How did the picks for Week 8 go, you ask?

I picked some road upsets that did not end up happening, but did correctly predict Colorado City ending their losing streak at Haskell, for what it’s worth. My worst performance of the season means the games are hard to choose, and that is a good thing! The more great games we have to watch and attend, the better.

Week 9 features plenty of games with playoff implications, and all area teams will finally be in district play.

Games of the week: Cisco at Coleman, Hermleigh at Rotan, Wall at Breckenridge, Westbrook at Sterling City, Baird at May

Season: 230-298, 77.2%
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%
Week 8: 28-41, 68.3%

Odessa (3-5, 1-3) at Abilene High (4-3, 2-1)

The Eagles are rolling and hoping to avoid a Homecoming hangover against an Odessa squad that enters on a two-game losing streak. Abilene High had its finest offensive performance of the season at Frenship last week, rolling up 548 yards and 48 points, and there is nothing that says they can’t do better Friday against an Broncho team that gave up 48 points to Permian and 65 to Legacy in their last two outings.

THE SPREAD: ABILENE HIGH BY 20
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH

Saginaw (1-6, 0-4) at Cooper (4-3, 2-2)

The Cougars have taken care of the bad teams on their district schedule and this one should be no different. Cooper needs to win to stay in the four-spot in the playoff race, and Saginaw enters with an 0-4 record in 3-5A Division I. The Rough Riders lost to Arlington Heights 54-17 last week, the same Arlington Heights squad that the Coogs shut down 43-0 two weeks ago.

THE SPREAD: COOPER BY 51
THE PICK: COOPER

Canyon Randall (5-2, 2-0) at Wylie (2-5, 0-2)

The Bulldogs have their backs against the wall as far as playoff hopes are concerned in a must-win this week at home against Randall. The Raiders have rolled past Wichita Falls 31-14 and Plainview 51-25 to jump out to a 2-0 start in district, while Wylie has dropped a pair of games to Wichita Falls and Rider. Until last week, the Bulldogs had been good in bounce-back games. They’ll need to play their best this week to stay in the playoff chase.

THE SPREAD: RANDALL BY 11
THE PICK: WYLIE

Brownwood (2-5, 0-2) at Alvarado (2-5, 1-1)

It is a must-win for the Lions this week as they visit Alvarado. Last season Brownwood struggled against the good teams in district but beat Alvarado and Waxahachie Life to reach the playoffs, a feat they’ll have to repeat to reach the postseason in 2021. The Lions have been very good offensively this season, but have struggled on defense. Alvarado looks similar, other than a 56-0 loss to #2 Stephenville last week, scoring at least 34 points in five of their seven games this season while allowing 56 or more three times. Look for another shootout with the Lions doing enough to snap a three-game losing streak.

THE SPREAD: BROWNWOOD BY 9
THE PICK: BROWNWOOD

Photo: Derrick Stuckley/Brownwoodnews.com

Pecos (4-3, 0-1) at Sweetwater (5-3, 2-0)

The Mustangs look to run their winning streak to five as they welcome Pecos to town. Sweetwater has won back-to-back close games over Snyder and Greenwood to jump to the top of the district standings. Pecos fell to Greenwood 42-17 in their only district game thus far, and have wins over Lake View, Kermit, Fabens and Clint Mountain View on their ledger. The Eagles got past Lake View 38-35, a team the Mustangs took care of 47-20.

THE SPREAD: SWEETWATER BY 21
THE PICK: SWEETWATER

Wall (3-3, 1-1) at Breckenridge (3-4, 2-0)

The Buckaroos face their biggest district challenge thus far as they host Wall Friday night. Breckenridge is tied with Jim Ned at 2-0 atop the district standings after impressive wins over Clyde and Early, while the Hawks blew out TLCA San Angelo 64-13 and lost to the Indians at home 37-20. The Bucks can stake their claim as the clear number two team in the district with a win, but the Hawks aren’t likely to let that spot go without a fight.

