Blitz Picks - Week 5
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%
SEASON: 149-186, 80.1%
*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 Six Man 1A Texas Football for sponsoring content this week. Reach out if you’d like to sponsor a week of content on bigcountryblitz.com and Big Country Blitz social media! Email cody@bigcountryblitz.com
***All picks are straight-up, not against the spread.
District play is here for five of our area districts, meaning the intensity will rachet up a few notches in week five as Abilene High, Anson, Cisco, Colorado City, Haskell, Hawley, Munday, Stamford, Winters, Bangs, Coleman, and Abilene Christian begin the march toward the playoffs!
Photo: TexPix.com
ABILENE HIGH (2-2, 0-0) AT MONTEREY (2-2, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Abilene High leads 16-8
The Eagles take a two-game losing streak into district play as they get set to face a much improved Monterey squad in Lubbock.
Monterey, like Abilene, came up short against Frenship in the non-district. The Plainsmen fell by two, 54-52, in quadruple overtime, while the Eagles dropped a 17-12 decision last week. Monterey suffered its worst loss of the year last week in a 36-8 loss at 6A Midland.
A game the Eagles dominated 37-7 last season is one that is very important in the district this year.
Last season’s game was the first one between the two schools since 2007.
STAT LEADERS
Dylan Slack: 51-74, 721 yds, 7 TD, 1 int; 31 yds, 2 TD rushing
Bam Rashaw: 169 yds, 1 TD rushing
Brayden Henry: 236 yds, 2 TD rushing; 14-28, 144 yds, 1 int passing; 6 rec, 77 yds, 1 TD
Ryland Bradford: 17 rec, 381 yds, 3 TD
Bryce Neves: 47 tkl, 3 int, 1 ff
Beckham Paul: 16 tkl, 2 int
DeMarco Upshaw: 13 tkl, 2 tfl, 2 int
Luke Arrington: 20-43, 329 yds, 5 TD, 2 int
Jamarcus Smith: 270 yds, 1 TD rushing
Kash Lewis: 9 rec, 267 yds, 4 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Abilene High: #21 in 5A D1
Monterey: #68 in 5A D1
DCTF Spread: Abilene High by 19
The Pick: Abilene High
Photo: TexPix.com
ODESSA PERMIAN (2-2) AT COOPER (1-3)
SERIES HISTORY: Permian leads 36-14
The non-district slate does not get any easier for the Cougars this week as they play a school in a larger classification for the fifth straight week when they host 6A Odessa Permian.
The Panthers are coming off a 27-25 loss to Harker Heights but won the previous two weeks over Waco Midway and Tascosa after falling in week one to Abilene High 49-14.
The Cougars also lost to the Eagles, but kept it closer than MOJO did.
The last Cougar victory over Permian was in 2012. The Panthers have won three straight in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Jakob Garcia: 35-69, 296 yds, 2 TD, 3 int; 118 yds, 3 TD rushing
Justyce Lara: 375 yds, 4 TD rushing
Gage Murphy: 8 rec, 85 yds
Parker Haynes: 34 tkl, 1 int
Austin Cummins: 24-60, 249 yds, 2 TD, 5 int; 158 yds rushing
Daniel Bray: 646 yds, 11 TD rushing; 3 rec, 11 yds
Zavian Alexander: 10 rec, 167 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Permian: #65 in 6A
Cooper: #44 in 5A D2
DCTF Spread: Permian by 16
The Pick: Permian
Photo: Kerr Broadstreet/WylieSports.com
SAN ANGELO CENTRAL (1-3) AT WYLIE (2-2)
SERIES HISTORY: San Angelo Central leads 1-0
The Bulldogs have won the last two in upset fashion on the road and now host 6A San Angelo Central for homecoming.
Wylie followed up losses to Brownwood and Monterey with wins over Lubbock Cooper and Stephenville to even its mark, and now hopes to avenge the last-second loss to the Bobcats they suffered in a 63-61 shootout last year.
Central fell to Belton 41-38 last week and to Abilene Cooper 53-45 the week before. Their only win was a 35-33 decision against El Paso Montwood in week two.
STAT LEADERS
Christian English: 39-58, 359 yds, 9 TD, 2 int; 468 yds, 4 TD rushing
Colton Hill: 24 rec, 383 yds, 2 TD
Coeyn Warkala: 27 tkl, 2 tfl
Bear Meng: 33-55, 514 yds, 5 TD, 3 int
Malachi Daniels: 173 yds, 1 TD rushing
Braden Regala: 15 rec, 150 yds, 1 TD
Derrick Evans: 11 rec, 205 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
San Angelo Central: #151 in 6A
Wylie: #22 in 5A D2
DCTF Spread: Wylie by 11
The Pick: Wylie
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
WACO CONNALLY (3-1) AT #7 BROWNWOOD (4-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Brownwood leads 2-0
The Lions get set for their toughest test to date as they welcome Kobe Black and the Connally Cadets to Gordon Wood Stadium this week.
Black is a five-star recruit with offers from the likes of Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, and Oregon, and plays both ways for the Cadets.
Connally lost to China Spring 61-41 last week, but has wins over Mexia, La Vega, and Cameron Yoe. They are averaging 53 points per game but also giving up 38 per contest.
The Lions had a tougher than anticipated game; they won against Glen Rose last week 46-34, but turnovers and mistakes played a big role in the Tigers keeping it close. Ike Hall threw 31 passes in the game, which was more than he had tossed the entire season entering action against Glen Rose.
Brownwood beat Connally in Waco last season, 52-21.
STAT LEADERS
Ike Hall: 33-610, 703 yds, 6 TD, 2 int; 403 yds, 3 TD rushing
Jaylon Brown: 192 yds, 5 TD rushing
Carson Noe: 17 rec, 197 yds, 1 TD
Hayden Noe: 5 rec, 129 yds, 1 TD
Morsello Hooker: 5 rec, 175 yds, 4 TD
Sam Kallman: 46 tkl, 3 tfl, 2 sacks
Steve Ramirez: 38 tkl, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Connally: #8 in 4A D2
Brownwood: #10 in 4A D1
DCTF Spread: Brownwood by 4
The Pick: Brownwood
Photo: Snyder ISD
BIG SPRING (1-3) AT SNYDER (2-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Big Spring leads 33-28-1
Snyder hopes to put a two-game losing streak to bed as it hosts Big Spring Friday night.
The Steers have also dropped two in a row, falling to Sweetwater last week 56-30.
Both teams have lost to Monahans already this year: Snyder 43-22 last week and Big Spring 52-14 in week three.
The Steers snapped a three-game losing streak in the series with their 27-24 win over the Tigers last season.
STAT LEADERS
Gavin Padron: 57-81, 679 yds, 5 TD, 1 int
Zeyire Franklin: 20 rec, 339 yds, 2 TD
Jose Munoz: 29 rec, 284 yds, 1 TD
Easton Stewart: 61-90, 779 yds, 8 TD, 1 int; 59 yds, 4 TD rushing
Daenin Smith: 268 yds, 1 TD rushing
Dom Dominguez: 16 rec, 187 yds, 2 TD
Jacob James: 16 rec, 142 yds, 2 TD
Jay Castillo: 10 rec, 240 yds, 2 TD
Tony Cagle: 21 tkl, 5 tfl, 2 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Big Spring: #71 in 4A D1
Snyder: #44 in 4A D2
DCTF Spread: Snyder by 8
The Pick: Snyder
CLYDE (4-0) AT SWEETWATER (4-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Clyde leads 9-2
The top two scoring offenses in the Big Country meet Friday night at the Mustang Bowl as unbeaten Sweetwater hosts unbeaten Clyde.
