Blitz Picks - Week 2
WEEK 1 PICKS: 34-41, 82.9%
Week one is always tough to pick, so I’ll gladly take a percentage above 80 and move on to week two, where we have plenty of great games to get to.
*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 West Texas Rehab for being the second sponsor of weekly content for 2023. Four weeks have been taken so far, and seven more are up for grabs. Reach out if you’d like to sponsor a week of content on bigcountryblitz.com and Big Country Blitz social media!
***All picks are straight-up, not against the spread.
ABILENE HIGH (1-0) AT COOPER (0-1)
SERIES: COOPER LEADS 36-26
The Eagles looked great in their week one 49-14 win at 6A Permian, while the Cougars came up short on the road against 6A Keller 37-14.
Records get thrown out the window in the Crosstown Showdown, however, as many upsets have happened over the years.
Abilene High looks to be a big favorite after the way things went in the season opener, as the Eagles scored on the ground and through the air and played great on defense as well.
Cooper needs to get better play all around, but you can be sure they’ll fight to the end against their rivals from the north side.
The Warbirds won last year 14-10, but the Cougars have claimed victory in three of the previous four meetings. The series is even at 5-5 over the last ten meetings.
The game will be the first in the renovated Shotwell Stadium, which will include a new and improved press box.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Abilene High: #7 in 5A D1
Cooper: 39 in 5A D2
DCTF Spread: Abilene High by 21
The Pick: Abilene High
LUBBOCK MONTEREY (1-0) AT WYLIE (0-1)
SERIES: WYLIE LEADS 4-3
The Bulldogs get to play at home again after a season-opening loss to Brownwood, and they’ll host an improving Monterey squad that got past 6A Odessa High 44-42 last week.
Wylie has won three in a row in the series, including an impressive 30-0 shutout on the road last season.
The Plainsmen went 0-10 in 2022 but seem to have turned the page and could be a team to be reckoned with this season.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Monterey: #95 in 5A D1
Wylie: #32 in 5A D2
DCTF Spread: Wylie by 27
The Pick: Wylie
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
MARBLE FALLS (0-1) AT BROWNWOOD (1-0)
SERIES: BROWNWOOD LEADS 1-0
The Lions lack of experience beyond Ike Hall on offense didn’t seem to matter last week as they earned a big road win over Wylie.
Now the Lions play at Gordon Wood Stadium for the first time in 2023, welcoming Marble Falls to town.
The 4A Division I Mustangs are coming off a 40-14 loss to 5A D2 Pflugerville Connally in week one.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Marble Falls: #84 in 4A D1
Brownwood: #10 in 4A D1
DCTF Spread: Brownwood by 47
The Pick: Brownwood
Photo: Snyder ISD
LEVELLAND (0-1) AT SNYDER (1-0)
SERIES: SNYDER LEADS 29-17
Snyder earned a 42-0 road victory at Slaton in week one and will take the field at home against Levelland, coached by Abilene High and Texas Tech great Lyle Leong, Friday night.
The Lobos dropped a 45-18 week one decision to 5A D2 Plainview and are looking to turn things around. They haven’t had a winning season since 2018.
The Tigers hope to build on the shutout of Slaton in the opener and get to 2-0 for the third year in a row.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Levelland: #73 in 4A D2
Snyder: #44 in 4A D2
DCTF Spread: Snyder by 18
The Pick: Snyder
Photo: Norvelle Kennedy
SWEETWATER (1-0) AT LAKE VIEW (1-0)
SERIES: SWEETWATER LEADS 37-12
The Mustangs and Chiefs were both big winners in week one, blasting their opponents by a combined 91-28 margin.
Both squads look to be much improved this season and hope to get back in the playoffs after missing out in 2022.
Last year, Lake View snapped a 20-game losing streak to Sweetwater that started back in 1984.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Sweetwater: #52 in 4A D2
Lake View: #88 in 4A D1
DCTF Spread: Sweetwater by 11
The Pick: Sweetwater
Photo: Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texas
CHILDRESS (1-0) AT BRECKENRIDGE (0-1)
SERIES: BRECKENRIDGE LEADS 6-1
The Buckaroos ran into a buzzsaw of an offense in Jacksboro last week, falling 57-25, and are looking to shore things up on the defensive side of the ball as they host Childress.
