Blitz Picks - Week 7
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%
WEEK 5 PICKS: 42-48, 87.5%
WEEK 6 PICKS: 26-31, 83.8%
SEASON: 217-265, 81.8%
*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.
**Reach out if you’d like to sponsor a week of content on bigcountryblitz.com and Big Country Blitz social media! Weeks 8, 10 and 11 are still available. Email cody@bigcountryblitz.com
***All picks are straight-up, not against the spread.
Photo: Texpix.com
ABILENE HIGH (4-2, 2-0) AT CAPROCK (1-5, 0-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Abilene High leads 1-0
The Warbirds make their only trip of the season to Amarillo this week to battle the struggling Caprock Longhorns.
Abilene High has jumped out of the gates in district play with a pair of easy wins over Monterey and Tascosa and will now face the only other team in 2-5A D1 that has not won a district game.
Caprock fell 38-7 to Amarillo High last week and 21-7 to Coronado in its district opener. The Longhorns only victory of the season was a 21-7 decision over 4A Pampa in week three.
Abilene High blasted Caprock 45-0 at Shotwell last season.
STAT LEADERS
Dylan Slack: 78-107, 1094 yds, 13 TD, 1 int; 40 yds, 4 TD rushing
Bam Rashaw: 169 yds, 1 TD rushing
Brayden Henry: 394 yds, 4 TD rushing; 18-36, 151 yds, 1 int passing; 9 rec, 96 yds, 2 TD
Ryland Bradford: 24 rec, 499 yds, 4 TD; 1 kickoff return for TD
Jackson Howle: 20 rec, 231 yds, 2 TD
Bryce Neves: 59 tkl, 4.5 tfl, 3 int, 2 ff
Beckham Paul: 25 tkl, 4 tfl, 2 int, 1 ff
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Abilene High: #18 in 5A D1
Caprock: #98 in 5A D1
DCTF Spread: Abilene High by 38
The Pick: Abilene High
Other District Games:
Amarillo (3-3, 2-0) at Lubbock Cooper (3-2, 1-0)
Monterey (2-3, 0-1) at Tascosa (1-4, 0-2)
Coronado (2-4, 1-1) is off
Photo: Texpix.com
WICHITA FALLS RIDER (3-2, 0-0) AT COOPER (1-4, 0-0) - THURSDAY
SERIES HISTORY: Cooper leads 5-4
District play begins for 2-5A Division II with a battle of two teams that were expected to be district title contenders Thursday night at Shotwell Stadium.
Things have not gone so well for Cooper in non-district, as the Coogs have a win over San Angelo Central but losses to Keller, Abilene High, Coronado and Permian. Granted, all four teams they lost to are in a larger classification.
Rider started strong with wins over Wichita Falls, Decatur and Coronado, but have lost their last two games to Lubbock Cooper, 34-7, and Stephenville, 21-20.
Coronado is the only common opponent between the two. Rider shut them out 38-0 while the Cougars fell at home 27-21.
The Raiders beat the Cougars 51-21 in Wichita Falls last season, the first meeting between the two since 2015.
STAT LEADERS
Joe Castles: 44-75, 544 yds, 7 TD, 4 int
Kenji Johnson: 492 yds, 5 TD rushing
Grey Johnson: 10 rec, 143 yds, 3 TD
Austin Cummins: 36-81, 377 yds, 3 TD, 6 int; 147 yds rushing
Daniel Bray: 646 yds, 11 TD rushing; 3 rec, 11 yds
Zavian Alexander: 18 rec, 256 yds, 2 TD
Jaylen Parker: 13 rec, 126 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Rider: #31 in 5A D2
Cooper: #47 in 5A D2
DCTF Spread: Rider by 4
The Pick: Rider
Photo: Hardy Burnett/GetchaSome Pics
WYLIE (3-2, 0-0) AT PLAINVIEW (4-1, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Wylie leads 4-1
It’s a battle of Bulldogs in a key district opener as Wylie visits Plainview.
Wylie enters on a three-game winning streak with victories over Lubbock Cooper, Stephenville and San Angelo Central, while Plainview saw a season-opening four-game winning streak snapped with a 24-21 loss at Hereford two weeks ago.
Plainview is off to its best start since 2005 and has already tied its mark for the most wins in a season since going 4-7 in 2017. The Bulldogs have wins over Levelland, Pampa, Wichita Falls and Dumas.
Wylie beat the Bulldogs at home 38-14 last season and have won four in a row in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Bear Meng: 61-98, 956 yds, 11 TD, 3 int; 185 yds, 2 TD rushing
Malachi Daniels: 378 yds, 4 TD rushing
Derrick Evans: 20 rec, 484 yds, 5 TD
Braden Regala: 15 rec, 160 yds, 1 TD
Seth Mayberry: 938 yds, 9 TD passing
Mateo Hernandez: 34 rec, 330 yds 3 TD
Jeremiah Guitron: 57 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Wylie: #23 in 5A D2
Plainview: #57 in 5A D2
DCTF Spread: Wylie by
The Pick: Wylie
Other District Game:
Palo Duro (2-2, 0-0) at Lubbock High (2-3, 0-0)
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
#10 BROWNWOOD (5-1, 0-0) AT BIG SPRING (1-5, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Brownwood leads 13-5
The Lions enter district play coming off a frustrating 27-17 loss to rival Stephenville and will roadtrip to Big Spring to get things started.
The Steers have lost their last four games, including a 51-33 loss to Seminole last week.
Brownwood should have a good opportunity to put some points on the board, as Big Spring is fifth worst among teams in Big Country districts, allowing 45 points per game. The Lions come in averaging 34.8 points per game.
Big Springs’ only win this season is a 32-21 victory over Lubbock High.
Brownwood beat Big Spring 41-10 last year and has won the last four meetings in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Ike Hall: 51-101, 960 yds, 8 TD, 4 int; 582 yds, 7 TD rushing
Jaylon Brown: 297 yds, 6 TD rushing
Carson Noe: 23 rec, 299 yds, 2 TD
Aaron Edmonds: 12 rec, 204 yds, 2 TD
Hayden Noe: 6 rec, 133 yds, 1 TD
Morsello Hooker: 6 rec, 187 yds, 4 TD
Sam Kallman: 76 tkl, 6 tfl, 4 sacks
Jake Jetton: 66 tkl, 1 fr, 1 int
Gavin Padron: 129-193, 1553 yds, 12 TD, 9 int
Kavien Ford: 436 yds, 1 TD
Zeyire Franklin: 40 rec, 802 yds, 9 TD
Jose Monoz: 57 rec, 626 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Brownwood: #13 in 4A D1
Big Spring: #73 in 4A D1
DCTF Spread: Brownwood by 36
The Pick: Brownwood
Other District Game:
Andrews (3-3, 0-0) at Lake View (1-5, 0-0)
Estacado (5-1, 0-0) is off
Photo: Snyder ISD
GREENWOOD (1-5, 0-0) AT SNYDER (3-3, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Greenwood leads 11-8
Snyder kicks off district play with a home contest against Greenwood.
The Rangers started the season 0-5 but picked up their first win of the year last week in a 52-6 blowout of San Angelo Lake View.
