Blitz Picks - Week 4
I won’t lie, this may be the best place I ever write Blitz Picks. From our room in Mexico overlooking the beach. Life is rough, I know. But no worries, I’m headed back tomorrow and will join Chuck Statler for Abilene High at Grand Prairie on Friday night on the AISD Cumulus Sports Network (shameless plug).
While the bulk of our Big Country squads are still testing themselves in non-district action this week, believe it or not, district play is already here for Cooper. The Cougars dive into the next level of games but everyone else still has time to get things right before district play begins.
My picks certainly needed to get better, and they did in week three to get me up to a solid 3-outta-4 for the season so far.
Season: 90-119, 75.6%
Week 1: 31-41, 75.6%
Week 2: 29-41, 70.7%
Week 3: 30-37, 81.1%
Abilene High (1-2) at Grand Prairie (1-2)
The Eagles are back on the road as they head to the Metroplex to close out non-district play against Grand Prairie. The Gophers have dropped back-to-back games against McKinney Boyd and Mesquite after a season opening 61-7 win over South Garland. Abilene High notched victory number one in come from behind fashion over Cedar Park Vista Ridge last week. The Warbirds still haven’t put together a full four quarters. If they can Friday, they’ll be on a two-game winning streak before starting play in the Little Southwest Conference at Permian next week.
THE SPREAD: GRAND PRAIRIE BY 5
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH
Cooper (2-1) at Justin Northwest (1-2)
It is district time for the Cougars as they also head to the Metroplex this week. Cooper had to shake off a rough week one loss to Keller, and did so with wins over rivals Abilene High and Wylie in back-to-back weeks. They enter District 3-5A Division I play one of the favorites, and will have big targets on their backs as they open at Northwest. The Texans are coming off a 46-43 loss to Grapevine. Their win was the week before over McKinney North, 28-16, and they kicked off 2021 with a 23-14 loss to Frisco Memorial.
THE SPREAD: COOPER BY 6
THE PICK: COOPER
Wylie (1-2) at Stephenville (3-0)
The Bulldogs non-district schedule is a beast, and they look to slay another giant as they visit unbeaten Stephenville Friday night. The Yellowjackets are averaging 45.6 points per game in wins over Sweetwater, Everman and Salado and won those games by 38, 24 and 27 points. Wylie is the bigger school and will hit the field fired up after letting an opportunity to top Cooper get away last week, but will they have enough firepower to keep up with the Yellowjackets?
THE SPREAD: STEPHENVILLE BY 27
THE PICK: STEPHENVILLE
Burnet (0-2) at Brownwood (1-2)
The Lions look to return to the win column and beat Burnet for a second straight season. Brownwood had a rough time at state ranked China Spring, but beat Lampasas in week one and feel like they should have beaten Midland Greenwood in week two. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have been blown out in their two games: 44-7 at Leander Rouse and 41-9 against Marble Falls.
THE SPREAD: BROWNWOOD BY 9
THE PICK: BROWNWOOD
Snyder (3-0) at Lake View (0-3)
The high-powered Snyder offense hopes to keep rolling as they visit winless San Angelo Lake View this week. The Chiefs gave up 47 points in a blowout loss to Sweetwater last week, and also have close losses to Pecos and Lamesa (26-20) to start the season. Snyder is coming off a 55-0 victory over Lamesa and should be able to head home Friday night with a 4-0 record.
THE SPREAD: SNYDER BY 15
THE PICK: SNYDER
Boerne (1-2) at Sweetwater (1-2)
The Mustangs earned win number 700 program history and look for number 701 Friday night when they welcome Boerne to the Mustang Bowl. Sweetwater made the nearly four drive to Boerne last season and picked up win, now the Greyhounds hope to do the same. Boerne lost to Midland Christian last week 47-22, beat Gregory-Portland the week before 35-28 and opened 2021 with a 34-30 loss to Alamo Heights. The Mustangs finally got things rolling against Lake View last week, and would love to make it back-to-back wins over the Greyhounds.
THE SPREAD: BOERNE BY 5
THE PICK: SWEETWATER
Breckenridge (1-2) at Eastland (0-3)
The Buckaroos gave it their all and came up a point shy of an upset at Cisco last week, taking the Loboes to overtime. Now they head back to Eastland County to visit the Mavericks, who are still looking for win number one this season.
THE SPREAD: EASTLAND BY 13
THE PICK: BRECKENRIDGE
Ballinger (1-1) at Clyde (0-3)
The Bulldogs entertain the Bearcats after falling at defending Class 2A Division II champion Windthorst last Friday night. Ballinger shut out out Colorado City to get win number one, and are favored to pick up a second straight victory. Ballinger won a close contest between the two a year ago, 21-14.
