We always say this and it’s always hard to believe, but another season is flying by. Week 8? Are you kidding me?

There are plenty of great district races heating up and we still have plenty to look forward to over the final month of the regular season.

The picks were above 80% for a third straight week, and I’m rolling the dice and calling some road upsets this week. So let’s get rolling with what will hopefully be a great Week 8 of football across the Big Country.

Season: 202-257, 78.6%
Week 1: 31-41, 75.6%
Week 2: 29-41, 70.7%
Week 3: 30-37, 81.1%
Week 4: 31-41, 75.6%
Week 5: 33-38, 86.8%
Week 6: 23-28, 82.1%
Week 7: 25-31, 80.7%

Abilene High (3-3, 1-1) at Frenship (3-4, 0-3)

The Warbirds are back off their bye week and headed to Frenship for a key game in the District 6-2A race. Frenship had to forfeit their district win over San Angelo Central due to playing an ineligible player who was ejected the week before.

Frenship ISD provided the following statement to @lubbockonline. pic.twitter.com/exggW3stqu
— Stephen Garcia (@byStephenGarcia) October 13, 2021

That means the Tigers will have their backs against the wall against the Eagles Friday and will need to make a big run over the final months if they wan to make the playoffs. The Tigers “won” big at San Angelo Central to get district play started but lost to Permian 17-14 and Legacy 68-28 over the past two weeks. The Eagles won at Permian 42-21 and lost a close one to Legacy their last time out 42-33. Road games are always tough, but if the Eagles can play like they have the past two weeks they should have a great shot at picking up a win at Frenship.

THE SPREAD: ABILENE HIGH BY 5
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH

Cooper (4-2, 2-1) at Brewer (5-1, 3-0)

The Cougars took care of a not-so-good Arlington Heights team last week and now look forward to a road trip to face District 3-5A Division II co-leader Fort Worth Brewer. The Bears are 3-0 in district action, but the three wins are over Granbury, Crowley and Saginaw squads that are a combined 1-8 in district play. This will be Brewer’s first test against a team in the playoff mix as they host the battle tested Cougars. Cooper dropped their district opener at 3-0 Justin Northwest but has bounced back against two of the weaker district teams themselves. The Coogs defense was dominant against Arlington Heights and will need to continue to play well to help Cooper pick up a big road win.

THE SPREAD: BREWER BY 9
THE PICK: COOPER

Wylie (2-4, 0-1) at Wichita Falls (1-5, 0-1)

The Bulldogs battled into the fourth quarter of a 34-19 loss to #8 Wichita Falls Rider and now head north to take on “Old High.” The Coyotes fell to Canyon Randall 31-14 in their district opener and their only win this season is a 34-14 decision over Class 4A Burkburnett. Wylie got a good effort from quarterback Aiden Kincaid last week, but they are best when they are moving the ball well on the ground. They did not do that against Rider, netting only 89 yards on 26 attempts, and should be able to do better against a Coyote defense that gave up 326 yards on the ground to Randall.

THE SPREAD: WYLIE BY 15
THE PICK: WYLIE

Waco La Vega (3-3, 0-1) at Brownwood (2-4, 0-1)

The Lions host yet another perennial state title contender as they welcome Waco La Vega to Gordon Wood Stadium this week. The Pirates were ranked last week before their 35-7 loss to #2 Stephenville. Brownwood is coming off a home loss of their own as they dropped a 43-25 decision to #7 Midlothian Heritage. The Lions have made some strides this season, but they’ll have to be much better against the run to have a shot at upsetting the Pirates.

THE SPREAD: LA VEGA BY 24
THE PICK: LA VEGA

Monahans (6-0, 0-0) at Snyder (5-2, 0-1)

The Tigers came up short in their rivalry game against Sweetwater and now get ready for another big-time test as they welcome unbeaten Monahans to town. The Loboes did not play last week and Snyder will be the first of four straight district games for them to wrap up the regular season. Monahans has wins in all six of their games this season, including handing 4A Division I El Paso Riverside and Fort Stockton their only losses of the year so far. Snyder has proven they can hang with good teams (dropping two to Jim Ned and Sweetwater by a combined 12 points), now they need to beat one.