The Tigers have dropped three of their last four after back-to-back shutouts over Slaton and Levelland to start the season. They have been shut out twice on the road, including last week’s 31-0 loss at Holliday, and have played much better offensively at home.
They should have a chance to move the ball against a Ranger defense that is giving up just over 40 points per game.
The Rangers beat the Tigers last season 35-13 and have won seven in a row in the series. The last Snyder win was 42-14 in 2015.
STAT LEADERS
Easton Stewart: 94-138, 1039 yds, 12 TD, 1 int; 62 yds, 4 TD rushing
Daenin Smith: 446 yds, 3 TD rushing
Dom Dominguez: 21 rec, 247 yds, 3 TD
Jacob James: 21 rec, 180 yds, 2 TD
Jay Castillo: 13 rec, 259 yds, 2 TD
Tony Cagle: 29 tkl, 6 tfl, 3 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Greenwood: #45 in 3A D2
Snyder: #39 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Snyder by 13
The Pick: Snyder
Other District Game:
Graham (6-0, 0-0) at Hirschi (2-3, 0-0)
Sweetwater (4-2, 0-0) is off
Photo: Calvin Best/Breckenridge ISD
IOWA PARK (1-4, 0-0) AT BRECKENRIDGE (3-2, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Breckenridge leads 11-7
The Buckaroos host Iowa Park to begin District 3-3A Division I play.
Breckenridge has won three in a row after starting 0-2, while the Hawks have lost four of five to start the season.
Iowa Park and Breckenridge have both faced Benbrook this season. The Bucks beat them 36-28 and the Hawks lost to them 34-28.
Burkburnett is the only team the Hawks have beaten, 34-14 in week three, with losses to Holliday, Benbrook, Graham and Wichita Falls on their ledger.
Breckenridge beat Iowa Park 42-0 last season and has a five-game winning streak in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Camden Escalon: 75-107, 1140 yds, 14 TD, 5 int; 78 yds rushing
Sawyer Wimberly: 625 yds, 4 TD rushing; 16 rec, 217 yds, 4 TD
Alexis Franco: 16 rec, 377 yds, 5 TD; 56 tkl, 3 int, 2 ff
Jaxon Escalon: 47 tkl, 3 tfl, 2 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Iowa Park: #52 in 4A D2
Breckenridge: #34 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Breckenridge by 11
The Pick: Breckenridge
Photo: Cheerful Hearts Photography
BOWIE (1-3, 0-0) AT JIM NED (4-1, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Jim Ned leads 2-0
The Indians hope to be a whole lot healthier than they were their last time out as they host Bowie in the district opener for both teams.
Jim Ned fell to Eastland in a 21-19 upset two weeks ago and will host a Jackrabbit squad that is coming off a 41-13 loss to 2A Childress.
Bowie’s lone win this year was a 23-9 week two decision over 1-5 Bridgeport. They are giving up 35 points per game, which should bode well for a Jim Ned offense that puts up just under 30 points per game.
STAT LEADERS
Dean Guffey: 14-28, 275 yds, 2 TD, 1 int; 94 yds, 1 TD rushing
Brayden Shipman: 528 yds, 6 TD rushing
Aiden Ellis: 403 yds, 4 TD rushing
Carter Wood: 12 rec, 240 yds, 3 TD; 18 tkl, 3 int
Trey Hicks: 39 tkl, 2 tfl
Carter Lange: 25 tkl, 9 tfl, 4 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Bowie: #78 in 3A D1
Jim Ned: #21 in 3A D1
DCTF Spread: Jim Ned by 38
The Pick: Jim Ned
Photo: Gary Stennett
CLYDE (5-0, 0-0) AT VERNON (5-0, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Vernon leads 5-3
The marquee district opener in 3-3A Division I is in Vernon as the unbeaten Lions host unbeaten Clyde.
These two are likely the top two contenders to Jim Ned in the district and the winner here gets an upper leg in the playoff and district title chase.
Clyde took down Sweetwater 41-7 in its last outing, while Vernon is coming off a 42-7 victory over Burkburnett. The Lions have also beaten Wichita Falls City View 40-20, Gainesville 21-20, Lake View 42-6 and Idalou 29-22.
Something will have to give when the Bulldogs have the ball. Vernon is allowing just 15 points per game on defense, while Clyde puts up 48 points per game on offense.
The Lions beat the Blake Carr-less Bulldogs on the road 42-28 last season.
STAT LEADERS
Blake Carr: 52-82, 1084 yds, 13 TD, 4 int; 752 yds, 11 TD rushing
Josh Hutton: 317 yds, 4 TD rushing
Dai’jon Booker: 19 rec, 433 yds, 6 TD
Kendrick Johnson: 12 rec, 287 yds, 3 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Clyde: #25 in 3A D1
Vernon: #3o in 3A D1
DCTF Spread:
The Pick: Clyde
Photo: Texpix.com
BALLINGER (0-5, 0-0) AT EARLY (1-4, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Ballinger leads 11-8
Two teams that had a rough go of it in the non-district will meet to kickoff district play Friday night as Early hosts Ballinger.
The Longhorns have lost four in a row by an average of 42.5 points per game after beating Bangs 52-10 in the season opener, while the Bearcats have been shut out four games in a row and have put just 12 points on the board all season.
Early beat Ballinger 36-0 last year, which was the first meeting between the teams since 2013.
STAT LEADERS
Rohyn Price: 33-66, 426 yds, 5 TD, 5 int; 73 yds, 2 TD rushing
Griffin Cheslock: 328 yds, 2 TD rushing; 3 rec, 18 yds; 4 tkl, 1 int
Andrew Reedy: 18 rec, 178 yds, 1 TD
Ki Houston: 16 rec, 330 yds, 2 TD
Kaleb Ozuna: 36 tkl, 3 tfl, 2 sacks
Dalton Adams: 34 tkl, 11 tfl, 4 sacks
Cade Strube: 23-47, 330 yds, 3 int
Kyson Weathers: 18-38, 284 yds, 1 TD, 1 int
Zach Canada: 215 yds, 1 TD rushing
Jaylen Hernandez: 16 rec, 163 yds; 41 tkl, 1 tfl
Manny Gonzales: 42 tkl, 1 int, 1 ff, 3 pbu
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Ballinger: #88 in 3A D2
Early: #59 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Early by 23
The Pick: Early
Other District Games:
TLCA San Angelo (3-2, 0-0) at Brady (1-4, 0-0)
Grape Creek (0-5, 0-0) at Wall (3-2, 0-0)
Photo: Brenem Productions
MERKEL (4-1, 0-0) AT DUBLIN (1-4, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Tied 3-3
Merkel aims to carry over a very good non-district run into district play with game one at Dublin.
The Lions lost their first four games of the season to Fort Worth Christian, Albany, Anson and Brady before blasting 0-5 Florence 56-7 their last time out.
The Badgers average 41 points per game, eighth best among teams in Big Country districts and more than they scored any game last season other than a 51-25 win over Dublin.
Every game in this tight district will count, and the Badgers would love to get to 1-0 on the road against the team that is probably least likely to make the postseason.
