The postseason is here and 29 of the 50 high schools we previewed in Big Country Blitz will be battling for their playoff lives this week.

Three games feature Big Country-on-Big Country matchups (Anson/Coleman, Hakell/Cisco and Ira/Westbrook), so here’s hoping 26 area teams are still playing next week.

The final regular season edition of Blitz Picks were decent — above 80 percent for a second straight week.

Season: 326-414, 78.7%
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%
Week 11: 32-39, 82.1%

6A DIVISION II

El Paso Eastwood (6-4) at Abilene High (7-3) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Shotwell Stadium, Abilene

The Eagles soar into the postseason on a four game winning streak and have won seven of eight. The lone loss was a close one to eventual district champion Midland Legacy in a game the Eagles had a chance to win in the fourth quarter. Now they get set to face El Paso Eastwood for the second straight postseason. A year ago Abilene High upset the Troopers 42-35 in a neutral site game in Fort Stockton, now the Eagles have the home field advantage at Shotwell Stadium. Eastwood was the preseason pick as the best team in El Paso this season but underperformed a bit, finishing 6-4 and as the fourth playoff team out of District 1-6A. They have won three straight by big margins, beating El Paso Socorro 81-20, El Paso Coronado 41-19 and El Paso Americas 72-8 to close the season. However, all three of those opponents did not reach the postseason and went a combined 5-25 on the year. The Trooper offense is led by quarterback Andrew Martinez, who has thrown for 3,307 yards and 35 touchdowns and ten interceptions. Curtis Murillo caught 79 passes for 1,236 yards and eight scores, while Samuel Lopez is the leading rusher with 863 yards and nine touchdowns.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Abilene 34.9; Eastwood 47
Points allowed per game — Abilene 25.8, Eastwood 30.6
Streak — Abilene: Won four; Eastwood: Won three
Best Win — Abilene 42, Permian 21; Eastwood 72, EP Americas 8
Last playoff appearance — Abilene: 2020; Eastwood: 2020
Winner plays winner of Saginaw Boswell/Haslet Eaton

THE SPREAD: Abilene High by 12
THE PICK: Abilene High

5A DIVISION I

Cooper (6-4) at #4 Colleyville Heritage (9-1) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Mustang-Panther Stadium, Grapevine

The Cougars beat the teams they were supposed to in district to earn the four seed out of District 3-5A Division I and now get set to face fourth-ranked Colleyville Heritage. The Panthers only loss this season was a 30-27 squeaker to Euless Trinity in week three, and they’ve gone 7-0 since. They did have some close calls in district play, beating the other three playoff qualifiers Midlothian 10-7, Mansfield Summit 35-34 and Burleson Centennial 37-27. Heritage hasn’t been overwhelming offensively, averaging 350.4 yards per game — 253.2 passing and 97.2 rushing. Quarterback Weston Smith has thrown for 2,132 yards with 22 touchdowns and seven picks. His leading receiver is Hogan Wasson (61 receptions, 904 yards, 8 TD) and Isaac Shabay is the leading rusher (387 yards, 6 TD). The Cougars are big underdogs but, if they can get off to a great start, may be able to make it a game and pull off an upset.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Cooper 29; Heritage 41.2
Points allowed per game — Cooper 25.9; Heritage 19.4
Streak — Cooper: Won one; Heritage: Won seven
Best win — Cooper 31, Abilene High 14; Heritage 35, Mansfield Summit 34
Last playoff appearance — Cooper: 2020; Heritage: 2020
Winner plays winner of El Paso Del Valle/Amarillo

THE SPREAD: Heritage by 30
THE PICK: Heritage

4A DIVISION I

Brownwood (4-6) vs Kennedale (9-1) - Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Glen Rose