THE SPREAD: MONAHANS BY 10
THE PICK: MONAHANS

Sweetwater (4-3, 1-0) at Midland Greenwood (3-3, 1-0)

Photo: Kevin Wright Photography and Design

The Mustangs are picking up steam, having won three straight and four of their last five after an 0-2 start to the season. Those two losses aren’t looking so bad in hindsight to Stephenville, who checks in at #2 in the state in 4A Division I, and top-ranked Jim Ned. Sweetwater got past Snyder last week and now must face a Greenwood team that is nearly always in contention for the district title. The Mustangs beat them in overtime a year ago and now try to make it back-to-back wins as they play this one on the road. Greenwood won its district opener over Pecos 42-17 to snap a two-game losing streak.

THE SPREAD: GREENWOOD BY 3
THE PICK: SWEETWATER

Breckenridge (2-4, 1-0) at Early (5-1, 0-1)

Breckenridge got a big win over Clyde to kickoff district play and now heads south to face an Early Longhorn squad looking to bounce back from a 48-7 loss to Jim Ned. A key factor in this game will be Early quarterback Jaxyn Price, who had to leave the game last week with a neck injury in the second quarter. If he is good to go the Longhorns will be the favorites to beat the Bucks. Breckenridge hopes its brutal non-district schedule has it ready to face a big challenge at Early.

THE SPREAD: EARLY BY 18
THE PICK: EARLY

Clyde (0-6, 0-1) at TLCA San Angelo (0-6, 0-1)

The Bulldogs have what looks like a great shot at their first victory for head coach Danny Dudgeon as they visit winless TLCA San Angelo this week. Clyde battled back to make it a game with Breckenridge last week before falling 44-29, while the Eagles were blown out by Wall 64-13. Look for the Bulldogs to stay in the playoff chase with a big win Friday night.

THE SPREAD: CLYDE BY 24
THE PICK: CLYDE

#1 Jim Ned (6-0, 1-0) at Wall (3-2, 1-0)

The Indians got over the hump against the Hawks last year at home 28-8 and now need to repeat the feat on the road to keep the inside track on winning District 3-3A Division I again. Both teams are coming off big wins to open district play. Like Jim Ned, Wall played a tough non-district schedule, and their only losses are to current 2A Division I #5 Cisco 27-21 in overtime and 42-14 to 2A Division I #2 Shiner 42-14. The Indians, with big targets on their backs as defending state champs, have beaten all-comers this season. Behind Xavier Wishert, who is averaging 192 yards per game and 10.2 yards per carry this season, and a very talented defense, look for the Indians to keep rolling and knock off the Hawks for a second straight season.

THE SPREAD: JIM NED BY 22
THE PICK: JIM NED

Ballinger (3-2, 0-1) at Grape Creek (2-4, 1-0)

Ballinger is coming off an “upset” loss to Brady in week one of district play and looking to get into the 2-3A Division II win column with a trip to San Angelo this week. The Bearcats gave up 54 points to Brady and will be more than ready to fix things as they visit a Grape Creek squad that snuck past Bangs last week 17-14.

THE SPREAD: BALLINGER BY 20
THE PICK: BALLINGER

Bangs (0-5, 0-1) at Ingram Moore (2-4, 0-1)

The winner of this one stays in the playoff chase while the loser is likely, barring a big turnaround, to be on the outside looking in when all is said and done. The Dragons are coming off their closest game of the season in a three-point loss to Grape Creek, while Ingram Moore fell 36-12 at Sonora.