STAT LEADERS
Maddox O’Malley: 46-86, 986 yds, 8 TD, 2 int; 421 yds, 10 TD rushing
Connor Willyerd: 657 yds, 7 TD rushing; 11 rec, 187 yds, 2 TD
Kaden Blubaugh: 18 rec, 301 yds, 6 TD; 16 tkl, 2 int
Elijah Olivarez: 48 tkl, 3 tfl, 3 ff
Seth Bryant: 29 tkl, 6 tfl, 2 sacks
Kaden Gaitan: 50-95, 728 yds, 9 TD, 1 int; 161 yds, 2 TD rushing
Aiden Hernandez: 16 rec, 222 yds, 4 TD
Francisco Garcia: 18 rec, 203 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Merkel: #52 in 3A D2
Dublin: #78 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Merkel by 10
The Pick: Merkel
EASTLAND (1-4, 0-0) AT JACKSBORO (5-0, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Eastland leads 10-5
The Mavericks knocked off state-ranked Jim Ned in their last outing and will have to play as well or better again to take down unbeaten Jacksboro in the district opener.
The Tigers are tough to stop, averaging 45.2 points per game, but Eastland will have its opportunity to score as Jacksboro is giving up 25.2 per contest.
The Mavericks played pretty well against a tough non-district schedule. Their five opponents are a combined 18-7 on the season, which should help them get ready for Jacksboro.
The Tigers won 53-6 at Eastland last season and have won two in a row in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Isaiah Hays: 75-121, 1143 yds, 9 TD, 8 int
Isaac Castro: 121 yds, 1 TD rushing; 19 tkl, 1 int
Jay Oznick: 26 rec, 452 yds, 7 TD; 4 tkl
Cayden Alford: 47 tkl, 6 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Eastland: #22 in 3A D2
Jacksboro: #16 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Jacksboro by 6
The Pick: Jacksboro
Photo: Texpix.com
COMANCHE (3-2, 0-0) AT MILLSAP (2-2, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Comanche leads 7-0
Comanche heads into district play on a two-game losing streak and will head to Millsap Friday night.
The Indians started 2023 strong with three blowout victories but battled through injuries to lose their last two to state-ranked Tolar and Albany.
Millsap got past Clifton 14-10 last week to even its record at 2-2. They also beat Hamilton 20-7 and lost to Henrietta 45-39 and Paradise 49-7.
Comanche has never lost to the Bulldogs in seven previous meetings, including a 45-28 victory in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Layden Welch: 36-60, 699 yds, 10 TD, 1 int; 153 yds, 5 TD rushing
Sawyer Wilkerson: 451 yds, 6 TD rushing
Colt Schwertner: 406 yds, 1 TD rushing
Kyler Beaty: 16 rec, 297 yds, 4 TD
Diego Gutierrez: 30 tkl, 2 int, 4 pbu
CR Tippie: 38-66, 685 yds, 2 TD, 8 int; 99 yds, 1 TD rushing
Reid Green: 151 yds, 5 TD rushing
Tripp Moore: 8 rec, 114 yds, 1 TD
Morgan Birdwell: 31 tkl, 6 tfl, 2 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Comanche: #12 in 3A D2
Millsap: #51 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Comanche by 20
The Pick: Comanche
Photo: Daril Gonzales/Anson Tiger Sports Pics
ANSON (3-3, 1-1) AT WINTERS (0-6, 0-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Tied 22-22-2
Anson heads to Winters to continue District 4-2A Division I play against the winless Blizzards.
It is do or die time for Winters if they have any shot at making the playoffs. The Blizzards have lost to Stamford and Cisco to begin district play while Anson got shutout by Hawley but bounced back to beat Colorado City 42-13 last week.
Anson has won six in a row in the series, including a 35-0 victory in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Tyler Wilburn: 20-47, 248 yds, 4 TD, 2 int; 356 yds, 3 TD rushing; 9 tkl
Corey Layne: 404 yds, 3 TD rushing; 35 tkl, 2 tfl
Drike Shoemaker: 7 rec, 162 yds, 3 TD
Ethan Lozano: 53 tkl, 2 tfl
Diego Rodriguez: 11-22, 70 yds, 1 TD, 4 int
Alejandro Garcia: 479 yds, 3 TD rushing
Chris Martinez: 137 yds, 3 TD rushing; 2 rec, 21 yds
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Anson: #72 in 2A D1
Winters: #102 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Anson by 20
The Pick: Anson
Photo: Texpix.com
#6 HAWLEY (3-2, 1-0) AT COLORADO CITY (1-5, 0-2) - THURSDAY
SERIES HISTORY: Hawley leads 9-6
The Bearcats return from their bye week and will hit the road to Colorado City to battle the Wolves.
Colorado City fell at Anson 42-13 last week and have a tall task ahead of them against the sixth-ranked Bearcats.
Hawley bounced back from a non-district loss to Albany with a 45-0 shutout win over Anson in their last outing.
The Bearcats have beaten the Wolves six straight times, including a 61-7 victory a year ago.
STAT LEADERS
Keagan Ables: 74-124, 1097 yds, 11 TD, 2 int; 114 yds, 1 TD rushing; 15 tkl, 2 int
Landon Sykora: 434 yds, 4 TD rushing
Diontay Ramon: 30 rec, 514 yds, 6 TD; 36 tkl, 5 tfl, 1 int, 1 ff
Chandlin Myers: 22 rec, 331 yds, 2 TD; 14 tkl
Hunter Hudson: 35 tkl, 4 tfl, 1 ff
Mayson Monroe: 43-82, 343 yds, 2 TD, 3 int; 276 yds, 5 TD rushing
Camron Urias: 303 yds, 1 TD rushing; 8 rec, 55 yds
Thomas Martinez: 16 rec, 71 yds, 1 TD; 12 tkl
Nick Santana: 54 tkl, 1 tfl, 3 pbu, 1 fr
Jordan Garza: 54 tkl, 2 tfl, 2 sacks, 1 fr
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hawley: #10 in 2A D1
Colorado City: #97 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Hawley by 44
The Pick: Hawley
Photo: Gary Stennett
CISCO (2-4, 2-0) AT OLNEY (2-2, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Cisco leads 2-0
Cisco heads to Olney looking to continue turning things around after a winless run in non-district play.
The Loboes have looked like we are used to seeing them in wins over Colorado City and Winters by a combined 84-14 to start district action.
Olney jumped into district play last week and it was into the deep end, falling 58-16 to Stamford. The Cubs had allowed just 26 points all season before the Bulldogs lit up the scoreboard last week.
Cisco beat Olney 34-15 in Cisco last season.
STAT LEADERS
Kannon Orsagh: 40-65, 362 yds, 4 TD, 7 int; 342 yds, 1 TD rushing
Kelton Desmond: 211 yds, 1 TD rushing
Gus Hart: 230 yds, 4 TD rushing
Dillon Silva: 13 rec, 134 yds, 2 TD
Julius Proffitt: 8 rec, 58 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Cisco: #53 in 2A D1
Olney: #34 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Olney by 15
The Pick: Cisco
Photo: ColemanToday.com
COLEMAN (5-1, 2-0) AT #3 TOLAR (4-1, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Tolar leads 2-1
The Bluecats head to Tolar for a game that could go a long way in deciding the District 5-2A Division I championship.