The Lions will face Kennedale in the bi-district round for the second straight season, hoping for a better outcome than the 2020 meeting. The Wildcats won that matchup 44-7 before losing to Melissa in the area round. Brownwood did just enough to make the playoffs, blowing out Alvarado and Waxahachie Life but falling to Midlothian Heritage, Waco La Vega and Stephenville. Kennedale lost to Midlothian Heritage 22-7 in a non-district game in week two, while the Lions lost to Heritage 43-25 on Oct. 8. The Wildcats do not come from the stoutest of districts and cruised to seven victories, six were shutouts, by a combined 374 to 14. The Wildcats are a run-heavy that only passed the ball 55 times this season (according to stats uploaded on MaxPreps) while racking up 257.9 yards per game on the ground. EJ Higgins led the rushing attack with 754 yards and 13 touchdowns.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Brownwood 32.1; Kennedale 45
Points allowed per game — Brownwood 41.1; Kennedale 4.3
Streak — Brownwood: Lost one; Kennedale: Won eight
Best win — Brownwood 58, Lampasas 55; Kennedale 63, Benbrook 0
Last playoff appearance — Brownwood: 2020; Kennedale: 2020
Winner plays winner of Argyle/Wilmer-Hutchins

THE SPREAD: KENNEDALE BY 28
THE PICK: KENNEDALE

Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com

4A DIVISION II

Sweetwater (7-3) vs Borger (3-7) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Lubbock Cooper’s Pirate Stadium

The Mustangs enter the playoffs as the top seed out of District 1 and on a six-game winning streak. Borger won one district game, beating Levelland 31-17, and that proved to be enough to get them into the playoffs after missing out in 2020. The Bulldogs other two wins came in a forfeit and a season opening 28-14 win over Lubbock High. The Mustangs are big favorites and should not have much of an issue moving on to the area round.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Sweetwater 36.6; Borger 11.4
Points allowed per game — Sweetwater 37.6; Borger 31.6
Streak — Sweetwater: Won six; Borger: Lost three
Best win — Sweetwater 34, Greenwood 28; Borger 31, Levelland 17
Last playoff appearance — Sweetwater: 2020; Borger 2017
Winner plays winner of Aubrey/Bridgeport

THE SPREAD: SWEETWATER BY 36
THE PICK: SWEETWATER

Photo: Kevin Wright Photography & Design

Snyder (7-3) vs Seminole (5-5) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Lowrey Field, Lubbock

The Tigers got back on track to wrap up the regular season with a 48-24 victory over Pecos. They improved from just two wins in 2020 to seven and counting in 2021, their third season under head coach Wes Wood. The Tigers will face a Seminole squad that finished second to Lubbock Estacado with a 3-1 district record. Their only loss was 20-10 in the district opener to the Matadors. Monahans is a common opponent: Snyder beat the Loboes 28-21 while the Indians lost to them 34-21.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Snyder 35.1; Seminole 29.7
Points allowed per game — Snyder 19.8; Seminole 29.9
Streak — Snyder: won one; Seminole: won three
Best win — Snyder 28, Monahans 21; Seminole 22, Denver City 18
Last playoff appearance — Snyder 2019, Seminole 2020
Winner plays winner of Graham/Sanger

THE SPREAD: SNYDER BY 10
THE PICK: SNYDER

3A DIVISION I

Jim Ned (10-0) vs Peaster (7-3) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Tarleton State, Stephenville

The Indians begin the playoff portion of their state title defense against Peaster. Jim Ned’s only tests of the season were a 28-14 win over Cisco and a seven-point win over Snyder, otherwise, they were dominant — winning by an average of 35.5 points per game. Xavier Wishert approached the 2,000 yard mark in the regular season, going for 1,881 yards and nine touchdowns. His 11.1 yards per carry is most impressive. Peaster, in only year three of varsity football, finished fourth in District 4 courtesy of a 31-13 loss to Pilot Point, an 80-7 loss to Brock and a 52-9 loss to Whitesboro in the season finale. They beat Ponder, Bowie, Boyd and Paradise to reach the playoffs.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Jim Ned 42.1; Peaster 36.5
Points allowed per game — Jim Ned 11.6; Peaster 30.7
Streak — Jim Ned: Won 23 ; Peaster lost one
Best win — Jim Ned 56, Sweetwater 14; Peaster 41, Paradise 38
Last playoff appearance — Jim Ned 2020, Peaster - First appearance
Winner plays winner of Muleshoe/Brownfield