The Mustangs have the #1 offense in the area, scoring 53 points per game. The Bulldogs are right behind them at #2 with 49.8 points per contest.
Defensively, Clyde is giving up 26.3 points per game, while Sweetwater allows 31.3 points per outing.
Sweetwater has played the tougher schedule, as Clyde has beaten three teams that are still winless, plus their 69-57 shootout win over 3-1 Merkel.
The Bulldogs beat the Mustangs 29-28 last season, just their second ever victory in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Blake Carr: 43-69, 991 yds, 11 TD, 3 int; 619 yds, 9 TD rushing
Josh Hutton: 209 yds, 4 TD rushing; 1 rec, 13 yds
Daijon Booker: 15 rec, 395 yds, 5 TD
Kendrick Johnson: 10 rec, 253 yds, 3 TD
Luke Burson: 3 int, 2 ff
Caiden Ortiz: 48-75, 972 yds, 12 TD, 3 int; 74 yds rushing
Korda Moore: 503 yds, 9 TD rushing; 8 rec, 132 yds, 2 TD; 30 tkl, 7 tfl, 1 sack, 2 ff
Jayden Forbes: 13 rec, 347 yds, 4 TD
Amare Arevalo: 11 rec, 171 yds, 1 TD
Kannon Weise: 54 tkl, 6 tfl, 2 ff
Cooper Meador: 43 tkl, tfl, 4 sacks, 2 fr, 1 ff
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Clyde: #49 in 3A D1
Sweetwater: #30 in 4A D2
DCTF Spread: Sweetwater by 14
The Pick: Sweetwater
Photo: David Harbour
Photo: Calvin Best/Breckenridge ISD
BRECKENRIDGE (2-2) AT BENBROOK (4-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Breckenridge leads 1-0
Breckenridge heads to Fort Worth with a two-game winning streak to take on surprisingly unbeaten Benbrook.
The Bucks got past Eastland 41-35 last week and will punch up against a 4A D2 squad this week.
Benbrook has wins over Sanger 49-26, Iowa Park 34-28, Mineral Wells 35-20, and Bridgeport 28-14 this year.
The Buckaroos beat Benbrook 56-17 at home last season in the first ever game between two teams.
STAT LEADERS
Cam Escalon: 60-90, 916 yds, 11 TD, 5 int; 75 yds rushing; 11 tkl, 3 tfl, 2 int
Sawyer Wimberly: 499 yds, 4 TD rushing; 13 rec, 169 yds, 3 TD; 16-18 PAT
Alexis Franco: 11 rec, 297 yds, 3 TD; 50 tkl, 2 int, 8 pbu, 2 ff, 1 blocked FG
Jaxon Escalon: 34 tkl, 2 tfl, 2 int, 1 sack
Joseph Juneau: 32 tkl, 8 tfl, 2 sacks
Collin Thompson: 26-41, 451 yds, 10 TD, 3 int; 180 yds, 1 TD rushing
Chris Harris: 269 yds, 5 TD
Kade Cross: 7 rec, 122 yds, 3 TD
Jake Lindsey: 53 tkl, 2 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Breckenridge: #38 in 3A D1
Benbrook: #48 in 4A D2
DCTF Spread: Breckenridge by 1
The Pick: Breckenridge
Photo: Cheerful Hearts Photography
#7 JIM NED (4-0) AT EASTLAND (0-4)
SERIES HISTORY: Series tied 11-11
Both teams wrap up their non-district schedules on opposite ends of the spectrum, record-wise.
The unbeaten Indians are coming off an easy win over Rockdale, while the Mavericks comeback bid came up short in a six-point loss to Breckenridge.
Both squads have played tough schedules that included games with Hawley. Jim Ned beat the Bearcats 34-12, while the Mavs fell 33-20.
The Indians have won the last three meetings with the Mavericks to tie up the all-time series, including a 48-17 victory in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Gray Beasley: 10-20, 183 yds, 3 TD, 0 int; 231 yds, 2 TD rushing
Dean Guffey: 9-18, 214 yds, 2 TD, 1 int; 49 yds, 1 TD rushing
Aiden Ellis: 282 yds, 2 TD rushing; 19 tkl
Brayden Shipman: 422 yds, 5 TD rushing
Carter Wood: 11 rec, 231 yds, 3 TD; 18 tkl, 3 int, 2 pbu
Trey Hicks: 26 tkl, 2 ff
Carter Lange: 18 tkl, 7 tfl, 3 sacks, 1 fr
Isaiah Hays: 60-101, 884 yds, 8 TD, 7 int
Isaac Castro: 119 yds, 1 TD rushing; 7 tkl, 1 sack
Jay Oznick: 24 rec, 435 yds, 7 TD; 4 tkl
Griffin Beard: 16 rec, 209 yds, 1 TD; 21 tkl
Eddie Medina: 35 tkl, 3 tfl, 2 fr
Cayden Alford: 33 tkl, 4 tfl, 1 fr
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Jim Ned: #8 in 3A D1
Eastland: #41 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Jim Ned by 32
The Pick: Jim Ned
MASON (4-0) AT BALLINGER (0-4)
SERIES HISTORY: Ballinger leads 5-4
The struggling Bearcats get yet another tough team to contend with as they host unbeaten Mason this week.
Ballinger has been shut out in three straight games by Coleman, Stamford, and Clyde—teams that are a combined 10-1 on the season.
Mason beat Coleman 29-20 in their season opener and also has wins over Brady, Ozona, and Christoval.
The Punchers shut out the Bearcats 55-0 last season and have won three straight in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Cade Strube: 22-44, 316 yds, 2 int
Kyson Weathers: 16-33, 276 yds, 1 TD, 1 int
Zach Canada: 147 yds, 1 TD rushing; 18 tkl, 1 sack
Aiden Pena: 119 yds rushing; 11 tkl, 1 tfl
Jaylen Hernandez: 14 rec, 141 yds; 31 tkl, 1 tfl
Aden Zavala: 4 rec, 121 yds, 1 TD';14 tkl
Manny Gonzalez: 35 tkl, 1 int, 1 ff
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Mason: #13 in 2A D1
Ballinger: #85 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Mason by 33
The Pick: Mason
Photo: Mike Jones/Brownwoodnews.com
EARLY (1-3) AT BURNET (2-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Burnet leads 10-0
The beat-up Longhorns have another tough test this week as they visit 4A D1 Burnet.
Early has struggled through injuries and struggled to find wins over the last three weeks, falling to Tolar, Comanche, and Hamilton by a combined 145-14.
Burnet beat Giddings 35-7 last week and played at Brownwood in week three, falling to the Lions 24-10.
Burnet has never lost in ten tries against the Longhorns, although Early gave them all they could handle in a 49-48 decision in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Rohyn Price: 14-26, 227 yds, 4 TD, 1 int; 23 yds, 2 TD rushing; 5 tkl
Griffin Cheslock: 296 yds, 2 TD rushing; 3 rec, 18 yds; 4 tkl, 1 int
Ki Houston: 7 rec, 189 yds, 1 TD; 10 tkl, 1 int
Andrew Reedy: 12 rec, 122 yds, 1 TD
Kaleb Ozuna: 22 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 sack
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Early: #59 in 3A D2
Burnet: #31 in 4A D1
DCTF Spread: Burnet by 35
The Pick: Burnet
Photo: Julia Vega/@lionslifefootball
#1 ALBANY (4-0) AT COMANCHE (3-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Comanche leads 3-0
Comanche took one on the chin against Tolar last week, and the competition doesn’t get any easier as they welcome Albany to town this week.
