Blitz Picks - Week 12
WEEK 1 PICKS: 34-41, 82.9%
WEEK 2 PICKS: 40-50, 80%
WEEK 3 PICKS: 39-51, 76.5%
WEEK 4 PICKS: 36-44, 81.8%
WEEK 5 PICKS: 42-48, 87.5%
WEEK 6 PICKS: 26-31, 83.8%
WEEK 7 PICKS: 40-43, 93%
WEEK 8 PICKS: 36-43, 83.7%
WEEK 9 PICKS: 36-45, 80%
WEEK 10 PICKS: 41-47, 87.2%
WEEK 11 PICKS: 34-39, 87.2%
SEASON: 404-482, 83.8%
*Rankings are from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. Spreads for 11-man games are also from DCTF. 6-man spreads are from both DCTF and sixmanfootball.com.
**Thank you to the 74 Ranch for sponsoring content this week. Reach out to them at 575-743-2024 for outstanding ranch raised beef. Reach out to me if you’d like to sponsor a week of content on bigcountryblitz.com and Big Country Blitz social media! Playoff weeks are still available. Email cody@bigcountryblitz.com
***All picks are straight-up, not against the spread.
EL PASO HANKS (6-4) AT ABILENE HIGH (8-2) - THURSDAY, 6 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: Abilene High leads 1-0
The Eagles get a home bi-district playoff game thanks to finishing in the top two of District 2-5A Division I and welcome El Paso Hanks to Shotwell Stadium Thursday night.
The last time Abilene High had a home playoff game the result was not good as El Paso Eastwood upset the Eagles 31-27 at Shotwell in 2021.
The Eagles are 17-3 all-time against El Paso teams in the playoffs.
Abilene High was off in week 11 while the Knights had to beat Ysleta, 35-19, to get into the playoffs.
The Eagles have won six games in a row to win their first district title since 2016 and are in the postseason for the fourth year in a row.
Hanks is in for the first time since 2019.
The only other meeting between the two teams was a 77-13 Abilene High victory in the 2011 season opener.
Points Per Game
Hanks: 37.6
Abilene: 38.5
Points Allowed Per Game
Hanks: 28.1
Abilene: 17.9
Best Win
Hanks: 35-19 over Ysleta
Abilene: 38-35 over Lubbock Cooper
Up Next: winner of Denton Ryan (7-2) vs. Lake Belton (8-2)
STAT LEADERS
Marcus Porras: 135-201, 2444 yds, 22 TD, 5 int; 396 yds, 5 TD rushing
Michael Oliver: 885 yds, 11 TD rushing; 13 rec, 169 yds
Jude Blanco: 57 rec, 1473 yds, 16 TD
Andrew Castillo: 85 tkl, 3 tfl
Dylan Slack: 139-196, 1805 yds, 20 TD, 2 int; 63 yds, 4 TD rushing
Bam Rashaw: 169 yds, 1 TD rushing
Chad Lara: 329 yds, 8 TD
Brayden Henry: 751 yds, 9 TD rushing; 27-51, 277 yds, 2 TD, 1 int passing; 11 rec, 100 yds, 2 TD
Ryland Bradford: 42 rec, 793 yds, 9 TD; 1 kickoff return for TD
Jackson Howle: 40 rec, 423 yds, 2 TD
Bryce Neves: 74tkl, 5.5 tfl, 3 int, 4 ff, 2 fr, 1 sack
Beckham Paul: 36 tkl, 3 int, 1 ff
DCTF Spread: Abilene High by 40
The Pick: Abilene High
EL PASO ANDRESS (4-6) AT WYLIE (7-3) - THURSDAY, 6:30 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting
The Bulldogs get a home playoff game for the second season in a row, this time courtesy of their 17-7 win at Cooper last week.
Wylie will host El Paso Andress, the third-place finisher from District 1-5A Division II behind 7-3 Chapin and 8-2 Canutillo. The Eagles lost 49-21 to Chapin last week in a game that decided second and third place and gave Andress the road-trip and the Huskies the home game against Cooper.
Andress loss to Cooper in the first round at home last year and is in the playoffs for a very impressive 21st consecutive season.
However, they only have one victory against a team that made the playoffs this season. Their wins are against teams that went a combined 6-34 in 2023.
Points Per Game
Andress: 15.2
Wylie: 30.8
Points Allowed Per Game
Andress: 36.2
Wylie: 26
Best Win
Andress: 28-24 over Burges
Wylie: 35-34 over Lubbock Cooper
Up Next: winner of Argyle (7-2) vs. FW Wyatt (7-3)
STAT LEADERS
Jadon Urbina: 44-80, 727 yds, 7 TD, 3 int; 8 yds, 1 TD rushing
Marcus Wilson: 327 yds, 3 TD rushing
Jared Gordon: 27 rec, 379 yds, 2 TD
Sean Pandza: 63 tkl, 10.5 tfl, 4.5 sacks, 3 ff
Bear Meng: 111-185, 1608 yds, 18 TD, 4 int; 329 yds, 5 TD rushing
Malachi Daniels: 772 yds, 6 TD rushing; 9 rec, 68 yds; 1-1, 2 yds, 1 TD passing
Braden Regala: 42 rec, 470 yds, 4 TD
Derrick Evans: 30 rec, 689 yds, 9 TD
DCTF Spread: Wylie by 30
The Pick: Wylie
COOPER (4-6) AT EL PASO CHAPIN (7-3) - FRIDAY, 6:30 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: First Meeting
The Cougars will hit the road to El Paso for the first round for a second straight season as they face El Paso Chapin, the second place finisher from District 1-5A Division II.
The Huskies only district loss was to Canutillo in a 21-14 contest. They fell to Coronado and Del Valle, both bigger schools, in non-district but enter the playoffs winners of five of their last six games.
Cooper was on a three-game winning streak before falling in a defensive battle to Wylie last week and the Cougars are in the playoffs for the 17th season in a row.
Chapin started playing football in 2002 and that is the only season they have missed the playoffs in program history. 2023 is their 21st straight postseason appearance and their best run was a trip to the third round in 2009.
Points Per Game
Cooper: 26.7
Chapin: 40.8
Points Allowed Per Game
Cooper: 27.7
Chapin: 18.2
Best Win
Cooper: 28-21 at Palo Duro
Chapin: 43-36 over EP Parkland
Up Next: winner of Colleyville Heritage (9-1) vs. Denton (4-6)
STAT LEADERS
Evan Rivera: 70-123, 995 yds, 19 TD, 4 int; 40 yds rushing
Carey Wade: 1032 yds, 8 TD rushing
Brent Hallman Jr.: 26 rec, 363 yds, 6 TD
Nate Herndon: 69 tkl, 9 tfl, 2 sacks, 1 int
Austin Cummins: 88-173, 826 yds, 5 TD, 9 int; 209 yds, 1 TD rushing
Daniel Bray: 1041 yds, 18 TD rushing; 7 rec, 26 yds
Jaden Carrillo: 30 rec, 243 yds, 1 TD
Jaylen Parker: 30 rec, 264 yds, 1 TD
Zavian Alexander: 21 rec, 282 yds, 2 TD; 2 int
DCTF Spread: Chapin by 5
The Pick: Cooper
SAN ELIZARIO (2-7) AT #6 BROWNWOOD (9-1) - THURSDAY, 6 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: First Meeting
The Lions get the luxury of a bonus home game this week as they welcome San Elizario, an El Paso suburb, to Gordon Wood Stadium.
The Eagles finished fourth in District 1-4A DI, beating El Paso Irvin 25-20 last week to get into the playoffs. Their only other victory this season was a 47-6 decision over winless Tornillo in week four.
Brownwood is up to #6 this week in the state rankings and has won four straight after a 27-17 loss to #5 Stephenville.
The Lions are making their 49th trip to the playoffs and 15th trip in a row.