THE SPREAD: JIM NED BY 37
THE PICK: JIM NED

Breckenridge (4-6) vs Whitesboro (6-4) - Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Fort Worth Castleberry’s Lion Stadium

The Buckaroos are back in the playoffs and set to face Whitesboro, the third place team from District 4. Breckenridge took care of business last week and got some help from Early to climb to the two seed in their second season under head coach Casey Pearce. Brock, 42-21, and Pilot Point, 34-28, were the only two teams to top the Bearcats in district play, and a 52-9 win over Peaster last week got them to the three seed. The two schools do have a common opponent, Whitesboro beat Bells 41-34 in week one while Breckenridge lost to them 40-21 in week two.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Breckenridge 30.7; Whitesboro 33.1
Points allowed per game — Breckenridge 27.2; Whitesboro 26.3
Streak — Breckenridge: Won one; Whitesboro: Won four
Best win — Breckenridge 37, Early 20; Whitesboro 41, Bells 34
Last playoff appearance — Breckenridge 2019, Whitesboro 2019
Winner plays winner of Bushland/Slaton

THE SPREAD: WHITESBORO BY 6
THE PICK: BRECKENRIDGE

Early (8-2) vs Pilot Point (7-3) - Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Saginaw High School

The Longhorns knocked of Wall last week to avoid playing #2 Brock in the first round, now they set their sights on Pilot Point. The three-time state champs went 5-1 in district play with their lone loss coming to Brock last week 47-13. Their other two losses were to De Kalb, who finished 7-3, 29-28 in week two and a 59-6 loss to Gunter, the #2 team in #3A Division II, in week three. Early got off to an 0-2 start in district play but won its final three games to reach the playoffs, including the 24-14 win over Wall in the regular season finale.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Early 39.2, Pilot Point 36.3
Points allowed per game — Early 16.9, Pilot Point 28.5
Streak — Early: Won three; Pilot Point: Lost one
Best win — Early 24, Wall 14; Pilot Point 34, Whitesboro 28
Last playoff appearance — Early 2020, Pilot Point 2020
Winner plays winner of Shallowater/Dalhart

THE SPREAD: PILOT POINT BY 5
THE PICK: PILOT POINT

3A DIVISION II

Ballinger (5-4) vs Crane (8-2) - Friday, 7 p.m. - San Angelo Stadium

The Bearcats enter the postseason as the four seed from District 2, which sets them up against District 1 champion Crane. The Golden Cranes went 4-0 in district play with their closest contest a 28-21 win at runner-up Alpine. The only two losses on their ledger were a 19-16 loss to Denver City and a 44-8 loss at Fort Stockton. Ballinger won two of its final three to reach the postseason and came close to knocking off Sonora in the season finale. Their three district losses were by a combined 21 points (seven each game).

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Ballinger 30.2, Crane 34.5
Points allowed per game — Ballinger 21.6, Crane 17.5
Streak — Ballinger: Lost one; Crane: Won four
Best win — Ballinger 35, Llano 34; Crane 28, Pecos 21
Last playoff appearance — Ballinger 2020; Crane 2020
Winner plays winner of Abertnathy/Friona

THE SPREAD: CRANE BY 7
THE PICK: BALLINGER

Eastland (5-5) vs Wichita Falls City View (4-6) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Seymour

The district champion Mavericks open their playoff run against Wichita Falls City View, the fourth place team from District 6. Eastland won four of five in district, with the only loss coming 51-48 to Jacksboro in the final minute, while the Mustangs earned a playoff spot with a 2-3 district mark. Their 53-24 win over Nocona earned them a playoff spot. Both teams lost to Jacksboro and Holliday this season, but Mavs loss to the Tigers was much closer (City View lost 40-16 in week four).