The Bobcats picked up a 14-7 victory over Abernathy to get the season going and will be headed to Breckenridge, hoping to avenge a 35-8 loss in 2022.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Childress: #14 in 3A D2
Breckenridge: #50 in 3A D1
DCTF Spread: Childress by 14
The Pick: Breckenridge
Photo: Gary Stennett
CLYDE (1-0) AT EASTLAND (0-1)
SERIES: EASTLAND LEADS 27-22
The Bulldogs continue their tour of Eastland County as they head to Eastland to battle the Mavericks this week after taking down Cisco 40-28 in week one.
Clyde is looking to start a season 2-0 for the first time since 2016, which was one of the better Bulldog seasons in the past 15 years.
Eastland fell at Wall 35-10 in week one, holding their own against the now fourth-ranked 3A Division II team in the state.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Clyde: #55 in 3A D1
Eastland: #48 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Clyde by 1
The Pick: Clyde
JIM NED (1-0) AT #8 HOLLIDAY (1-0)
SERIES: HOLLIDAY LEADS 1-0
After cruising past the defending 2A Division I state champions in week one, the Indians hit the road for another early season test at #8 in 3A Division II Holliday.
The Eagles already have one win against a District 3-3A Division I opponent, as they beat Iowa Park 18-7 in week one.
Holliday won the matchup in Tuscola, 41-19.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Jim Ned: #14 in 3A D1
Holliday: #8 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Holliday by 6
The Pick: Jim Ned
Photo: ColemanToday.com
COLEMAN (0-1) AT BALLINGER (0-1)
SERIES: BALLINGER LEADS 58-29-4
Both the Bluecats and Bearcats came up short in week one; now they hope to right the ship in week two.
Coleman dropped a 29-20 decision to Mason at home, while Ballinger lost 46-12 to a Sonora team that is now ranked #10 in 2A Division I.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Coleman: #25 in 2A D1
Ballinger: #73 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Coleman by 13
The Pick: Coleman
Photo: Mike Jones/Brownwoodnews.com
EARLY (1-0) AT #3 TOLAR (1-0)
SERIES: TOLAR LEADS 4-3
The Longhorns took care of business against rival Bangs in week one, but now they get set for a brutal back-to-back set of games. First up, Tolar, followed by Comanche at home in week three.
The Rattlers, like the Longhorns, cruised in week one, pummeling Peaster 49-9 to start what they hope is a dream season.
Tolar beat Early 51-14 in 2022.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Early: #28 in 3A D2
Tolar: #3 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Tolar by 20
The Pick: Tolar
MERKEL (1-0) AT STANTON (1-0)
SERIES: MERKEL LEADS 10-4-1
The Badgers hope to start 2-0 as they head west to Stanton to battle the Buffaloes in week two.
Merkel took care of Stanton 15-0 a year ago and has beaten them six times in a row. The last Stanton win was in 2006.
The Buffaloes beat up on Grape Creek 42-6 in week one.
Merkel is looking for a 2-0 start for the third time in the past four seasons.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Merkel: #65 in 3A D2
Stanton: #83 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Merkel by 5
The Pick: Merkel
ARCHER CITY (1-0) AT ANSON (0-1)
SERIES: ANSON LEADS 2-1
The Tigers continue play against District 7-2A Division II teams as they welcome Archer City to town Friday night.
Anson dropped its opener 40-14 to Seymour and now gets set to face the second of three teams from that district on the schedule.
Archer City had no problem with Quanah in a 44-8 week one victory and beat Anson at home last season, 32-17.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Archer City: #25 in 2A D2
Anson: #80 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Archer City by 18
The Pick: Archer City
Photo: Gary Stennett
#4 WALL (1-0) AT CISCO (0-1)
SERIES: WALL LEADS 5-3-1
The Loboes always play one of the toughest non-district schedules in the area, and that trend continues this week as they welcome state-ranked Wall to town for the home opener.
Cisco battled to the end in a 40-28 loss at Clyde in week one, while the Hawks got past Eastland 35-10.
The Loboes won at Wall 18-14 last season, and the two teams have met in non-district play every year since 2014.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Wall: #6 in 3A D1
Cisco: #27 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Wall by 28
The Pick: Wall
#3 NEW HOME (1-0) AT COLORADO CITY (0-1)
SERIES: NEW HOME LEADS 1-0
The Wolves will try to defend the home field with a tough game against third-ranked New Home in week two after a 42-0 home loss to Roscoe in week one.