THE SPREAD: BALLINGER BY 16
THE PICK: BALLINGER
Merkel (2-1) at Early (3-0)
The Badgers saw their perfect season come to an end at the hands of Hawley last week, now they get to face another unbeaten team. Early has been a force through three games this season, beating Bangs, Tolar and Comanche by an average of 32.3 points per game. Merkel will have to slow down the Early offense if they have a shot at pulling off the upset.
THE SPREAD: EARLY BY 35
THE PICK: EARLY
#5 Cisco (3-0) at #1 Jim Ned (3-0)
The game of the week for the area is in Tuscola as top ranked Jim Ned hosts unbeaten and fifth ranked (in 2A Division I) Cisco. The Indians beat the Loboes in Cisco a year ago, and, on paper, seem to have a stronger team this time around. Cisco has beaten three teams from Jim Ned’s (3A Division I) district so far, but two of those games have been overtime nail biters.
THE SPREAD: JIM NED BY 27
THE PICK: JIM NED
Bangs (0-2) at Hamilton (2-1)
The Dragons missed out on a game last week and hope to earn victory number one of the season at Hamilton. Bangs has been blown out by Early and Florence this season, while Hamilton is coming off a 30-0 win over Hico. The Bulldogs have also beaten Moody and lost to Riesel this season.
THE SPREAD: HAMILTON BY 10
THE PICK: HAMILTON
Hamlin (0-3) at Anson (1-2)
These two Jones County schools renew their rivalry for the 96th time this week and both could use a win. Hamlin has only scored six points all season, while Anson is coming off back-to-back disappointing home losses to Coleman and Dublin.
THE SPREAD: ANSON BY 9
THE PICK: ANSON
Colorado City (0-2) at Coahoma (1-2)
Colorado City makes the short drive to Coahoma to battle the Bulldogs Friday night. The Wolves have dropped their first two games of the year to Crane and Ballinger, while the Bulldogs are coming off a 56-29 loss at Eldorado.
THE SPREAD: COAHOMA BY 21
THE PICK: COAHOMA
Haskell (1-2) at #4 Albany (2-0)
Haskell has yet another tough game on the schedule as they visit state ranked Albany. The Indians fell at Cross Plains last week and have dropped two straight. Albany has rolled to wins over Dublin and Hamlin in its first two games of the season.
THE SPREAD: ALBANY BY 48
THE PICK: ALBANY
Winters (0-2) at #8 Hawley (3-0)
Hawley looks to stay perfect as they host winless Winters Friday night. The Bearcats took care of business in a battle of unbeatens at Merkel last week but will be tested by the ground and pound clock grinding offense of Winters. The Blizzards fell to Crane last week, 27-13.
THE SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 38
THE PICK: HAWLEY
Stamford (1-2) vs Sudan (0-3) at Post
The Bulldogs play a second straight neutral site game as they meet Sudan in Post Friday night. The first trip didn’t turn out so well in a 40-14 loss to Rosebud-Lott, but they could have a better night this time around against the winless Hornets. Sudan has been shut out by Sundown and Farwell the last two weeks by a combined 102-0.
THE SPREAD: STAMFORD BY 10
THE PICK: STAMFORD
Grape Creek (1-2) at Coleman (2-0)
Coleman returns to the field after missing out on playing last week. The Bluecats have rolled to wins over Miles and Anson and are heavy favorites against Grape Creek this week. The Eagles picked up their first win of the year last week against TLCA San Angelo.
THE SPREAD: COLEMAN BY 29
THE PICK: COLEMAN
Christoval (3-0) at Roscoe (2-1)
The Plowboys look for their third straight win as they host a very good Christoval team Friday night. The Cougars have wins over Wink, Grape Creek and Sonora so far on the season. Roscoe opened with a loss at Hawley, but have won at Stamford and Miles the past two weeks.
THE SPREAD: CHRISTOVAL BY 22
THE PICK: CHRISTOVAL
Cross Plains (2-1) at De Leon (0-3)
The Buffaloes hit the road for the third time in four non-district games so far as they head to winless De Leon. Cross Plains bounced back from a shut out loss to Goldthwaite with a 28-7 victory over Haskell. De Leon has lost to Dublin, Windthorst and Millsap by an average of 34.3 points per game.
THE SPREAD: CROSS PLAINS BY 10
THE PICK: CROSS PLAINS
Lueders-Avoca (0-1) at Aspermont (0-3)
One of the “oh’s” has got to go as these two winless teams get together Friday night. Aspermont has played an extremely tough schedule featuring three unbeaten teams, while Lueders-Avoca is just really getting going after missing the first two weeks of the season.