THE SPREAD: INGRAM MOORE BY 4
THE PICK: INGRAM MOORE

Comanche (0-6, 0-1) at Eastland (2-4, 1-0)

The Mavericks are heavy favorites to win a second straight game to start the District 5-3A Division II schedule as they host winless Comanche. Eastland has picked up the pace offensively over the past two weeks, averaging 51 points per game after averaging 15.2 per contest over the first five weeks of the season. Comanche lost all five non-district games by double-figures, but only fell to Dublin 26-21 in the district opener last week.

THE SPREAD: EASTLAND BY 20
THE PICK: EASTLAND

Merkel (3-3, 0-1) at Millsap (2-4, 0-1)

The Badgers were just shy of taking down Jacksboro in their district opener and get set for another road game at Millsap. The Bulldogs have lost their last three games, 31-12 to Paradise, 36-33 to Santo and 48-27 to Eastland last week. Merkel has lost three of four. The winner of this one will greatly improve its playoff chances over the final month of the regular season.

THE SPREAD: MILLSAP BY 8
THE PICK: MERKEL

#10 Forsan (6-0, 1-0) at Anson (3-3, 1-0)

Anson gets another big test as they welcome #10 Forsan to Jones County this week. The Tigers beat the Buffaloes 27-23 last season and beating them again this year would go a long way towards proving they are a true contender in the district race. Anson shut out Stamford in the second half last week to turn a 26-21 halftime deficit into a 42-26 win. Forsan was tied 7-7 at Colorado City before scoring the only points of the second half in a 27-7 win. Forsan’s only win this season over a team with a winning record came against 2A-Division II McCamey, who is 4-1.

THE SPREAD: FORSAN BY 17
THE PICK: ANSON

Colorado City (0-5, 0-1) at Haskell (2-4, 0-1)

We have another “stay in the playoff” race game as Colorado City visits Haskell. The Wolves had a good showing in a 20-point loss to #10 Forsan last week, while the Indians got shut out at Hawley 43-0. Colorado City may have its best chance to snap a 25-game losing streak this week, but Haskell will do everything they can to make sure they are not the team to lose to the Wolves.

THE SPREAD: HASKELL BY 6
THE PICK: COLORADO CITY

#6 Hawley (6-0, 1-0) at Stamford (2-4, 0-1)

The Bearcats bring their well-oiled machine to Stamford to battle a Bulldogs squad hungry for an upset. Stamford had their chances to take down Anson a week ago but could not get the job done. They will have to play their best game of the season to beat Hawley, who has three straight shut out wins and has not allowed a point since Sept. 10 at Merkel. The Bearcats have scored the third-most points (283) this season among all 2A Division I teams and have given up the second fewest (21).

THE SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 35
THE PICK: HAWLEY

De Leon (0-6, 0-1) at #5 Cisco (5-1, 1-0)

Cisco cruised to 54-6 win over Winters in their district opener and likely won’t have much of a problem against winless De Leon this week either. The Bearcats were shut out by Coleman 47-0 a week ago and have lost by an average of 34.3 points per game.

THE SPREAD: CISCO BY 63
THE PICK: CISCO

Coleman (5-0, 1-0) at Goldthwaite (3-3, 1-0)

The Bluecats seem poised to break into the state rankings, but they will not have an easy task ahead of them at Goldthwaite. Coleman has shut outs in three of five wins this season and the 19 points they’ve allowed is still the best mark in 2A football and now the second best in the state. Goldthwaite has shown much improvement this season and knocked off rival San Saba last week 28-26.

THE SPREAD: COLEMAN BY 15
THE PICK: COLEMAN

Winters (1-4, 0-1) at San Saba (0-6, 0-1)

The Blizzards had a rough go of it in week one of district play against Cisco and now look forward to playing at winless San Saba. The Armadillos have lost all six games this season but have battled hard in close losses to #8 Mason 35-28, Dublin 38-24 and Goldthwaite 28-26. Winters last two losses have come to state ranked teams (Hawley and Cisco), so they are certainly battle tested as well heading into a game that may end up going a long way in deciding the fourth playoff team out of District 4-2A Division I.