The Leopards took down Haskell 27-6 in their home opener and look for a second straight week two win over Colorado City.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
New Home: #5 in 2A D2
Colorado City: #96 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: New Home by 53
The Pick: New Home
Photo: Scott Burkhalter Photography
#5 HAWLEY (0-1) AT LUBBOCK ROOSEVELT (1-0)
SERIES: HAWLEY LEADS 1-0
The Bearcats look to bounce back after their season-opening loss at Jim Ned against a Lubbock Roosevelt team that blew out Amarillo River Road 42-6 in week one.
Hawley saw its 16-game winning streak come to an end and will try to begin a new one. They beat the Eagles at home last season, 33-0.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hawley: #9 in 2A D1
Roosevelt: #34 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Hawley by 14
The Pick: Hawley
Photo: Gary Ford
STAMFORD (1-0) AT HASKELL (0-1)
SERIES: STAMFORD LEADS 69-32-1
Old rivals meet once again as Stamford makes the short road trip up to Haskell for a week two matchup.
The Bulldogs stormed past Hamlin 48-6 in week one, while the Indians fell on the road at third-ranked New Home.
Stamford beat Haskell at home 28-9 a year ago and has won 12 of the last 13 meetings in the series.
The two teams have met every year since 1958 and have only missed playing in three years (1918, 1956, 1957) since 1917.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Stamford: #18 in 2A D1
Haskell: #34 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Stamford by 13
The Pick: Stamford
ELDORADO (1-0) AT WINTERS (0-1)
SERIES: WINTERS LEADS 16-6
Eldorado was the lone victory on the Blizzard schedule in 2022, and they’d like to make the Eagles the first of many wins in 2023.
Winters fell at Cross Plains in week one 51-28, while Eldorado got past Christoval 26-12.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Eldorado: #49 in 2A D2
Winters: #100 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Eldorado by 14
The Pick: Winters
Photo: Mike Jones/Brownwoodnews.com
BANGS (0-1) VS #10 COMANCHE (1-0) - AT DUBLIN
SERIES: COMANCHE LEADS 9-6
A rough season-opening stretch against 3A Division II teams continues for the Dragons this week as they meet state-ranked Comanche in Dublin.
The Indians had wind damage done to athletic facilities last weekend and had to move the game to a neutral site.
Bangs fell 52-10 to Early last week, while the Indians blasted Brady 37-8.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Bangs: #95 in 2A D1
Comanche: #13 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Comanche by 58
The Pick: Comanche
Photo: Julia Vega
DUBLIN (0-1) AT #1 ALBANY (1-0)
SERIES: ALBANY LEADS 20-10
With a comeback victory over Lubbock Trinity Christian, the Lions kept their top spot in the 2A Division II rankings and will host Dublin Friday night.
The Lions also battled a private school in week one but did not come out on top, falling to Fort Worth Christian 36-13.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Dublin: #86 in 2A D1
Albany: #1 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Albany by 57
The Pick: Albany
CROSS PLAINS (1-0) AT DE LEON (1-0)
SERIES: DE LEON LEADS 29-11
Two teams coming off impressive week one victories meet in week two at De Leon.
Cross Plains started slowly but battled back to beat Winters 51-28, while the Bearcats were better than Junction 40-19.
The Buffaloes beat the Bearcats 27-6 last season in Cross Plains.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Cross Plains: #48 in 2A D2
De Leon: #56 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: De Leon by 6
The Pick: De Leon
Photo: Gary Ford
WATER VALLEY (1-0) AT HAMLIN (0-1)
SERIES: HAMLIN LEADS 1-0
The Pied Pipers suffered a 42-point loss to rival Stamford in week one and hope to bounce back, like they did last year, in week two against Water Valley.
A year ago, the Pipers followed up a 48-0 loss to Stamford with a 6-2 win in a defensive battle at Water Valley.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Water Valley: #67 in 2A D2
Hamlin: #72 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Hamlin by 1
The Pick: Hamlin
MUNDAY (0-1) AT TLCA ABILENE (0-1) - SATURDAY AT MCMURRY
SERIES: MUNDAY LEADS 1-0
These two squads had a very rough first week, with Munday falling 74-0 to Mercy Culture Prep and TLCA dropping a 60-9 decision to Water Valley.