THE SPREAD DCTF: ASPERMONT BY 6
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ASPERMONT BY 31
THE PICK: ASPERMONT
Hermleigh (3-0) at Robert Lee (1-2)
The Cardinals hope to remain one of the Big Country’s unbeatens after they travel to Robert Lee. Hermleigh has earned dominating victories over their three opponents this season, while the Steers are coming off their first win of the season, 42-22 over Veribest.
THE SPREAD DCTF: HERMLEIGH BY 34
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: HERMLEIGH BY 45
THE PICK: HERMLEIGH
Ira (1-1) at Knox City (0-3)
The Bulldogs had to sit out last week and will resume play at Knox City. The Greyhounds have had a tough start to the season with losses to state ranked Jayton, Motley County and Robert Lee. Ira was ranked in the preseason polls, so the gauntlet will continue for Knox City this week. They did beat Ira 55-16 in 2020.
THE SPREAD DCTF: IRA BY 10
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: KNOX CITY BY 5
THE PICK: IRA
Rule (3-0) at Roby (3-0)
We have a battle of unbeatens on our hands in one of the top six-man games in the area this week. 1A D2 Rule has not had an issue getting past Wilson, Northside and Patton Springs this season, while 1A D1 Roby has rolled past Sands, Highland and Bronte. The Lions won this matchup 63-13 last season.
THE SPREAD DCTF: ROBY BY 15
THE SPREAD SIXMAN FOOTBALL.COM: ROBY BY 45
THE PICK: ROBY
Veribest (2-1) at Rotan (3-0)
The Yellowhammers can get to 4-0 to start the season for a second consecutive year with a win over Veribest. The Falcons opened the year with wins over Brookesmith and Zephyr before losing to Robert Lee last week.
THE SPREAD DCTF: ROTAN BY 27
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ROTAN BY 44
THE PICK: ROTAN
Loraine (2-1) at Highland (2-1)
Loraine lost to state ranked Westbrook last week, now they get set to visit another solid team from District 8-1A Division I. Highland took down rival Blackwell last week and beat the Bulldogs a year ago in a shootout, 104-60.
THE SPREAD DCTF: LORAINE BY 24
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: LORAINE BY 22
THE PICK: HIGHLAND
#8 Water Valley (3-0) at #4 Westbrook (2-1)
Westbrook once again hosts one of the best six-man matchups in the state as the #4 Wildcats host #8 Water Valley. The Wildcats have crushed Borden County and Loraine the last two weeks after falling to 1A D2 #1 Motley County in week one. Water Valley is in the state rankings this week for the first time after wins over Robert Lee, Blackwell and Garden City by “45” to kick off the season.
THE SPREAD DCTF: WESTBROOK BY 12
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: WESTBROOK BY 6
THE PICK: WESTBROOK
Baird (2-0) at Chillicothe (1-2)
The Bears hit the road north to Chillicothe for their first road game of the season. Baird picked up a good win over Gordon last week and look to stay unbeaten against an Eagle squad that is coming off a 54-6 loss to Gold-Burg.
THE SPREAD DCTF: BAIRD BY 45
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BAIRD BY 45
THE PICK: BAIRD
#1 May (3-0) at Evant (3-0)
The Tigers look to keep their number one ranking as they head to Evant for a battle of unbeaten teams Friday night. The Elks have wins over Cranfills Gap, Moran and Brookesmith (all 1A D2 teams) on the season, while May has victories over Borden County, Sterling City and Knox City (all D1 teams).
THE SPREAD DCTF: MAY BY 58
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: MAY BY 45
THE PICK: MAY
Santa Anna (3-0) at Brookesmith (1-2)
The Mountaineers make the short trip to Brookesmith hoping to keep their perfect record intact. Santa Anna has been impressive offensively, averaging 66.7 points per game so far this season. The Mustangs have battled hard despite low numbers, and lost to Evant last week.
THE SPREAD DCTF: PICK ‘EM
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: SANTA ANNA BY 45
THE PICK: SANTA ANNA
Blanket (2-1) at Zephyr (0-3)
The Tigers head to Zephry looking to put their first loss of the season behind them. Blanket lost at home to Lingleville last week to fall from the ranks of the unbeaten, while Zephyr hopes to break into the win column after three losses to begin 2021.
THE SPREAD DCTF: BLANKET BY 31
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BLANKET BY 45
THE PICK: BLANKET
Throckmorton (3-0) at Blackwell (0-3)
Blackwell has three losses on the ledger to 1A Division I schools so far this season, but hosting Throckmorton this week will be no walk in the park. The Greyhounds have cruised to wins over Bluff Dale, Bryson and Union Hill and the defending 9-1A Division II champs will be a tough challenge for Blackwell on Friday night.
