Blitz Picks - Week 8
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%
WEEK 7 PICKS: 40-43, 93%
SEASON: 257-308, 83.4%
*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 HOTWORX Abilene Village for sponsoring Big Country Blitz content this week. Reach out if you’d like to sponsor a week of content on bigcountryblitz.com and Big Country Blitz social media! Weeks 10 and 11 are still available. Email cody@bigcountryblitz.com
***All picks are straight-up, not against the spread.
Photo: @AbileneEagleFB
LUBBOCK COOPER (4-2, 2-0) AT ABILENE HIGH (5-2, 3-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Lubbock Cooper leads 1-0
The outright District 2-5A Division I lead is up for grabs Friday night at Shotwell Stadium as Abilene High hosts Lubbock Cooper in a game between the last two remaining teams that are unbeaten in district play.
Abilene High is coming off a very successful trip to Amarillo where they took down Caprock 55-0, while Cooper knocked Amarillo High from the ranks of the district unbeatens with in a 49-19 decision.
Both teams can put points on the board and both can play some pretty good defense as well. Cooper averages 38 points per game with Abilene right behind them at 37.1 and the Pirates give up 16.3 per game and the Warbirds allow just 17.1.
Frenship is the only common opponent between the two teams so far this season. Cooper lost to the Tigers 35-34 and the Eagles lost 17-12.
Lubbock Cooper won the first, and only, matchup in the series to date last season by the odd score of 11-8.
STAT LEADERS
Dylan Slack: 85-115, 1191 yds, 15 TD, 1 int; 40 yds, 4 TD rushing
Bam Rashaw: 169 yds, 1 TD rushing
Chad Lara: 146 yds, 3 TD
Brayden Henry: 476 yds, 6 TD rushing; 21-42, 193 yds, 1 int passing; 9 rec, 96 yds, 2 TD
Ryland Bradford: 25 rec, 599 yds, 5 TD; 1 kickoff return for TD
Jackson Howle: 26 rec, 262 yds, 2 TD
Bryce Neves: 68 tkl, 5 tfl, 3 int, 4 ff, 2 fr
Beckham Paul: 34 tkl, 4 tfl, 3 int, 1 ff
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Lubbock Cooper: #13 in 5A D1
Abilene High: #15 in 5A D1
DCTF Spread: Lubbock Cooper by 2
The Pick: Abilene High
Other District Games:
Coronado (2-4, 1-1) at Amarillo (3-4, 2-1)
Caprock (1-6, 0-3) at Monterey (2-4, 0-2)
Tascosa (2-4, 1-2) is off
Photo: TexPix.com
COOPER (1-5, 0-1) AT PALO DURO (3-2, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Cooper leads 4-0
The Cougars find themselves playing a pivotal game already in week two of district play as they hope to help their playoff chances with a win at Palo Duro.
Cooper fell to Rider 42-21 last week while Palo Duro took down Lubbock High 58-24 to win its district opener.
The Coogs have now lost three straight. The Dons are on a two-game winning streak, averaging 51.2 points per game in victories over Lubbock and Canyon Randall after averaging just 12 points per contest over the first four weeks of the season.
Cooper beat Palo Duro 50-14 in Abilene last season and is a perfect 4-0 all-time against the Dons.
STAT LEADERS
Austin Cummins: 48-100, 463 yds, 4 TD, 6 int; 171 yds rushing
Daniel Bray: 684 yds, 12 TD rushing; 4 rec, 9 yds
Zavian Alexander: 21 rec, 282 yds, 2 TD; 9 yds rushing
Jaylen Parker: 16 rec, 163 yds, 1 TD
Jaden Carillo: 18 rec, 127 yds, 1 TD; 14 yds rushing
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Cooper: #52 in 5A D2
Palo Duro: #66 in 5A D2
DCTF Spread: Cooper by 3
The Pick: Cooper
Photo: Plainview Athletics
WICHITA FALLS RIDER (4-2, 1-0) AT WYLIE (4-2, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Rider leads 4-1
The Bulldogs host the Raiders in a key game in the District 2-5A Division II race Friday night.
Both squads won their disrict openers, Wylie 36-34 at Plainview and Rider 42-21 over Cooper.
The Raiders will make their second straight trip to Abilene in what will be the first district home game for Wylie.
The Bulldogs enter on a four-game winning streak after falling to Brownwood in Monterey in weeks one and two, while Rider snapped a two-game skid with their win over Cooper last week.
Both teams have played Lubbock Cooper and Stephenville: Wylie beat Cooper 35-34 and Stephenville 42-32, Rider lost to the Pirates 34-7 and to the Yellow Jackets 21-20.
The Bulldogs beat Rider last season 39-38 in comeback fashion, their first victory over the Raiders to date in program history.5STAT LEADERS
Joe Castles: 52-91, 611 yds, 7 TD, 5 int
Kenji Johnson: 632 yds, 8 TD rushing
Elijah Jackson: 331 yds, 9 TD rushing
Kohen Maroney: 14 rec, 184 yds
Bear Meng: 65-110, 1039 yds, 13 TD, 3 int; 184 yds, 3 TD rushing
Malachi Daniels: 563 yds, 5 TD rushing
Derrick Evans: 21 rec, 512 yds, 6 TD
Braden Regala: 18 rec, 215 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Rider: #29 in 5A D2
Wylie: #26 in 5A D2
DCTF Spread: Wylie by 4
The Pick: Wylie
Other District Game:
Lubbock High (2-4, 0-1) at Plainview (4-2, 0-1)
Photo: Brownwood High School Media Crew
LAKE VIEW (1-6, 0-1) AT #9 BROWNWOOD (6-1, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Brownwood leads 17-1-1
The Lions dominated Big Spring to open district play and have a great chance to do the same against Lake View Friday night.
Brownwood topped the Steers 56-7 while the Chiefs fell 63-7 at home to Andrews.
Lake View gave up over 600 yards rushing to the Mustangs, which should have Lion runners licking their chops in anticipation of Friday night.
Brownwood beat Lake View 60-13 last season and have dominated the series, taking 17, tying one and losing just once, 3-0, in 1979.
STAT LEADERS
Ike Hall: 62-115, 1099 yds, 10 TD, 4 int; 692 yds, 9 TD rushing
Jaylon Brown: 297 yds, 6 TD rushing
Carson Noe: 26 rec, 331 yds, 2 TD
Aaron Edmonds: 12 rec, 204 yds, 2 TD
Hayden Noe: 6 rec, 133 yds, 1 TD
Morsello Hooker: 8 rec, 213 yds, 5 TD
Sam Kallman: 84 tkl, 6 tfl, 4 sacks
Jake Jetton: 66 tkl, 1 fr, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Lake View: #95 in 4A D1
Brownwood: #12 in 4A D1
DCTF Spread: Brownwood by 60
The Pick: Brownwood
Other District Game:
Estacado (5-1, 0-0) at Andrews (4-3, 1-0)
Big Spring (1-6, 0-1) is off
Photo: Snyder ISD
SNYDER (3-4, 0-1) AT GRAHAM (6-1, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Snyder leads 5-3
Two teams coming off somewhat surprising district opening losses meet Friday night in Graham.