The Lions took down Hawley 27-14 at Hardin-Simmons last week to stay unbeaten.
Comanche entered the Tolar game with the top-scoring offense and defense in the Big Country, but fell 41-18 and fell out of the 3A D2 top ten in the state. They did play again without star running back Sawyyer Wilkerson, however.
The Indians beat the Lions last season 31-28 in Albany, which was the first game the two teams had played since 1931.
STAT LEADERS
Chip Chambers: 36-68, 683 yds, 6 TD, 6 int
Adam Hill: 739 yds, 11 TD rushing; 33 tkl, 8 tfl, 4.5 sacks
Cason Fairchild: 14 rec, 401 yds, 4 TD; 15 tkl, 1 int, 1 ff
Luke Marshall: 28 tkl, 5 tfl, 1 int, 2 pbu
Jaxson Hoel: 34 tkl, 4 tfl, 1 sack
Layden Welch: 36-60, 699 yds, 10 TD, 1 int; 153 yds, 5 TD rushing
Sawyer Wilkerson: 451 yds, 6 TD rushing; 1 rec, 5 yds
Cole Schwertner: 406 yds, 1 TD rushing; 2 rec, 28 yds
Kyler Beaty: 16 rec, 297 yds, 4 TD; 9 tkl, 1 int, 3 pbu
Diego Gutierrez: 30 tkl, 2 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Albany: #1 in 2A D2
Comanche: #13 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Albany by 6
The Pick: Albany
Photo: TexPix.com
COAHOMA (3-1) AT MERKEL (3-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Merkel leads 13-7
Merkel hosts Coahoma for Homecoming in a good battle of 3-1 teams.
The Badgers have been scoring at will this season, averaging 42.8 points per game. They have scored 57 and 54 in the last two weeks and will face a Bulldog defense that is giving up nearly 33 points per game.
Coahoma has wins over Forsan 50-34, Kermit 57-31, and Colorado City 48-20 and a 44-30 loss to Sonora on its slate this season.
The Badgers fell in a 21-0 shutout at Coahoma last season.
STAT LEADERS
Boyd Cox: 63-95, 1003 yds, 14 TD, 1 int; 63 yds rushing
Jaidyn Vineyard: 461 yds, 6 TD rushing
Austin Perkins: 19 rec, 545 yds, 7 TD; 29 tkl, 6 tfl, 3 sacks, 1 fr
Nick Tutle: 41 tkl, 1 tfl
Maddox O’Malley: 37-67, 793 yds, 6 TD, 1 int; 367 yds, 9 TD rushing; 8 tkl
Connor Willyerd: 521 yds, 5 TD rushing; 9 rec, 171 yds, 2 TD
Kaden Blubaugh: 17 rec, 285 yds, 5 TD; 13 tkl, 2 int
Elijah Olivarez: 37 tkl, 3 tfl, 2 ff
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Coahoma: #34 in 3A D2
Merkel: #62 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Coahoma by 9
The Pick: Merkel
Photo: Gary Ford
STAMFORD (3-0, 0-0) AT WINTERS (0-4, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Stamford leads 22-11
District play begins in 4-2A Division I with three ballgames this week, including Stamford coming off an open week and facing winless Winters.
The Blizzards dropped a 66-36 decision to Runnels County rival Miles last week to fall to 0-4. Winters has given up at least 40 points in every game this season, which is bad news against a Stamford team that is averaging 40.7 points per game.
The Bulldogs have won six in a row against the Blizzards, including a 48-12 win last season.
STAT LEADERS
Christian Duran: 31-42, 486 yds, 5 TD, 1 int; 187 yds, 3 TD rushing
Kaston Vega: 178 yds, 5 TD rushing; 36 tkl, 8 tfl, 1 sack
Quinton Pryor: 9 rec, 183 yds, 3 TD
Caden Moreno: 5 rec, 118 yds, 1 TD
Jakain Whitaker: 23 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 sack
Diego Rodriguez: 6-12, 30 yds, 1 TD, 2 int
Alejandro Garcia: 298 yds, 1 TD rushing
Chris Martinez: 138 yds, 3 TD rushing; 2 rec, 21 yds
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Stamford: #19 in 2A D1
Winters: #103 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Stamford by 45
The Pick: Stamford
ANSON (2-2, 0-0) AT #7 HAWLEY (2-2, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Anson leads 26-13
The Tigers take a two-game winning streak to Hawley to take on the seventh-ranked and defending state champion Bearcats.
Anson got past Haskell 21-20 last week and Dublin 20-17 the week before to get back to .500, while Hawley is coming off a 27-14 loss to Albany.
Hawley will be more battle-tested as they’ve played a tougher non-district schedule.
The Bearcats have beaten the Tigers five times in a row, including a 55-0 win in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Tyler Wilburn: 18-39, 219 yds, 3 TD, 2 int; 235 yds, 1 TD rushing; 9 tkl
Corey Layne: 233 yds, 2 TD rushing; 35 tkl, 2 tfl
Drike Shoemaker: 5 rec, 126 yds, 2 TD
Esy Maldonado: 16 tkl, 2 int
Keagan Ables: 58-103, 747 yds, 6 TD, 2 int; 74 yds, 1 TD rushing; 8 tkl, 2 int
Landon Sykora: 342 yds, 3 TD rushing; 20 tkl, 1 sack
Diontay Ramon: 24 rec, 302 yds, 3 TD; 31 yds rushing; 21 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 int
Chandlin Myers: 18 rec, 238 yds, 1 TD; 11 tkl, 2 pbu
Hunter Hudson: 24 tkl, 2 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Anson: #74 in 2A D1
Hawley: #10 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Hawley by 36
The Pick: Hawley
Photo: TexPix.com
Photo: Gary Stennett
CISCO (0-4, 0-0) AT COLORADO CITY (1-3, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Colorado City wins 26-17-2
The Loboes will hope to put a tough non-district behind them as they head west to battle Colorado City in the district opener for both teams.
The Wolves scored a season-high 20 points last week but fell to Coahoma 48-20 to drop to 1-3.
Cisco lost 51-0 at Jacksboro last week and 41-6 to Breckenridge the week before. The Loboes played all 3A schools in the non-district, which should get them ready for the rough-and-tumble ride in 4-2A Division I.
The Loboes shut out Colorado City 54-0 last season.
STAT LEADERS
Kannon Orsagh: 29-52, 242 yds, 2 TD, 6 int; 330 yds, 1 TD rushing
Kelton Desmond: 201 yds, 1 TD rushing
Gus Hart: 137 yds, 2 TD rushing
Julius Proffitt: 8 rec, 58 yds, 1 TD
Mayson Monroe: 27-54, 177 yds, 1 TD, 3 int; 216 yds, 3 TD rushing
Camron Urias: 263 yds, 1 TD rushing; 3 rec, 27 yds
Thomas Martinez: 12 rec, 51 yds, 1 TD; 12 tkl
Nick Santana: 39 tkl, 1 tfl, 3 pbu, 1 fr
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Cisco: #57 in 2A D1
Colorado City: #90 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Cisco by 13
The Pick: Cisco
Olney (3-1, 0-0) is off this week
Photo: Dee Hail/Brownwoodnews.com
DE LEON (3-1, 0-0) AT BANGS (1-3, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: De Leon leads 23-6-2
District 5-2A Division I also kicks off action this week with a trio of games.
Bangs draws De Leon in the opener. The Dragons have picked up the pace on offense over the last two weeks, scoring 42 in a win over Grape Creek and 37 in a loss to Merkel.
De Leon got a 24-10 win at Hico last week to improve to 3-1. Their only loss of the season was a 41-7 defeat at the hands of Valley Mills in week three.