Any thoughts about Tolar falling off with a 37-6 loss to Dallas Christian have gone out the window after the Rattlers took down Comanche 41-18 and won their district opener 38-0 over Hamilton last week.
Coleman fell to Mason 29-20 in week one but has reeled off five wins in a row, including district victories over Goldthwaite and San Saba in district play. The Bluecats have gone to Brayden Torres and quarterback and shifted Jadin Jackson to running back, a move that has helped them average over 35 points per game since his return from injury.
Tolar handed Coleman its only district loss last season, holding off the Bluecats 16-6 on their way to a district title.
STAT LEADERS
Brent Bouldin: 501 yds, 7 TD rushing; 48 tkl, 9 tfl
Brayden Torres: 38-58, 689 yds, 8 TD, 4 int
Jadin Jackson: 6-11, 159 yds, 1 TD; 374 yds, 7 TD rushing
Hunter Lackey: 12 rec, 361 yds, 7 TD
Isaac Blessing: 35-64, 427 yds, 5 TD, 2 int; 504 yds, 6 TD rushing
Garrison Nation: 336 yds, 5 TD rushing
Matthew Behrens: 13 rec, 200 yds, 1 TD
Jaxon Riddle: 50 tkl, 5 tfl, 1 int, 1ff
Clayton Stembridge: 30 tkl, 4 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Coleman: #20 in 2A D1
Tolar: #3 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Tolar by 27
The Pick: Tolar
Photo: Mike Jones/Brownwoodnews.com
BANGS (1-4, 0-1) AT GOLDTHWAITE (2-4, 0-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Goldthwaite leads 21-16-3
The Dragons return from their open week with a road trip to Goldthwaite.
Both teams are in big need of a win to keep pace in the playoff race, especially the Eagles who are off to an 0-2 start.
Bangs dropped a 40-21 decision to De Leon two weeks ago in its last outing, while Goldthwaite fell to De Leon 56-14 last week and Coleman 46-33 in its district opener.
The Dragons shutout the Eagles 40-0 last season, which was the first meeting between the two since 2015.
STAT LEADERS
Kenny Cole: 63-129, 898 yds, 9 TD, 3 int; 213 yds, 1 TD rushing
Ethan Ethridge: 372 yds, 4 TD rushing
Hunter Newton: 25 rec, 388 yds, 6 TD
Kade Minshew: 13 rec, 199 yds, 1 TD
Ethan Deeds: 33-69, 497 yds, 4 TD, 5 int; 163 yds, 6 TD rushing
Marcus Stevens: 433 yds, 3 TD rushing
Luke Sanderson: 22 rec, 341 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Bangs: #95 in 2A D1
Goldthwaite: #75 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Goldthwaite by 18
The Pick: Goldthwaite
DE LEON (5-1, 2-0) AT SAN SABA (2-4, 1-1)
SERIES HISTORY: San Saba leads 16-13
De Leon hopes to keep pace with the district leaders as they head to San Saba for what lines up on paper as a very close contest.
San Saba lost to Coleman last week, while the Bearcats cruised past Goldthwaite 56-14 to get to 5-1 on the season.
Both teams have pretty potent offenses. De Leon puts up nearly 35 points per game while San Saba is averaging 28 per contest, but the Bearcats are giving up about 12 points fewer per game than the Armadillos.
The Dillos have won the last six in the series, including a 35-21 win in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Heston Jobe: 57-94, 816 yds, 4 TD, 3 int
Jake Cooper: 585 yds, 9 TD rushing
Max Jones: 10 rec, 245 yds, 1 TD
Lane Miller: 30-60, 317 yds, 2 TD, 4 int; 385 yds, 6 TD rushing
Ethan Gonzales: 973 yds, 12 TD rushing; 19 rec, 196 yds, 2 TD
Skyler Romero: 9 rec, 254 yds, 2 TD
Levi Glover: 38 tkl, 1 tfl, 1 int, 2 fr; 12 rec, 66 yds
DCTF Computer Rankings:
De Leon: #47 in 2A D1
San Saba: #65 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: De Leon by 1
The Pick: De Leon
Photo: Texpix.com
MILES (4-1, 0-0) AT #1 ALBANY (5-0, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Albany leads 7-0
Something has got to give this week as the high-flying Miles offense heads to Albany to take on the stout as always Lion defense in an intriguing district opener for both squads.
The Bulldogs put 70 points on the board in their last outing against Ozona and average 53.2 points per game. Albany has only allowed 69 points all season, including giving up just 13 to Comanche and 14 to Hawley over the last two games.
Albany counters with a very good offense that is scoring 35.2 points per game, which should give them a big edge against a Bulldog defense that gives up 34 points per outing.
The Lions beat Miles 49-18 last season and have never lost to the Bulldogs in seven tries
STAT LEADERS
Hayven Book: 83-131, 1288 yds, 18 TD, 6 int; 458 yds, 6 TD rushing
Tevin Meade: 460 yds, 9 TD rushing; 6 rec, 191 yds, 4 TD
Cooper Ellison: 37 rec, 580 yds, 9 TD
Lane Godfrey: 55 tkl
Chip Chambers: 49-85, 861 yds, 9 TD, 6 int
Adam Hill: 875 yds, 11 TD rushing; 3 rec, 39 yds, 1 TD; 44 tkl, 12 tfl, 6.5 sacks
Cason Fairchild: 17 rec, 416 yds, 4 TD; 19 tkl, 1 int
Branson Beal: 12 rec, 154 yds, 3 TD
Jaxson Hoel: 49 tkl, 4 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Miles: #21 in 2A D2
Albany: #1 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Albany by 37
The Pick: Albany
Photo: Cross Plains School Yearbook
ROSCOE (4-1, 0-0) AT CROSS PLAINS (2-3, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Roscoe leads 9-8
Cross Plains has the home field advantage in this one, but the Plowboys will bring in one of the best defenses in the Big Country. Defense travels, as they say, and Roscoe hopes to continue its impressive start to the season on that side of the ball.
Roscoe allows just 13.2 points per game and Cross Plains has scored just 20.6 per game through five weeks.
The Buffaloes snapped a three-game skid in their last outing, a 32-0 pounding of Smyer, while the Plowboys took down 2A D1 Junction last week 20-14. Ther only loss this season is by seven on the road to third-ranked New Home.
The Plowboys ended a four-game Cross Plains winning streak in the series last season with a 28-6 win at home.