Snyder fell at home to Greenwood 27-23 while Graham dropped a one-point decision, 27-26, to Hirschi.
The Tigers have lost four of their last five games but last week was loss number one for Graham. The Steers had been dominating their opponents by nearly 40 points per game until falling to the Huskies, which dropped Graham out of the state rankings.
Snyder beat Graham at home 35-21 last season in a game the Steers were playing with many athletes suspended after a brawl with Hirschi the week before.
The Tigers have won four straight in the series. The last Graham win was in 2009.
STAT LEADERS
Easton Stewart: 107-158, 1170 yds, 13 TD, 3 int; 78 yds, 4 TD rushing
Daenin Smith: 674 yds, 5 TD rushing
Dom Dominguez: 26 rec, 285 yds, 4 TD
Jacob James: 22 rec, 190 yds, 2 TD
Jay Castillo: 15 rec, 291 yds, 2 TD
Tony Cagle: 27 tkl, 8 tfl, 3 sacks
Ty Thompson: 125-186, 1596 yds, 17 TD, 2 int; 435 yds, 9 TD rushing
Rylan Monsey: 845 yds, 10 TD rushing
Peyton Kinman: 24 rec, 422 yds, 6 TD; 7 tkl, 2 int
Brayden Riggins: 25 rec, 456 yds, 4 TD
Hayden Horn: 26 rec, 244 yds, 4 TD
Zathin Reyes: 59 tkl, 2 tfl, 4 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Snyder: #43 in 3A D2
Graham: #9 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Graham by 31
The Pick: Graham
Photo: Norvelle Kennedy
SWEETWATER (4-2, 0-0) AT GREENWOOD (2-5, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Sweetwater leads 12-6
The Mustangs return from the bye week hoping to regain some of their early season mojo as the open district play at Midland Greenwood.
The Rangers took down Snyder last week and have won two straight after losing their first five games of the season.
Sweetwater started 4-0 but has dropped its last two outings to powerful and Clyde and Estacado who are a combined 11-1 on the season.
Greenwood has also lost to Estacado this season, falling 65-51 in a season opening shootout.
The Mustangs fell 35-7 to Greenwood last season in district play.
STAT LEADERS
Caiden Ortiz: 51-80, 1017 yds, 12 TD, 4 int; 89 yds rushing
Cash Barnes: 5-12, 35 yds passing
Korda Moore: 503 yds, 9 TD rushing
Uriah Martines: 481 yds, 5 TD rushing
Jadyn Forbes: 19 rec, 418 yds, 4 TD
Kannon Weise: 77 tkl, 7 tfl
Alijah Iriate: 55 tkl, 10 tfl, 3 sacks
Cooper Meador: 45 tkl, 10 tfl, 4 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Sweetwater: #63 in 3A D2
Greenwood: #41 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Greenwood by 12
The Pick: Greenwood
Hirschi (3-3, 1-0) is off
Photo: Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan
VERNON (5-1, 0-1) AT BRECKENRIDGE (3-3, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Vernon leads 26-16
The Buckaroos play at home again this week and hope to bounce back from a tough 31-28 loss to Iowa Park.
Vernon is also coming in off a loss as the Lions fell from the ranks of the unbeaten in a big way, 60-36 to Clyde.
Nobody wants to start district off with an 0-2 mark, so anticipate both teams to play their best to avoid it.
Vernon beat Breckenridge 28-21 last season and have won three in a row in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Camden Escalon: 93-133, 1404 yds, 16 TD, 6 int; 56 yds rushing
Sawyer Wimberly: 641 yds, 5 TD rushing; 16 rec, 217 yds, 4 TD
Alexis Franco: 21 rec, 440 yds, 6 TD; 56 tkl, 3 int, 2 ff
Brilee Bernal: 19 rec, 225 yds, 2 TD
Jaxon Escalon: 53 tkl, 3 tfl, 2 int
Bryson Herring: 49 tkl, 7 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Vernon: #39 in 4A D2
Breckenridge: #46 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Breckenridge by 1
The Pick: Vernon
Photo: Terrie Alexander Noland
JIM NED (5-1, 1-0) AT CLYDE (6-0, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Clyde leads 10-8-1
This is one of if not the best games in the Big Country this week and the winner looks to be the favorite to go on to the district championship.
Jim Ned took care of Bowie last week while the Bulldogs battered Vernon on the road to stay unbeaten.
The Indian defense has been very good all season and will get their shot at trying to slow down Blake Carr and the Clyde offense, which leads the Big Country averaging 50 points per game.
Jim Ned is no slouch on offense, however, as the Indians put up 30.3 points per game.
Clyde has done very well against top tier offenses from Sweetwater and Vernon over the last two weeks and will have to contend with the great ground attack the Indians run.
Jim Ned won this matchup 28-21 last season and the last three in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Dean Guffey: 19-37, 359 yds, 3 TD, 1 int; 83 yds, 1 TD rushing
Brayden Shipman: 654 yds, 7 TD rushing
Aiden Ellis: 439 yds, 5 TD rushing
Carter Wood: 14 rec, 262 yds, 3 TD; 25 tkl, 3 int
Trey Hicks: 51 tkl, 2 tfl, 3 ff
Carter Lange: 32 tkl, 10 tfl, 4 sacks, 1 ff, 1 fr
Blake Carr: 60-97, 1270 yds, 17 TD, 4 int; 1015 yds, 14 TD rushing
Josh Hutton: 362 yds, 5 TD rushing
Dai’jon Booker: 22 rec, 482 yds, 6 TD
Kendrick Johnson: 15 rec, 377 yds, 5 TD
Landon Yates: 11 rec, 186 yds, 4 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Jim Ned: #25 in 3A D1
Clyde: #15 in 3A D1
DCTF Spread: Clyde by 8
The Pick: Clyde
Other District Game:
Bowie (1-4, 0-1) at Iowa Park (2-4, 1-0)
Photo: Mike Jones
BRADY (2-4, 1-0) AT EARLY (2-4, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Brady leads 9-4
Both the Bulldogs and Longhorns look to keep pace with Wall in the District 2-3A DII race as they meet up Friday night in Early.
The Longhorns shut out Ballinger last week 35-0 and the Bulldogs got past TLCA San Angelo 38-18 in their district openers.
Brady had its best offensive performance of the season last week and Early had its best effort of the year on defense while also putting the most points on the board in a game since the 52-10 season opening win over Bangs.