The Dragons topped the Bearcats 49-21 in 2022 and have won five in a row in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Heston Jobe: 34-61, 443 yds, 2 TD, 2 int; 188 yds rushing
Jake Cooper: 423 yds, 6 TD rushing
Max Jones: 6 rec, 136 yds, 1 TD
Kenny Cole: 28-56, 433 yds, 6 TD, 1 int; 46 yds, 1 TD rushing
Ethan Ethridge: 240 yds, 2 TD rushing; 5 rec, 118 yds, 1 TD; 22 tkl, 3 tfl, 1 sack
Hunter Newton: 10 rec, 195 yds, 5 TD
Cason Tidwell: 21 tkl
Hunter Crowell: 20 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
De Leon: #62 in 2A D1
Bangs: #95 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: De Leon by 12
The Pick: De Leon
Photo: ColemanToday.com
COLEMAN (3-1, 0-0) AT GOLDTHWAITE (2-2, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Coleman leads 16-7-2
Coleman heads to Goldthwaite to begin district play this week, hoping to build momentum after a home win over 3A Llano last week.
Goldthwaite fell to 2-2 on the season with a 35-6 loss at Granger, but has shown much improvement this season after a 0-10 record in 2022.
Coleman has won three in a row over Ballinger, Brady, and Llano, the last two without star quarterback Jadin Jackson, after a season-opening loss to Mason.
The Bluecats have won five and nine of the last ten meetings in the series, including a 42-6 win in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Brent Bouldin: 380 yds, 6 TD rushing; 23 tkl, 4 tfl
Jadin Jackson: 6-11, 159 yds, 1 TD; 112 yds, 3 TD rushing
Ethan Deeds: 17-31, 301 yds, 1 TD; 94 yds, 4 TD rushing
Max Storm: 263 yds, 2 TD rushing
Luke Sanderson: 12 rec, 177 yds
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Coleman: #15 in 2A D1
Goldthwaite: #68 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Coleman by 24
The Pick: Coleman
OTHER DISTRICT GAMES: Hamilton (3-1, 0-0) at San Saba (1-3, 0-0), Tolar (3-1, 0-0) is off
Photo: Cross Plains School Yearbook
CROSS PLAINS (1-3) VS. SMYER (1-3) — AT ROSCOE
SERIES HISTORY: Cross Plains leads 1-0
The Buffaloes wrap up non-district action with a neutral-site game against Smyer in Roscoe.
Cross Plains has dropped three in a row to De Leon, Hico, and Junction by a combined 104-20.
Smyer, located between Lubbock and Levelland, beat Crosbyton 22-14 in week one but has lost to Ralls 36-6, Floydada 42-20, and Clarendon 64-26 over the last three weeks.
Cross Plains beat the Bobcats 45-20 in Snyder last season, which is the only other time the two teams have played.
STAT LEADERS
Kade Purvis: 28-54, 296 yds, 1 TD, 2 int; 32 yds, 2 TD rushing
Dusty Wyatt: 304 yds, 4 TD rushing; 3 rec, 26 yds
Tyler Mackey: 10 rec, 147 yds, 1 TD
Peyton Casillas: 23-35, 260 yds, 2 TD, 1 int; 69 yds, 1 TD rushing
Preston Moore: 242 yds, 3 TD rushing
Cody Armes: 9 rec, 165 yds, 3 TD
Mathue Corder: 33 tkl, 5 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Cross Plains: #67 in 2A D2
Smyer: #80 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Cross Plains by 10
The Pick: Cross Plains
Photo: Gary Ford
HAMLIN (3-1) AT QUANAH (0-4)
SERIES HISTORY: Hamlin leads 9-3
Hamlin aims to end non-district play with a fourth straight win as the Pipers head north to Quanah.
Quanah has been blown out in all four games this season: 44-8 by Archer City, 55-6 by Nocona, 36-0 by Petrolia, and 75-18 by Seymour.
Hamlin scored a season-high 38 points in a win over Munday last week, and, on paper, it looks like they have a good shot at topping that mark this week against the Indians.
The Pipers beat the Indians a year ago, 14–12.
STAT LEADERS
Ian Gruben: 537 yds, 7 TD, 3 int passing
Clayton Rister: 337 yds, 5 TD rushing
Luke White: 12 rec, 79 yds
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hamlin: #68 in 2A D2
Quanah: #88 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Hamlin by 15
The Pick: Hamlin
ROSCOE (3-0) AT #3 NEW HOME (3-0)
SERIES HISTORY: New Home leads 2-1
The Plowboys face their toughest opponent to date as they head to New Home to battle the third-ranked Leopards Friday night.
Roscoe took care of Sterling City on the road to stay perfect and will now take on a New Home squad that has beaten Haskell, Colorado City, Hale Center, and Floydada by a combined 176-26 so far in 2023. Those four teams are just 5-10 on the season, so Roscoe will be the toughest opponent the Leopards have played so far.
New Home took down Roscoe on the road last season, 60-32.
STAT LEADERS
Jace Arnwine: 39-63, 550 yds, 4 TD, 1 int
Ivan McCann: 414 yds, 3 TD rushing; 3 tkl, 1 sack, 1 fr
Seth Wilcox: 200 yds, 4 TD rushing; 12 rec, 194 yds, 2 TD; 9 tkl, 2 int, 1 fr
Parker Gleaton: 14 rec, 237 yds, 2 TD; 19 tkl, 5 tfl
Jacob Kiser: 21 tkl, 6 tfl, 1 int
Caleb Cook: 40-61, 581 yds, 10 TD, 1 int; 59 yds, 1 TD rushing
Logan Addison: 252 yds, 4 TD rushing
Dylan Carrillo: 10 rec, 194 yds, 3 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Roscoe: #17 in 2A D2
New Home: #3 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: New Home by 22
The Pick: New Home
TLCA ABILENE (1-3) AT IRAAN (2-2)
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting
The Eagles road trip to Iraan for the first time in program history this week to face the Braves.
Iraan is coming off back-to-back losses, 22-14 at Regan County and 7-0 to Odessa Compass. The Braves beat La Pryor 38-0 and Center Point 41-18 in the first two weeks of the season.
TLCA Abilene beat Munday three weeks ago but fell to Lockney 55-16 last week and Sterling City 52-0 the week before.
STAT LEADERS
Johnathan Rico: 39-101, 481 yds, 4 TD, 5 int; 83 yds rushing
Joshua Soto: 155 yds, 1 TD rushing
Jamarkis Lowery: 15 rec, 232 yds, 1 TD; 15 tkl, 1 int
Jonathan Kirk: 24 tkl, 1 tfl; 8 rec, 120 yds, 1 TD
Cole Bowman: 42-61, 587 yds, 8 TD, 2 int; 109 yds rushing
Tristan Griffin: 635 yds, 4 TD rushing
Angel Zapata: 8 rec, 172 yds, 3 TD
Matthew Willock: 56 tkl, 9 tfl, 2 ff, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
TLCA Abilene: #95 in 2A D2
Iraan: #46 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Iraan by 35
The Pick: Iraan
Photo: Haskell Athletic Boosters
HASKELL (0-3, 0-0) AT WINDTHORST (2-1, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Windthorst leads 3-0
District action fires up in District 7-2A Division II this week, and Haskell heads to Windthorst, still in search of win number one this season.
The Indians were very close last week but gave up a last-minute touchdown to fall to Anson 21-20.
Windthorst won at Wheeler 20-14 last week to improve to 2-1. They have not been able to run the ball well this season, as freshman quarterback Brock Belcher is the only Trojan that has reached triple-digits in rushing yards.
