Blitz Picks - Week 3
I started off last week talking about improvement, and, let me tell you, it did not happen.
Week two was rougher than the first, but, thankfully, it’s all in good fun and I’m not losing any money on the picks. I’ll save that for college and pro games (just kidding, Allison).
Season: 60-82, 73.17%
Week 1: 31-41, 75.6%
Week 2: 29-41, 70.7%
Vista Ridge (1-1) at Abilene High (0-2)
The Eagles are still in search of their first win after seeing a 14-0 lead end up as a 31-14 loss to Cooper in the Crosstown Showdown last week. Friday will be the official home opener for Abilene High against 1-1 Cedar Park Vista Ridge. The Rangers are close to being 0-2 as well, but scored with a minute left in the game to beat Leander 23-21. The Warbirds have played very well at times this season, but will have to put it all together to pull out win number one of 2021.
THE SPREAD: ABILENE HIGH BY 1
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH
Cooper (1-1) at Wylie (1-1)
The Southtown Showdown is back after getting COVID canceled last year as the Bulldogs will host Cooper. This will be the third meeting, with Cooper holding a 2-0 series advantage after winning 48-0 in 2018 and 30-0 in 2019. The Bulldogs bounced back from a blowout loss in week one to beat Monterey last week, while the Coogs are feeling good after beating Abilene High for the third straight time. Look for Wylie to score their first points in the series, but for Cooper to pull out the win.
THE SPREAD: COOPER BY 10
THE PICK: COOPER
Brownwood (1-1) at #7 China Spring (2-0)
The Lions feel like they let one get away at Midland Greenwood, now they have an even tougher road trip to face 7th ranked (in 4A Division II) China Spring. The Cougars clocked the Lions 35-14 in Brownwood a year ago, and, while the Lions are seemingly a much better team this year, China Spring should have the edge at home in the 2021 rematch.
THE SPREAD: CHINA SPRING BY 24
THE PICK: CHINA SPRING
Lamesa (2-0) at Snyder (2-0)
Snyder is off to a great start in 2021 after a down 2020 and will have a great shot at getting to 3-0 as they host Lamesa. The Tornadoes were one of the two teams Snyder beat last season. They have close wins over San Angelo Lake View (26-20) and Muleshoe (24-20) so far this season, but will be playing their first road game of the year. Snyder has two relatively easy wins so far over Slaton (29-8) and Levelland (45-7).
THE SPREAD: SNYDER BY 15
THE PICK: SNYDER
San Angelo Lake View (0-2) at Sweetwater (0-2)
The Mustangs have dropped a pair of games on the road against very tough competition through two weeks (at Stephenville and Jim Ned) and would love to find the win column in their home opener. Lake View fell in week one at Lamesa 26-20 and at home against Pecos, 38-35, in week two. Look for the Mustangs to bounce back and pick up their first win under head coach Russell Lucas.
THE SPREAD: SWEETWATER BY 35
THE PICK: SWEETWATER
Breckenridge (1-1) at #5 Cisco (2-0)
The Buckaroos make the short drive to Cisco this week to battle the fifth ranked Loboes. Cisco is coming off a thrilling double-overtime win over Wall, while the Bucks dropped their first game of the season at home to Bells. Cisco came out on top 14-0 in a defensive struggle in 2020.
THE SPREAD: CISCO BY 31
THE PICK: CISCO
Clyde (0-2) AT #2 Windthorst (2-0)
Clyde hits the road again this week to meet unbeaten and defending 2A Division II state champ Windthorst in a game that was scheduled because of COVID cancellations. The Bulldogs improved from week one to week two, but will have to take some huge steps forward in their progress to take down the Trojans. Windthorst has wins over Henrietta and De Leon so far this season.
THE SPREAD: N/A
THE PICK: WINDTHORST
Comanche (0-2) at Early (2-0)
The Longhorns are hot to start the season and have a good shot to stay perfect as they welcome a winless Comanche team to town. Early beat Bangs by 36 and Tolar by 17 in weeks one and two, while the Indians have losses to Mason (34-13) and Brady (46-19) so far. Jaxyn Price and the Early offense are rolling, and likely will keep it up at home Friday night.