Early took down the Bulldogs 41-27 on the road last season and have won two in a row in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Sean Jacoby: 39-96, 584 yds, 2 TD, 10 int; 120 yds, 2 TD rushing
Daryl Adair: 542 yds, 3 TD rushing; 51 tkl, 1 tfl
Ashton Ramsey: 10 rec, 116 yds, 1 TD
Zeke Jones: 38 tkl, 4 tfl; 322 yds, 2 TD rushing; 8 rec, 176 yds, 1 TD
Rohyn Price: 48-86, 671 yds, 6 TD, 6 int; 106 yds, 2 TD rushing
Griffin Cheslock: 442 yds, 5 TD rushing; 4 rec, 30 yds; 4 tkl, 1 int
Andrew Reedy: 22 rec, 234 yds, 1 TD
Ki Houston: 20 rec, 416 yds, 2 TD
Kaleb Ozuna: 45 tkl, 3 tfl, 2 sacks
Dalton Adams: 41 tkl, 14 tfl, 7 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Brady: #70 in 3A D2
Early: #53 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Early by 10
The Pick: Early
Photo: Mike Jones/Brownwoodnews.com
WALL (4-2, 1-0) AT BALLINGER (0-6, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Wall leads 8-5
The Bearcats continue a rough stretch with a home game against district favorite Wall this week.
Ballinger has lost five games in a row, all shutouts, including a 35-0 loss to Early last week in the district opener.
Wall beat Grape Creek 67-0 to bounce back from a 14-7 loss to Mason the week before.
The Hawks beat Ballinger 36-0 last season.
STAT LEADERS
Gunner Dillard: 36-72, 510 yds, 4 TD, 4 int; 321 yds, 9 TD rushing
Nathan Pepper: 352 yds, 5 TD rushing
Ryan Allen: 11 rec, 178 yds, 2 TD; 13 tkl, 2 int
Ethan Michalewicz: 57 tkl, 8 tfl
William Scherr: 57 tkl, 4 tfl
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:
Wall: #9 in 3A D2
Ballinger: #89 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Wall by 53
The Pick: Wall
Other District Game:
Grape Creek (0-6, 0-1) at TLCA San Angelo (3-3, 0-1)
Photo: Brenem Productions
EASTLAND (1-5, 0-1) AT MERKEL (5-1, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Eastland leads 19-6
The high-powered Badgers play host to Eastland in a key game for both squads in the District 5-3A Division II race.
Merkel took down Dublin 47-20 last week and would love to stay at the top of the standings, while Eastland came up short against Jacksboro and a win at Merkel would greatly improve its playoff chances.
The Badgers are averaging 42 points per game this season, fourth best in the Big Country and nearly 24 points per game better than their per-game average in 2022.
Eastland has played a brutal schedule through six games, facing opponents that are a combined 28-9. It won’t be any easier for the Mavericks this week at Merkel.
The Badgers snapped a ten-game losing streak in the series to Eastland last season, beating the Mavs 34-28.
STAT LEADERS
Isaiah Hays: 90-146, 1352 yds, 11 TD, 8 int
Isaac Castro: 121 yds, 1 TD rushing; 19 tkl, 1 int
Cason Browning: 134 yds, 1 TD rushing
Jay Oznick: 28 rec, 484 yds, 7 TD; 4 tkl
Griffin Beard: 20 rec, 308 yds, 2 TD; 42 tkl, 2 tfl
Cayden Alford: 52 tkl, 6.5 tfl, 1 ff
Maddox O’Malley: 54-100, 1148 yds, 11 TD, 3 int; 521 yds, 12 TD rushing
Connor Willyerd: 825 yds, 8 TD rushing; 12 rec, 197 yds, 2 TD
Kaden Blubaugh: 22 rec, 405 yds, 8 TD; 21 tkl, 4 int
Elijah Olivarez: 67 tkl, 5 tfl, 3 ff
Seth Bryant: 35 tkl, 7 tfl, 2 sacks
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Eastland: #31 in 3A D2
Merkel: #48 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Eastland by 5
The Pick: Merkel
Photo: TexPix.com
JACKSBORO (6-0, 1-0) AT COMANCHE (3-3, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Jacksboro leads 3-2
A game that once looked like it might end up being for the district championship has changed a bit as unbeaten Jacksboro heads to Comanche to face an Indian squad that has lost three in a row.
Comanche started the season 3-0 and entered the AP/DCTF top ten, but has since lost three in a row to Tolar, Albany, and Millsap. The Millsap loss was the most surprising of the three, by far, and makes this home game against high-powered Jacksboro a very important one.
Jacksboro cruised past Eastland 49-24 to kickoff district play and at 45.8 points per game, the Tigers have the fifth-best scoring offense among all teams in all Big Country districts.
The Indians beat the Tigers a year ago 53-33.
STAT LEADERS
Lando Belcher: 108-161, 1860 yds, 20 TD, 6 int; 313 yds, 1 TD rushing; 25 tkl, 2 int
Luke Sams: 733 yds, 12 TD rushing; 10 rec, 231 yds, 3 TD; 64 tkl
Cannon Valenzuela: 41 rec, 663 yds, 6 TD
Hunter Moffitt: 57 tkl, 1 fr
Layden Welch: 47-81, 784 yds, 12 TD, 1 int; 235 yds, 5 TD rushing
Sawyer Wilkerson: 451 yds, 6 TD rushing
Colt Schwertner: 611 yds, 1 TD rushing
Kyler Beaty: 20 rec, 319 yds, 5 TDDiego Gutierrez: 30 tkl, 2 int, 4 pbu
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Jacksboro: #11 in 3A D2
Comanche: #21 in 3A D2
DCTF Spread: Jacksboro by 6
The Pick: Jacksboro
Other District Game:
Dublin (1-5, 0-1) at Millsap (3-2, 1-0)
Photo: Daril Gonzales/Anson Tiger Sports Pics
OLNEY (2-3, 0-2) AT ANSON (4-3, 2-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Anson leads 6-2
The Tigers look to make it five wins in their last six games as they welcome Olney to Anson Friday night.
This game is a key one as far as the playoffs go, as the Tigers and Cubs join Cisco as the most likely teams trying to fill the two postseason spots that won’t go to Hawley and Stamford.
Olney has gotten off to a rough start in district with losses to Cisco and Stamford, while Anson has bounced back nicely from a 45-0 loss to Hawley with easy wins over Colorado City and Winters.
The Cubs beat the Tigers 31-14 last season.
STAT LEADERS
Tyler Wilburn: 22-52, 292 yds, 6 TD, 2 int; 444 yds, 5 TD rushing; 13 tkl
Corey Layne: 419 yds, 3 TD rushing; 46 tkl, 3 tfl
Drike Shoemaker: 8 rec, 190 yds, 4 TD
Ethan Lozano: 56 tkl, 2 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Olney: #59 in 2A D1
Anson: #71 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Olney by 3
The Pick: Anson
Photo: Brenem Productions
WINTERS (0-7, 0-3) AT #6 HAWLEY (4-2, 2-0) - THURSDAY
SERIES HISTORY: Winters leads 10-7
Winters will have to do the unthinkable to keep its playoff chances alive Thursday night at sixth-ranked Hawley.