The Trojans topped the Indians in overtime last season, 26-20.
STAT LEADERS
Matthew Gober: 21-34, 163 yds, 2 TD, 2 int
Haegen Pinkerton: 5-13, 70 yds, 1 TD, 3 int; 107 yds, 2 TD rushing
Trevor Henry: 112 yds, 1 TD rushing; 7 rec, 28 yds
Nemo Silvas: 12 rec, 168 yds, 1 TD
Brock Belcher: 40-67, 577 yds, 5 TD, 2 int; 257 yds, 3 TD rushing
Kolby Teakell: 15 rec, 317 yds, 3 TD
Karson Vieth: 34 tkl, 3 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Haskell: #42 in 2A D2
Windthorst: #16 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Windthorst by 23
The Pick: Windthorst
SEYMOUR (3-1, 0-0) AT MUNDAY (0-4, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Seymour leads 55-21-4
Munday opens district play facing one of the best offenses in the area.
Seymour is scoring 44 points per game and put 75 on Quanah last week.
That could mean bad news for a Mogul squad that has already given up 74 to Mercy Culture Prep and 62 to Morton this season.
The Panthers have won the last five meetings in the series. They beat the Moguls 71-0, the biggest margin of victory in series history, last season.
STAT LEADERS
Brayden Loyd: 73-119, 1256 yds, 18 TD, 3 int
Slade Thompson: 117 yds, 3 TD rushing
David Charo: 21 rec, 402 yds, 9 TD
Brason Ziessel: 20 rec, 514 yds, 6 TD
Levi Henderson: 37 tkl
Haiden Bowman: 21-49, 318 yds, 2 TD, 4 int
AJ Diaz: 123 yds rushing
Israel Carranza: 5 rec, 89 yds
Ethan Flye: 9 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 fr
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Seymour: #15 in 2A D2
Munday: #97 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Seymour by 54
The Pick: Seymour
OTHER DISTRICT GAMES: Electra (2-1, 0-0) at Petrolia (1-3, 0-0), Archer City (2-1) is off
Photo: Sasha Kaitlyn Photography
CROWELL (4-0) AT #2 KNOX CITY (4-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Crowell leads 30-28-2
Another week, another big game on the docket for Knox City.
The Greyhounds moved up to number two in the state rankings with their 77-32 win over Rankin, and now they get an unbeaten Crowell squad that is the top-scoring six-man offense among teams in districts with teams in the Big Country at 83 points per game. They beat Motley County 82-52 last week and have scored 100, 72, and 74 points in their other three victories over Strawn, Loraine, and Saint Jo.
Knox City’s defense has been a huge strength through four games, and they’ll surely be tested against the Wildcats this week.
The Greyhounds have won four in a row over the Crowell and knocked them off last season 48-30.
STAT LEADERS
Bryson Callaway: 21-37, 376 yds, 7 TD; 81 yds, 1 TD rushing; 28 tkl, 2 pbu
Cameron Hernandez: 472 yds, 9 TD rushing; 2 rec, 19 yds; 10 tkl
Devin Guillory: 11 rec, 281 yds, 7 TD; 26 tkl, 4 int
Tristin Baxter: 33 tkl
Caleb Arrieta: 17 tkl, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Crowell: #9 in 1A D2
Knox City: #2 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Crowell: #8 in 1A D2
Knox City: #1 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Knox City by 26
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Knox City by 45
The Pick: Knox City
Photo: Bobbie Brown/Texas 1A Fan
HERMLEIGH (2-1) AT GRADY (2-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Grady leads 10-5
The Cardinals visit the Grady Wildcats after the bye week and look to keep up their winning ways.
Hermleigh took down Buena Vista 42-20 in their last outing, while Grady is on a two-game winning streak with victories over Kress and Midland Trinity in the last two weeks.
They lost to Amherst and O’Donnell to start the season.
Hermleigh beat Grady a year ago 62-14, their first win in the series since 1982.
STAT LEADERS
Grady - Hunter McAnally: 634 yds, 8 TD rushing
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hermleigh: #22 in 1A D1
Grady: #39 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Hermleigh: #11 in 1A D1
Grady: #32 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Hermleigh by 10
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Hermleigh by 36
The Pick: Hermleigh
Photo: Tricia Hurt/Double Mountain Chronicle
ROBY (0-4) AT #1 BENJAMIN (4-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Benjamin leads 2-1
It’s a tough test for winless Roby this week as they visit unbeaten and top-ranked Benjamin.
The Mustangs cruised past Guthrie last week 62-0 to get to 4-0, while Roby played hard in a 27-0 loss to Loop to fall to 0-4.
The Mustangs won at Roby last season, 56-6.
STAT LEADERS
Kody Daniel: 150 yds, 1 TD rushing; 8-13, 95 yds, 1 int; 18 tkl, 1 int
Cohen Lakey: 7-19, 134 yds, 1 TD
Houston Few: 3 rec, 19 yds
Keegan Encizo: 45 yds rushing; 18 tkl, 1 int
Grayson Rigdon: 583 yds, 14 TD rushing; 22-27, 443 yds, 4 TD passing; 13 rec, 392 yds, 11 TD; 33 tkl, 2 ff, 2 fr, 2 int; 1 kickoff return for TD
Keegan Hayes: 16-31, 442 yds, 11 TD, 1 int passing; 10 rec, 271 yds, 4 TD; 86 yds, 1 TD rushing; 41 tkl, 1 ff, 1 fr
Weston Weatherford: 31 tkl; 1 ff
Tallon Hayes: 36 tkl, 3 ff, 2 fr, 1 int; 271 yds, 4 TD rushing; 6 rec, 47 yds
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Roby: #67 in 1A D1
Benjamin: #2 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Roby: #60 in 1A D1
Benjamin: #1 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Benjamin by 78
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Benjamin by 45
The Pick: Benjamin
Photo: SixMania
BORDEN COUNTY (4-0) AT HIGHLAND (4-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Highland leads 12-10-2
Two teams on the brink of the top ten do battle on The Hill this week as Highland hosts Borden County.
The Hornets have emerged as a top-tier team this season and will get another strong test from the Coyotes.
Highland won its closest game yet, 50-42 at Irion County last week, while Borden County crushed Amarillo San Jacinto 72-14. They also have shutout wins over Meadow and Claude and a mercy-rule win in the season opener over Lubbock Kingdom Prep.
The Coyotes outlasted Highland 47-40 last season, which was the first meeting in the series since the 2009 state championship game, which Borden County won 28-14.
STAT LEADERS
Braxton Smith: 19-33, 421 yds, 6 TD, 1 int; 240 yds, 3 TD rushing
Cooper Bowen: 555 yds, 12 TD rushing
Tylan Balthrop: 247 yds, 8 TD rushing; 4 rec, 60 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Borden County: #13 in 1A D1
Highland: #8 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Borden County: #26 in 1A D1
Highland: #12 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Highland by 9
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Highland by 22
The Pick: Highland
IRA (2-1) AT #5 KLONDIKE (3-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Ira leads 11-3
Ira plays another tough 1A DII squad this week as they visit fifth-ranked Klondike.
The Bulldogs beat Loraine to get to 2-1 last week, while the Cougars blasted Sands 88-56 to stay perfect.
Both teams have faced Loraine and Jayton this season. Ira lost to Jayton 84-34 and beat Loraine 72-46, while Klondike lost to Jayton 55-34 and beat Loraine 72-22.