THE SPREAD: EARLY BY 25
THE PICK: EARLY
#1 Jim Ned (2-0) at Eastland (0-2)
The brutal non-district slate continues for Eastland as they welcome top ranked Jim Ned to town. The Mavericks fell by seven at Wall and followed it up with a 52-7 loss at state-ranked Holliday Friday. The Indians have had no problem against Ballinger and Sweetwater and took care of the Mavs 62-27 in their matchup last season.
THE SPREAD: JIM NED BY 32
THE PICK: JIM NED
Ballinger (0-1) at Colorado City (0-1)
Both teams have had a loss and a cancellation so far this season. Ballinger missed week two, while Colorado City missed week one and dropped their first game at Crane 28-6 last Friday night. The Bearcats blasted the Wolves 34-2 at home last season.
THE SPREAD: BALLINGER BY 32
THE PICK: BALLINGER
CRANE (2-0) AT Winters (0-1)
These two teams scheduled their matchup on Tuesday after Winters game against Bangs was canceled. 3A Division II Crane had two open dates on the schedule, so they were a great fit to fill the void for Winters. The 2A Division I Blizzards had to sit out week two due to COVID, and lost their season opener at Anson 24-6. Crane has wins over Pecos (28-21) and Colorado City (28-6) so far this season.
THE SPREAD: N/A
THE PICK: CRANE
#8 Hawley (2-0) at Merkel (2-0)
We have a battle of Big Country unbeatens in Merkel as the Badgers host Hawley. Merkel was also unbeaten at this point last season before falling to the Bearcats 35-21 to start a four-game losing streak. Hawley hammered Hamlin 62-0 last week to stay perfect, and hopes to wrap up their three-game road trip to start the season with a perfect record. Merkel shut out Stanton 19-0 last week and beat Reagan County 24-15 in week one.
THE SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 23
THE PICK: HAWLEY
Dublin (1-1) at Anson (0-1)
Both teams are coming off rough week two home losses, Dublin to Albany 48-21 and Anson to Coleman 33-6. The Tigers loss was a bit more surprising, the margin anyway, and it will be interesting to see how they bounce back against a team they handled 44-28 in 2020.
THE SPREAD: ANSON BY 9
THE PICK: ANSON
Haskell (1-1) At Cross Plains (1-1)
These two teams also suffered disappointing losses in week two. Haskell fell 34-14 at home to Archer City, while the Buffaloes were shut out at Goldthwaite, 27-0. The Indians got a late interception to beat the Buffs at home last year.
THE SPREAD: CROSS PLAINS BY 2
THE PICK: HASKELL
Stamford (1-1) vs Rosebud-Lott (2-0) in Weatherford
The Bulldogs look to bounce back from a somewhat surprising home loss to Roscoe as they head to Weatherford to meet unbeaten Rosebud-Lott. The Cougars have wins over Leon (60-22) and Wortham (41-8) in their first two outings.
THE SPREAD: STAMFORD BY 1
THE PICK: STAMFORD
Coleman (2-0) at Brady (2-0)
Canceled
#5 Albany (1-0) at Hamlin (0-2)
The Albany/Hamlin matchup has been one of the marquee matchups in the Big Country over the past decade, but that does not look to be the case this time around. The Pipers are rebuilding while the Lions seemingly have one of their better teams and beat Dublin 48-21 last Friday night. Hamlin handed Albany a 42-6 loss in this contest in 2020.
THE SPREAD: ALBANY BY 36
THE PICK: ALBANY
Roscoe (1-1) at Miles (0-2)
The Plowboys have a great shot at their first winning streak since early in the 2018 season as they head to winless Miles this week. Roscoe took down Stamford in week two after a season opening loss to Hawley. Miles has yet to score a point this season, falling to Coleman 24-0 (in a game called in the second quarter) and Coahoma 54-0. Miles did win at Roscoe last season, however, 29-7.
THE SPREAD: ROSCOE BY 21
THE PICK: ROSCOE
Aspermont (0-2) at Benjamin (2-0)
The Hornets head to Benjamin as their tough non-district schedule continues. Aspermont has fallen to 1A D2 #6 Follett and #9 Jayton, now they face unbeaten Benjamin on the road. Benjamin has wins over Moran 58-6 and Crowell 54-46.