The Bearcats have outscored Anson and Colorado City by a combined 102-0 to kickoff district play, while the Blizzards are still winless on the season and have fallen to Stamford, Cisco and Anson so far in 4-2A D1 action.
The Bearcats have won the last six games in the series, including a 60-6 win at Winters last year.
STAT LEADERS
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
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
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Winters: #100 in 2A D1
Hawley: #10 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Hawley by 63
The Pick: Hawley
Photo: Jones County Clicks
STAMFORD (5-0, 2-0) AT CISCO (3-4, 3-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Stamford leads 9-7-1
The Bulldogs get their first test in the district against resurgent Cisco this week.
Stamford hasn’t had anyone come close to beating them so far this season, with their closest win being a 27-0 shutout of Ballinger in week three.
The Bulldogs beat up on Olney 58-16 in their last action before a bye week to improve to 2-0, and Cisco is the only district team ahead of them in the standings at the moment at 3-0.
The Loboes beat Olney last week 40-13 and have also dominated Colorado City and Winters to put a three-game winning streak together after dropping all four of their non-district contests.
Cisco beat Stamford on the road last season, 47-14.
STAT LEADERS
Christian Duran: 48-63, 833 yds, 10 TD, 1 int
Kaston Vega: 278 yds, 7 TD rushing; 59 tkl, 10 tfl
Cle Whitfield: 251 yds, 5 TD rushing
Quenten Pryor: 13 rec, 279 yds, 4 TD
Drew Faulks: 13 rec, 235 yds, 4 TD
Ja’Kain Whitaker: 37 tkl, 3 fl
Kannon Orsagh: 53-84, 649 yds, 8 TD, 7 int; 438 yds, 1 TD rushing
Kelton Desmond: 237 yds, 1 TD rushing; 5 rec, 148 yds, 2 TD
Gus Hart: 489 yds, 13 TD rushing
Dillon Silva: 18 rec, 187 yds, 2 TD
Julius Proffitt: 9 rec, 67 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Stamford: #13 in 2A D1
Cisco: #29 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Stamford by 11
The Pick: Stamford
Colorado City (1-6, 0-3) is off
Photo: Gary Stennett
Photo: ColemanToday.com
HAMILTON (3-3, 0-2) AT COLEMAN (5-2, 2-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Coleman leads 17-8
The Bluecats hope to rebound from a very tough night at Tolar last week as they host Hamilton.
The Bulldogs also had a rough go of it against Tolar in their last outing before a bye week, falling 38-0. Hamilton also lost at San Saba 32-28 in their district opener.
Coleman beat San Saba 40-26 two weeks ago.
The Bluecats beat Hamilton 42-7 on the road last season and have won two in a row in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Brent Bouldin: 539 yds, 7 TD rushing; 61 tkl, 11 tfl
Brayden Torres: 45-74, 766 yds, 8 TD, 6 int
Jadin Jackson: 6-11, 159 yds, 1 TD; 425 yds, 7 TD rushing
Hunter Lackey: 15 rec, 411 yds, 7 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hamilton: #44 in 2A D1
Coleman: #20 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Coleman by 14
The Pick: Coleman
Photo: Mike Jones/Brownwoodnews.com
SAN SABA (2-5, 1-2) AT BANGS (1-5, 0-2)
SERIES HISTORY: San Saba leads 18-11-1
It’s still early in district play, but this game is crucial for both teams playoff hopes Friday night in Bangs.
The Armadillos have dropped two straight in district to Coleman and De Leon to fall to 1-2 and Bangs has lost to De Leon and Goldthwaite so far in district play.
Bangs lost 40-21 to De Leon, and the Armadillos dropped a 42-20 decision.
The Dragons beat the Dillos by a touchdown last season 42-35 and have won nine of the last ten meetings in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Lane Miller: 30-60, 317 yds, 2 TD, 4 int; 385 yds, 6 TD rushing
Ethan Gonzales: 1109 yds, 15 TD rushing; 21 rec, 212 yds, 2 TD
Skyler Romero: 12 rec, 265 yds, 2 TD
Levi Glover: 38 tkl, 1 tfl, 1 int, 2 fr; 12 rec, 66 yds
Kenny Cole: 73-158, 981 yds, 10 TD, 3 int; 274 yds, 2 TD rushing
Ethan Ethridge: 420 yds, 4 TD rushing
Hunter Newton: 29 rec, 456 yds, 6 TD
Kade Minshew: 14 rec, 207 yds, 1 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
San Saba: #67 in 2A D1
Bangs: #96 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: San Saba by 12
The Pick: San Saba
#3 TOLAR (5-1, 2-0) AT DE LEON (6-1, 3-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Tolar leads 8-2
De Leon gets its toughest test of the season so far as they get to tack a crack at third-ranked Tolar at home this week.
The Bearcats have cruised past Bangs, Goldthwaite, and San Saba so far in district play, but the Rattlers are a different story.
Tolar rolled past Coleman 43-0 last week and Hamilton 38-0 the week before, and their only loss of the season was to Dallas Christian in week three.
The Rattlers rolled past the Bearcats last season 50-7.
STAT LEADERS
Isaac Blessing: 48-86, 568 yds, 8 TD, 2 int; 624 yds, 8 TD rushing
Garrison Nation: 350 yds, 5 TD rushing
Matthew Behrens: 14 rec, 244 yds, 2 TD
Jaxon Riddle: 57 tkl, 5 tfl, 1 int, 1ff
Clayton Stembridge: 35 tkl, 4 int
Heston Jobe: 72-116, 1092 yds, 7 TD, 3 int; 542 yds, 4 TD rushing
Jake Cooper: 681 yds, 12 TD rushing
Max Jones: 16 rec, 351 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Tolar: #2 in 2A D1
De Leon: #47 in 2A D1
DCTF Spread: Tolar by 38
The Pick: Tolar
Goldthwaite (3-4, 1-2) is off
Photo: Julia Vega/@lionslifefootball
#1 ALBANY (6-0, 1-0) AT CROSS PLAINS (2-4, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Albany leads
The Lions take the show on the road for the first time in district action and will meet up Cross Plains Friday night.
Albany shut down high-powered Miles last week 41-0 while the Buffaloes gave up 57 to Roscoe in a loss in their district opener.
The top-ranked Lions look like the class of the district, while Cross Plains has some work to do to contend for a playoff spot in a very competitive district.
The Lions topped the Buffs 56-0 a year ago and have won 24 in a row in the series dating back to a 13-7 Cross Plains win in 1934.