The Eagles are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and just the fifth time in program history.
Points Per Game
San Elizario: 14.2
Brownwood: 39.4
Points Allowed Per Game
San Elizario: 39.6
Brownwood: 16.2
Best Win
San Elizario: 25-20 over EP Irvin
Brownwood: 35-21 at Wylie
Up Next: winner of Canyon Randall (6-4) vs. Burkburnett (3-7)
STAT LEADERS
Jose Escarcega: 1-2, 36 yds, 1 TD, 1 int; 14 yds rushing
Zamar Vargas: 1204 yds, 15 yds rushing
Angel Garcia Mendoza: 2 rec, 85 yds, 1 TD
Martin Juarez: 69 tkl, 2 tfl
Ike Hall: 81-146, 1329 yds, 11 TD, 5 int; 1250 yds, 18 TD rushing
Levi Pearson: 560 yds, 5 TD rushing
Jaylan Brown: 328 yds, 8 TD rushing
Carson Noe: 28 rec, 370 yds, 3 TD
Aaron Edmonds: 22 rec, 279 yds, 2 TD
Morsello Hooker: 10 rec, 238 yds, 5 TD; 32 tkl, 2 int
Sam Kallman: 115 tkl, 7 tfl, 6 sacks, 1 fr
Steve Ramirez: 102 tkl, 5 tfl, 2 sacks, 1 int
Noah Gonzalez: 94 tkl, 6 tfl, 2 sacks
DCTF Spread: Brownwood by 65
The Pick: Brownwood
SWEETWATER (6-4) VS. GODLEY (5-5) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - BROWNWOOD
SERIES HISTORY: First Meeting
The Mustangs meet up with Godley, the second place team from District 4-4A Division II, as they look to return to playoff glory after missing out in 2022.
Sweetwater got past rival Snyder last week to secure a playoff spot and has improved from 1-9 to 6-4 so far in 2023.
Godley’s only district loss was to eventual champion Glen Rose, 36-22, back on October 13. The Wildcats went just 1-4 in non-district play with a win over Ponder and losses to West, Quinlan Ford, Paradise and Gatesville before turning things around in district.
Godley, located pretty much in between Granbury and Cleburne, is in the playoffs for the ninth year in a row. They went three rounds deep last year, falling to Monahans 62-55 to end up 7-5.
Sweetwater is in the playoffs for the eighth time in the last ten years.
Points Per Game
Sweetwater: 35
Godley: 33.2
Points Allowed Per Game
Sweetwater: 39.4
Godley: 25
Best Win
Sweetwater: 42-20 over Idalou
Godley: 45-28 over Hillsboro
Up Next: winner of Monahans (10-0) vs. Borger (4-6)
STAT LEADERS
Cayden Ortiz: 99-167, 1700 yds, 16 TD, 8 int
Korda Moore: 799 yds, 13 TD rushing
Jadyn Forbes: 39 rec, 727 yds, 6 TD
Kannon Wiese: 101 tkl, 10 tfl, 2 ff
Wyatt Burke: 61-128, 775 yds, 6 TD, 9 int; 255 yds, 5 TD rushing
Landon Thigpen: 1084 yds, 12 TD rushing
Tanner Bruton: 21 rec, 252 yds, 1 TD
Alberto Diaz: 88 tkl, 9 tfl
DCTF Spread: Godley by 10
The Pick: Godley
CLYDE (9-1) VS. PEASTER (4-6) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - DUBLIN
SERIES HISTORY: First Meeting
The district champion Bulldogs begin what they hope is a long playoff run against District 4-3A DI fourth-place finisher Peaster.
The Greyhounds got into the playoffs with a 43-28 win over Boyd last week. They have won their last three after an 0-3 start to district play with losses to Brock, Whitesboro and Paradise — the top three seeds from the district. They played a very tough non-district schedule, falling to state-ranked Tolar, Jacksboro and Wall and beating Castleberry.
Clyde saw its perfect season fall away with a loss to Iowa Park two weeks ago but bounced back to beat Breckenridge last week to enter the playoffs with some momentum.
The Bulldogs have not won a playoff game since beating Ponder in 2016 and they are in this year after missing in 2021 and 2022.
Peaster is in just its sixth season of playing football and this is only their second playoff appearance.
Points Per Game
Clyde: 42.4
Peaster: 20.9
Points Allowed Per Game
Clyde: 21.9
Peaster: 28.9
Best Win
Clyde: 29-14 over Jim Ned
Peaster: 34-0 over Ponder
Up Next: winner of Shallowater (5-5) vs. Slaton (2-8)
STAT LEADERS
Blake Carr: 96-158, 1846 yds, 26 TD, 4 int; 1218 yds, 16 TD rushing
Josh Hutton: 480 yds, 6 TD rushing
Dai’jon Booker: 33 rec, 652 yds, 7 TD
Kendrick Johnson: 28 rec, 632 yds, 10 TD
Ty Steedley: 49-115, 695 yds, 7 TD, 10 int; 349 yds, 2 TD rushing
Lafe Bringman: 211 yds, 3 TD rushing
Rhett Steen: 13 rec, 261 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Spread: Clyde by 13
The Pick: Clyde
JIM NED (8-2) VS. WHITESBORO (5-5) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - BURLESON
SERIES HISTORY: Jim Ned leads 1-0
The Indians enter the playoffs after a thrilling overtime win over Iowa Park to get a share of the district title and the two seed from 3-3A D1.
Whitesboro is the opponent, checking in at 5-5 in the playoffs for the third straight season. The Bearcats went 1-3 in non-district play but ended up 4-2 in district with their only losses to state-ranked Brock and Paradise. They have struggled defensively this season, giving up at least 38 points in half of their games, including 62 to Sulphur, Oklahoma and 63 to Brock.
Whitesboro went four rounds deep in the playoffs last year, falling to Brock 30-19 in the regional final.
Jim Ned enters their 18th postseason on a three-game winning streak. They have been a playoff team in each of the past seven seasons.
The Indians won the only previous matchup between the two in the 2018 bi-district playoffs, 30-21.
Points Per Game
Jim Ned: 28.8
Whitesboro: 28.5
Points Allowed Per Game
Jim Ned: 16.7
Whitesboro: 36.5
Best Win
Jim Ned: 17-14 over Wall
Whitesboro: 49-28 over Krum
Up Next: winner of Bushland (9-1) vs. Brownfield (5-5)
STAT LEADERS
Dean Guffey: 40-85, 674 yds, 7 TD, 2 int; 321 yds, 8 TD rushing
Brayden Shipman: 1293 yds, 10 TD rushing
Carter Wood: 23 rec, 492 yds, 5 TD; 39 tkl, 3 int
Trey Hicks: 75 tkl, 5 tfl
Clay Hermes: 115-199, 1432 yds, 11 TD, 4 int
Maxx Parker: 717 yds, 13 TD rushing; 26 rec, 232 yds, 1 TD
Brett Donaldson: 45 rec, 550 yds, 2 TD
Collin Phillips: 101 tkl, 7 tfl, 3 ff
DCTF Spread: Jim Ned by 14
The Pick: Jim Ned
EARLY (5-5) VS. ODESSA COMPASS (4-6) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - SAN ANGELO
SERIES HISTORY: Early leads 1-0
The Longhorns meet Odessa Compass Academy in the bi-district playoffs for the second straight season.
Early blasted the Cougars 62-0 last year before falling to state power Canadian in the area round.
The Longhorns got past TLCA San Angelo last year to clinch the #2 seed from District 2-3A D2 and set up another contest with the Cougars, who finished third behind Crane and Alpine in District 1.
District 1 only has four teams, so the teams played a round-robin district schedule. Compass lost both times to Alpine and Crane and beat winless Tornillo twice, including a 42-0 victory last week.