STAT LEADERS
Jace Arnwine: 63-105, 811 yds, 9 TD, 1 int
Ivan McCann: 550 yds, 3 TD rushing; 8 tkl, 1 sack, 1 fr
Seth Wilcox: 245 yds, 4 TD rushing; 22 rec, 332 yds, 5 TD; 15 tkl, 2 int, 1 fr
Parker Gleaton: 22 rec, 344 yds, 4 TD; 25 tkl, 5 tfl, 3 sacks
Gaven Martinez: 26 tkl
Jacob Kiser: 21 tkl, 6 tfl, 1 int
Kade Purvis: 45-85, 543 yds, 2 TD, 5 int; 32 yds, 2 TD rushing
Dusty Wyatt: 543 yds, 7 TD rushing; 4 rec, 41 yds
Tyler Mackey: 15 rec, 209 yds, 1 TD
Gray Albrecht: 11 rec, 103 yds
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Roscoe: #17 in 2A D2
Cross Plains: #59 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Roscoe by 26
The Pick: Roscoe
Photo: Gary Ford
TLCA ABILENE (1-4, 0-0) AT HAMLIN (4-1, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Hamlin leads 1-0
TLCA Abilene heads to Hamlin for the district opener for both ball clubs Friday night.
Hamlin has picked up four straight wins after a season opening loss to Stamford, playing some impressive defense along the way. The Pipers are giving up just 18.6 points per game, good for seventh best in the Big Country.
The Eagles knocked off Munday in week two for their first ever 11-man victory but have dropped three in a row to Sterling City, Lockney and Iraan by a combined 165-23 since.
The two met in Hawley last season since the Eagles did not have a home field, and the Pipers rolled to a 69-0 win.
STAT LEADERS
Johnathon Rico: 36-107, 421 yds, 5 TD, 10 int; 88 yds rushing
Joshua Soto: 183 yds, 1 TD rushing
Jamarkis Lowery: 16 rec, 239 yds, 2 TD
Jonathan Kirk: 8 rec, 120 yds, 1 TD
Ian Gruben: 65-101, 651 yds, 8 TD, 3 int
Clayton Rister: 441 yds, 5 TD rushing
Luke White: 22 rec, 179 yds, 2 TD
Hagan Holland: 16 rec, 159 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
TLCA Abilene: #95 in 2A D2
Hamlin: #72 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Hamlin by 26
The Pick: Hamlin
Photo: Daril Gonzales/Anson Tiger Sports Pics
HASKELL (1-4, 1-1) AT MUNDAY (0-6, 0-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Haskell leads 45-31-1
Haskell got in the win column for the first-time last week and now will make the short trip to Munday to battle the winless Moguls.
The Indians took down Petrolia 27-7 in a game that could be key in deciding a playoff spot from District 7-2A Division II.
Munday is coming off a 54-14 loss to Electra and is off to an 0-2 start in district.
Haskell won the matchup between the two 58-6 last season.
STAT LEADERS
Haegen Pinkerton: 21-52, 427 yds, 2 TD, 4 int; 137 yds, 3 TD rushing
Trevor Henry: 111 yds, 1 TD rushing; 7 rec, 28 yds
Nemo Silvas: 20 rec, 320 yds, 2 TD
Haiden Bowman: 34-85, 531 yds, 4 TD, 10 int
AJ Diaz: 122 yds rushing
Israel Carranza: 5 rec, 89 yds
Josh Dockins: 7 rec, 115 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Haskell: #44 in 2A D2
Munday: #97 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Haskell by 31
The Pick: Haskell
Other District Games:
Electra (3-1, 1-1) at Archer City (2-2, 0-1)
Windthorst (3-2, 1-0) at Petrolia (2-4, 1-1)
Seymour 5-1, 2-0 is off
Photo: Mark Martinez/Luminance Studios
FORESTBURG (1-4-1) AT #2 KNOX CITY (6-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Knox City leads 1-0
The Greyhounds look to stay perfect as they wrap up their non-district schedule against Forestburg this week.
The Longhorns fell 50-43 to Northside, a team in Knox City’s district, last week to drop to 1-4-1 on the season.
Knox City continues to be one of the best teams in the state and should have no problem keeping its record unblemished before a bye next week and the district opener at Northside on October 20.
The Hounds beat the Horns 65-0 last season.
STAT LEADERS
Bryson Callaway: 27-45, 487 yds, 9 TD; 158 yds, 2 TD rushing; 33 tkl, 2 pbu
Cameron Hernandez: 540 yds, 11 TD rushing; 2 rec, 19 yds; 11 tkl
Devin Guillory: 13 rec, 327 yds, 9 TD; 28 tkl, 5 int
Tristin Baxter: 39 tkl
Caleb Arrieta: 23 tkl, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Forestburg: #41 in 1A D2
Knox City: #2 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Forestburg: #38 in 1A D2
Knox City: #1 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Knox City by 70
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Knox City by 45
The Pick: Knox City
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
HIGHLAND (4-1, 0-0) AT #4 WESTBROOK (4-1, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Highland leads 11-8
Two of the legit playoff contenders from District 8-1A Division I meet in Westbrook this week as the two-time defending state champs welcome Highland to town.
Highland started the season with four straight wins before falling to Borden County in week five, while Westbrook opened with a loss to Knox City but has rolled to four straight wins since.
Both squads are in the Big Country top ten in both scoring offense and defense through six weeks, with the Wildcats fielding the tougher defense (allowing 12.4 points per game to 33.2 points per game) and Highland doing a little bit better on offense (52.8 points per game to 49.6 points per game).
The winners gets a leg up in the race for the playoffs, with the loser likely having to win out to get in.
Westbrook has won three in a row in the series, including a 50-0 win in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Braxton Smith: 22-38, 509 yds, 7 TD, 1 int; 329 yds, 4 TD rushing
Cooper Bowen: 555 yds, 12 TD rushing
Tylan Balthrop: 302 yds, 8 TD rushing; 4 rec, 60 yds, 1 TD; 35 tkl, 1 int
Bubba Byrne: 13 rec, 329 yds, 4 TD; 31 tkl, 1 tfl, 1 int
Keegan Gilbreath: 6-11, 182 yds, 3 TD passing; 421 yds, 13 TD rushing; 1 rec, 11 yds; 46 tkl, 4 tfl, 1 int
Grayson Jeffrey: 250 yds, 4 TD rushing; 4-10, 108 yds passing; 3 rec, 81 yds, 1 TD; 36 tkl, 1 tfl, 1 int, 3 pbu
Aiden Sullivan: 4 rec, 129 yds, 1 TD; 53 yds, 1 TD rushing; 34 tkl, 9 tfl, 3 sacks, 3 fr
Parker Matlock: 7-14, 101 yds, 4 TD, 1 int; 2 rec, 36 yds; 44 tkl, 4 tfl, 3 fr
Ethan King: 35 tkl, 2 tfl, 4 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Highland: #17 in 1A D1
Westbrook: #1 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Highland: #20 in 1A D1
Westbrook: #2 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Westbrook by 42
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Westbrook by 45
The Pick: Westbrook
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
ROTAN (2-3, 0-0) AT IRA (2-2, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Ira leads 7-0
District action begins for the Yellowhammers with a tough contest at Ira.
Rotan will be the first 1A D1 team the Bulldogs have faced this season, but they haven’t been playing 1A D2 slouches by any means. Their two losses this season are to #3 Jayton and #5 Klondike.
The Hammers have won two of their last three games, beating winless Woodson and one-win Lueders-Avoca with a shutout loss to Strawn in-between.