STAT LEADERS
Chip Chambers: 56-104, 1056 yds, 12 TD, 8 int
Adam Hill: 1059 yds, 14 TD rushing; 4 rec, 83 yds, 2 TD; 52 tkl, 15 tfl, 8.5 sacks
Cason Fairchild: 19 rec, 489 yds, 5 TD; 26 tkl, 1 int
Branson Beal: 14 rec, 208 yds, 4 TD; 33 tkl
Jaxson Hoel: 61 tkl, 6 tfl, 2 sacks
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:
Albany: #2 in 2A D2
Cross Plains: #61 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Albany by 55
The Pick: Albany
Photo: Cross Plains School Yearbook
TLCA ABILENE (1-5, 0-1) AT ROSCOE (5-1, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Roscoe leads 1-0
Roscoe hopes to extend its winning streak to three as the Plowboys host TLCA Abilene this week.
The Plowboys took care of business at Cross Plains to improve to 5-1 on the year and will now face an Eagle squad that fell 35-7 at Hamlin and has lost four straight after beating Munday in week two.
Roscoe beat the Eagles last year 64-12.
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
Jace Arnwine: 77-125, 1088 yds, 13 TD, 2 int
Ivan McCann: 608yds, 4 TD rushing; 8 tkl, 1 sack, 1 fr
Seth Wilcox: 297 yds, 4 TD rushing; 28 rec, 520 yds, 8 TD; 15 tkl, 2 int, 1 fr
Parker Gleaton: 24 rec, 357 yds, 4 TD; 25 tkl, 5 tfl, 3 sacks
Gaven Martinez: 26 tkl
Jacob Kiser: 21 tkl, 6 tfl, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
TLCA Abilene: #95 in 2A D2
Roscoe: #15 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Roscoe by 60
The Pick: Roscoe
Photo: Gary Ford
HAMLIN (5-1, 1-0) AT MILES (4-2, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Series tied 1-1
This is probably the biggest game in the district as the Bulldogs hope to bounce back from their loss to Albany against Hamlin.
The Pied Pipers have won five in a row after falling to powerful Stamford in week one, and their win over TLCA Abilene last week was one of their better offensive efforts of the seaosn.
Miles, like most teams, had a tough time moving the ball against Albany but they still have very good weapons that will test the Hamlin defense. The Pipers have the sixth best scoring defense in the Big Country and have to be ready for their biggest test since Stamford in week one.
The Bulldogs shut out the Pipers 28-0 last season.
STAT LEADERS
Ian Gruben: 80-124, 823 yds, 11 TD, 3 int
Clayton Rister: 559 yds, 6 TD rushing
Luke White: 29 rec, 268 yds, 2 TD
Hagan Holland: 18 rec, 176 yds, 3 TD
Hayven Book: 91-159, 1369 yds, 18 TD, 9 int; 472 yds, 6 TD rushing
Tevin Meade: 474 yds, 9 TD rushing; 7 rec, 199 yds, 4 TD
Cooper Ellison: 41 rec, 650 yds, 9 TD
Lane Godfrey: 59 tkl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Hamlin: #67 in 2A D2
Miles: #22 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Miles by 30
The Pick: Miles
Photo: Daril Gonzales/Anson Tiger Sports Pics
ARCHER CITY (3-1, 1-1) AT HASKELL (2-4, 2-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Archer City leads 11-6
Haskell aims for a third straight district victory as it hosts Archer City in a key 7-2A Division II battle Friday night.
The Indians shut out Munday 39-0 last week while the Wildcats eeked out a 7-6 win over Electra to even its district mark at 1-1.
The winner of this one will have an upper leg down the stretch in the playoff chase, as these two plus Electra seem to be the biggest contenders for the two spots behind Seymour and Windthorst.
Archer City won a close one between the two 27-20 a year ago. They’ve won the last three in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Landon Smith: 92-133, 1220 yds, 7 TD, 6 int; 162 yds, 2 TD rushing
Laine Hall: 383 yds, 3 TD rushing; 9 rec, 88 yds, 1 TD
Chance Warren: 33 rec, 508 yds, 3 TD
Haegen Pinkerton: 25-62, 503 yds, 3 TD, 4 int; 306 yds, 5 TD rushing
Trevor Henry: 141 yds, 1 TD rushing; 7 rec, 28 yds
Nemo Silvas: 21 rec, 334 yds, 2 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Archer City: #35 in 2A D2
Haskell: #43 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Archer City by 1
The Pick: Haskell
MUNDAY (0-7, 0-3) AT WINDTHORST (4-2, 2-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Munday leads 13-9-1
The Moguls get ready for another tough battle this week as they head to Windthorst.
Munday has been shut out in two of three district games and four times overall this season.
The Trojans are coming off a 41-7 win over Petrolia and beat Haskell 47-7 in their district opener.
Windthorst topped Munday 48-12 in 2022, snapping a four-game Mogul winning streak in the series.
STAT LEADERS
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
Brock Belcher: 98-160, 1176 yds, 15 TD, 3 int; 456 yds, 3 TD rushing
Kolby Teakell: 29 rec, 443 yds, 6 TD
Kasen Wiles: 22 rec, 258 yds, 4 TD
Karson Vieth: 67 tkl, 9 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Munday: #97 in 2A D2
Windthorst: #16 in 2A D2
DCTF Spread: Windthorst by 63
The Pick: Windthorst
Other District Games:
Seymour 5-1, 2-0 at Electra (3-2, 1-2)
Petrolia (2-5, 1-2) is off
Photo: SMcCowan Photography
#4 WESTBROOK (5-1, 1-0) AT ROBY (0-6, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Westbrook leads 1-0
The powerful Wildcats aim for win number six in a row as they visit struggling Roby this week.
The Lions have yet to find the win column in 2023 and will have to put up a great battle to contend with Westbrook this week.
The Wildcats shut out Highland by the half 46-0 last week and have only allowed 28 points over the past five weeks, outscoring opponents 260-28 in that stretch.
Westbrook beat Roby 86-36 last season in the first meeting between the two teams on the gridiron.
STAT LEADERS
Keegan Gilbreath: 6-11, 182 yds, 3 TD passing; 482 yds, 15 TD rushing; 1 rec, 11 yds; 56 tkl, 7 tfl, 1 int
Grayson Jeffrey: 360 yds, 7 TD rushing; 4-12, 108 yds passing; 4 rec, 89 yds, 1 TD; 42 tkl, 1 tfl, 1 int, 3 pbu
Aiden Sullivan: 4 rec, 129 yds, 1 TD; 58 yds, 1 TD rushing; 38 tkl, 10 tfl, 3 sacks, 3 fr
Parker Matlock: 8-15, 109 yds, 4 TD, 1 int; 2 rec, 36 yds; 55 tkl, 7 tfl, 3 fr
Ethan King: 41 tkl, 2 tfl, 4 sacks
Bo Payne: 6 rec, 70 yds, 4 TD; 15 tkl; 26-35 PAT
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Westbrook: #1 in 1A D1
Roby: #67 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Westbrook: #2 in 1A D1
Roby: #62 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Westbrook by 85
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Westbrook by 45
The Pick: Westbrook
Photo: Tricia Hurt/Double Mountain Chronicle
Photo: SMcCowan Photography
IRA (3-2, 1-0) AT HIGHLAND (4-2, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Highland leads 36-27
The biggest game in Disrict 8-1A D1 this week is at Highland as the Hornets host Ira.