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Eastland 33.2, City View 21.4
Points allowed per game — Eastland 37.5, City View 29.7
Streak — Eastland: Won two; City View: Won one
Best Win — Eastland 40, Dublin 39; City View 36, Seymour 26
Last playoff appearance — Eastland 2020, City View 2020
Winner plays winner of Bells/Blooming Grove

THE SPREAD: EASTLAND BY 13
THE PICK: EASTLAND

2A DIVISION I

Hawley (10-0) vs San Saba (2-8) - Thursday, 7 p.m. - Gordon Wood Stadium, Brownwood

The Bearcats hope to start another deep playoff run when they meet San Saba in Brownwood Thursday night. Hawley finally had a close game last week when they won by three at Forsan, but cruised to victory on the other nine by an average of nearly 44 points per game. San Saba started the season 0-6 but won a pair of district games over Winters and De Leon to get into the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Hawley 43.9, San Saba 23.3
Points allowed per game — Hawley 4.2, San Saba 35.8
Streak — Hawley: Won ten, San Saba: Lost one
Best win — Hawley 24, Forsan 21; San Saba 44, Winters 12
Last playoff appearance — Hawley 2020, San Saba 2020
Winner plays winner of Sundown/Sanford-Fritch

THE SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 28
THE PICK: HAWLEY

Anson (4-6) vs Coleman (9-0) - Thursday, 7 p.m. - Hugh Sandifer Stadium, Abilene

The Bluecats meet the Tigers for the second time this season and they hope for a similar result. Coleman won 33-6 at Anson in week two as part of a perfect regular season, while the Tigers struggled to a four-win season that is still alive thanks to a 42-14 win at Colorado City last week. The Tigers are one of just five teams that scored a point upon the Bluecats this season, as the Coleman defense only gave up 39 points all season.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Anson 22.8, Coleman 42.2
Points allowed per game — Anson 27.6, Coleman 4.3
Streak — Coleman: Won nine; Anson: Won one
Best win — Anson 41, Stamford 27; Coleman 31, Cisco 7
Last playoff appearance — Coleman 2017, Anson 2020
Winner plays winner of Farwell/Post

THE SPREAD: COLEMAN BY 39
THE PICK: COLEMAN

Haskell (4-6) vs Cisco (8-2) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Clyde

The Indians won their final two games over rivals Anson and Stamford to reach the postseason, and their reward is a first round matchup with powerful Cisco. The Loboes only two losses were to Jim Ned and Coleman, who combined to go 19-0 this season.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Haskell 16.7, Cisco 38.1
Points allowed per game — Haskell 26.7, Cisco 15.4
Streak — Cisco: Won two, Haskell: Won two
Best win — Haskell 35, Anson 18; Cisco 27, Wall 21
Last playoff appearance — Cisco 2020, Haskell 2019
Winner plays winner of Panhandle/Floydada

THE SPREAD: CISCO BY 33
THE PICK: CISCO

2A DIVISION II

Roscoe (9-1) vs Quanah (2-8) - Thursday, 6 p.m. - Post

The Plowboys won their final nine games to return to the postseason and will take on Quanah in round one. The Indians went 0-6 to start the season but are a playoff team thanks to district wins over Munday and Electra. They are coming off a 38-20 loss to Olney in a battle for the three seed from District 6 last week. Roscoe has built momentum throughout the season and won their four district games by an average of nearly 41 points per game. These two met in the bi-district round a year ago with Quanah coming out on top 51-22.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Roscoe 37.7, Quanah 23.2
Points allowed per game — Roscoe 15.4, Quanah 35.1
Streak — Roscoe: Won nine; Quanah: Lost one
Best win — Roscoe 42, Christoval 30; Quanah 41, Electra 27
Last playoff appearance — Roscoe 2020, Quanah 2020
Winner plays winner of Santo/Petrolia