The Cougars other two wins this season were over Iraan and Water Valley, teams that missed the playoffs in 2023. Compass Academy is in its fourth season of playing football and has yet to miss the playoffs. They are also still searching for that first playoff win.
Early is in the postseason for the fourth straight year under Daniel Price.
Points Per Game
Early: 27.9
Odessa Compass: 22.2
Points Allowed Per Game
Early: 28.6
Odessa Compass: 23
Best Win
Early: 35-21 over TLCA San Angelo
Odessa Compass: 7-0 over Iraan
Up Next: winner of Canadian (10-0) vs. Littlefield (6-4)
STAT LEADERS
Rohyn Price: 85-144, 1296 yds, 13 TD, 8 int; 184 yds, 3 TD rushing
Griffin Cheslock: 908 yds, 12 TD rushing
Andrew Reedy: 35 rec, 472 yds, 4 TD
Ki Houston: 27 rec, 590 yds, 3 TD
Kaleb Ozuna: 84 tkl, 6 tfl, 3 fr
Diego Franco: 41-74, 690 yds, 7 TD, 9 int; 24 yds, 2 TD rushing
Christian Davalos: 532 yds, 7 TD rushing; 92 tkl, 6 tfl, 3 ff
Tanner Gahr: 14 rec, 303 yds, 3 TD
DCTF Spread: Early by 19
The Pick: Early
COMANCHE (6-4) VS. HENRIETTA (6-3) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - SPRINGTOWN
SERIES HISTORY: Tied 1-1
The Indians are riding a three-game winning streak, all by at least 39 points, as they enter the postseason for the second year in a row.
Comanche draws Henrietta in the first round. The Bearcats have also won three in a row, knocking off Callisburg, S&S Consolidated and Valley View after a 28-21 loss to Holliday that gave the Eagles the district title.
Henrietta also has close losses to state ranked Windthorst, 37-34, and Jacksboro, 28-27. The Tigers beat Comanche in district play 30-22. They also beat Millsap, another team the Indians lost to in district.
Comanche beat Henrietta in the playoffs last season 69-27.
The Bearcats are in the playoffs for the 11th year in a row.
Points Per Game
Comanche: 39.3
Henrietta: 38.7
Points Allowed Per Game
Comanche: 16.5
Henrietta: 25.4
Best Win
Comanche: 46-7 over Eastland
Henrietta: 45-39 over Millsap
Up Next: winner of Scurry-Rosser (10-0) vs. Blue Ridge (4-6)
STAT LEADERS
Layden Welch: 1158 yds, 18 TD, 1 int passing; 351 yds, 6 TD rushing
Cole Schwertner: 636 yds, 3 TD rushing; 2 rec, 28 yds
Sawyer Wilkerson: 630 yds, 7 TD rushing
Kyler Beaty: 29 rec, 470 yds, 9 TD
Garrett Blevins: 63-131, 1059 yds, 13 TD, 3 int; 790 yds, 8 TD rushing
Blaze Deaton: 645 yds, 9 TD rushing
Klein Essler: 21 rec, 489 yds, 5 TD
DCTF Spread: Comanche by 6
The Pick: Comanche
EASTLAND (3-7) VS. #7 HOLLIDAY (9-1) - FRIDAY, 7:30 P.M. - MINERAL WELLS
SERIES HISTORY: Eastland leads 4-2-1
The Mavericks did just enough to get back in the playoffs this season and will take on state-ranked Holliday in the first round.
These two teams played in the postseason in 2020 with the Mavericks winning 28-24 to advance to the regional finals.
Eastland is coming off a 46-7 home loss to Comanche. The Mavericks’ 23-20 win at Merkel proved to be the key to returning the playoffs after missing out in 2022 and snapping a 13-year playoff streak.
The Eagles have lost to Gunter in the fourth round the past two seasons and are in the postseason for the ninth year in a row. Their only loss this season was 40-22 at Jim Ned (at team Eastland beat this season) in week two. They have four shutout wins this season.
Points Per Game
Eastland: 24.4
Holliday: 35.9
Points Allowed Per Game
Eastland: 30.9
Holliday: 12.4
Best Win
Eastland: 21-19 over Jim Ned
Holliday: 18-7 over Iowa Park
Up Next: winner of Palmer (6-3) vs. Leonard (5-5)
STAT LEADERS
Isaiah Hays: 133-215, 1963 yds, 19 TD, 11 int
Griffin Beard: 267 yds, 2 TD rushing; 24 rec, 352 yds, 2 TD
Jay Oznick: 37 rec, 571 yds, 7 TD
Grant Cox: 98-151, 1620 yds, 21 TD, 4 int; 630 yds, 8 TD rushing
Isaac Villa: 20 rec, 314 yds, 5 TD
Parker Jones: 103 tkl, 13 tfl
Eddie Medina: 89 tkl, 9 tfl
DCTF Spread: Holliday by 24
The Pick: Holliday
#6 HAWLEY (8-2) VS. ANTHONY (3-6) - THURSDAY, 6 P.M. - WINK
SERIES HISTORY: Hawley leads 1-0
The district champion and defending state champion Bearcats open their playoff run against Anthony, who will come from as far west in Texas as you can get to meet Hawley in Wink.
Hawley lost to Jim Ned to open the season and Albany to close non-district before winning six in a row to wrap up the district title and top seed in the playoffs.
They face an Anthony squad that has lost its last four games and ended up in a three-way tie with Christoval and Reagan County for the final playoff spot from District 3-2A Division I. Their 15-0 win over Christoval proved to be enough to get them the tiebreaker and into the playoffs after missing in 2022. The Wildcats have never won a playoff game. They are 0-12 all-time, including a 60-0 loss to Hawley in 2015.
The Bearcats are in the playoffs for the 11th straight season and looking to make their third straight run to Jerry World.
Points Per Game
Hawley: 33.6
Anthony: 25.2
Points Allowed Per Game
Hawley: 15.3
Anthony: 32.1
Best Win
Hawley: 34-30 over Stamford
Anthony: 15-0 over Christoval
Up Next: winner of Panhandle (9-1) vs. Tahoka (4-6)
STAT LEADERS
Keagan Ables: 138-223, 2177 yds, 29 TD, 2 int; 158 yds, 3 TD rushing
Landon Sykora: 609 yds, 6 TD rushing; 68 tkl, 5 tfl
Diontay Ramon: 54 rec, 972 yds, 13 TD
Chandlin Myers: 39 rec, 556 yds, 8 TD
Hunter Hudson: 63 tkl, 9 tfl
Angel Solis: 83-186, 1299 yds, 11 TD, 6 int
Marcos Antonio Gutierrez: 514 yds, 2 TD rushing
Diego Uscanga: 26 rec, 414 yds
DCTF Spread: Hawley by 43
The Pick: Hawley
STAMFORD (8-1) VS. FORSAN (8-2) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - SWEETWATER
SERIES HISTORY: Stamford leads 5-4
The Bulldogs and Buffaloes meet in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season.
Forsan beat Stamford 21-14 to send the Bulldogs home and now they get another crack at the Buffs.
Stamford’s only loss all season was to Hawley 34-30, while Forsan upset state-ranked Sonora last week 24-22 to force a three-way tie for the district title with the Broncos, Buffaloes and Ozona. Forsan’s only district loss was 28-14 to Ozona. They ended up as the three-seed and draws powerful Stamford in round one.
Stamford is in the playoffs for the 43rd time overall and sixth time in seven years, but they haven’t won a playoff game since 2018.
Forsan is making its fourth straight playoff trip and has won three in a row in the series over Stamford.