The Bulldogs have won seven straight in the series, including a 64-40 win a year ago.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Ira: #31 in 1A D1
Klondike: #5 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Ira: #20 in 1A D1
Klondike: #4 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Klondike by 32
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Klondike by 18
The Pick: Klondike
Photo: Mark Martinez/Double Mountain Chronicle
ROTAN (1-2) AT STRAWN (2-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Strawn leads 1-0
The Yellowhammers return from their open week with a trip to Strawn to battle the Greyhounds.
Strawn shut out Gorman 45-0 last week.
Rotan earned its first victory of the season with a 44-39 win over Woodson in week three.
Strawn won the only previous meeting in the series last year, 105-91, in one of the highest-scoring games in the state.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Rotan: #65 in 1A D1
Strawn: #22 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Rotan: #69 in 1A D1
Strawn: #18 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Strawn by 36
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Strawn by 45
The Pick: Strawn
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
#4 WESTBROOK (3-1) AT GARDEN CITY (1-3)
SERIES HISTORY: Garden City leads 6-5
The Wildcats and Bearkats meet yet again, this time in Garden City.
Westbrook pointed to a regular-season loss to the Bearkats a year ago as a turning point on their way to a second straight state championship, but they seem to have already had a wake-up call this season in their season-opening loss to Knox City. Since then, Westbrook has beaten Jonesboro, Rankin, and Spur by a combined 164-20.
Garden City has played a tough schedule so far as well, beating Midland Trinity 51-23 but falling to Jayton, Gordon, and May, who are a combined 11-1 on the year.
Westbrook and Garden City split a pair of games last year, with the Bearkats emerging victorious 46-42 in the regular season and the Wildcats returning the favor 72-22 in the playoffs.
STAT LEADERS
Keegan Gilbreath: 4-9, 108 yds, 2 TD; 345 yds, 10 TD rushing; 38 tkl, 5 tfl, 1 ff, 1 fr, 1 int
Grayson Jeffrey: 4-9, 108 yds passing; 155 yds, 2 TD rushing; 1 rec, 7 yds; 31 tkl, 1 int, 1 tfl, 2 pbu
Bo Payne: 6 rec, 70 yds, 4 TD; 12 tkl
Parker Matlock: 35 tkl, 3 tfl, 1 fr; 6-13, 73 yds, 4 TD, 1 int passing; 2 rec, 36 yds
Aiden Sullivan: 33 tkl, 8 tfl, 2 sacks, 4 ff, 3 fr; 3 rec, 101 yds; 43 yds, 1 TD rushing
Walton Marshall: 15-38, 229 yds, 3 TD, 1 int passing
Denton Roe: 195 yds, 3 TD rushing; 7 rec, 123 yds, 3 TD; 1-5, 9 yds, 1 TD, 1 int passing
Blain Walts: 290 yds, 5 TD rushing; 2-3, 29 yds, 1 TD, 1 int passing
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Westbrook: #1 in 1A D1
Garden City: #28 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Westbrook: #2 in 1A D1
Garden City: #24 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Westbrook by 45
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Westbrook by 45
The Pick: Westbrook
GORMAN (1-3) AT MILFORD (2-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Milford leads 3-0
Gorman hopes to snap a two-game losing streak as they get set to face Milford this week.
The Panthers have been shut out in back-to-back games by Blum and Strawn, while Milford took unbeaten Union Hill to the wire in a 67-65 loss last week.
Milford topped the Panthers in Gorman last season, 62-28.
STAT LEADERS
Nathan Rodriguez: 291 yds, 6 TD rushing; 52 yds, 2 TD passing; 7 tkl, 1 ff
Josh Pele: 5 rec, 62 yds, 2 TD; 12 tkl
Garrett Teague: 16 tkl, 1, ff, 2 fr, 2 sacks
Tyce Delgado: 18 tkl, 2 fr, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Gorman: #53 in 1A D1
Milford: #34 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Gorman: #48 in 1A D1
Milford: #33 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Milford by 23
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Milford by 32
The Pick: Milford
Photo: Dency McClure
FORT WORTH THESA (1-2) AT #8 MAY (3-1)
SERIES HISTORY: May leads 1-0
May stays in the top ten after winning at Garden City last week; now the Tigers will play at home against private school Fort Worth THESA.
The Riders are the defending TAIAO Division I state champions and beat Westlake Academy 54-16 last week to get their first win of the season.
The Tigers beat the Riders 39-31 in the only other meeting in series history.
STAT LEADERS
Layton Francis: 18-23, 236 yds, 4 TD; 150 yds, 3 TD rushing
Jaxson Nauman: 187 yds, 3 TD rushing
Andrew Keller: 5 rec, 113 yds, 3 TD; 19 tkl
Braden Steele: 766 yds, 15 TD rushing; 23-42, 410 yds, 6 TD passing; 25 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 fr
Ben Harrell: 13 tkl, 2 tfl; 2 rec, 66 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
FW THESA: #46 in 6-Man Private Schools
May: #11 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
FW THESA: #3 in TAIAO D1
May: #7 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: May by 33
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: May by 45
The Pick: May
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
SANTA ANNA (2-2) AT MEDINA (3-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Series tied 1-1
Santa Anna hopes to get above .500 for the first time this season as they take on a tough Medina squad on the road.
The Mountaineers got past Blanket last week 59-38 for their second win in three weeks, while the Bobcats have three straight wins over private schools (Laredo St. Augustine, Kerrville Our Lady of the Hills, and Bulverde Bracken Christian) after a season-opening 82-42 loss to Rochelle.
The Bobcats won the matchup last season at Santa Anna 54-8.
STAT LEADERS
William Perry: 509 yds, 10 TD rushing; 23 tkl, 1 int
Wyatt Strickland: 224 yds, 6 TD rushing; 2 rec, 14 yds; 3 kickoff returns for TD; 21 tkl
Jacob Jiminez: 41 yds, 1 TD rushing; 4 rec, 59 yds, 2 TD; 1-1, 17 yds passing
James Denson: 70 yds rushing; 60 yd kickoff return for TD; 26 tkl, 5 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Santa Anna: #52 in 1A D1
Medina: #21 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Santa Anna: #57 in 1A D1
Medina: #30 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Medina by 30
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Medina by 45
The Pick: Medina
Photo: Mark Martinez/Double Mountain Chronicle
RULE (1-3) AT ASPERMONT (3-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Aspermont leads 35-30-5
Rule makes the short trip to Aspermont this week to battle the Hornets, who feature one of the top defenses in the Big Country, allowing just 16 points per game.
Aspermont rolled past Lueders-Avoca 62-0 last week, while the Bobcats fell at home to Wichita Christian 64-6.
The Hornets bested the Bobcats in an 84-47 shootout last season and have won the last 11 meetings in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Carson Guidry: 585 yds, 10 TD rushing; 8-11, 147 yds, 2 TD, 1 int; 2 rec, 70 yds, 1 TD
Kolby Bradshaw: 60 yds, 2 TD rushing; 1 rec, 9 yds
Jaden Flores: 11 tkl, 1 int
Jaxon Hodges: 11 tkl, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Rule: #53 in 1A D2
Aspermont: #27 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Rule: #41 in 1A D2
Aspermont: #36 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Aspermont by 33
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Aspermont by 18
The Pick: Aspermont
LUEDERS-AVOCA (1-3) AT HARROLD (4-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Harrold leads 4-1
Harrold continues to be a surprise team in the area, as they’ve started 4-0 for the first time since 2010.
The Raiders have had a rough stretch to start the season and hope to get things turned around before district play begins in a couple weeks.