THE SPREAD: ROSCOE BY 37
THE PICK: ROSCOE

#4 Albany (9-0) vs Era (2-8) - Thursday, 7 p.m. - Iowa Park

The dominant Lions begin what could be a special postseason against Era Thursday night. Albany only gave up 16 points in district play and now will face a Hornet squad that lost seven games this season by 16 or more. Their 38-24 victory over winless Chico got them into the playoffs, but fell to Windthorst last week 60-0. Albany is in for the 20th straight season and they have won at least one playoff game in all but one of those seasons. Era is giving up as may points per game, 45.1, as Albany allowed the entire season.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Albany 55.3, Era 17
Points allowed per game — Albany 5, Era 45.4
Streak — Albany: Won nine; Era: Lost two
Best win — Albany 33, Santo 6; Era 38, Chico 24
Last playoff appearance — Albany 2020, Era 2019
Winner plays winner of Ralls/Olney

THE SPREAD: ALBANY BY 67
THE PICK: ALBANY

Cross Plains (5-4) vs #2 Muenster (10-0) - Thursday, 7 p.m. - Weatherford

The Buffaloes are in the playoffs for the seventh straight season, but their first round matchup will be a difficult one as they take on second-ranked Muenster. Cross Plains only need one district win to reach the playoffs, 60-12 over Meridian, while the Hornets only close district contest was a 16-8 win over #3 Windthorst. The Buffs dropped a 61-3 decision to #4 Albany last week, while Muenster beat playoff bound Petrolia 53-6.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Cross Plains 21.7, Muenster 47.7
Points allowed per game — Cross Plains 24.7, Muenster 9.7
Streak — Cross Plains: Lost one; Muenster: Won ten
Best win — Cross Plains 28, Haskell 7; Muenster 16, Windthorst 8
Last playoff appearance — Cross Plains 2020, Muenster 2020
Winner plays winner of Seymour/Lockney

THE SPREAD: MUENSTER BY 51
THE PICK: MUENSTER

1A DIVISION I

#9 Hermleigh (10-0) vs #7 Sterling City (8-2) - Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - Colorado City

The Cardinals are in as district champions and they open the postseason against the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year on their way to a state title. Sterling City, runner-up from District 8, is in the way in one of the better 1A playoff bi-district matchups on the schedule. Hermleigh got over the hump against Ira to claim a district title, beating the Bulldogs 66-48 — their only non-mercy rule victory of the season. The Eagles only losses this season are to #1 May (104-80) and #8 Westbrook (60-50).

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Hermleigh 58.1, Sterling City 60
Points allowed per game — Hermleigh 31.2, Sterling City 26.6
Streak — Hermleigh: Won ten; Sterling City: Won one
Best win — Hermleigh 66, Ira 48; Sterling City 56, Garden City 42
Last playoff appearance — Hermleigh 2020, Sterling City 2020
Winner plays winner of Van Horn/Garden City

THE SPREAD DCTF: STERLING CITY BY 11
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: STERLING CITY BY 8
THE PICK: HERMLEIGH

#8 Westbrook (6-4) vs Ira (7-2) - Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Colorado City

The Wildcats and Bulldogs meet in another 2020 bi-district playoff rematch. Westbrook took care of Ira 45-0 last year and hopes to start another deep playoff run the same way. The Wildcats have won four in a row and their losses this season have all been to teams that were state ranked at the time (three still are: D2 #1 Motley County, D2 #2 Strawn and D1 #4 Water Valley). Ira bounced back from a loss to rival Hermleigh in week ten that decided the district title with a 46-0 shutout of Aspermont last week.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Westbrook 47.4, Ira 55.2
Points allowed per game — Westbrook 28.1, Ira 34.7
Streak — Westbrook: Won four; Ira: Won one
Best win - Westbrook 60, Sterling City 50; Ira 62, Knox City 52
Last playoff appearance — Westbrook 2020, Ira 2020
Winner plays winner of Rankin/Fort Davis