Highland fell 46-0 to Westbrook last week and cannot afford another district loss if they hope to end their five-year playoff drought.
Ira had no issues with Rotan, hammering the Yellowhammers 76-0 in their district opener.
The Bulldogs won a close one over the Hornets last season 54-44 to run their winning streak in the series to nine games.
Braxton Smith: 22-38, 509 yds, 7 TD, 1 int; 329 yds, 4 TD rushing
Cooper Bowen: 545 yds, 12 TD rushing
Tylan Balthrop: 314 yds, 8 TD rushing; 7 rec, 76 yds, 1 TD; 39 tkl, 1 int
Bubba Byrne: 13 rec, 329 yds, 4 TD; 33 tkl, 1 tfl, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Ira: #27 in 1A D1
Highland: #18 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Ira: #28 in 1A D1
Highland: #18 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Highland by 12
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Highland by 13
The Pick: Highland
Photo: Mark Martinez/Double Mountain Chronicle
ROTAN (2-4, 0-1) AT HERMLEIGH (5-1, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Hermleigh leads 7-3
The Cardinals look to stay perfect in district play as they host Rotan Friday night.
Hermleigh rolled past Roby 52-6 last week, while Rotan got shut out by Ira.
The Cardinals topped the ‘Hammers 61-16 a year ago and have won six in a row in the series.
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:
Rotan: #69 in 1A D1
Hermleigh: #21 in 1A D1
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Rotan: #71 in 1A D1
Hermleigh: #13 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Hermleigh by 49
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Hermleigh by 45
The Pick: Hermleigh
Photo: SMcCowan Photography
LINGLEVILLE (2-4, 0-1) AT BAIRD (4-2, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Baird leads 3-0
Baird can get to 2-0 in district action with a home win over Lingeville this week.
The Bears were a touchdown better than Perrin-Whitt last week (28-21) and will host a Cardinal squad that is coming off a 74-27 loss at Bryson.
Baird enters on a two-game winning streak and should have a good opportunity to keep the momentum rolling against the Cardinals.
The Bears won the 2022 matchup 58-8 to stay perfect in the all-time series against Lingleville.
STAT LEADERS
Camdyn Schlieve: 26-38, 277 yds, 6 TD passing; 21 yds rushing; 9 rec, 121 yds, 3 TD; 18 tkl, 1 ff, 2 fr
Jake Collins: 388 yds, 3 TD rushing; 4 rec, 62 yds, 2 TD; 21-36, 256 yds, 5 TD passing; 20 tkl, 1 sack, 2 int, 3 fr
Devin Lucas: 20 rec, 253 yds, 5 TD; 69 yds, 4 TD rushing; 42 tkl, 3 tfl, 3 ff, 3 fr, 1 sack
Skyler Denning: 440 yds, 7 TD rushing; 4 rec, 32 yds; 31 tkl, 1 fr, 1 ff
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: 35 tkl, 2 tfl, 2 fr
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Lingleville: #62 in 1A D1
Baird: #44 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Lingleville: #54 in 1A D1
Baird: #51 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Baird by 19
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Baird by 6
The Pick: Baird
GORMAN (1-5, 0-1) AT PERRIN-WHITT (0-6, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Gorman leads 15-11
The Panthers will visit Perrin-Whitt this week as they look to snap a four-game losing streak.
Gorman has been outscored 211-0 over the past four weeks against Blum, Strawn, Milford, and Gordon. They fell 61-0 to the #1-ranked Longhorns last week in their district opener.
The Pirates are still winless on the season and fell to Baird 28-21 last week.
Gorman won the matchup 38-0 last season and has won three in a row in the series.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Perrin-Whitt: #66 in 1A D1
Gorman: #58 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Perrin-Whitt: #61 in 1A D1
Gorman: #48 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Gorman by 5
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Gorman by 43
The Pick: Perrin-Whitt
Other District Games:
Bryson (4-1, 1-0) at #1 Gordon (6-0, 1-0)
Photo: May Tiger Teams
LOMETA (3-4, 0-1) AT MAY (4-2, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: May leads 13-9
The Tigers host Lometa this week as they try to stay unbeaten in district action.
May blasted Evant 55-0 in their district opener last week, while Lometa battled well but fell 76-28 to Jonesboro.
The Hornets are used to playing tough competition, having played state-ranked Richland Springs, Rochelle and Jonesboro this season.
May beat Lometa 54-6 last year, their sixth straight win 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: #20 in 1A D1
Lometa: #41 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
May: #21 in 1A D1
Lometa: #37 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: May by 25
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: May by 31
The Pick: May
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
SANTA ANNA (2-4, 0-0) AT #5 JONESBORO (6-1, 1-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Jonesboro leads 1-0
The Mountaineers return to action after the bye week with another challenging game, this time at Jonesboro.
Santa Anna fell to top-ranked Gordon in their last outing and will now face the fifth-ranked Eagles.
Jonesboro's only loss this season is to Westbrook. They beat Lometa by mercy rule to begin their district slate last week.
Jonesboro topped the Mountaineers 62-16 last season.
STAT LEADERS
Nathan Forrest: 20-31, 458 yds, 10 TD, 2 int
Jacob Cisneros: 703 yds, 11 TD rushing; 40 tkl
EJ Thorman: 11 rec, 255 yds, 4 TD
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Santa Anna: #53 in 1A D1
Jonesboro: #3 in 1A D1
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Santa Anna: #57 in 1A D1
Jonesboro: #6 in 1A D1
DCTF Spread: Jonesboro by 68
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Jonesboro by 45
The Pick: Jonesboro
Evant (0-7, 0-1) is off
Photo: Mark Martinez/Double Mountain Chronicle
PATTON SPRINGS (1-5, 0-0) AT ASPERMONT (4-3, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Aspermont leads 3-0
Aspermont should have a good opportunity to get back in the win column as the Hornets host Patton Springs this week.
Aspermont fell on the road to state-ranked Newcastle and Jayton the last two weeks by a combined 96-0.
Patton Springs was off last week and will be playing its district opener. The Rangers fell to Lubbock Christ the King 56-0 in their last outing.
The Hornets took down the Rangers last year 70-24.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Patton Springs: #66 in 1A D2
Aspermont: #26 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Patton Springs: #61 in 1A D2
Aspermont: #31 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Aspermont by 54
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Aspermont by 45
The Pick: Aspermont
Other District Game:
#3 Jayton (7-0, 1-0) at Guthrie (2-5, 0-1) - Thursday
Motley County (4-3, 1-0) is off
LUEDERS-AVOCA (1-6, 0-1) AT RULE (1-6, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Rule leads 15-8
Both Rule and Lueders-Avoca hope to put lengthy losing streaks behind them as they do battle in District 7-1A Division II play this week.