THE SPREAD: BENJAMIN BY 33 DCTF; BENJAMIN BY 14 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: BENJAMIN
Hermleigh (2-0) at Lueders-Avoca (0-0)
The Raiders will hit the field for the first time, and it won’t be easy against unbeaten Hermleigh. The Cardinals cruised past Avalon 71-26 last week to get to 2-0. Lueders-Avoca had to cancel their first two games due to COVID.
THE SPREAD: HERMLEIGH BY 34 DCTF; HERMLEIGH BY 45 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: HERMLEIGH
Eden (2-0) at Ira (1-1)
Canceled
Bronte (1-1) at Roby (2-0)
Roby looks to stay perfect as they host Bronte. It is the second of four straight non-district home games for the Lions, who beat Highland last week 63-26. Bronte broke into the win column with a 44-8 win over Panther Creek, but dropped the season opener to Rotan 40-6.
THE SPREAD: ROBY BY 46 DCTF; ROBY BY 45 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: ROBY
Moran (0-2) at Rotan (2-0)
Moran heads to Roby looking to snap a 12-game losing streak, while the Yellowhammers hope to keep rolling to start 2021. Rotan whipped Woodson last week 64-16, while the Bulldogs lost to Evant 51-6.
THE SPREAD: ROTAN BY 31 DCTF; ROTAN BY 45 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: ROTAN
Highland (1-1) at Blackwell (0-2)
These two rivals square off in Blackwell this year after Highland won 42-22 at home a year ago. Blackwell is off to an 0-2 start in games against 1A Division I teams, while Highland had a hard time at Roby in week two.
THE SPREAD: BLACKWELL BY 12 DCTF; BLACKWELL BY 3 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: BLACKWELL
#4 Westbrook (1-1) at Loraine (2-0)
The Wildcats won big over Borden County last week, 48-0, now they take the short drive to Loraine to battle a very good Bulldogs squad. Loraine has scored a lot of points, 92 and 68, in wins over Abilene Christian and Grady, but the Wildcats will be their toughest test to date. Westbrook won the matchup in 2020 49-0.
THE SPREAD: WESTBROOK BY 22 DCTF; WESTBROOK BY 45 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: WESTBROOK
Gordon (2-0) at Baird (1-0)
Baird returns to action after missing last week and will host unbeaten Gordon. The Longhorns beat O’Donnell 66-20 in week one and Newcastle 54-50 in week two. Baird knocked off Crowell 34-7 in their only game of the year. Gordon beat the Bears 56-47 last season.
THE SPREAD: GORDON BY 6 DCTF; GORDON BY 11 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: BAIRD
Knox City (0-2) at #1 May (2-0)
May seems to be on a mission this season with a 51-6 win over Borden County and a 104-80 win at Sterling City thus far. Knox City has had a rougher go of it with losses against 1A Division II state ranked squads Jayton (46-30) and Motley County (68-22). This was a close one last year, with the Tigers pulling out a 60-56 win on the road.
THE SPREAD: MAY BY 55 DCTF; MAY BY 45 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: MAY
Abilene Christian (0-1) at Santa Anna (2-0)
The Panthers return to action to visit a Santa Anna team looking to start 3-0 for the second straight season. The Mountaineers have cruised past Trent 56-0 and Rising Star 60-8 so far, but should have a tougher task against ACS. The Panthers lost their first game at Loraine and had a bye in week two.
THE SPREAD: SANTA ANNA BY 7 DCTF; ABILENE CHRISTIAN BY 15 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: SANTA ANNA
Zephyr (0-2) at Stephenville Faith (0-2)
Zephyr has lost two relatively low-scoring contests so far in 2021 against Sidney (21-18) and Veribest (31-12), now they get set to face the higher powered offense of Stephenville Faith. The Knights have losses to Mineral Wells Community Christian 88-54 and Rochelle 62-40 this year.
