene Christian is locked in as the #2 seed from the Division III portion of the district and will face the District 2 winner, which looks to be Fort Worth Covenant Classical, while Midland Trinity will be the District 1 representative in the TAPPS 6-Man Division I playoff bracket (they are the only D1 team in the district. It’s a weird setup).

THE SPREAD DCTF: N/A
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ABILENE CHRISTIAN BY 31
THE PICK: ABILENE CHRISTIAN

ACU (4-4, 1-3) at Jacksonville State (3-5, 1-2)

The Wildcats head east on the road again as they visit Jacksonville State. ACU dropped a 41-27 shootout at Stephen F. Austin last week, now they get set to face Jacksonville State for the first time in school history. The Gamecocks are coming off a 38-14 home loss to Central Arkansas and fell to top-ranked Sam Houston State 42-7 the week before that.

THE PICK: JACKSONVILLE STATE

#8 Hardin-Simmons (7-1, 6-1) at Austin College (1-6, 1-6)

The Cowboys are still in the Division III playoff race and shouldn’t have much of a problem against ASC newcomer (again, re-newcomer?) Austin College. The Kangaroos are in the ASC basement and are coming off a 45-19 loss to a Southwestern team that HSU beat 69-7 the week before. This will be the first football meeting between the two schools since 2005. Hardin-Simmons beat Howard Payne 38-14 on Saturday to take over sole possession of second place in the conference.

THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS

Howard Payne (6-2, 5-2) at #2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (8-0, 7-0)

The tough portion of the Yellow Jackets schedule continues this week as they visit conference leading Mary Hardin-Baylor. Howard Payne has dropped two straight to Belhaven and Hardin-Simmons after winning its first six games of the season. HPU has lost 14 straight to UMHB and last beat them 24-20 in 2005.

THE PICK: MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

mcmurry (2-5, 2-5) at belhaven (5-3, 4-3)

The War Hawks head to Belhaven after a disappointing 24-11 home loss to Sul Ross. McMurry has dropped two in a row and now will visit a Belhaven team that is two wins away from tying the program record for wins in a season with seven. The War Hawks are 4-1 all-time against the Blazers.

THE PICK: BELHAVEN

cisco (4-4, 3-3) AT NAVARRO (4-4, 2-4)

The Wranglers and Bulldogs will meet for a second time this season, Navarro won a non-conference season opener 35-14 in Cisco, and this time there is quite a bit on the line. Cisco is one of four teams with a 3-3 record in SWJCFC play and just two of them will make the conference playoffs. New Mexico Military is 5-1 and Tyler is 4-2, while Cisco, Blinn, Trinity Valley and Kilgore are all 3-3. If the Wranglers win they are in, but if they and Tyler lose there would be a five-way tie for the two-through-four seeds in the playoffs. Navarro has been eliminated from playoff contention.

THE PICK: CISCO

Blitz Picks - Week 11/Playoff Scenarios