The Eagles are still looking for their first 11-man victory in program history, and this looks like it could be a good opportunity to get it.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Munday: #96 in 2A D2
TLCA Abilene: #97 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Munday by 2
The Pick: TLCA Abilene
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
MOTLEY COUNTY (0-1) AT #4 KNOX CITY (1-0)
SERIES: KNOX CITY LEADS 12-11
The Greyhounds took the six-man world by storm in week one with their victory over then-top-ranked Westbrook; now the journey continues against Motley County.
The Matadors are punching up a class again this week after falling to Valley 74-48 in week one.
Knox City won this matchup a year ago, 60-12.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Motley County: #19 in 1A D2
Knox City: #3 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Motley County: #19 in 1A D2
Knox City: #6 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Knox City by 36
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Knox City by 45
The Pick: Knox City
Photo: Bobbie Brown/Texas 1A Fan
HERMLEIGH (1-0) AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN (1-0)
SERIES: HERMLEIGH LEADS 2-1
Abilene Christian took care of the Lubbock Titans in their season and stadium opener, and now they will get a tougher test against Hermleigh.
The Cardinals were a 52-30 week one winner over Sands and beat the Panthers at home last season, 52-38.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hermleigh: #33 in 1A D1
Abilene Christian: #7 in 6-Man Private Schools
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Hermleigh: #21 in 1A D1
Abilene Christian: #3 in TAPPS D2
DCTF Spread: Abilene Christian by 19
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Hermleigh by 7
The Pick: Abilene Christian
Photo: Abilene Christian School
Photo: Highland Hornet Athletics
THROCKMORTON (0-1) AT HIGHLAND (1-0)
SERIES: THROCKMORTON LEADS 1-0
The Hornets had one of the more impressive victories in the state last week with their 72-48 victory at Loraine; now they will host Throckmorton.
The Greyhounds had a rough go of it in a 48-0 loss at Gordon, who is one of the top teams in the state in 1A Division I.
Throckmorton beat Highland at home last season, 36-24.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Throckmorton: #13 in 1A D2
Highland: #15 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Throckmorton: #23 in 1A D2
Highland: #23 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Highland by 6
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Highland by 29
The Pick: Highland
PAINT CREEK (0-1) AT IRA (0-0)
SERIES: IRA LEADS 10-3
Ira was a late scratch in week one against May in the Jayton Gridiron Classic due to a death in the community and will get things going this week at home against Paint Creek.
The Pirates dropped a 46-6 decision to Harrold in their opener.
Ira shut out Paint Creek 50-0 in 2022.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Paint Creek: #68 in 1A D2
Ira: #31 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Paint Creek: #54 in 1A D2
Ira: #12 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Ira by 51
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Ira by 45
The Pick: Ira
ROBY (0-1) AT LUBBOCK KINGDOM PREP (0-1)
SERIES: KINGDOM PREP LEADS 1-0
The Lions look to bounce back from a 50-point first-week loss to Claude as they visit Lubock Kingdom Prep.
Kingdom Prep suffered a 61-14 loss to Borden County last week.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Roby: #68 in 1A D1
Kingdom Prep: #32 in 6-Man Private Schools
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Roby: #63 in 1A D1
Kingdom Prep: #6 in TAPPS D3
DCTF Spread: Kingdom Prep by 34
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Kingdom Prep by 45
The Pick: Kingdom Prep
HARROLD (1-0) AT ROTAN (0-1)
SERIES: ROTAN LEADS 1-0
These two teams are coming off completely opposite results in week one.
Harrold is flying high after winning its first home game in eight years in a 46-6 victory over Paint Creek, while Rotan was shut out at home by Robert Lee 46-0.
The only other meeting in the series was a 70-54 Rotan win in 2013.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Harrold: #51 in 1A D2
Rotan: #70 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Harrold: #63 in 1A D2
Rotan: #65 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Harrold by 8
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Rotan by 45
The Pick: Rotan
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
#3 JONESBORO (1-0) AT #5 WESTBROOK (0-1) - THURSDAY
SERIES: WESTBROOK LEADS 1-0
Westbrook takes part in one of the biggest games in the state again this week as the Wildcats play host to third-ranked Jonesboro.