THE SPREAD: WESTBROOK BY 15
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: WESTBROOK BY 33
THE PICK: WESTBROOK

#1 May (10-0) vs Irion County (8-2) - Thursday, 7 p.m. - Robert Lee

The Tigers and Hornets meet in the bi-district playoffs for a second straight season, and May hopes 2021 goes a lot like 2020 did. May won that matchup 46-0 on their way to the state championship game. Irion County has two losses on the season, one to Buena Vista 83-74 in week one and a 78-32 defeat at the hands of #4 Water Valley in a game that decided the District 14 championship. They knocked off Eden 91-62 last week to claim a playoff spot. May’s 104-80 win over defending state champ Sterling City in week two is their only non-45 of the season. They took care of Lingleville 54-8 last week to wrap up another outright district title.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — May 66.3, Irion County 60.5
Points allowed per game — May 16.6, Irion County 30.8
Streak — May: Won ten; Irion County: Won three
Best win — May 104, Sterling City 80; Irion County 91, Eden 62
Last playoff appearance — May 2020, Irion County 2020
Winner plays winner of Jonesboro/Leakey

THE SPREAD: MAY BY 37
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: MAY BY 45
THE PICK: MAY

1A DIVISION II

Loraine (7-3) vs Sanderson (5-5) - Friday, 6:30 p.m. - Irion County High School

The Bulldogs won district for the first time since 2016 and would love to pick up their first playoff victory since 2014 when they take on Sanderson. Loraine cruised to a district title and brings a four-game winning streak into the matchup. Sanderson dropped a district title game against #4 Balmorhea but had won three straight prior to that contest.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Loraine 53.8, Sanderson 35
Points allowed per game — Loraine 31.7, Sanderson 32.3
Streak — Loraine: Won four; Sanderson: Lost one
Best win — Loraine 61, Blackwell 36; Sanderson 78, Sands 38
Last playoff appearance — Loraine 2020, Sanderson 2019
Winner plays winner of Benjamin/Jayton

THE SPREAD: LORAINE BY 14
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: SANDERSON BY 5
THE PICK: LORAINE

Blackwell (4-6) vs Balmorhea (8-1) - Friday, 6:30 p.m. - Rankin

The Hornets dropped a district title decider to Loraine and now must face defending state champion Balmorhea in the bi-district round. The Bears have won eight in a row after a season opening loss to Rankin, the #5 team in 1A Division I. Blackwell went just 1-5 in non-district play but bounced back with wins in three of their four district games to reach the playoffs for the fifth straight season.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Blackwell 37.4, Balmorhea 58.8
Points allowed per game — Blackwell 37, Balmorhea 19.4
Streak — Blackwell: Lost one; Balmorhea: Won eight
Best win — Blackwell 60, TLCA Abilene 7; Balmorhea 80, Van Horn 41
Last playoff appearance — Blackwell 2020, Balmorhea 2020
Winner plays winner of Motley County/Rule

THE SPREAD: BALMORHEA BY 39
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: BALMORHEA BY 45
THE PICK: BALMORHEA

Rule (5-3) vs Motley County (10-0) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Guthrie

The good news is the Bobcats are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The bad news is they open the postseason against top-ranked Motley County. The Matadors have cruised to a perfect record, including wins over state ranked Westbrook, Spur and Jayton. Westbrook (46-30) is the only team Motley County did not “45.” Rule knocked off Chillicothe last week to reach the playoffs, but had lost three of four prior to that contest after starting the season 3-0.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Rule 40, Motley County 66.2
Points allowed per game — Rule 33.6, Motley County 12.8
Streak — Rule: Won one; Motley County: Won ten
Best win — Rule 55, Chillicothe 6; Motley County 82, Jayton 36
Last playoff appearance — Rule 2016, Motley County 2020
Winner plays winner of Balmorhea/Blackwell

THE SPREAD: MOTLEY COUNTY BY 60
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: MOTLEY COUNTY BY 45
THE PICK: MOTLEY COUNTY

Lueders-Avoca (3-5) vs Gold-Burg (8-2) - Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Woodson