Points Per Game
Stamford: 44.8
Forsan: 34.5
Points Allowed Per Game
Stamford: 10.6
Forsan: 20.6
Best Win
Stamford: 28-13 over Cisco
Forsan: 24-22 over Sonora
Up Next: winner of Stratford (10-0) vs. Sundown (3-7)
STAT LEADERS
Christian Duran: 81-115, 1387 yds, 11 TD, 7 int; 384 yds, 9 TD rushing
Kaston Vega: 603 yds, 10 TD rushing; 110 tkl, 12 tfl
Cle Whitfield: 471 yds, 5 TD rushing
Quenten Pryor: 22 rec, 400 yds, 4 TD
Drew Faulks: 21 rec, 350 yds, 4 TD
Ja’Kain Whitaker: 80 tkl, 6 fl
Nicholas Holloway: 66-150, 1236 yds, 15 TD, 4 int
Kevin Kligora: 578 yds, 4 TD rushing
Huston Stockton: 505 yds, 6 TD rushing
Hayden Bowlin: 24 rec, 575 yds, 8 TD
Isaac Espino: 85 tkl, 4 tfl
DCTF Spread: Stamford by 12
The Pick: Stamford
CISCO (4-6) VS. OZONA (6-4) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - COLORADO CITY
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting
The Loboes make their 13th straight playoff appearance as they meet Ozona Friday night.
Cisco has gone four rounds deep the past three seasons, falling to Post once and Hawley twice to end great seasons.
The Loboes placed third in District 4-2A D1 and draw District 3 tri-champion Ozona. The Lions lost their district opener to Sonora but did not lose again, reeling off four wins in a row, including a win over Forsan, to earn a share of the district title.
Both teams are certainly battle tested this season. Ozona started the season 2-4 with losses to Wink, Mason, Miles and Sonora. Those teams went a combined 33-5 this season.
Cisco has losses to many good teams as well. Clyde, Wall, Jacksboro, Stamford and Hawley went 42-5 on the year. Breckenridge, who ended up 4-6, is the only team the Loboes lost to that did not make the playoffs.
Ozona is in the playoffs for the first time since 2021. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2019.
Points Per Game
Cisco: 23.7
Ozona: 42.1
Points Allowed Per Game
Cisco: 26.1
Ozona: 31.4
Best Win
Cisco: 38-19 over Anson
Ozona: 28-14 over Forsan
Up Next: winner of New Deal (7-3) vs. Stinnett West Texas (5-5)
STAT LEADERS
Kannon Orsagh: 70-111, 863 yds, 12 TD, 8 int; 540 yds, 1 TD rushing
Gus Hart: 585 yds, 14 TD rushing
Dillon Silva: 23 rec, 212 yds, 2 TD
Hudson Fowler: 126-222, 1932 yds, 20 TD, 14 int; 174 yds, 5 TD rushing
Christian Villareal: 1101 yds, 13 TD rushing
Matthew Daniels: 35 rec, 531 yds, 6 TD
Michael Daniels: 74 tkl, 2 int
DCTF Spread: Cisco by 2
The Pick: Cisco
ANSON (5-5) VS. SONORA (9-1) - THURSDAY, 7 P.M. - SWEETWATER
SERIES HISTORY: First Meeting
The Tigers return to the playoffs after missing last year and will face Sonora in the first round.
The Broncos were state ranked until falling to Forsan last week and missing out on an outright district championship. Instead, they end up in a three-way tie for first but still earned the top seed and a date with Anson. They have been hard to stop this season, scoring over 40 points in eight of their ten games this season.
Sonora went three rounds deep in the playoffs last year before falling to eventual state champ Hawley. They are in the playoffs for the 15th straight season.
Points Per Game
Anson: 19.9
Sonora: 46.1
Points Allowed Per Game
Anson: 26.8
Sonora: 19.5
Best Win
Anson: 21-20 over Haskell
Sonora: 49-38 over Ozona
Up Next: winner of Olton (7-3) vs. Farwell (7-3)
STAT LEADERS
Tyler Wilburn: 31-74, 354 yds, 7 TD, 2 int; 583 yds, 7 TD rushing; 21 tkl, 1 int
Corey Layne: 537 yds, 4 TD rushing; 67 tkl, 6 tfl
Drike Shoemaker: 10 rec, 191 yds, 4 TD
Ethan Lozano: 77 tkl, 3 tfl, 1 fr
Jaime Buitron: 27-61, 728 yds, 9 TD, 1 int
Edgar Deluna: 2141 yds, 32 TD rushing; 114 tkl, 20 tfl, 8 int, 4 ff
Kam Aguero: 25 rec, 519 yds, 7 TD
DCTF Spread: Sonora by 26
The Pick: Sonora
COLEMAN (8-2) VS. ALVORD (6-3) - THURSDAY, 7 P.M. - BRECKENRIDGE
SERIES HISTORY: Coleman leads 1-0
The Bluecats meet Alvord in the bi-district round of the playoffs for a second straight season. Coleman beat the Bulldogs 46-7 last year before falling to Crawford in round two.
Coleman has lost just twice this season, to unbeaten Mason in the season opener and to 9-1 and state-ranked Tolar in district. The Bluecats have won three straight entering their 28th trip to the postseason.
Alvord beat District 6 co-champ Nocona 28-20 in its last outing to earn the three-seed in the playoffs. They are a playoff team for the tenth season in a row.
Points Per Game
Coleman: 30.8
Alvord: 22.1
Points Allowed Per Game
Coleman: 19.4
Alvord: 15
Best Win
Coleman: 26-20 over Llano
Alvord: 28-20 over Nocona
Up Next: winner of Marlin (8-2) vs. Kerens (6-4)
STAT LEADERS
Brayden Torres: 76-124, 1276 yds, 12 TD, 11 int; 428 yds, 9 TD rushing
Brent Bouldin 743 yds, 7 TD rushing
Jadin Jackson 613 yds, 11 TD rushing; 12 rec, 221 yds, 1 TD; 7-13, 216 yds, 2 TD passing
Dalton George: 91-162, 980 yds, 13 TD, 6 int
Zane Fuentes: 228 yds, 2 TD rushing; 33 rec, 483 yds, 6 TD
Troye Baker: 58 tkl, 2.5 tfl
DCTF Spread: Coleman by 21
The Pick: Coleman
DE LEON (6-4) VS. NOCONA (8-1) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - WEATHERFORD
SERIES HISTORY: First Meeting
The Bearkats are back in the postseason for the first time since 2019 and will face Nocona in round one.
Nocona is the top-seed and co-champion from District 6-2A D1. The Indians lost for the first time all season last week to Alvord 28-20 to miss out on an outright district title.
The Indians lost to Bangs 61-21 in the playoffs last season. Their last playoff victory was in 2012.
De Leon started the season 6-1 but lost its last three games to drop to the four-seed out of District 5-2A D1.
Points Per Game
De Leon: 28.6
Nocona: 41.6
Points Allowed Per Game
De Leon: 23.8
Nocona: 22.1
Best Win
De Leon: 24-10 over Hico
Nocona: 62-38 over Tioga
Up Next: winner of Italy (5-5) vs. Crawford (6-4)
STAT LEADERS
Heston Jobe: 88-144, 1266 yds, 8 TD, 5 int; 562 yds, 4 TD rushing
Jake Cooper: 886 yds, 12 TD rushing; 31 rec, 250 yds, 1 TD
Max Jones: 30 rec, 502 yds, 4 TD
DCTF Spread: Pick ‘em
The Pick: Nocona
#1 ALBANY (10-0) VS. ELDORADO (5-4) - THURSDAY, 7 P.M. - COLORADO CITY
SERIES HISTORY: Albany leads 2-0
Albany enters the playoffs on a 21-game winning streak and as the top team in 2A Division I. They'll meet up with Eldorado in the bi-district round for the second straight season. The Lions rolled past the Eagles 49-13 on their way to winning it all in 2022.
The Lions were perfect against a tough non-district schedule and had no issues beating up on everyone in 6-2A Division II play. They outscored district foes by a combined 271-7 on their way to a fourth straight district title.