The Raiders have dropped four straight, all by shutout, to Aspermont, Harrold, Rotan and Throckmorton since beating Olfen 25-13 in week three.
Rule has also lost four in a row. The Bobcats fell to Woodson 51-6 last week to fall to 1-6 on the season.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Lueders-Avoca: #65 in 1A D2
Rule: #62 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Lueders-Avoca: #66 in 1A D2
Rule: #55 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Rule by 6
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Rule by 45
The Pick: Rule
WOODSON (1-6, 1-0) AT PAINT CREEK (3-3, 0-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Woodson leads 20-4
Paint Creek begins its playoff push this week at home against Woodson.
The Pirates were off last week, but the Cowboys got past Rule to earn their first win of the season and start district play at 1-0.
Paint Creek has won two straight and three of four to build momentum towards a possible playoff run, but they'll need to get past Woodson to make their postseason chances grow going forward.
The Cowboys won the 2002 meeting of the two squads 50-0. They’ve won 18 of the last 19 meetings in the series.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Woodson: #49 in 1A D2
Paint Creek: #53 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Woodson: #49 in 1A D2
Paint Creek: #60 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Woodson by 1
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Woodson by 45
The Pick: Paint Creek
Throckmorton (2-4, 1-0) is off
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
ZEPHYR (5-2, 1-0) AT MULLIN (0-7, 0-1) - THURSDAY
SERIES HISTORY: Zephyr leads 19-7
Zephyr has back-to-back dominating victories over Brookesmith and Gustine and has a good shot at a third straight Thursday night against winless Mullin.
Mullin is coming off a 70-18 loss to Sidney last week in its district opener.
Zephyr looks to get to 2-0 before playing Sidney and Blanket, the final two games of the season that will decide the two playoff spots out of 15-1A Division II.
The Bulldogs beat Mullin 58-0 last year, the first game between the two since 2013. Zephyr has won 12 in a row in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Tripp Ballard: 411 yds, 12 TD rushing; 7 rec, 150 yds,1 TD; 62 tkl, 4 tfl, 1 int
Wyatt Stevens: 29-48, 400 yds, 8 TD, 3 int; 2 rec, 18 yds
Karsen Floyd: 18 rec, 306 yds, 5 TD; 216 yds, 3 TD rushing; 70 tkl, 1 int, 2 fr
Trapper Schoenhals: 39 tkl, 4 tfl
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Zephyr: #20 in 1A D2
Mullin: #61 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Zephyr: #21 in 1A D2
Mullin: #59 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Zephyr by 46
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Zephyr by 45
The Pick: Zephyr
Photo: Brownwoodnews.com
BLANKET (3-3, 0-0) AT GUSTINE (3-3, 0-1) - THURSDAY
SERIES HISTORY: Blanket leads 17-8
The Tigers return to the field after their bye week with their first district game of the year at Gustine Thursday night.
Blanket has won three of its last four, including a 45-point win over Moran and a 50-point win over Evant in its last two outings.
Gustine dropped a 60-6 decision to Zephyr to kickoff district action last week.
Blanket has won the last seven games in the series, including a 66-16 victory last season.
STAT LEADERS
Kannon Kensing: 868 yds, 18 TD rushing
Cameron Aultman: 610 yds, 12 TD rushing
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Blanket: #38 in 1A D2
Gustine: #58 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Blanket: #42 in 1A D2
Gustine: #56 in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Blanket by 18
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Blanket by 45
The Pick: Blanket
Sidney (5-2, 1-0) is off
Photo: Brownwoodnews.com
BROOKESMITH (3-3, 0-0) AT LOHN (0-7, 0-1)
SERIES HISTORY: Brookesmith leads 19-18
The Mustangs look to put a two-game losing streak to a stop as they visit winless Lohn in their district opener.
Brookesmith fell to the Austin Royals JV last week and to Zephyr the week before to fall to 3-3 on the year.
The Eagles have had a much tougher time this year, losing all seven of their games by at least 30 points.
Brookesmith beat Lohn 46-0 last season to take a one-game lead in the all-time series between the two programs.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Brookesmith: #56 in 1A D2
Lohn: #67 in 1A D2
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Brookesmith: #54 in 1A D2
Lohn: # in 1A D2
DCTF Spread: Brookesmith by 19
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Brookesmith
The Pick: Brookesmith
Other district game:
#10 Rochelle (6-0, 1-0) at #4 Richland Springs (7-0, 1-0)
Cherokee (5-1, 0-1) is off
BLUFF DALE (3-3) AT RANGER (4-3)
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting
Ranger looks to snap a two-game skid as they host Bluff Dale in a battle of 3-3 squads this week.
The Bulldogs have back-to-back losses to Baird and Strawn after winning their previous four outings.
Bluff Dale beat Three Way 58-12 last week after losing three straight to powerful Sidney, Cherokee and Rising Star.
DCTF Computer Rankings:
Bluff Dale: #28 in 1A D2
Ranger: #92 in Private Schools - 6-Man
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
Bluff Dale: #27 in 1A D2
Ranger: #5 in 6-Man Independent
DCTF Spread: Bluff Dale by 18
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Bluff Dale by 45
The Pick: Bluff Dale
Photo: Stephen Corbett/Abilene Christian School
IRVING THE HIGHLANDS (2-4, 0-2) AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN (6-1, 3-0)
SERIES HISTORY: Abilene Christian leads
The Panthers continue district play this week with their homecoming game against Irving The Highlands.
ACS has won four in a row by mercy rule after falling to top-ranked Benjamin in week three, and they hope to make it five in a row before their showdown at Fort Worth Covenant Classical next week.
The Panthers beat the Blazers 54-8 last season in the first matchup between the two teams on the football field.
STAT LEADERS
Brooks Armstrong: 953 yds, 19 TD rushing; 9 rec, 105 yds, 2 TD; 6-9, 83 yds, 2 TD passing; 26 tkl, 4 int
Carson Schwiethale: 32-56, 532 yds, 9 TD, 1 int; 6 tkl
Davis Patteson: 270 yds, 5 TD rushing; 2 rec, 27 yds; 23 tkl, 1 int, 2 sack
Bryce McGlothlin: 1 rec, 17 yds; 28 tkl, 6 sacks, 2 fr
Isaac Presley: 32 tkl, 3 sacks, 1 int; 7 rec, 71 yds, 3 TD
Nate Garza: 13 rec, 325 yds, 5 TD; 13 tkl, 4 sacks, 1 int, 4 fr
Pierson Walters: 270 yds, 5 TD rushing; 7 rec, 68 yds, 1 TD; 14 tkl, 1 int
DCTF Computer Rankings:
The Highlands: #119 in 6-Man Private Schools
Abilene Christian: #4 in 6-Man Private Schools
Sixmanfootball.com Rankings:
The Highlands: #22 in TAPPS D2
Abilene Christian: #3 in TAPPS D2
DCTF Spread: Abilene Christian by 45
Sixmanfootball.com Spread: Abilene Christian by 45
The Pick: Abilene Christian
NORTH ALABAMA (2-4, 0-2) AT ACU (2-3, 0-1) - SATURDAY, 3 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: North Alabama leads 1-0
The Wildcats have lost three in a row after a 2-0 start and look to turn things around as they host North Alabama in a United Athletic Conference game Saturday afternoon.