Ira is a perfect 7-0 all-time in the series with Rotan.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Rotan: #63 in 1A D1
Ira: #35 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Rotan: #70 in 1A D1
Ira: #29 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Ira by 37
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Ira by 45
The Pick: Ira
Photo: Texpix.com
HERMLEIGH (4-1, 0-0) AT ROBY (0-5, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Hermleigh leads 16-8
Roby hosts Hermleigh in the district opener for both teams.
The Cardinals come in off a 42-22 win over Throckmorton, while Roby lost its last outing 77-12 to top-ranked Benjamin and is still looking for win number one on the season.
Hermleigh has won four in a row in the series and all four of the matchups between the two schools as six-man programs. Roby’s last win was 69-6 in 2005 when both squads suited up eleven players. That was also the Cardinals’ last season of 11-man football.
STAT LEADERS
Tyson Digby: 536 yds, 7 TD rushing; 49-91, 796 yds, 14 TD passing
Alex Wanderlich: 15 rec, 346 yds, 8 TD; 21, tkl, 3 tfl, 1 ff
Gage Gibson: 8 rec, 117 yds, 2 TD; 26 tkl, 1 int
Dee Carr: 6 rec, 56 yds, 2 TD
Zaylan Delce: 7 rec, 86 yds, 1 TD
Hunter Simpson: 53 tkl, 5 tfl, 2 fr, 2 ff
Kai Vargas: 38 tkl, 8 tfl, 2 fr, 2 ff, 4 sacks
Hayden Simpson: 32 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 fr, 1 int
Daylan McGee: 17 tkl, 5 tfl, 1 fr, 2 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hermleigh: #21 in 1A D1
Roby: #68 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Hermleigh: #13 in 1A D1
Roby: #61 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Hermleigh by 39
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Hermleigh by 45
The Pick: Hermleigh
BAIRD (3-2, 0-0) AT PERRIN-WHITT (0-5, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Baird leads 3-1
The Bears bring a bit of momentum to district play after their 63-24 win at Ranger last week.
They are favorites to win their district opener against winless Perrin-Whitt, who lost 42-41 to Ranger in week three.
Baird lost to the Pirates 34-8 last season, their first loss in the series history.
STAT LEADERS
Camdyn Schlieve: 22-33, 251 yds, 6 TD passing; 21 yds rushing; 7 rec, 102 yds, 2 TD; 16 tkl, 1 ff, 2 fr
Jake Collins: 340 yds, 2 TD rushing; 3 rec, 50 yds, 2 TD; 18-32, 235 yds, 4 TD passing; 18 tkl, 1 sack, 2 int, 3 fr
Devin Lucas: 19 rec, 251 yds, 5 TD; 55 yds, 3 TD rushing; 38 tkl, 3 ff, 3 fr, 1 sack
Skyler Denning: 371 yds, 7 TD rushing; 3 rec, 28 yds; 17 tkl, 1 fr
Jake Gerngross: 176 yds, 5 TD rushing; 6 rec, 53 yds, 1 TD; 12-14, 138 yds, 2 TD passing; 17 tkl, 1 ff, 1 fr
Tyler Stills: 25 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 fr
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Baird: #42 in 1A D1
Perrin-Whitt: #69 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Baird: #52 in 1A D1
Perrin-Whitt: #62 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Baird by 9
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Baird by 43
The Pick: Baird
#1 GORDON (5-0, 0-0) AT GORMAN (1-4, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Gorman leads 3-1
Struggling Gorman gets another tough test this week as the Panthers host top-ranked Gordon to begin district play.
Gorman has lost three straight in shutout fashion to Blum, Strawn and Milford in its last three outings, while Gordon enters with the best scoring defense in the area allowing just 5.6 points per game. The Longhorns have allowed just 28 points all season and have scored 266.
Gordon won the game last season 60-14, their first victory over Gorman in program history.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Gordon: #4 in 1A D1
Gorman: #58 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Gordon: #3 in 1A D1
Gorman: #50 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Gordon by 67
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Gordon by 45
The Pick: Gordon
Other District Games:
Lingleville (2-3, 0-0) at Bryson (3-2, 0-0)
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
MAY (4-2, 0-0) AT EVANT (0-6, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: May leads 11-2
The Tigers enter district play fresh off their toughest loss in quite some time.
May fell to Oglesby last week 54-8, which is their first mercy-rule defeat since the 2020 1A D1 state championship game against Sterling City.
They’ll have a great chance to right the ship against Evant. The Elks are winless on the season and have only gone the distance in one game. Evant has lost 16 games in a row.
The Tigers beat the Elks last season 60-0 and have won the last three in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Braden Steele: 1071 yds, 19 TD rushing; 34-61, 533 yds, 9 TD passing; 42 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 fr
DCTF Computer Rankings:
May: #18 in 1A D1
Evant: #74 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
May: #23 in 1A D1
Evant: #68 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: May by 54
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: May by 45
The Pick: May
Other District Games:
Jonesboro (5-1, 0-0) at Lometa (3-3, 0-0)
Santa Anna (2-4, 0-0) is off
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
ASPERMONT (4-2, 0-0) AT #3 JAYTON (6-0, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Aspermont leads 27-14
The Hornets continue a very tough stretch on the schedule with a visit to rival Jayton, the number three ranked team in the state.
Aspermont fell last week to #7 Newcastle 48-0.
Jayton continues to roll in 2023, as #5 Klondike is the only team to play a full four quarters against the Jaybirds. Jayton topped Spur last week 63-6.
The Jaybirds topped the Hornets 51-16 in district play last season and have won the last four contests with the Hornets.
STAT LEADERS
Carson Guidry: 829 yds, 15 TD rushing; 11-20, 200 yds, 3 TD, 1 int; 2 rec, 70 yds, 1 TD; 70 tkl, 2 fr, 1 int
Kolby Bradshaw: 171 yds, 4 TD rushing; 1 rec, 9 yds
Caleb Broshears: 6 rec, 120 yds, 3 TD; 42 tkl, 1 fr
Jack Bell: 25 tkl, 1 ff, 2 fr
Jaden Flores: 29 tkl, 5 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Aspermont: #27 in 1A D2
Jayton: #1 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Aspermont: #31 in 1A D2
Jayton: #2 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Jayton by 49
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Jayton by 45
The Pick: Jayton
Other District Game:
Guthrie (2-4, 0-0) at Motley County (3-3, 0-0)
PADUCAH (3-3, 0-0) AT #1 BENJAMIN (6-0, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Paducah leads 2-1
The top-ranked Mustangs cruise into district play with a perfect 6-0 record and will host Paducah to get things going.
Benjamin earned a 61-16 win over Loraine last week, while Paducah fell to 3-3 with a 56-6 loss at 1A D1 Follett.
The Mustangs beat the Dragons 66-19 last season, which was the first Benjamin win over Paducah in program history.