The season opener against Lubbock Trinity Christian, a 22-21 win, has really been the only game the Lions had a chance to lose this season.
Eldorado snuck into the playoffs as the four-seed from District 5. They lost two of their last three games, including a 28-20 upset loss to Iraan last week. The Eagles are in the playoffs for the sixth year in a row.
Points Per Game
Albany: 44.7
Eldorado: 22.8
Points Allowed Per Game
Albany: 7.6
Eldorado: 23
Best Win
Albany: 27-14 over Hawley
Eldorado: 24-0 over Sterling City
Up Next: winner of Seymour (8-2) vs. Celeste (7-3)
STAT LEADERS
Chip Chambers: 100-175, 1673 yds, 23 TD, 11 int; 74 yds, 2 TD rushing
Adam Hil: 1636 yds, 25 TD rushing; 7 rec, 121 yds, 4 TD
Cason Fairchild: 40 rec, 790 yds, 9 TD
Jaxson Hoel: 95 tkl, 7 tfl, 2 sacks, 2 fr
DCTF Spread: Albany by 44
The Pick: Albany
ROSCOE VS. MCCAMEY - THURSDAY, 7 P.M. - KERMIT
SERIES HISTORY: McCamey leads 1-0
Roscoe and McCamey meet in the first round of the playoffs for the second year in a row, with the Plowboys hoping to avenge a 42-6 loss to the Badgers last season.
The Plowboys have just two losses on the season, one to top ranked Albany and the other to third-ranked New Home. The final score was not that close, but Roscoe was the only team in district that really gave Albany a game.
Roscoe is in the playoffs for the fourth straight season, while McCamey is in for an eighth year in a row. The Badgers earned the three-seed from District 5 behind Sterling City and Wink. McCamey lost to both of those teams in district but finished up with two close wins over Water Valley and Iraan to reach the postseason.
Of note, the Badgers quarterback is Grant Glidewell who played some for Jim Ned last season.
Points Per Game
Roscoe: 36.1
McCamey: 32.1
Points Allowed Per Game
Roscoe: 17
McCamey: 41.5
Best Win
Roscoe: 32-16 over Clarendon
McCamey: 41-34 over Eldorado
Up Next: winner of Windthorst (8-2) vs. Lindsay (5-5)
STAT LEADERS
Jace Arnwine: 103-173, 1459 yds, 19 TD, 4 int; 39 yds, 1 TD rushing
Ivan McCann: 1001 yds, 10 TD rushing
Seth Wilcox: 39 rec, 649 yds, 12 TD; 387 yds, 4 TD rushing
Parker Gleaton: 30 rec, 469 yds, 6 TD; 62 yds, 2 TD rushing
Grant Glidewell: 139-227, 2224 yds, 25 TD, 9 int; 756 yds, 13 TD rushing
Edgar Quinonez: 66 rec, 1435 yds, 21 TD; 69 tkl, 3 tfl
DCTF Spread: Roscoe by 20
The Pick: Roscoe
MILES (7-3) VS. STERLING CITY (6-3) - THURSDAY, 7 P.M. - SAN ANGELO
SERIES HISTORY: Sterling City leads 21-9-1
Miles faces a Sterling City squad making its second straight appearance in the playoffs after moving up to 11-man action.
Sterling City started the season with wins in six of its first seven games, but lost to Eldorado in a 24-0 upset and to Wink 28-7 in its last two contests to drop out of district title contention.
The Eagles beat the Bulldogs in a 36-32 shootout in week two, and Miles would love to get a little revenge in the playoffs.
Miles is in the playoffs for the tenth year in a row, but the Bulldogs haven't won in the postseason since 2014. They are just 2-13 all-time in the playoffs.
Points Per Game
Miles: 46.7
Sterling City: 29.6
Points Allowed Per Game
Miles: 27.8
Sterling City: 18.9
Best Win
Miles: 70-68 over Ozona
Sterling City: 36-32 over Miles
Up Next: winner of Collinsville (9-1) vs. Archer City (5-4)
STAT LEADERS
Hayven Book: 141-232, 2232 yds, 35 TD, 9 int; 747 yds, 10 TD rushing
Tevin Meade: 770 yds, 13 TD rushing; 10 rec, 254 yds, 4 TD
Cooper Ellison: 54 rec, 856 yds, 15 TD
Lane Godfrey: 88 tkl, 2 tfl
DCTF Spread: Miles by 14
The Pick: Miles
CROSS PLAINS (4-6) VS. #6 WINK (9-1) - FRIDAY, 2 P.M. - SAN ANGELO
SERIES HISTORY: Wink leads 2-1
Cross Plains faces powerful Wink in the bi-district playoffs for the second year in a row, hoping for a better outcome than the 60-0 loss the Wildcats handed them in 2022.
The Buffaloes made it nine playoff trips in a row with a fourth place finish in 6-2A D2, and they hope for their first postseason win since beating Wink in 2016.
The Wildcats cruised through the regular season with nine wins in ten games. Their only loss was a 19-18 decision at 3A D2 Alpine. A 22-point win over Sterling City was their closest district game.
Wink lost in the third round to Albany last season and has not missed the playoffs since 2011.
Points Per Game
Cross Plains: 22.6
Wink: 41
Points Allowed Per Game
Cross Plains: 31.6
Wink: 16.5
Best Win
Cross Plains: 28-6 over Hamlin
Wink: 48-36 over Ozona
Up Next: winner of Muenster (6-4) vs. Haskell (4-5)
STAT LEADERS
Kade Purvis: 69-139, 839 yds, 4 TD, 7 int; 124 yds, 3 TD rushing
Dusty Wyatt: 959 yds, 12 TD rushing; 4 rec, 41 yds; 6-9, 87 yds, 2 TD passing
Tyler Mackey: 21 rec, 265 yds, 3 TD
Gray Albrecht: 18 rec, 185 yds
Jeremiah Gallardo: 39-75, 611 yds, 6 TD, 3 int; 876 yds, 21 TD rushing
Kemyd Faciane: 1458 yds, 14 TD rushing
Zachary Yactayo: 23 rec, 515 yds, 6 TD
Hudson Morgan: 103 tkl, 10 tfl
DCTF Spread: Wink by 33
The Pick: Wink
HASKELL (4-5) VS. MUENSTER (6-4) - THURSDAY, 7 P.M. - GRAHAM
SERIES HISTORY: First Meeting
Haskell heads into the playoffs for the third year in a row aiming to pick up a playoff win against Muenster. The last Indian postseason victory was in 2018 over Eldorado.
They will have their hands full against a Hornet team that got past Celeste 35-7 last week to clinch the second seed behind Collinsville out of District 8-2A Division II. Muenster's only district loss was to Collinsville, the team that knocked Haskell out of the playoffs last season, 51-27. Muenster lost three of its first four games this season before turning things around in district.
The Hornets haven't missed the playoffs since 2007 and have won at least one playoff game every year in that stretch. They lost to Albany in the area round last year.
Haskell dropped its first four games of the year but went 4-2 in district to earn the three seed. The Indians were off last week but beat Electra 34-24 in their last game to clinch a playoff spot.
Points Per Game
Haskell: 21.4
Muenster: 27.3
Points Allowed Per Game
Haskell: 27.4
Muenster: 17.3
Best Win
Haskell: 34-33 over Archer City
Muenster: 16-6 over Windthorst
Up Next: winner of Wink (9-1) vs. Cross Plains (4-6)
STAT LEADERS
Haegen Pinkerton: 49-107, 701 yds, 5 TD, 8 int; 574 yds, 11 TD rushing
Trevor Henry: 346 yds, 4 TD rushing; 7 rec, 28 yds
Nemo Silvas: 30 rec, 513 yds, 3 TD
DCTF Spread: Muenster by 26
The Pick: Muenster
#2 KNOX CITY (10-0) VS. KRESS (4-6) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - PADUCAH
SERIES HISTORY: First Meeting
The unbeaten and second ranked Greyhounds will take on Kress in the bi-district playoffs this week.