THE SPREAD: SAN SABA BY 13
THE PICK: SAN SABA

Hamlin (0-7, 0-1) at Crosbyton (3-4, 0-1)

The district opener was no less painful than the non-district slate for the injury-plagued Pied Pipers, who fell to Ralls 68-0. Now they head to Crosbyton for what may be their best shot a picking up a district win and extending their playoff streak to 13 seasons. The Chiefs lost to Lockney 40-7 last week. Their three wins have come over teams (Munday, Tahoka and Sudan) who are a combined 0-19 on the season.

THE SPREAD: CROSBYTON BY 5
THE PICK: HAMLIN

Roscoe (5-1, 0-0) at Ralls (5-2, 1-0)

This one may go a long way toward deciding the District 5-2A Division II title. While the Jackrabbits were taking care of Hamlin last week the Plowboys (side note: what a great mascot matchup this is) were enjoying their off week getting ready for this one. Roscoe has been getting better as the season has gone on, and they are the only team to score double-digits against Hawley this season. Ralls also enters on a five-game winning streak with victories over Seagraves 14-13, Quanah 48-8, Plains 55-0, New Home 46-6 and Hamlin 68-0.

THE SPREAD: RALLS BY 10
THE PICK: ROSCOE

Hico (4-3, 1-0) at #4 Albany (6-0, 1-0)

After covering a 70 point spread last week the Lions are “only” 48 point favorites to beat Hico this week. Albany won 84-7 at Meridian and gets set to face a Hico squad that upset Cross Plains a week ago 14-6 to put themselves in the playoff race. The Tigers are certainly better than years past this season, but should not be a match for the Lions in Albany this week.

THE SPREAD: ALBANY BY 48
THE PICK: ALBANY

Cross Plains (4-2, 0-1) at Santo (6-0, 0-0)

The Buffaloes hope to bounce back from one of their worst offensive performances of the season as they visit unbeaten Santo Friday night. Cross Plains only put six points on the board in a loss to Hico to open district play. Santo had the week off and has been impressive in their six games, wins over Rio Vista 14-12, Valley Mills 35-6, Itasca 46-6, Era 41-0, Millsap 36-33 and Bovina 43-6. However, none of their opponents have winning records this season.

THE SPREAD: SANTO BY 27
THE PICK: SANTO

Roby (3-3, 0-1) at #10 Hermleigh (7-0, 1-0)

The Lions soared into the state rankings courtesy of three straight wins to start the season, but now have dropped their last three and have a huge challenge ahead of them Friday night. Hermleigh has not been tested all season, picking up seven wins by mercy-rule and shutting out four opponents to reach the top ten this week for the first time.

THE SPREAD DCTF: HERMLEIGH BY 19
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: HERMLEIGH BY 40
THE PICK: HERMLEIGH

Rotan (5-1, 0-0) at #9 Ira (5-1, 1-0)

The Yellowhammers have been building their program in the six-man ranks and this will be a huge opportunity for them to make a statement as they visit Ira. The Bulldogs have been where Rotan wants to be, in the playoffs and in the state rankings. Ira is the district favorite and coming off a 54-8 win over Roby to get things going. The Yellowhammers were off last week and coming off their first loss of the season, 48-44 to Lometa on Oct. 1.

THE SPREAD DCTF: IRA BY 33
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: IRA BY 45
THE PICK: IRA

#2 Sterling City (6-1, 1-0) at Highland (3-4, 0-1)

The Hornets brutal schedule continues as they host #2 Sterling City in game that is a must-win if they want to return to the postseason. Highland fell to Westbrook 54-0 a week ago and lost to state ranked Water Valley and Ira the two previous weeks. Sterling City eased past Bronte 50-0 last week and the defending state champs only loss this season was a 104-80 shootout to current #1 May.