Westbrook could not get the offense rolling in their opener, falling to Knox City by ten, while Jonesboro cruised past Coolidge 64-16.
The Wildcats beat the Eagles on the road last season, 30-14, on their way to winning their second straight state title.
This could be another low-scoring affair as both teams bring great defense to the table.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Jonesboro: #6 in 1A D1
Westbrook: #5 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Jonesboro: #4 in 1A D1
Westbrook: #7 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Westbrook by 4
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Jonesboro by 9
The Pick: Westbrook
MORAN (1-0) AT BAIRD (1-0)
SERIES: BAIRD LEADS 20-7
Moran will make the short drive southwest to battle the Baird Bears Friday night in a matchup of two week one winners.
The Bulldogs shut out Lohn 40-0 to end a ten-game losing streak, while Baird avenged a week one loss to Meadow with a victory this season, 46-22.
Baird won the matchup last season, 50-0. It was the first meeting in the series since 1957.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Moran: #56 in 1A D2
Baird: #52 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Moran: #60 in 1A D2
Baird: #40 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Baird by 16
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Baird by 45
The Pick: Baird
EVANT (0-1) AT GORMAN (0-1)
SERIES: GORMAN LEADS 30-8
The Panthers suffered a 34-12 loss at Lometa to get 2023 going and hope to bounce back against Evant.
The Elks fell 71-26 to Stephenville Faith and enter on an 11-game losing streak.
Gorman won the 2022 matchup 61-12.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Evant: #72 in 1A D1
Gorman: #48 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Evant: #69 in 1A D1
Gorman: #37 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Gorman by 31
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Gorman by 45
The Pick: Gorman
#7 MAY (1-0) AT AUSTIN ST. STEPHEN’S (0-1)
SERIES: FIRST MEETING
The Tigers hit the road with a win at Iredell in week one and will pack up the bus again this time to head to Austin.
St. Stephen’s fell 60-14 in their opener to Austin Veritas.
The two teams were scheduled to meet last season, but St. Stephen’s canceled.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
May: #7 in 1A D1
St. Stephen’s: #51 in 6-Man Private Schools
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
May: #6 in 1A D1
St. Stephen’s: #5 in TAIAO D1
DCTF Spread: May by 36
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: May by 45
The Pick: May
PRIDDY (0-1) AT SANTA ANNA (0-1)
SERIES: FIRST MEETING
The Pirates and Mountaineers were both shutout in their season openers.
Priddy fell 46-0 to Sidney, while Santa Anna lost 50-0 to Veribest.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Priddy: #89 in 6-Man Private Schools
Santa Anna: #69 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Priddy: #3 in 1A Independent
Santa Anna: #68 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Priddy by 6
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Priddy by 2
The Pick: Priddy
Photo: Mark Martinez/Double Mountain Chronicle
SOUTHLAND (1-0) AT ASPERMONT (1-0)
SERIES: ASPERMONT LEADS 2-1
The Hornets grinded out a second straight low-scoring season-opening victory last week over Blackwell and will try to defend their home field this week against Southland.
The Eagles shut out Cotton Center 45-0 in week one.
Aspermont took the 2022 meeting between the two 72-55.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Southland: #26 in 1A D2
Aspermont: #27 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Southland: #47 in 1A D2
Aspermont: #21 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Aspermont by 1
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Aspermont by 45
The Pick: Aspermont
MCLEAN (1-0) AT #1 BENJAMIN (1-0)
SERIES: FIRST MEETING
The top-ranked Mustangs picked up where they left off last season in an 80-33 week one victory over Follett.
Now Benjamin will host McLean, another pretty highly ranked 1A Division I foe on the non-district schedule.
The Tigers took down Van Horn 40-21 in their season opener.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
McLean: #29 in 1A D1
Benjamin: #2 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
McLean: #18 in 1A D1
Benjamin: #1 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Benjamin by 40
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Benjamin by 45
The Pick: Benjamin
LUEDERS-AVOCA (0-1) AT ROBY JV - THURSDAY
The Raiders suffered a 51-6 loss to Trent in week one and will head to Roby to battle the Lions JV squad in week two.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Lueders-Avoca: #65 in 1A D2
Roby JV: N/A
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Lueders-Avoca: #66 in 1A D2
Roby JV: N/A
DCTF Spread: N/A
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Lueders-Avoca by 7
The Pick: Lueders-Avoca
RULE (0-1) AT BRONTE (0-1)
SERIES: RULE LEADS 3-1-1
Both the Bobcats and Longhorns hope to put their week one losses behind them as they meet to do battle in week two.