The Raiders beat the Hornets 68-19 last season, the first victory for the Raiders in series history.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Lueders-Avoca: #63 in 1A D2
Harrold: #31 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Lueders-Avoca: #66 in 1A D2
Harrold: #66 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Harrold by 37
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Harrold by 45
The Pick: Harrold
Photo: Trent Community Club
TRENT (2-2) AT PAINT CREEK (1-3)
SERIES HISTORY: Trent leads 15-5
Trent takes a two-game losing streak north to Haskell County to take on Paint Creek Friday night.
The Gorillas lost 76-28 to Paint Rock last week and completed the “Paint” back-to-back this week.
The Pirates are coming off a 51-6 loss to unbeaten Northside to fall to 1-3.
The Gorillas have won two in a row and nine of the last ten meetings in the series.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Trent: #54 in 1A D2
Paint Creek: #65 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Trent: #62 in 1A D2
Paint Creek: #65 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Trent by 8
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Trent by 27
The Pick: Trent
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
LORAINE (0-4) AT SANDS (2-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Loraine leads 18-9-1
The injury riddled Bulldogs head to Sands this week as they continue looking for their first win of the season.
They’ll face a 1A D1 Sands squad that is coming off a 30-point loss to Klondike, the same Cougar squad that beat Loraine 72-22 in week three.
Loraine has won the last three games against the Mustangs, including a 60-15 decision in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Jadrian Limones: 18-33, 330 yds, 9 TD passing; 138 yds, 1 TD rushing; 9 tkl
Matthew Bolen: 190 yds, 2 TD rushing; 6 rec, 113 yds, 2 TD; 13 tkl
AJ Williams: 97 yds rushing; 1 rec, 15 yds, 1 TD; 7-18, 98 yds, 1 TD, 2 int; 14 tkl, 1 tfl, 1 fr
Luke Kerr: 24 tkl, 1 tfl
Xander Ybarra: 33 tkl
Michael Diaz: 337 yds, 8 TD rushing; 2 rec, 34 yds, 1 TD; 9-19, 198 yds, 3 TD, 1 int passing; 26 tkl
Xavier Cisneros: 5 rec, 142 yds, 1 TD; 32 tkl
Colby Hinton: 35 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 sack, 2 ff
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Loraine: #33 in 1A D2
Sands: #38 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Loraine: #23 in 1A D2
Sands: #41 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Sands by 9
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Loraine by 3
The Pick: Sands
Photo: ColemanToday.com
PANTHER CREEK (3-0) AT VERIBEST (4-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Panther Creek leads 13-8
Panther Creek will face its toughest matchup of the season to date as the Panthers visit unbeaten Veribest.
The Falcons are coming off a mercy-rule win at Baird, while Panther Creek had an unexpected bye week instead of playing at Olfen.
The Panthers topped the Falcons 56-26 in their last meeting in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Daniel McMahon: 8-16, 173 yds, 2 TD, 1 int
Trevor Croft: 447 yds, 9 TD rushing; 1 kickoff return for TD
Ethan Croft: 6 rec, 148 yds, 3 TD; 269 yds, 3 TD rushing; 1 kickoff return for TD
Braydon Barnett: 384 yds, 8 TD rushing; 1 kickoff return for TD
Bryce Martin: 11-19, 219 yds, 5 TD, 1 int; 200 yds, 7 TD rushing; 3 rec, 65 yds, 2 TD
Lane Howard: 316 yds, 2 TD
Hunter Hallmark: 50 tkl, 1 tfl, 3 int; 17-21, 194 yds, 7 TD passing; 108 yds, 1 TD rushing; 2 rec, 24 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Panther Creek: #34 in 1A D2
Veribest: #27 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Panther Creek: #48 in 1A D2
Veribest: #40 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Veribest by 21
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Veribest by 45
The Pick: Veribest
Photo: Brrownwoodnews.com
BLANKET (1-3) AT MORAN (2-2) — SATURDAY, 5 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: Blanket leads 5-2
Fresh off a thrilling 68-67 win at Mullin, the Moran Bulldogs are home this Saturday against Blanket.
The Tigers fell by 21 at Santa Anna last week.
Moran got an epic effort from Ellis Hise to earn the win at Mullin, as he ran for 287 yards and 6 touchdowns, caught a touchdown pass, threw for two touchdowns, recorded nine tackles, and picked off a pass as well.
The Tigers have won four in a row in the series, beating the Bulldogs 56-0 in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Kannon Kensing: 557 yds, 9 TD rushing
Cameron Aultman: 344 yds, 6 TD rushing
Ellis Hise: 17-34, 256 yds, 3 TD, 1 int passing; 588 yds, 10 TD rushing; 5 rec, 39 yds; 39 tkl, 1 ff, 1 int
Caleb York: 11 rec, 206 yds, 3 TD; 72 yds, 1 TD rushing; 38 tkl, 1 fr, 1 ff
Zech Henderson: 23 tkl, 2 ff, 1 pbu
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Blanket: #48 in 1A D2
Moran: #58 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Blanket: #44 in 1A D2
Moran: #58 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Blanket by 8
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Blanket by 45
The Pick: Blanket
Photo: Brownwoodnews.com
BLUFF DALE (2-2) AT RISING STAR (2-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Bluff Dale leads 1-0
Rising Star crushed Cranfills Gap last week 58-6 to bring a two-game skid to a stop. Now they play at home again this week against Bluff Dale.
The Bobcats fell 56-6 at Cherokee last week and 56-6 at Sydney the week before. They opened the year with wins over Lingleville and Perrin-Whitt.
This is the first matchup between the two since a Bluff Dale victory in 2018.
STAT LEADERS
Dathon Morris: 153 yds, 4 TD rushing
Blake Wilson: 201 yds, 4 TD rushing
Pacey McGinn: 163 yds, 3 TD rushing
Anthony Pollard: 31 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Bluff Dale: #28 in 1A D2
Rising Star: #16 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Bluff Dale: #28 in 1A D2
Rising Star: #25 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Rising Star by 10
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Rising Star by 9
The Pick: Rising Star
Photo: Justin McCuller
ZEPHYR (3-1) AT ROBERT LEE (3-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Zephyr leads 2-0
Zephyr will face a 1A D1 challenge at Robert Lee this week.
The Bulldogs have won two in a row, knocking off Rising Star and Lohn in back-to-back weeks to get to 3-1.
Robert Lee has also won two straight, taking down Blackwell 58-8 last week and Baird 46-32 the week before.
The Bulldogs and Steers match up on the gridiron for the first time since 2011 Friday night.
STAT LEADERS
Tripp Ballard: 272 yds, 6 TD rushing; 3 rec, 68 yds; 48 tkl, 3 tfl, 1 int
Wyatt Stevens: 16-30, 160 yds, 2 TD, 2 int; 2 rec, 18 yds
Karsen Floyd: 13 rec, 186 yds, 3 TD; 162 yds, 2 TD rushing; 40 tkl
Trapper Schoenhals: 30 tkl, 4 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Zephyr: #26 in 1A D2
Robert Lee: #37 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Zephyr: #29 in 1A D2
Robert Lee: #37 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Robert Lee by 3
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Robert Lee by 16
The Pick: Robert Lee
GUSTINE (2-1) AT BROOKESMITH (2-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Gustin leads 21-11
Brookesmith has not seen a lot of action to start the season. The Mustangs were off this past week and earned a forfeit win over Mullin in week one. Their only two games are a 28-27 loss to Kopperl and a 54-12 win over the Veribest JV.
They face a Gustine squad that is much improved after going 0-10 in 2022. The Tigers took down Priddy 46-32 last week to get to 2-1. They opened with a 48-0 win over Buckholts before falling to Paint Rock 58-12 in week three.