THE SPREAD: STEPHENVILLE FAITH BY 13 DCTF; ZEPHYR BY 18 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: ZEPHYR
Panther Creek (0-1) at TLCA Abilene (0-2)
The Eagles hope this is the week they find the win column after a solid showing in a loss to Brookesmith last week. Panther Creek was off in week one and fell to Bronte 44-8 in week two.
THE SPREAD: TLCA ABILENE BY 6 DCTF; PANTHER CREEK BY 21 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: TLCA ABILENE
Trent (1-1) at Rising Star (1-1)
The Gorillas snapped a long losing streak and look to put together a winning streak as they visit Rising Star Friday night. Trent held of Lohn in overtime last week while Rising Star dropped a 60-8 decision to Santa Anna.
THE SPREAD: RISING STAR BY 22 DCTF; RISING STAR BY 45 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: RISING STAR
Rule (2-0) at Patton Springs (1-1)
The Bobcats look to stay hot to start the season as they visit Patton Springs. Rule beat Vernon Northside 54-6 last week, while Patton Springs’ only victory this season is a 50-32 decision over Northside. The Bobcats beat the Rangers a year ago 51-28.
THE SPREAD: RULE BY 23 DCTF; RULE BY 24 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: RULE
Lingleville (0-1) at Blanket (2-0)
On paper, Blanket has a great shot at improving to 3-0 as they host winless Lingleville this week. The Tigers got past Gustine 54-51 last week and blew out Bryson 38-6 in week one. Lingleville lost to Lometa 74-40 in week one and did not play in week two. Blanket won the contest between the two a year ago 51-6.
THE SPREAD: BLANKET BY 37 DCTF; BLANKET BY 45 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: BLANKET
Evant (2-0) at Brookesmith (1-1)
Brookesmith got past TLCA Abilene 30-26 to pick up their first win last week, but schedule gets tougher this week against 1A Division I Evant. The Elks beat Cranfills Gap 68-49 in their season opener and followed it up with a 51-6 win at Moran a week ago.
THE SPREAD: EVANT BY 4 DCTF; EVANT BY 45 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: EVANT
lometa (1-0) AT RANGER (1-1)
The Bulldogs won their first six-man game last week, now they get to play their first six-man home game. Lometa is the opponent for week three. The Hornets opened the year with a 74-40 win over Lingleville and saw their week two game against Cherokee get canceled.
THE SPREAD: LOMETA BY 28 DCTF; LOMETA BY 45 SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM
THE PICK: LOMETA
LOUISIANA COLLEGE (0-2) AT ACU (0-1) - Saturday, 6 p.m. - espn+
The Wildcats had a tough time in their season opener at SMU, now they have a chance to be the bully as they welcome Louisiana College to town. Louisiana College is now an NAIA school, but played against Hardin-Simmons, Howard Payne and McMurry for years as a Division III team in the American Southwest Conference. They have losses to North American University 42-41 and Southwestern Assemblies of God 20-13 this season. ACU should be able to pick their number and get into the win column for the first time on Saturday.
THE PICK: ACU
#7 HARDIN-SIMMONS (1-0) AT SUL ROSS STATE (0-0) - SATURDAY, 4 P.M.
The Cowboys kick off ASC play with their second road trip to Alpine, Texas in the past six months. Hardin-Simmons had no issues beating the Lobos 58-6 in March, and shouldn’t have a problem beating them again Saturday. The Cowboys shut out Wayland Baptist 49-0 last week, while Sul Ross will be playing its season opener.
THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS
HOWARD PAYNE (1-0) AT MCMURRY (0-0) - SATURDAY, 1 P.M.
While the War Hawks had to sit out their season opener due to COVID concerns, the Yellow Jackets got off to a great start with a 43-17 win over usual ASC contender Texas Lutheran. McMurry showed plenty of improvement in the spring season, but one of their losses was 24-3 to HPU.
THE PICK: HOWARD PAYNE
RPA (0-1) at Cisco (0-1) - saturday, 7 p.m.
The Wranglers had a rough season opener, falling at home to Navarro 35-14, but they have a chance to bounce back before conference play begins. RPA College is opponent number two. The Wildcats, based in Arlington, lost in week one to Arkansas Baptist 20-0.
THE PICK: CISCO