Kress enters off a 73-28 loss to Springlake-Earth that gave the Wolverines the district title and made the Kangaroos have to face Knox City. They are just 4-6 on the season, but five of their six losses were to playoff teams. Wins over Anton, Petersburg and Lorenzo got the ‘Roos into the playoffs.
They are in the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
Knox City is making a fifth straight trip to the playoffs and hoping to make a run. They opened the year with a win over defending state champ Westbrook and never looked back, only getting tested by Valley in the second to last week of the season.
Points Per Game
Knox City: 58
Kress: 28.3
Points Allowed Per Game
Knox City: 16
Kress: 47.2
Best Win
Knox City: 34-24 over Knox City
Kress: 48-44 over Petersburg
Up Next: winner of Happy (9-1) vs. Follett (7-3)
STAT LEADERS
Bryson Callaway: 47-75, 904 yds, 20 TD, 0 int; 213 yds, 3 TD rushing
Cameron Hernandez: 942 yds, 20 TD rushing; 3 rec, 48 yds, 1 TD
Devin Guillory: 20 rec, 539 yds, 14 TD
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Knox City: #2 in 1A D1
Kress: #35 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Knox City by 59
Sixmanfootball Spread: Knox City by 45
The Pick: Knox City
#4 WESTBROOK (9-1) VS. RANKIN (7-3) - THURSDAY, 6:30 P.M. - GARDEN CITY
SERIES HISTORY: Westbrook leads 3-2
The Wildcats and Red Devils meet up yet again, making this their fourth game over the past two seasons. Westbrook swept a regular season game and playoff rematch from Rankin last season and is looking to do the same again this year.
Westbrook has been untouchable since a season opening loss to Knox City and rolled through district play with five mercy rule wins. The Wildcats rolled past Rankin 52-0 on the road in week three.
Rankin finished second to Borden County in District 7-1A D1, falling to the Coyotes 42-30 but earning wins over Sands, Grady and Garden City to extend its playoff streak to seven straight seasons.
Points Per Game
Westbrook: 52.5
Rankin: 48.7
Points Allowed Per Game
Westbrook: 10.2
Rankin: 28.9
Best Win
Westbrook: 60-14 over Jonesboro
Rankin: 59-20 over Buena Vista
Up Next: winner of Buena Vista (7-3) vs. O’Donnell (8-2)
STAT LEADERS
Parker Matlock: 14-24, 225 yds, 6 TD, 1 int; 75 tkl, 12 tfl, 5 fr
Keegan Gilbreath: 842 yds, 24 TD rushing; 72 tkl, 8 tfl, 3 int
Grayson Jeffrey: 644 yds, 15 TD rushing; 5 rec, 106 yds, 1 TD, 49 tkl, 2 tfl, 2 int
Aiden Sullivan: 8 rec, 197 yds, 4 TD; 55 tkl, 15 tfl, 7 sacks, 5 fr, 9 ff
Ethan King: 62 tkl, 5 tfl, 6 sacks
Damien Stewart: 62 tkl, 9 tfl
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Westbrook: #1 in 1A D1
Rankin: #7 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Westbrook by 18
Sixmanfootball Spread: Westbrook by 36
The Pick: Westbrook
IRA (6-3) VS. #9 BORDEN COUNTY (9-1) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - SANDS
SERIES HISTORY: Borden County leads 17-10-1
The Bulldogs are back in the playoffs for the sixth straight season and will face a familiar foe in Borden County.
The Coyotes missed the postseason last year but are back after a 9-1 run through the regular season. Their only loss was to 10-0 Abbott, 78-56.
Ira had to beat Hermleigh to get into the playoffs last week and they got the job done, beating their Scurry County rivals 54-36.
The teams are playing for the first time since a 58-0 Coyote victory in 2017. Borden County has won the last four in the series.
Points Per Game
Ira: 48.7
Borden County: 55.5
Points Allowed Per Game
Ira: 40.2
Borden County: 16.6
Best Win
Ira: 46-42 over Highland
Borden County: 42-30 over Rankin
Up Next: winner of Whiteface (10-0) vs. Van Horn (6-4)
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Ira: #14 in 1A D1
Borden County: #6 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Borden County by 26
Sixmanfootball Spread: Borden County by 24
The Pick: Borden County
MAY (7-3) VS. IRION COUNTY (8-2) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - ROBERT LEE
SERIES HISTORY: May leads 2-1
The Tigers and Hornets meet in the bi-district round for the fourth year in a row, and Irion County would like to even the score.
May beat the Hornets in 2020 and 2021 on their way to reaching the state title game and Irion County returned the favor last season in a 104-91 shootout.
May enters the game with three losses, all to state-ranked opponents. Irion County has a pair of defeats, one to playoff team Buena Vista and the other to a Highland team that just missed out on the postseason.
Irion County enters as the District 13 champion, getting past Robert Lee, Veribest, Menard and Eden.
May fell to Jonesboro 48-22 in its last outing to finish as the District 14 runner-up.
Points Per Game
May: 42.5
Irion County: 61.7
Points Allowed Per Game
May: 35.8
Irion County: 26.2
Best Win
May: 49-30 over Garden City
Irion County: 56-36 over Robert Lee
Up Next: winner of Leverett’s Chapel (7-2) vs. Leakey (6-4)
STAT LEADERS
Braden Steele: 1339 yds, 22 TD rushing; 61-101, 980 yds, 16 TD passing
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
May: #23 in 1A D1
Irion County: #15 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Irion County by 17
Sixmanfootball Spread: Irion County by 18
The Pick: Irion County
#1 BENJAMIN (10-0) AT MOTLEY COUNTY (6-4) - FRIDAY, 6:30 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: Motley County leads 3-1
The Mustangs and Matadors meet in a bi-district rematch, with Benjamin looking to earn a second straight win.
Benjamin won 56-6 last season on its way to winning the state championship.
The Mustangs won all ten games by mercy rule this season and are on a 24-game winning streak.
Motley County started the season 1-3, but finished with wins in five of its last six games, including beating Aspermont 40-8 last week to claim the second playoff spot behind Jayton from District 5.
Points Per Game
Benjamin: 65.4
Motley County: 48.2
Points Allowed Per Game
Benjamin: 10
Motley County: 41.4
Best Win
Benjamin: 80-33 over Follett
Motley County: 60-25 over Kress
Up Next: winner of Newcastle (9-1) vs. Woodson (3-7)
STAT LEADERS
Grayson Rigdon: 1307 yds, 27 TD rushing; 33-38, 604 yds, 6 TD passing; 19 rec, 573 yds, 16 TD; 66 tkl, 3 ff, 5 int, 6 defensive TD; 4 kickoff returns for TD, 1 punt return for TD
Keegan Hayes: 375 yds, 6 TD rushing; 13 rec, 303 yds, 4 TD; 27-43, 688 yds, 19 TD, 1 int passing; 83 tkl, 2 ff, 2 int
Weston Weatherford: 13 rec, 245 yds, 3 TD; 61 tkl, 1 int, 1 ff, 1 fr
Tallon Hayes: 84 tkl, 4 ff, 4 fr, 1 int
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Benjamin: #1 in 1A D2
Motley County: #16 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Benjamin by 27
Sixmanfootball Spread: Benjamin by 45
The Pick: Benjamin
#7 NEWCASTLE (9-1) AT WOODSON (3-7) - THURSDAY, 7:30 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: Newcastle leads 34-15-1
The Bobcats and Cowboys get set for their second meeting of the season. The first was a 54-0 Newcastle win in week two.