The Mustangs have won three straight in the series, but the two teams haven’t met since 2017.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Gustine: #57 in 1A D2
Brookesmith: #55 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Gustine: #55 in 1A D2
Brookesmith: #56 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Brookesmith by 3
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Gustine by 3
The Pick: Gustine
RANGER (3-1) AT KOPPERL (3-1)
SERIES HISTORY: First Meeting
The Bulldogs aim for a fourth straight win as they visit 1A D2 Kopperl on Friday night in a battle of 3-1 teams.
Ranger got past Woodson 59-41 last week, while Kopperl beat Evant 49-18.
The Bulldogs have already surpassed their win total from 2022, and the Eagles have tied their 2022 win total.
STAT LEADERS
James Uhlhorn: 527 yds, 9 TD rushing; 218 yds, 5 TD passing
Landon Farmer: 68 yds, 4 TD rushing
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Ranger: #54 in 6-Man Private Schools
Kopperl: #41 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Ranger: #4 in 6-Man Independent
Kopperl: #43 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Ranger by 4
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Kopperl by 11
The Pick: Ranger
Photo: Abilene Christian School
ABILENE CHRISTIAN (3-1, 0-0) AT KELLER HARVEST (2-2, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Abilene Christian leads 1-0
District play begins for Abilene Christian this week as the Panthers head out of town for the first time this season and take on Keller Harvest.
ACS took down Kingdom Prep 58-8 last week to improve to 3-1, while Keller Harvest fell 70-28 to Crowley Nazarene Christian.
The Panthers put it on the Saints last season in their only meeting, 50-0.
STAT LEADERS
Brooks Armstrong: 6-9, 83 yds, 3 TD passing; 500 yds, 8 TD rushing; 8 rec, 101 yds, 2 TD; 17 tkl, 2 int
Carson Schwiethale: 23-43, 317 yds, 5 TD, 1 int; 4 tkl
Davis Patteson: 209 yds, 4 TD rushing; 2 rec, 27 yds; 14 tkl, 1 int, 1 sack
Bryce McGlothlin: 1 rec, 17 yds, 20 tkl, 3 sacks
Isaac Presley: 21 tkl, 2 sacks, 1 int; 7 rec, 71 yds, 3 td
Mason Ross: 40-81, 431 yds, 7 TD, 6 int
Armando Franklin: 422 yds, 9 TD rushing
Austin Gilliam: 9 rec, 126 yds, 2 TD
Austin Sampley: 20 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Abilene Christian: #7 in 6-Man Private Schools
Keller Harvest: #72 in 6-Man Private Schools
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Abilene Christian: #3 in TAPPS D2
Keller Harvest: #20 in TAPPS D2
DCTF Spread: Abilene Christian by 32
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Abilene Christian by 45
The Pick: Abilene Christian
ABILENE CHRISTIAN (2-1, 0-0) AT CENTRAL ARKANSAS (1-2, 0-0) - SATURDAY, 6 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: Central Arkansas leads 10-2-1
Abilene Christian will play in the United Athletic Conference for the first time this week as they head to Central Arkansas to battle the Bears.
ACU is coming off a hard-fought 27-20 loss to ninth-ranked Incarnate Word at home, while the Bears lost last week 49-31 at North Dakota.
Central Arkansas fell to Oklahoma State 27-13 and beat Texas College 70-2 in its other action this season.
STAT LEADERS
Maverick McIvor: 43-75, 722 yds, 5 TD, 1 int
Jermiah Dobbins: 232yds, 1 TD rushing
Blayne Taylor: 7 rec, 211 yds, 1 TD
Izaiah Kelley: 21 tkl, 1 ff
Elijah Moffett: 20 tkl, 4 tfl, 2 pbu
Will McElvain: 52-76, 533 yds, 4 TD, 1 int
Jarrod Barnes: 10 rec, 143 yds, 0 TD
ShunDerrick Powell: 389 yds, 4 TD rushing
Jake Godlay: 15 tkl, 1 tfl
The Pick: Central Arkansas
Photo: Scott Burkhalter Photography
#5 HARDIN-SIMMONS (2-0) AT ENDICOTT (2-1) - FRIDAY, 6 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting
The Cowboys head east, way east, for a Friday night showdown against Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, just outside Boston.
Both teams were in the D3 playoffs a year ago. Endicott opened the year with a 31-0 win over St. Lawrence but lost to #18 Ithaca 20-17 the following week.
HSU, still at number five in the national rankings, was off last week while Endicott beat the U.S. Maritime Academy 27-0 to get to 2-1.
The last meeting between the teams was a 42-21 Central Arkansas win in Abilene in 2021.
STAT LEADERS
Gaylon Glynn: 36-47, 552 yds, 4 TD, 1 int; 82 yds rushing
Colton Marshall: 145 yds, 3 TD rushing
Noah Garcia: 145 yds, 3 TD rushing
K.J. Peoples: 11 rec, 173 yds
Cade Michna: 31 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 sack, 1 int, 1 pbu
Clayton Marengi: 34-69, 441 yds, 4 TD, 1 int; 163 yds, 1 TD rushing
Yavier Cosme-Diaz: 105 yds rushing
Shane Aylward: 12 rec, 132 yds
Jackson DeAngelo: 24 tkl, 1.5 sacks
The Pick: Hardin-Simmons
MCMURRY (1-1) AT #23 MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR (0-3) - SATURDAY 6 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: UMHB leads 16-2
The Warhawks will put their early-season success to the test this weekend as they face Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton.
The Crusaders have opened the year with three straight losses to nationally ranked teams, the latest being a 17-14 loss to #4 Wisconsin-Whitewater at home. They’ve also lost to #23 Wisconsin-River Falls 45-22 and #5 Trinity 35-16.
McMurry was off last week after rolling past Millsaps 53-2 the week before.
UMHB has won the last 16 in the series, including a 62-3 home win in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Jess Hoel: 48-71, 563 yds, 3 TD, 3 int
Drew Hagler: 41 yds, 2 TD rushing
Kristopher Martin: 11 rec, 183 yds, 1 TD
Joseph Richard: 11 tkl
Isaac Phe: 38-69, 520 yds, 3 TD, 3 int
Kenneth Cormier Jr.: 144 yds, 1 TD rushing
Jerry Cephus: 10 rec, 199 yds, 1 TD
Durand Hill: 26 tkl, 6 tfl
The Pick: Mary Hardin-Baylor
Photo: Cisco Wrangler Express
CISCO COLLEGE (2-0, 1-0) AT TRINITY VALLEY (2-1, 0-1) - SATURDAY, 7 P.M.
The Wranglers get their first road test in conference play under new head coach Stephen Lee this week as they head to Trinity Valley to face the Cardinals.
Cisco was off last week after a scheduled game in Houston against Monterey Tech fell through. The Wranglers last action was a 20-19 win over Blinn.
Trinity Valley dropped a 20-17 decision to Tyler College to fall to 0-1 in SWJCFC play last week. They topped Snow College 31-24 in their opener and beat Air Force Prep 38-26 in week two.
The Cardinals beat the Wranglers 51-13 in Cisco last season.
STAT LEADERS
Christian Kaopua: 25-47, 406 yds, 6 TD, 2 int
Trae’el Harris: 89 yds rushing
Raylan Hubbard: 7 rec, 99 yds
Jasen Stephens: 13 tkl
Darion Peace: 37-61, 613 yds, 2 TD, 5 int
Hymond Drinkard: 173 yds, 1 TD rushing
Jemyri Davis: 3 rec, 107 yds, 1 TD
McCoy Casey: 26 tkl, 2 sacks, 5 tfl
The Pick: Trinity Valley