The Raiders won when it counted, going 3-1 in district after an 0-4 start, and find themselves in the playoffs for the fifth straight season. They only have one playoff win in that span, however, and would love to advance with a win over Gold-Burg. The Bears cruised to a district crown with mercy rule wins over Trinidad, Fannidel and Forestburg. Their losses this season are to Saint Jo and #8 Benjamin.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Lueders-Avoca 25.8, Gold-Burg 48.2
Points allowed per game — Lueders-Avoca 37.3, Gold-Burg 22
Streak — Lueders-Avoca: Won three; Gold-Burg: Won three
Best win — Lueders-Avoca 46, Woodson 0; Gold-Burg 51, Fannindel 6
Last playoff appearance — Lueders-Avoca 2020, Gold-Burg 2013
Winner plays winner of Cranfills Gap/Gordon

THE SPREAD: GOLD-BURG BY 23
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: GOLD-BURG BY 45
THE PICK: GOLD-BURG

Blanket (9-1) vs Cherokee (6-3) - Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - Zephyr

The Tigers had no trouble winning a district title in their first season under Casey Mund, now they look to advance with a bi-district victory over Cherokee. Blanket’s only loss this season was to Lingleville, who went 6-3 this season in 1A Division I. Cherokee is the #2 seed from District 16. The Indians have won five of their last six games with the only loss coming to Richland Springs, 92-70. They knocked off Rochelle 54-38 last week to clinch a playoff spot. Both teams beat Zephyr this season: Blanket topped the Bulldogs 61-0 in week four while Cherokee beat them 54-6 in week six.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — Blanket 44.7, Cherokee 64.1
Points allowed per game — Blanket 18.7, Cherokee 43.6
Streak — Blanket: won seven; Cherokee: won two
Best win — Blanket 42, Evant 30; Cherokee 54, Rochelle 38
Last playoff appearance — Blanket 2020; Cherokee 2020
Winner plays winner of Oakwood/Mount Calm

THE SPREAD: CHEROKEE BY 6
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: CHEROKEE BY 31
THE PICK: BLANKET

TAPPS 6-MAN DIVISION III

Abilene Christian (5-4) at Fort Worth Covenant Classical (8-2) - Saturday, 1 p.m. - Fort Worth

The Panthers are back in the playoffs and looking to make another deep run. They’ve reached the state quarterfinals in each of the past four seasons, but this first-round matchup will be tough. Covenant Classical has eight wins this season, but they made the news with two losses: 119-112 at 1A D2 #3 Richland Springs and 114-97 to 1A D2 #2 Strawn. They also have a quality win over Baird, 78-30. ACS saw a three-game losing streak come to an end last week against Midland Trinity.

THE NUMBERS

Points per game — ACS 48.2, FWCC 68
Points allowed per game — ACS 42.6, FWCC 32
Streak — Abilene Christian: Lost one; FWCC: Won five
Best win — Abilene Christian 35, Fannindel 31; FWCC 78, Baird 30
Last playoff appearance — Abilene Christian 2020, FWCC 2020
Winner plays winner of Lubbock Christ the King/Longview Christian Heritage Classical

THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: FWCC BY 45
THE PICK: FORT WORTH COVENANT CLASSICAL

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Tarleton (5-4) at ACU (4-5, 1-4)

The Wildcats look to snap a two-game skid as they host Tarleton. Abilene Christian lost at Stephen F. Austin and Jacksonville State and hope the friendly confines of Wildcat Stadium can help them return to the win column. Tarleton won at home against Lamar 42-21 their last time out and is 2-2 against conference foes, beating Dixie State and Lamar and losing to Stephen F. Austin and Eastern Kentucky.

THE PICK: ACU

Texas Lutheran (3-6, 3-5) at #8 Hardin-Simmons (8-1, 7-1)

The Cowboys wrap up the regular season at home against Texas Lutheran, hoping they've done enough to get an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. HSU has won five straight since a heartbreaking loss to #2 Mary Hardin-Baylor, including a 56-14 win at Austin College last week. TLU lost at Southwestern last week 24-14 to see a two-game winning streak come to an end.

THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS

Austin College (1-7, 1-7) at Howard Payne (6-3, 5-3)

The Yellow Jackets look to snap a three-game losing streak as they wrap up their season at home against Austin College. HPU started the season 6-0 but has since dropped games to Belhaven, Hardin-Simmons and Mary Hardin-Baylor to drop to fourth place in the ASC standings. However, with a win over the Kangaroos they will have their first seven win season since 2005.

THE PICK: HOWARD PAYNE

#2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (9-0, 8-0) at McMurry (2-6, 2-6)

The War Hawks season finale is a very tough one against second-ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor. McMurry is coming off a 35-20 loss at Belhaven, while the Crusaders got past Howard Payne 59-14 to wrap up the ASC regular season title.

THE PICK: MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

Blitz Picks Week 12 - Bi-district Playoffs

6A DIVISION II

El Paso Eastwood (6-4) at Abilene High (7-3) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Shotwell Stadium, Abilene

5A DIVISION I

Cooper (6-4) at #4 Colleyville Heritage (9-1) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Mustang-Panther Stadium, Grapevine

4A DIVISION I

Brownwood (4-6) vs Kennedale (9-1) - Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Glen Rose

4A DIVISION II

Sweetwater (7-3) vs Borger (3-7) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Lubbock Cooper’s Pirate Stadium

Snyder (7-3) vs Seminole (5-5) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Lowrey Field, Lubbock

3A DIVISION I

Jim Ned (10-0) vs Peaster (7-3) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Tarleton State, Stephenville

Breckenridge (4-6) vs Whitesboro (6-4) - Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Fort Worth Castleberry’s Lion Stadium

Early (8-2) vs Pilot Point (7-3) - Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Saginaw High School

3A DIVISION II

Ballinger (5-4) vs Crane (8-2) - Friday, 7 p.m. - San Angelo Stadium

Eastland (5-5) vs Wichita Falls City View (4-6) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Seymour

2A DIVISION I

Hawley (10-0) vs San Saba (2-8) - Thursday, 7 p.m. - Gordon Wood Stadium, Brownwood

Anson (4-6) vs Coleman (9-0) - Thursday, 7 p.m. - Hugh Sandifer Stadium, Abilene

Haskell (4-6) vs Cisco (8-2) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Clyde

2A DIVISION II

Roscoe (9-1) vs Quanah (2-8) - Thursday, 6 p.m. - Post

#4 Albany (9-0) vs Era (2-8) - Thursday, 7 p.m. - Iowa Park

Cross Plains (5-4) vs #2 Muenster (10-0) - Thursday, 7 p.m. - Weatherford

1A DIVISION I

#9 Hermleigh (10-0) vs #7 Sterling City (8-2) - Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - Colorado City

#8 Westbrook (6-4) vs Ira (7-2) - Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Colorado City

#1 May (10-0) vs Irion County (8-2) - Thursday, 7 p.m. - Robert Lee

1A DIVISION II

Loraine (7-3) vs Sanderson (5-5) - Friday, 6:30 p.m. - Irion County High School

Blackwell (4-6) vs Balmorhea (8-1) - Friday, 6:30 p.m. - Rankin

Rule (5-3) vs Motley County (10-0) - Friday, 7 p.m. - Guthrie

Lueders-Avoca (3-5) vs Gold-Burg (8-2) - Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Woodson

Blanket (9-1) vs Cherokee (6-3) - Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - Zephyr

TAPPS 6-MAN DIVISION III

Abilene Christian (5-4) at Fort Worth Covenant Classical (8-2) - Saturday, 1 p.m. - Fort Worth

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Tarleton (5-4) at ACU (4-5, 1-4)

Texas Lutheran (3-6, 3-5) at #8 Hardin-Simmons (8-1, 7-1)

Austin College (1-7, 1-7) at Howard Payne (6-3, 5-3)

#2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (9-0, 8-0) at McMurry (2-6, 2-6)

Anson vs Coleman Photos

Week 11 Rewind/Playoff Pairings

BIG COUNTRY BLITZ