THE SPREAD DCTF: THROCKMORTON BY 18
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: THROCKMORTON BY 45
THE PICK: THROCKMORTON
TLCA Midland (0-3) at TLCA Abilene (0-3)
The TLCA six-man clan of West Texas gets together when Abilene hosts Midland this week. Both teams have yet to win a game this season, but both have had two losses that went the full four quarters.
THE SPREAD DCTF: N/A
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: TLCA MIDLAND BY 42
THE PICK: TLCA ABILENE
Paint Rock (2-1) at Trent (1-2)
The D2 Gorillas host the D1 Indians this week looking to even their record at 2-2. Trent fell at Rising Star 64-13 a week ago, while Paint Rock fell at Rochelle 59-7 in their first loss of the season. The two have a common opponent in Lohn: Trent beat them 64-58 in overtime, while Paint Rock won 52-7 in week one.
THE SPREAD DCTF: PAINT ROCK BY 13
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: PAINT ROCK BY 45
THE PICK: PAINT ROCK
Mullin (2-0) at Moran (0-3)
Canceled
Lohn (0-2) at Paint Creek (2-0)
The Pirates look to stay perfect after a week off. They host winless Lohn, who has lost to Trent and Paint Rock this season. Paint Creek has wins over Harrold and the Rochelle JV in 2021.
THE SPREAD DCTF: N/A
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: PAINT CREEK BY 20
THE PICK: PAINT CREEK
Three Way (1-2) at Rising Star (2-1)
The Wildcats look to make it three wins in four games to kick off 2021 as they host Three Way. Rising Star has easy wins over the two D2 schools they’ve faced so far (Gustine and Trent). The Braves lost at Mullin last week, 52-6, to fall to 1-2. The Wildcats won this matchup in 2020 55-46.
THE SPREAD DCTF: RISING STAR BY 10
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RISING STAR BY 21
THE PICK: RISING STAR
Abilene Christian (0-2) vs Fannindel (2-0) at Strawn
Abilene Christian hopes to break into the win column, but it’ll be tough against unbeaten Fannindel in a neutral site matchup in Strawn on Saturday. The Falcons have wins over Fruitvale and Campbell on the season, while the Panthers have averaged 47 points per game in losses at Loraine and Santa Anna.
THE SPREAD DCTF: FANNINDEL BY 22
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: FANNINDEL BY 40
THE PICK: FANNINDEL
bowie gold-burg (2-1) AT rANGER (1-2)
The Bulldogs host the Bears as they look to even their record for 2021. Ranger dropped a decision to Lometa at home last week and hope to rebound against the 1A Division II Bears, who beat Chillicothe last week 54-6.
THE SPREAD DCTF: GOLD-BURG BY 10
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: GOLD-BURG BY 45
THE PICK: RANGER
UT-Permian basin (2-0) at acu (1-1)
The Wildcats wrap up non-conference play against unbeaten UTPB Saturday night at 6 p.m. ACU handled NAIA Louisiana College last week and will host the D2 Falcons in their final tune up before starting conference play at Lamar next week. UTPB has wins over Southwest Baptist and West Texas A&M through two games this season.
THE PICK: ACU
belhaven (1-1) at #6 hardin-simmons (2-0)
The Cowboys have shut out wins over Wayland Baptist and Sul Ross State to kick off the season, now they look to stay perfect with Belhaven coming to town. Hardin-Simmons heads to #1 Mary Hardin-Baylor next week and would love to make it a battle of top ten ranked teams in Belton. Belhaven beat Millsaps in week one, but fell in its conference opener to Southwestern a week ago.
THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS
howard payne (2-0) vs hendrix (0-1) at prosper
The Yellow Jackets have jumped out to a 2-0 start, both conference games, with wins over Texas Lutheran and McMurry and now play their lone non-conference game against Hendrix (Arkansas) in Prosper. Hendrix has only played one game so far, a 49-33 loss at home to Wisconsin-River Falls.
THE PICK: HOWARD PAYNE
mcmurry (0-1) at east texas baptist (1-1)
The War Hawks were barely outgunned by Howard Payne in their season and conference opener, 42-36, and will continue ASC play at ETBU. The Tigers won at Wisconsin-Platteville in week one before falling to top-ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor last week 34-14.
THE PICK: ETBU
blinn (0-1) at cisco (1-1)
The Wranglers kick off conference play at home against Blinn Saturday. Cisco rolled past RPI 69-0 last week to even its record at 1-1 after a season opening non-conference loss to Navarro. Blinn lost its season opener to #5 Kilgore 49-17 in Brenham last week.
THE PICK: CISCO