ACU was last at home on September 16 when they came up a touchdown shy of upsetting then ninth-ranked Incarnate Word.
This will be just the second conference game for the Wildcats, whose next five contests will be in UAC play.
North Alabama is coming off conference losses to Tarleton State and Eastern Kentucky.
The Lions won the only other meeting between the two 23-17 in Arlington in 2011.
STAT LEADERS
Noah Walters: 120-206, 1368 yds, 9 TD, 6 int; 146 yds, 1 TD rushing
Demarcus Lacey: 418 yds, 2 TD rushing
Takairee Kenebrew: 23 rec, 413 yds, 5 TD
Edwin White Schultz: 61 tkl, 2.5 tfl
Maverick McIvor: 74-132, 1064 yds, 9 TD, 2 int
Jermiah Dobbs: 299 yds, 2 TD rushing
Blayne Taylor: 13 rec, 296 yds, 4 TD
Darius Moore: 37 tkl, 3 tfl
Patrick Jolly: 25 tkl, 1.5 tfl, 2 int, 2 pbu
The Pick: ACU
TEXAS LUTHERAN (1-4, 0-1) AT #20 HARDIN-SIMMONS (4-1, 2-0) - SATURDAY, 1 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: HSU leads 22-3
The Cowboys escaped an upset bid by rival McMurry last week and now return home to face Texas Lutheran for homecoming Saturday.
HSU and Mary Hardin-Baylor are the only two unbeaten teams left in the American Southwest Conference, and the Cowboys will host a Texas Lutheran squad that is just 1-4 on the year and coming off a 55-21 loss to the Crusaders.
Hardin-Simmons took down TLU 45-16 last season and has won three straight in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Seth Cosme: 70-114, 783 yds, 2 TD, 5 int
Jacob Forton: 320 yds, 6 TD rushing
Jacob Wallace: 21 rec, 294 yds, 2 TD
Tristan Smith: 26 tkl, 1.5 tfl
Gaylon Glynn: 42-59, 582 yds, 4 TD, 2 int; 82 yds rushing
A.J. Hawkins: 49-75, 437 yds, 3 TD, 2 int; 162 yds, 1 TD rushing
Colton Marshall: 346 yds, 7 TD rushing
Noah Garcia: 394 yds, 5 TD rushing
Tailon Garrett: 30 rec, 335 yds, 1 TD
Cade Michna: 31 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 sack, 1 int, 1 pbu
Cason Hanna: 21 tkl, 1 tfl
The Pick: Hardin-Simmons
Photo: HPU Sports Information
AUSTIN COLLEGE (1-4, 0-1) AT HOWARD PAYNE (4-1, 1-1) - SATURDAY 2 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: Howard Payne leads 42-12-3
Howard Payne can extend its winning streak to two with a win over Austin College this week.
The Kangaroos have not been competitive in ASC play so far this season, falling 35-7 to East Texas Baptist and 49-7 to Sul Ross.
HPU is coming off a 28-14 victory over ETBU, bouncing back nicely from its first loss of the season the previous week at Hardin-Simmons.
The Yellow Jackets have won three in a row in the series.
STAT LEADERS
Peyton Keily: 33-69, 535 yds, 2 TD, 2 int; 92 yds, 1 TD rushing
Christian Johnson: 170 yds, 1 TD rushing
Colin Mushinski: 15 rec, 191 yds
Colton Gerken: 48 tkl, 4.5 tfl, 2 int
Landon McKinney: 88-153, 1249 yds, 10 TD, 3 int
Javian Myles: 317 yds, 4 TD rushing
Gus Charles: 29 rec, 544 yds, 6 TD
Jordan Carroll: 23 rec, 357 yds, 5 TD
KJ Kelley: 43 tkl, 5 int, 1 ff
Jessie Paris: 33 tkl, 4.5 tfl
The Pick: Howard Payne
MCMURRY (2-3, 0-2) AT EAST TEXAS BAPTIST (2-3, 1-1) - SATURDAY, 1 P.M.
SERIES HISTORY: ETBU leads 8-3
The War Hawks came oh-so-close to taking down Hardin-Simmons last week and will now head east to battle East Texas Baptist.
ETBU fell to Howard Payne last week but they do have one ASC win, a 35-7 decision at Austin College.
McMurry has lost six straight in the series, including a 28-7 home loss to the Tigers 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
Jess Hoel: 103-152, 1139 yds, 7 TD, 7 int
Phazzon Washington: 84 yds, 2 TD rushing
Drew Hagler: 103 yds, 3 TD rushing
Kristopher Martin: 25 rec, 513 yds, 5 TD
Timothy Leatherman: 24 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 int, 4 pbu
Markeis Williams: 20 tkl, 3.5 tfl
The Pick: McMurry
Photo: Cisco Wrangler Express
CISCO (3-2, 2-2) AT #14 NMMI (4-2, 3-1) - SATURDAY, 4 P.M.
The Wranglers evened their conference mark at 2-2 with a 7-3 win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M last week, now they travel to Roswell, New Mexico to take on 14th-ranked NMMI.
NMMI got past Tyler 31-17 last week, and their only SWJCFC loss was 48-23 at home to Kilgore three weeks ago.
Cisco has been very competitive in year one under new head coach Stephen Lee, and they’ll need to play one of their best games of the season to take down a team in a three-way tie for the conference lead on the road this weekend.
STAT LEADERS
Christian Kaopua: 68-139, 962 yds, 8 TD, 6 int; 51 yds rushing
Jadarrius Thomas: 179 yds, 2 TD rushing
Raylan Hubbard: 22 rec, 279 yds
Jasen Stephens: 29 tkl, 1 tfl
Delmontre Pryor: 28 tkl, 1 pbu
Koby Muasau: 111-176, 1469 yds, 16 TD, 6 int; 57 yds, 2 TD rushing
Joel Jones: 336 yds, 4 TD rushing
Andre Hall: 31 rec, 390 yds, 1 TD
Treyvion Beamon: 21 rec, 363 yds, 10 TD
Churchill Williams: 45 tkl, 1.5 tfl, 3 ff, 3 int
The Pick: NMMI