Woodson rallied from an 0-6 start to the season to finish second behind Throckmorton in District 7, but will have their hands full against the Bobcats again Thursday night.
Newcastle’s only loss of the season is to 1A D1 Jonesboro, 50-38, who also went 9-1 on the year and is ranked number five in the state.
Woodson is in the postseason for the first time since 2019, while Newcastle is in for the third year in a row.
Points Per Game
Newcastle: 60.3
Woodson: 30.2
Points Allowed Per Game
Newcastle: 23.2
Woodson: 38.4
Best Win
Newcastle: 75-60 over Decatur Victory Christian
Woodson: 51-6 over Rule
Up Next: winner of Benjamin (10-0) vs. Motley County (6-4)
STAT LEADERS
Braden Copeland: 17-36, 297 yds, 2 TD, 5 int
Austin Priddy: 1191 yds, 21 TD rushing; 77 tkl, 6 tfl
Britton Bellah: 18 rec, 174 yds, 5 TD
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Newcastle: #10 in 1A D2
Woodson: #51 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Newcastle by 49
Sixmanfootball Spread: Newcastle by 45
The Pick: Newcastle
#3 JAYTON (10-0) VS. CROWELL (8-2) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - GUTHRIE
SERIES HISTORY: Jayton leads 1-0-1
The Jaybirds meet up with District 6 runner-up Crowell in the bi-district round, looking to stay unbeaten on the season after a perfect run through the regular season.
Jayton ended nine of ten games early this season, with their 55-34 win over #5 Klondike the only one that went the distance.
Crowell lost out on a district title with a 56-8 loss to top ranked Benjamin last week, and their only other loss was to 1A D1 #2 Knox City.
The Wildcats are a playoff team for the first time since 2020, while Jayton is in for the eighth season in a row.
This matchup will be the first between the two teams since 1983.
Points Per Game
Jayton: 58.4
Crowell: 57.7
Points Allowed Per Game
Jayton: 10.8
Crowell: 37.9
Best Win
Jayton: 55-34 over Klondike
Crowell: 62-61 over Valley
Up Next: winner of Throckmorton (6-4) vs. Strawn (7-3)
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Jayton: #2 in 1A D2
Crowell: #12 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Jayton by 23
Sixmanfootball Spread: Jayton by 43
The Pick: Jayton
THROCKMORTON (6-4) VS. STRAWN (7-3) - FRIDAY, 7:30 P.M. - BRECKENRIDGE
SERIES HISTORY: Strawn leads 2-0
It’s a battle of Greyhounds in the bi-district round this week as Throckmorton and Strawn meet in Breckenridge.
Throckmorton cruised to a District 7 title with 45’s against Lueders-Avoca, Woodson, Paint Creek and Rule.
Strawn is the District 8 runner-up thanks to a 74-24 loss to Newcastle.
Both teams played a very difficult non-district slate. Strawn fell to rival Gordon, 46-0, and Crowell, while Throckmorton fell to Gordon as well, 48-0, plus Highland, Whitharral and Hermleigh.
Strawn is back in the playoffs after missing out in 2022, while Throckmorton is in for the sixth straight season.
The last game between these two was a 61-8 Strawn win in the second round of the playoffs on their way to winning the state championship.
Points Per Game
Throckmorton: 40.8
Strawn: 54.6
Points Allowed Per Game
Throckmorton: 28
Strawn: 36.2
Best Win
Throckmorton: 68-24 over Bryson
Strawn: 75-46 over Sidney
Up Next: winner of Jayton (10-0) vs. Crowell (8-2)
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Throckmorton: #17 in 1A D2
Strawn: #15 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Strawn by 5
Sixmanfootball Spread: Strawn by 12
The Pick: Throckmorton
LORAINE (3-7) VS. PAINT ROCK (6-4) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - BLACKWELL
SERIES HISTORY: Loraine leads 9-3
The Bulldogs battled through injuries and a rough schedule in non-district play but flipped the switch, and got AJ Williams back, to pick up a third straight district title and sixth straight trip to the playoffs. Five of their losses were to playoff teams and the other two were to Highland and Sands, both 1A D1 teams.
They draw a Paint Rock squad that is in the playoffs for the first time since 2015 thanks to a 48-2 win over Panther Creek last week.
Paint Rock does not have a win over a team with a winning record this season.
Loraine has won three straight in the series, including a 65-16 victory in their last meeting in 2017.
Points Per Game
Loraine: 46.1
Paint Rock: 39
Points Allowed Per Game
Loraine: 53.5
Paint Rock: 27.7
Best Win
Loraine: 55-8 over Bronte
Paint Rock: 48-2 over Panther Creek
Up Next: winner of Zephyr (8-2) vs. Cherokee (8-1)
STAT LEADERS
AJ Williams: 709 yds, 11 TD rushing; 1 rec, 15 yds, 1 TD; 21-45, 371 yds, 4 TD, 2 int; 31 tkl, 1 tfl, 2 fr
Jadrian Limones: 34-61, 586 yds, 12 TD, 4 int; 295 yds, 4 TD rushing; 10 rec, 174 yds, 3 TD
Xander Ybarra: 260 yds, 9 TD rushing; 12 rec, 109 yds, 1 TD; 3-6, 79 yds, 1 TD passing; 66 tkl
Matthew Bolen: 334 yds, 4 TD rushing; 11 rec, 179 yds, 2 TD; 14-24, 178 yds, 5 TD passing
Johnathan Lujan: 14 rec, 306 yds, 7 TD
Luke Kerr: 64 tkl, 2 tfl
Brett Bolen: 37 tkl, 2 fr
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Loraine: #24 in 1A D2
Paint Rock: #48 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Loraine by 12
Sixmanfootball Spread: Loraine by 45
The Pick: Loraine
ZEPHYR (8-2) VS. #6 CHEROKEE (8-1) - FRIDAY, 7 P.M. - SAN SABA
SERIES HISTORY: Zephyr leads 20-10
Zephyr earned back-to-back district titles with a win over Blanket last week and draws state-ranked Cherokee in the bi-district round.
The Indians ended Richland Springs’ district championship streak last season but fell to the Coyotes 40-32 this year to finish as the District 16 runner-up. They enter on a three-game winning streak, including an 84-72 shootout win over Rochelle that got them back into the postseason. Cherokee is in the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.
Zephyr enters the playoffs on a five-game winning streak, with their only two losses of the season coming to 1A D1 Robert Lee and Veribest.
The last contest between these two was a 65-8 Cherokee victory in 2020. This is their first meeting in the playoffs.
Points Per Game
Zephyr: 43.7
Cherokee: 61.4
Points Allowed Per Game
Zephyr: 18.2
Cherokee: 20
Best Win
Zephyr: 38-34 over Rising Star
Cherokee: 84-72 over Rochelle
Up Next: winner of Loraine (3-7) vs. Paint Rock (6-4)
STAT LEADERS
Tripp Ballard: 585 yds, 17 TD rushing; 9 rec, 189 yds,1 TD; 107 tkl, 7 tfl, 1 int
Wyatt Stevens: 43-75, 712 yds, 14 TD, 4 int; 3 rec, 24 yds, 1 TD
Karsen Floyd: 24 rec, 465 yds, 7 TD; 391 yds, 5 TD rushing; 104 tkl, 2 int, 6 fr
Trapper Schoenhals: 61 tkl, 9 tfl
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Zephyr: #21 in 1A D2
Cherokee: #9 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Cherokee by 16
Sixmanfootball Spread: Cherokee by 35
The Pick: Cherokee
#9 RISING STAR (8-2) VS. BRONTE (3-7) - FRIDAY, 7:30 P.M. - WINTERS
SERIES HISTORY: Bronte leads 1-0
Rising Star is back in the playoffs for a second straight season and looking to hang around a while this time. They fell to Blackwell in the first round a year ago, 68-40.