THE SPREAD DCTF: STERLING CITY BY 42
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: STERLING CITY BY 45
THE PICK: STERLING CITY

Baird (5-0, 1-0) at Fort Worth Covenant Classical (4-2)

The Bears go outside district play for a road test at Fort Worth Covenant Classical. Baird took down Santa Anna last week in a key game for playoff positioning and now face a team that has been in the headlines this season for their great offense (and poor defense.) The Cavaliers beat Azle Christian last week 54-8, but lost games the previous two weeks in shootouts that would make ABA basketball fans get excited. Richland Springs beat them 119-112 on Sept. 24 and Strawn got the best of them 114-97 on Oct. 1. Baird has been very good defensively so far this season and will need to bring their “A-game” to pick up a road win this week. The Bears dropped a 68-65 decision to the Cavaliers in 2020.

THE SPREAD DCTF: COVENANT CLASSICAL BY 2
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BAIRD BY 17
THE PICK: BAIRD

#1 May (7-0, 1-0) at Santa Anna (6-1, 0-1)

The Tigers take their impressive show on the road to Santa Anna this week as they look to move to 8-0. Gorman proved to be no match for May in week one of district action, now they face a Mountaineer team coming off their first loss of the season 72-24 to Baird. Santa Anna has to win to stay in the playoff race, but the Tigers are huge favorites and playing as well as anyone in the state.

THE SPREAD DCTF: MAY BY 50
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: MAY BY 45
THE PICK: MAY

Zephyr (0-7, 0-0) at Lometa (5-1, 0-0)

The Bulldogs begin district play still looking for their first victory of the season. Zephyr went the distance last week in a 52-16 loss to Ranger and now gets ready for a Lometa squad that lost for the first time in 2021, 58-12 to #4 Abbott.

THE SPREAD DCTF: LOMETA BY 68
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: LOMETA BY 45
THE PICK: LOMETA

TLCA Abilene (1-5, 0-0) at Blackwell (2-5, 1-0)

The Eagles earned the first victory in program history their last time out and now set their sights on contending for a playoff spot. Blackwell stands in the way this week. The Hornets got a forfeit win against Olfen last week and have played well against tough competition despite what their record says.

THE SPREAD DCTF: BLACKWELL BY 52
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BLACKWELL BY 45
THE PICK: BLACKWELL

Olfen (0-5, 0-1) at Trent (2-5, 0-1)

The Gorillas opened district play with a 62-0 setback against Loraine and now hope to turn things around at home against winless Olfen. The Mustangs have been 45’d in the four games they’ve actually played this season. Trent should still be in the playoff chase after their matchup Friday night.

THE SPREAD DCTF: TRENT BY 26
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: TRENT BY 45
THE PICK: TRENT

Moran (1-4, 1-0) at Woodson (2-3, 0-0)

The Bulldogs snapped a 14-game losing streak last week at Paint Creek and remain on the road this Friday night at Woodson. Moran put 70 points on the board against the Pirates after scoring just 12 the entire season leading up to the game. Can the new sense of confidence carry over? Woodson was off last week and has losses to Gold-Burg and Forestburg in their previous two games.

THE SPREAD DCTF: MORAN BY 9
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: WOODSON BY 22
THE PICK: WOODSON

Paint Creek (4-2, 0-1) at #8 Throckmorton (7-0, 1-0)

The Pirates have dropped two straight after starting the season 4-0 and now have their toughest test to date ahead of them at #8 Throckmorton. The Greyhounds kicked off district play with a 66-20 win over Lueders-Avoca and look to be well on their way to claiming another district title.

THE SPREAD DCTF: THROCKMORTON BY 82
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: THROCKMORTON BY 45
THE PICK: THROCKMORTON

Brookesmith (1-5, 0-0) at Panther Creek (2-4, 0-1)

Brookesmith rested last Friday night while the rest of District 15-1A Division I went head-to-head. The Mustangs have battled low numbers and injuries all season and hope to be rested up enough to make a run at defending the district title they won a year ago. Game one is Panther Creek, who fell to Sidney last week 52-6.