STAT LEADERS
Grayson Rigdon: 744 yds, 15 TD rushing; 25-30, 491 yds, 6 TD passing; 17 rec, 497 yds, 15 TD; 44 tkl, 2 ff, 4 fr, 3 int; 3 kickoff returns for TD
Keegan Hayes: 24-40, 604 yds, 17 TD, 1 int passing; 10 rec, 271 yds, 4 TD; 228 yds, 3 TD rushing; 56 tkl, 1 ff, 1 fr
Weston Weatherford: 45 tkl; 1 int, 1 fr, 1 ff; 9 rec, 176 yds, 2 TD
Tallon Hayes: 56 tkl, 4 ff, 2 fr, 1 int; 7 rec, 56 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Paducah: #25 in 1A D2
Benjamin: #2 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Paducah: #20 in 1A D2
Benjamin: #1 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Benjamin by 38
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Benjamin by 45
The Pick: Benjamin
Other District Game:
Crowell (5-1, 0-0) at Harrold (5-1, 0-0)
RULE (1-5, 0-0) AT WOODSON (0-6, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Rule leads 17-13
Two teams that have had a rough stretch of non-district action meet for their district opener as Woodson hosts Rule.
The Bobcats have lost three straight by a combined 188-18 to Wichita Falls Christian, Aspermont and Guthrie, while Woodson has yet to break into the win column all season. They lost to Rising Star 54-8 last week.
Rule beat the Cowboys 50-0 last year and have won two straight in the series.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Rule: #60 in 1A D2
Woodson: #52 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Rule: #50 in 1A D2
Woodson: #53 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Woodson by 11
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Rule by 14
The Pick: Woodson
Photo: Jo Brown Photography
THROCKMORTON (1-4, 0-0) AT LUEDERS-AVOCA (1-5, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Throckmorton leads 3-2
District play fires up for the Greyhounds and Raiders this week.
Both teams only picked up one win in non-district play, but Throckmorton enters as the heavy favorite to win the district while Lueders-Avoca will be battling in the mix for the second playoff bid.
The teams did not play last season. Throckmorton won the last matchup between the two 66-20 in 2021.
STAT LEADERS
Jacob Gaspar: 545 yds, 6 TD rushing; 29 tkl
Hayden Makovy: 443 yds, 5 TD rushing; 48 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Throckmorton: #19 in 1A D2
Lueders-Avoca: #65 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Throckmorton: #18 in 1A D2
Lueders-Avoca: #66 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Throckmorton 48
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Throckmorton by 45
The Pick: Throckmorton
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
PAINT ROCK (4-2) AT BLACKWELL (2-3)
SERIES HISTORY: Blackwell leads 23-19-1
The Hornets and Indians meet for 44th time as both squads play their final non-district game of the season.
Blackwell beat Panther Creek last week 52-6, while Paint Rock dropped a 53-22 decision to unbeaten 1A D1 Veribest.
The loss snapped a three-game Indian winning streak.
Blackwell won the matchup last season 48-0 and has won three in a row in the series.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Paint Rock: #51 in 1A D2
Blackwell: #37 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Paint Rock: #35 in 1A D2
Blackwell: #33 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Paint Rock by 4
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Blackwell by 45
The Pick: Blackwell
O’DONNELL (5-1) AT LORAINE (0-6)
SERIES HISTORY: Loraine leads 1-0
There has not been a ton of great news for winless Loraine this season, but there is a bit more hope this week as Bulldog star AJ Williams has been cleared to return from an injury that has kept him out of action since week one.
Loraine head coach Jake Popham says Williams may not play the entire game but he will be back on the field, which is great news for a Bulldog squad that has lost all six games its played this season.
The matchup is another tough one as the Bulldogs will host 1A D1 O’Donnell. The Eagles lost for the first time this season last week to Klondike 72-24.
Loraine beat the Eagles 50-42 last season in the first game between the two programs.
STAT LEADERS
Jadrian Limones: 28-48, 508 yds, 11 TD, 2 int; 321 yds, 4 TD rushing; 3 rec, 23 yds, 1 TD
Matthew Bolen: 210 yds, 2 TD rushing; 11 rec, 179 yds, 2 TD; 14-23, 178 yds, 5 TD passing
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
Johnathn Lujan: 10 rec, 267 yds, 6 TD
Luke Kerr: 34 tkl, 1 tfl
Brett Bolen: 27 tkl, 1 fr
Xander Ybarra: 196 yds, 5 TD rushing; 9 rec, 86 yds, 1 TD; 3-6, 79 yds, 1 TD passing; 37 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
O’Donnell: #29 in 1A D1
Loraine: #29 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
O’Donnell: #27 in 1A D1
Loraine: #25 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: O’Donnell by 16
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: O’Donnell by 29
The Pick: O’Donnell
Photo: Dee Hail/Be Okay Photography
TRENT (3-3) AT RISING STAR (4-2) - SATURDAY
SERIES HISTORY: Rising Star leads 5-1-1
The Gorillas head to Rising Star on Saturday as both teams wrap up non-district play.
Trent beat Olfen 49-0 while Rising Star walloped Woodson 54-8 last week.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Gorillas.
Rising Star has now won three straight after back-to-back losses to Sidney and Zephyr in weeks two and three.
The Wildcats took down Trent last season 76-0 and have won five straight in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Dathon Morris: 227 yds, 7 TD rushing
Blake Wilson: 434 yds, 7 TD rushing
Pacey McGinn: 196 yds, 3 TD rushing
Anthony Pollard: 34 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Trent: #56 in 1A D2
Rising Star: #13 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Trent: #65 in 1A D2
Rising Star: #19 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Rising Star by 66
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Rising Star by 45
The Pick: Rising Star
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
NORTHSIDE (5-1) AT MORAN (2-4)
SERIES HISTORY: Northside leads 4-1
Non-district action comes to a close for both Northside and Moran this week as they do battle on Friday night.
The Indians bounced back from a 63-0 loss to Newcastle and beat Foresburg 50-43 last week, while the Bulldogs suffered a 52-0 road loss to state-ranked Rochelle.
Northside beat Moran 64-16 last season and have won three straight in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Ellis Hise: 31-57, 454 yds, 4 TD, 1 int passing; 658 yds, 10 TD rushing; 7 rec, 45 yds, 1 TD; 44 tkl, 1 tfl, 1 int
Caleb York: 70 yds, 1 TD rushing; 15 rec, 254 yds, 3 TD; 44 tkl
Cotten Campbell: 12 rec, 86 yds; 23 tkl
Garrett Hamilton: 23-42, 168 yds, 2 TD, 2 int passing; 7 rec, 80 yds; 15 tkl, 1 tfl
Ethan Boykin: 26 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Northside: #50 in 1A D1
Moran: #59 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Northside: #55 in 1A D1
Moran: #58 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Northside by 19
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Northside by 45
The Pick: Northside
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
GUSTINE (3-2, 0-0) AT ZEPHYR (4-2, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Zephyr leads 16-7
The Bulldogs begin their run in District 15-1A Division II at home against Gusine.
Zephyr is coming off a 60-0 win over Brookesmith and has won three of its last four games.
Gustine beat the Oglesby JV last week 56-7 to earn its third win in 2022 after going winless in 2022.
Zephyr beat the Tigers 64-14 last year, which was the first meeting in the series since 2011.