Rule fell to state-ranked Newcastle 72-18, while Bronte dropped a 42-18 decision to Zephyr.
The game last year, a 43-40 Rule victory, was the first between schools since 1971.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Rule: #52 in 1A D2
Bronte: #50 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Rule: #40 in 1A D2
Bronte: #37 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Bronte by 6
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Bronte by 8
The Pick: Bronte
Photo: Mark Martinez/Double Mountain Chronicle
EDEN (0-1) AT BLACKWELL (0-1)
SERIES: BLACKWELL LEADS 4-3
The Hornets look to bounce back from a week one loss at Aspermont as they get set to host the Eden Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs fell 66-18 at home to Leakey in their season opener.
Blackwell shut out Eden 48-0 in 2022.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Eden: #71 in 1A D1
Blackwell: #32 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Eden: #70 in 1A D1
Blackwell: #28 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Blackwell by 35
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Blackwell by 45
The Pick: Blackwell
LORAINE (0-1) AT CROWELL (1-0)
SERIES: LORAINE LEADS 1-0
The Bulldogs fell out of the DCTF top ten with their opening loss to Highland, and now they have another tough matchup at Crowell.
The Wildcats put 100 points on Strawn in week one and look to be up to the challenge in one of the better six-man games in the state this week.
Loraine cruised past Crowell 56-8 last season.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Loraine: #16 in 1A D2
Crowell: #21 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Loraine: #14 in 1A D2
Crowell: #12 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Loraine by 2
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Crowell by 4
The Pick: Loraine
LOHN (0-1) AT TRENT (1-0)
SERIES: TRENT LEADS 4-0
Trent looks for a second straight 2-0 start to the season as they get set to face Lohn in the home opener.
The Gorillas had no trouble beating Lueders-Avoca last week and should not have much more against a Lohn squad that enters on a 30-game losing streak.
The Eagles were shut out 40-0 by Moran in week one.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Lohn: #67 in 1A D2
Trent: #34 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Lohn: #68 in 1A D2
Trent: #58 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Trent by 39
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Trent by 42
The Pick: Trent
Photo: ColemanToday.com
PANTHER CREEK (1-0) AT MULLIN (0-1) - SATURDAY
SERIES: PANTHER CREEK LEADS 10-9
The Panthers rallied past Woodson 44-38 in their season opener and will play on Saturday for the second straight week as they head to Mullin.
The Bulldogs had to forfeit to Brookesmith last week when three of their eight players were too sick to play.
Mullin won a low-scoring affair 26-22 last season.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Panther Creek: #37 in 1A D2
Mullin: #55 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Panther Creek: #49 in 1A D2
Mullin: #57 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Panther Creek by 12
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Panther Creek by 45
The Pick: Panther Creek
Photo: Brownwoodnews.com
RISING STAR (1-0) AT SIDNEY (1-0)
SERIES: SIDNEY LEADS 9-6
This one should be a very good matchup as two teams that dominated in week one meet in week two.
Rising Star beat Blanket 52-6, while Sidney shut out Priddy 46-0.
A year ago, the Eagles earned a 50-44 week two win, which proved to be the last loss for Rising Star until the playoffs.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Rising Star: #9 in 1A D2
Sidney: #17 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Rising Star: #13 in 1A D2
Sidney: #30 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Rising Star by 12
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Rising Star by 32
The Pick: Rising Star
Photo: Brownwoodnews.com
BRYSON (0-1) AT BLANKET (0-1)
SERIES: BLANKET LEADS 3-0
The Tigers and Cowboys both came up short in week one and hope to avoid an 0-2 start as they meet Friday night at Blanket.
Blanket got roughed up by Rising Star, while Bryson dropped a nail-biter 41-40 to Azle Christian.