THE SPREAD DCTF: BROOKESMITH BY 13
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BROOKESMITH BY 44
THE PICK: BROOKESMITH

Sidney (2-4, 1-0) at Rising Star (3-3, 0-1)

The Wildcats host Sidney this week in a game that is key for their playoff hopes after dropping the district opener to Blanket 58-0 last week. Sidney beat Panther Creek to get off on the right foot and will bring confidence into the matchup.

THE SPREAD DCTF: SIDNEY BY 7
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: RISING STAR BY 4
THE PICK: RISING STAR

Bryson (2-4) at Ranger (2-4)

The Bulldogs try again for their first six-man home game as they welcome Bryson to town. The Cowboys enter off a bye week and will use Ranger as their final tune-up before beginning district play. Bryson has wins over Forestburg and the Jonesboro JV this season to go against losses to Blanket, Throckmorton, Strawn and Knox City. Ranger has a pair of road wins this season, including last week at Zephyr, but has lost all three home games to date.

THE SPREAD DCTF: BRYSON BY 5
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: BRYSON BY 31
THE PICK: BRYSON

Abilene Christian (2-3, 1-1) at Lubbock All Saints (3-3, 1-2)

The Panthers return to action off a bye week as they visit Lubbock All Saints. ACS lost their last outing to Lubbock Kingdom Prep, but gave the district favorites all they could handle in a 50-44 decision. All Saints fell to Lubbock Christ the King Friday 22-18 but beat Wichita Falls Wichita Christian 62-59 the week before that.

THE SPREAD DCTF: N/A
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL.COM: ABILENE CHRISTIAN BY 31
THE PICK: ABILENE CHRISTIAN

lamar (1-3, 0-1) at acu (3-3, 0-2) - saturday, 3 p.m.

The Wildcats hope to bust into the conference win column as they face Lamar for the second time in four weeks. The Wildcats blasted the Cardinals 56-0 in a non-conference game on their home field on Sept. 25 but have dropped games to Central Arkansas and Eastern Kentucky their last two times out.

THE PICK: ACU

#8 HARDIN-SIMMONS (4-1, 3-1) AT EAST TEXAS BAPTIST (3-2, 2-2) - SATURDAY 1 P.M.

The Cowboys are headed east as they continue their quest to make the D3 playoffs. ETBU won their last outing at Southwestern 27-17 and beat McMurry 24-15. Their conference losses are to unbeaten Howard Payne and Mary Hardin-Baylor, so they should be a good test for HSU Saturday afternoon.

THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS

HOWARD PAYNE (5-0, 4-0) AT SOUTHWESTERN (1-4, 1-3) - SATURDAY, 1 P.M.

The Howard Payne offense has been rolling all season, averaging 52.4 points per game, which is tied for the best in the ASC and fourth best in the nation with UMHB. The Yellow Jackets 613.8 yards per game is the most in Division III football, and they could have another field day against a Southwestern squad that is last in the ASC in points allowed per game (37.2) and eighth in yards allowed per game (432.6).

THE PICK: HOWARD PAYNE

AUSTIN COLLEGE (1-3, 1-3) AT MCMURRY (1-3, 1-3) - SATURDAY, 1 P.M.

McMurry gave Hardin-Simmons all they could handle their last time out and hope to get over the hump at home against Austin College. The Kangaroos are 1-3 in their return to the ASC with a win over Sul Ross State to go along with losses to Texas Lutheran, Belhaven and Mary Hardin-Baylor 56-0 in their last game.

THE PICK: MCMURRY

Northeastern oklahoma a&m (2-3, 1-2) at cisco (2-3, 1-2) - saturday, 1 p.m.

The Wranglers look to make it back-to-back wins and even their conference record at 2-2 as they host NEO this weekend. Cisco is coming off a big win over Kilgore, while the Norsemen dropped a 33-21 decision at Tyler.

THE PICK: CISCO

Blitz Picks - Week 8