STAT LEADERS
Tripp Ballard: 358 yds, 10 TD rushing; 6 rec, 143 yds; 58 tkl, 4 tfl, 1 int
Wyatt Stevens: 26-45, 326 yds, 6 TD, 3 int; 2 rec, 18 yds
Karsen Floyd: 16 rec, 239 yds, 4 TD; 214 yds, 3 TD rushing; 61 tkl, 1 int, 2 fr
Trapper Schoenhals: 38 tkl, 4 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Gustine: #58 in 1A D2
Zephyr: #22 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Gustine: #56 in 1A D2
Zephyr: #23 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Zephyr by 36
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Zephyr by 45
The Pick: Zephyr
Other District Game:
Mullin (0-6, 0-0) at Sidney (4-2, 0-0)
Blanket (3-3, 0-0) is off
STRAWN (4-2) AT RANGER (4-2)
SERIES HISTORY: Strawn leads 6-4
The Bulldogs look to bounce back from a tough loss to Baird last week, but it won’t be easy against Strawn.
The Greyhounds have won three in a row, shutting out Gorman and Rotan and beating Sidney last week 75-46.
Strawn beat Ranger last year 79-39 in the first game between the two since all the way back in 1937.
STAT LEADERS
James Uhlhorn: 687 yds, 11 TD rushing; 283 yds, 6 TD passing
Landon Farmer: 120 yds, 7 TD rushing
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Strawn: #17 in 1A D2
Ranger: #90 in Private Schools - 6-Man
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Strawn: #16 in 1A D2
Ranger: #6 in Independent
DCTF Spread: Strawn by 17
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Strawn by 45
The Pick: Strawn
ABILENE CHRISTIAN (5-1, 2-0) AT AMARILLO SAN JACINTO (1-4, 0-1) - SATURDAY
SERIES HISTORY: Abilene Christian leads 5-1
The Panthers look to stay perfect in district play as they make the long drive to Amarillo to face San Jacinto on Saturday.
Abilene Christian is on a three-game winning streak and set to face a Patriot squad that hast lost four straight, including a 48-0 loss to Fort Worth Covenant Classical last week.
The Panthers beat San Jacinto 66-21 last season.
STAT LEADERS
Brooks Armstrong: 6-9, 83 yds, 2 TD passing; 775 yds, 16 TD rushing; 9 rec, 105 yds, 2 TD; 23 tkl, 3 int
Carson Schwiethale: 29-53, 480 yds, 8 TD, 1 int; 6 tkl
Davis Patteson: 270 yds, 5 TD rushing; 2 rec, 27 yds; 21 tkl, 1 int, 1 sack
Bryce McGlothlin: 1 rec, 17 yds; 28 tkl, 4 sacks
Isaac Presley: 21 tkl, 2 sacks, 1 int; 7 rec, 71 yds, 3 TD
Nate Garza: 11 rec, 278 yds, 4 TD; 13 tkl, 4 sacks, 1 int, 4 fr
Pierson Walters: 238 yds, 4 TD rushing; 6 rec, 63 yds, 1 TD; 12 tkl, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Abilene Christian: #4 in 6-Man Private Schools
San Jacinto: #96 in 6-Man Private Schools
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Abilene Christian: #3 in TAPPS D2
San Jacinto: #18 in TAPPS D2
DCTF Spread: Abilene Christian by 49
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Abilene Christian by 45
The Pick: Abilene Christian
Photo: Scott Burkhalter Photography
#18 HARDIN-SIMMONS (3-1, 1-0) AT MCMURRY (2-2, 0-1) - SATURDAY, 1 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: HSU leads 32-4
The Cowboys and War Hawks resume their crosstown rivalry this weekend at McMurry.
HSU is coming off a 40-33 win over previously unbeaten Howard Payne, while McMurry enters with some momentum as well after blowing out Lyon College 52-14.
The Cowboys beat McMurry 45-13 at home last season and have won the last eight in the series dating back to 2011.
STAT LEADERS
Jess Hoel: 89-134, 964 yds, 6 TD, 6 int
Phazzon Washington: 83 yds, 2 TD rushing
Drew Hagler: 55 yds, 2 TD rushing
Kristopher Martin: 23 rec, 427 yds, 4 TD
Dorian LeBlac: 15 tkl, 2 tfl, 1.5 sacks
Herman Lee: 15 tkl, 5 tfl
Marshall Tovar: 15 tkl, 4.5 tfl, 3.5 sacks, 1 fr
Gaylon Glynn: 42-59, 582 yds, 4 TD, 2 int; 82 yds rushing
A.J. Hawkins: 27-46, 252 yds, 2 TD, 2 int; 78 yds, 1 TD rushing
Colton Marshall: 297 yds, 6 TD rushing
Noah Garcia: 329 yds, 4 TD rushing
K.J. Peoples: 18 rec, 186 yds
Tailon Garrett: 21 rec, 236 yds, 1 TD
Cade Michna: 31 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 sack, 1 int, 1 pbu
Cason Hanna: 19 tkl, 1 tfl
The Pick: Hardin-Simmons
Photo: Brownwoodnews.com
EAST TEXAS BAPTIST (2-2, 1-0) AT HOWARD PAYNE (3-1, 0-1) - SATURDAY 1 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: ETBU leads 13-11
The Yellow Jackets look to bounce back from their loss at Hardin-Simmons last week as they host East Texas Baptist.
The Tigers earned their first conference win last week in a 35-7 victory over Austin College. They also have a win over Hendrix this season and losses to Louisiana Christian and Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Howard Payne beat ETBU 33-21 last season.
STAT LEADERS
Cornelius Banks: 65-125, 709 yds, 7 TD, 2 int
Jaden Lewis Thomas: 216 yds, 2 TD rushing
Trayjen Llanas-Wilcox: 18 rec, 348 yds, 4 TD
Demondre Williams: 44 tkl, 3 tfl, 1.5 sacks, 1 int, 9 pbu, 2 fr, 1 ff
Landon McKinney: 66-120, 886 yds, 6 TD, 3 int
Javian Myles: 259 yds, 4 TD rushing
Gus Charles: 25 rec, 408 yds, 4 TD
Jordan Carroll: 18 rec, 280 yds, 4 TD
KJ Kelley: 34 tkl, 3 int, 1 ff
Jessie Paris: 25 tkl, 4.5 tfl
The Pick: Howard Payne
Photo: Cisco Wrangler Express
NORTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA A&M (0-5, 0-3) AT CISCO (2-2, 1-2) - SATURDAY, 11 A.M.
The much-improved Wrangers look to get back into the win column this week as they host winless NEO.
Cisco dropped to 1-2 in SWJCFC play with a 40-27 loss to Kilgore last week.
The Norsemen have not won yet this season and have been outscored 182-20, but they did play their best game of the season last week in a 16-13 loss at Tyler in overtime.
Cisco won a 7-6 slugfest at NEO last season, which was the Wranglers only conference victory in 2022.
STAT LEADERS
Christian Kaopua: 61-125, 857 yds, 7 TD, 5 int; 51 yds rushing
Jadarrius Thomas: 136 yds, 2 TD rushing
Raylan Hubbard: 19 rec, 222 yds
Jasen Stephens: 25 tkl, 1 tfl
Delmontre Pryor: 26 tkl, 1 pbu
The Pick: Cisco