The Tigers took care of business 40-12 in this matchup in 2022.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Bryson: #44 in 1A D1
Blanket: #30 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Bryson: #45 in 1A D1
Blanket: #38 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Blanket by 8
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Bryson by 19
The Pick: Bryson
VERIBEST (1-0) AT ZEPHYR (1-0)
SERIES: VERIBEST LEADS 2-1
Veribest and Zephyr were impressive week one winners and now get set to clash in a good week two showdown.
The Falcons shut out Santa Anna 50-0, while the Bulldogs rallied past Bronte 42-18.
Zephyr blanked Veribest 46-0 last season.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Veribest: #38 in 1A D1
Zephyr: #24 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Veribest: #64 in 1A D1
Zephyr: #24 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Zephyr by 11
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Zephyr by 45
The Pick: Zephyr
BROOKESMITH (1-0) AT KOPPERL (1-0)
SERIES: KOPPERL LEADS 1-0
The Mustangs will hit the field for the first time after picking up a forfeit victory over Mullin in week one.
Kopperl took care of Hill County 68-18 to get off to a 1-0 start.
They beat Brookesmith 24-8 in 2022.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Brookesmith: #63 in 1A D2
Kopperl: #40 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Brookesmith: #52 in 1A D2
Kopperl: #45 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Kopperl by 24
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Kopperl by 45
The Pick: Kopperl
RANGER (0-1) AT PAINT ROCK (1-0) - THURSDAY
SERIES: FIRST MEETING
The Bulldogs are back on the road in week two after a 49-48 loss at Walnut Springs in week one.
Paint Rock earned a 34-22 win over TLCA Midland to kick off the season.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Ranger: #103 in 6-Man Private Schools
Paint Rock: #42 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Ranger: #5 in 1A Independent
Paint Rock: #54 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Paint Rock by 17
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Ranger by 35
The Pick: Ranger
Photo: ACU Football
NORTHERN COLORADO AT ACU - THURSDAY, 7 P.M.
SERIES: NORTHERN COLORADO LEADS 2-0
Year two for ACU under Keith Patterson gets started with a Friday night home contest against Northern Colorado.
The Wildcats have high hopes of being in contention for the FCS playoffs again, and that starts against the Bears.
Northern Colorado, located in Greeley, is in the Big Sky and coming off a 3-8 2022 campaign. They are picked to finish tenth out of 12 teams in the Big Sky this season.
The two squads have met twice before, with UNC winning 55-52 at ACU in 2016 and 40-36 at home in 2015.
The Pick: ACU
MCMURRY VS. BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN AT LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS - THURSDAY, 6 P.M.
The War Hawks will also be in action Thursday night as they head to War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, to meet Birmingham-Southern for the second straight season.
McMurry fell 26-9 in the season opener in 2022 and is picked to finish 6th in the American Southwest Conference in 2023.
Birmingham-Southern plays in the Southern Athletic Association and was picked in a fourth-place tie with Rhodes in the preseason poll. They went 7-3 in 2022.
The War Hawks are headed for the SAA next season but will focus on finishing strong in their final year in the ASC.
The Pick: Birmingham-Southern
ALBRIGHT (PA) AT #8 HARDIN-SIMMONS - FRIDAY 7 P.M.
The 8th-ranked Cowboys had a hard time filling out their schedule again this season but managed to lure the Albright Lions, from Reading, Pennsylvania, out west to kick off 2023 under the Friday night lights at Shelton Stadium.
Albright suffered through an 0-10 2022 season and enters this matchup on a 17-game losing streak. They play in the Middle Atlantic Conference, home of preseason #10 Delaware Valley.
Hardin-Simmons was picked second in the ASC behind Mary Hardin-Baylor in the preseason poll.
The Pick: Hardin-Simmons
HOWARD PAYNE AT GEORGE FOX (OR) - SATURDAY 6 P.M.
The Yellow Jackets win the longest road trip award this week as they head to Oregon to battle George Fox in Kevin Bachtel’s head coaching debut.
Howard Payne fell to the Bruins at home in a 42-39 shootout last season on the way to going 7-3 for a second straight season.
George Fox, located in Newberg, Oregon, plays in the Northwest Conference. They went 8-2 overall last year and tied for second in the NWC behind D3 powerhouse Linfield. They are picked to place second in the conference in 2023.
The Pick: Howard Payne