The Wildcats will face Bronte, the runner-up from District 13, in the first round.
Bronte knocked off Blackwell in a 46-42 decision to claim their first playoff spot as a six-man team and first overall trip to the postseason since 2015.
Rising Star dropped two of its first three games but finished strong, winning seven straight and cruising to a second straight district championship.
The Wildcats and Longhorns have not played since 2018, a 44-0 Bronte win in the first meeting in the series.
Points Per Game
Rising Star: 55.6
Bronte: 29.4
Points Allowed Per Game
Rising Star: 16.7
Bronte: 40
Best Win
Rising Star: 90-42 over Bluff Dale
Bronte: 46-42 over Blackwell
Up Next: winner of Richland Springs vs. Sidney
STAT LEADERS
Kobey Morris: 41-59, 789 yds, 21 TD, 3 int; 14 yds, 1 TD rushing; 67 tkl, 3 fr, 4 int, 7 pbu, 2 defensive TD
Blake Wilson: 485 yds, 9 TD rushing; 8 rec, 190 yds, 4 TD; 37 tkl, 1 int
Dakota Higgins: 17 rec, 457 yds, 12 TD; 42 tkl, 5 fr
Anthony Pollard: 49 tkl, 3 fr, 1 int; 171 yds, 2 TD rushing; 5 rec, 33 yds, 1 TD
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Rising Star: #18 in 1A D2
Bronte: #40 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Rising Star by 39
Sixmanfootball Spread: Rising Star by 45
The Pick: Rising Star
DALLAS LAKEHILL (8-1) AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN (8-2) - FRIDAY, 6 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: Abilene Christian leads 4-0
The Panthers get another home game in their brand-new stadium and will take on Dallas Lakehill in the first round of the playoffs Friday night.
Abilene Christian was off last week, while Lakehill lost a shot at a district title with a 38-20 loss to Lucas Christian. The loss put the Warrios into the three-seed from District 2 and a matchup with the Panthers.
Abilene Christian is no stranger to the playoffs and made a run to the state semifinals last year.
Lakehill missed the playoffs last season.
The last game between these two was a 66-0 Panther victory in 2013.
Points Per Game
Lakehill: 49.3
ACS: 50
Points Allowed Per Game
Lakehill: 12.5
ACS: 27.3
Best Win
Lakehill: 30-28 over Plano Coram Deo
ACS: 68-44 over Hermleigh
Up Next: winner of Keller Harvest (5-5) vs. Plano Coram Deo (7-2)
STAT LEADERS
Brooks Armstrong: 1263 yds, 23 TD rushing; 11 rec, 120 yds, 2 TD; 8-13, 91 yds, 2 TD passing; 33 tkl, 4 int
Carson Schwiethale: 40-73, 649 yds, 11 TD, 1 int; -24 yds, 1 TD rushing
Davis Patteson: 356 yds, 7 TD rushing; 34 tkl, 2 sacks, 1 int
Bryce McGlothlin: 32 tkl, 7 sacks
Isaac Presley: 43 tkl, 3 sacks, 1 int; 11 rec, 137 yds, TD
Nate Garza: 19 tkl, 5 sacks; 13 rec, 325 yds, 5 TD
Pierson Walters: 308 yds, 5 TD rushing
Sixmanfootball.com Computer Rankings:
Dallas Lakehill: #7 in TAPPS DII
Abilene Christian: #3 in TAPPS DII
DCTF Spread: Abilene Christian by 13
Sixmanfootball Spread: Abilene Christian by 25
The Pick: Abilene Christian
TARLETON STATE (7-3, 3-2) AT ACU (5-4, 3-2) - SATURDAY, 2 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: ACU leads 21-12-4
The Wildcats host Tarleton State in their final home game of the season Saturday afternoon.
ACU is coming off a 24-7 victory over Utah Tech, while the Texans beat Stephen F. Austin in their last outing.
STAT LEADERS
Victor Gabalis: 149-275, 2234 yds, 18 TD, 11 int
Kayvon Britten: 974 yds, 13 TD rushing
Darius Cooper: 26 rec, 578 yds, 5 TD
Patrick Jones: 67 tkl, 1 int
Maverick McIvor: 127-234, 1651 yds, 16 TD, 5 int
Jay’Veon Sunday: 546 yds, 3 TD rushing
Blayne Taylor: 28 rec, 464 yds, 6 TD
Darius Moore: 71 tkl, 5 tfl
The Pick: Tarleton State
HARDIN-SIMMONS (8-1, 6-0) AT EAST TEXAS BAPTIST (5-4, 3-2) - SATURDAY, 1 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: HSU leads 20-2
The Cowboys have already clinched the ASC title but need a win at East Texas Baptist this weekend to help their hopes of hosting a first-round playoff game.
HSU had no issues last week beating Austin College 59-19.
ETBU came up short against Mary Hardin-Baylor 21-12 to fall out of the ASC championship race.
STAT LEADERS
Gaylon Glynn: 102-153, 1394 yds, 9 TD, 3 int
Noah Garcia: 760 yds, 10 TD rushing
Colton Marshall: 592 yds, 12 TD rushing
Tailon Garrett: 47 rec, 619 yds, 3 TD
Cade Michna: 48 tkl, 7 tfl, 1 int
Cornelius Banks: 85-166, 933 yds, 8 TD, 3 int
Paul Woodard: 328 yds, 1 TD rushing
Trayjen Llanas-Wilcox: 34 rec, 597 yds, 6 TD
Demondre Williams: 85 tkl, 10 tfl, 2 int
The Pick: Hardin-Simmons
MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR (5-4, 4-1) AT HOWARD PAYNE (6-3, 3-2) - SATURDAY 1 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: UMHB leads 21-2
The Yellow Jackets wrap up the 2023 season with a tough contest at home against Mary Hardin-Baylor.
HPU fell on the road to Sul Ross 47-42 last week to drop to 3-2 in conference play.
A year ago, Howard Payne gave the Cru all they could handle before falling on a last-second field goal 27-24.
STAT LEADERS
Isaac Phe: 132-218, 1544 yds, 16 TD, 4 int
Kenneth Cormier Jr.: 595 yds, 5 TD
Jerry Day Jr.: 35 rec, 420 yds, 5 TD
Durand Hill: 76 tkl, 10.5 tfl, 2 int
Landon McKinney: 221-357, 2899 yds, 23 TD, 5 int
Javian Myles: 359 yds, 5 TD
Gus Charles 54 rec, 939 yds, 8 TD
Jordan Carroll: 53 rec, 788 yds, 10 TD
KJ Kelley: 84 tkl, 6 int, 5 pbu
The Pick: Mary Hardin-Baylor
SUL ROSS STATE (4-5) AT MCMURRY (5-4, 3-3)
SERIES HISTORY: McMurry leads 47-43-2
The War Hawks look to extend their winning streak to four with a season ending victory over Sul Ross Saturday.
McMurry can finish above .500 for the first time since 2012 with a win.
They rallied past Texas Lutheran on the road last week 36-33 to earn their first conference road victory of the season, while Sul Ross took down Howard Payne at home 47-42.
Sul Ross State has won two in a row in the series, including a 33-27 win at home last season.
STAT LEADERS
Andrew Martinez: 125-242, 1663 yds, 14 TD, 13 int
Rodd Hudson III: 344 yds, 2 TD rushing
Isaiah Pena: 35 rec, 539 yds, 4 TD
Jade Rios: 98 tkl, 5 tfl
Jess Hoel: 209-303, 2250 yds, 20 TD, 11 int; 209 yds, 2 TD rushing
Drew Hagler: 262 yds, 4 TD rushing
Kristopher Martin: 57 rec, 940 yds, 9 TD
Timothy Leatherman: 51 tkl, 1 int, 6 pbu
The Pick: McMurry