THE SPREAD: WALL BY 3
THE PICK: WALL

Early (5-2, 0-2) at Clyde (1-6, 1-1)

The Longhorns were amazing in non-district play but have dropped their first two district games to put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. This one Friday night lines up as a must-win for both teams in the race to the postseason. Clyde earned its first win of the season last week and hopes to keep the momentum going against an Early squad that has struggled without Jaxyn Price under center. Price obviously makes a huge difference in this one, and his availability will go a long way in determining the outcome.

THE SPREAD: EARLY BY 15
THE PICK: EARLY

TLCA San Angelo (0-7, 0-2) at #1 Jim Ned (7-0, 2-0)

This game is the latest entry in the “ridiculously huge spread” category as the top-ranked Indians are favored by 84 Friday night. Don’t expect Jim Ned to cover that, not that they couldn’t if they tried, but expect them to keep things rolling and let a lot of young players see the field against the winless Eagles this week.

THE SPREAD: JIM NED BY 84
THE PICK: JIM NED

Ingram Moore (2-5, 0-2) at Ballinger (3-3, 0-2)

The Bearcats also are in must-win mode as they welcome Ingram Moore to town this week. Ballinger, the preseason district favorite, has struggled with quarterback Carter Arrott out with injury, losing to Brady and Grape Creek in their first two outings. Ingram Moore lost to Bangs last week and Sonora the week before to find themselves in the same predicament. Look for the Bearcats to get back on track and keep their postseason hopes alive.

THE SPREAD: BALLINGER BY 29
THE PICK: BALLINGER

Sonora (4-3, 2-0) at Bangs (1-5, 1-1)

The Dragons entered the postseason mix and earned their first win of the season last week, now they get set to host district co-leading Sonora. Bangs got a huge game from Guy Powell to help them win 43-21 at Ingram Moore last week, and they may need more of the same against the Broncos.

THE SPREAD: SONORA BY 20
THE PICK: SONORA

Eastland (3-4, 2-0) at Jacksboro (3-3, 1-1)

The Mavericks stopped a two-point try late in the game to slip past winless Comanche last week and now get ready for what should be an even bigger challenge at Jacksboro. The Tigers are coming off a 21-20 loss at district co-leader Dublin and got past Merkel 20-14 in their first 5-3A Division I ballgame. Eastland has won three of four after an 0-3 start to the season, while the Tigers have been up and down with wins over Boyd, City View and Merkel to go along with losses to Breckenridge, Wellington and Dublin.

THE SPREAD: EASTLAND BY 6
THE PICK: EASTLAND

Dublin (6-1, 2-0) at Merkel (3-4, 0-2)

The Badgers find themselves at the bottom of the district standings, but are a play or two away from being at the top. Merkel has a 20-14 loss to Jacksboro and a 25-21 loss to Millsap, both on the road, on their ledger and now get set to host 2-0 Dublin. The Lions are coming off a narrow win over Jacksboro and their only loss this season was to powerful Albany. I’m going out on a limb with this one and calling for the upset that will keep the Badgers in the playoff race.

THE SPREAD: DUBLIN BY 7
THE PICK: MERKEL

Anson (3-4, 1-1) at #6 Hawley (7-0, 2-0)

The Tigers went toe-to-toe with #10 Forsan for a half last week and now get set for the short road trip south to take on #6 Hawley. The Bearcats blasted Stamford 42-0 last week to earn their fourth straight shutout and fifth shutout in seven games this season. They have only allowed 21 points this season, now the second best total in the state behind the eight given up through seven games by 7-0 Lubbock Roosevelt. Anson has a good offense that will be able to test the Bearcats, but probably not enough on defense to stop a Bearcat offense that has scored the third most points in the state in 2A Division I.

THE SPREAD: HAWLEY BY 34
THE PICK: HAWLEY

Stamford (2-5, 0-2) at Colorado City (1-5, 1-1)

A road loss in this one could be the end of the Bulldogs playoff hopes. The Wolves suddenly find themselves in position to make a trip to the postseason after winning at Haskell last week, and with their 26-game losing streak in the history books they aim for their first winning streak since 2018. The Bulldogs have the weapons to get the job done, but injuries have hindered their progress this season under first-year head coach Britt Hart.

THE SPREAD: PICK ‘EM
THE PICK: COLORADO CITY

Haskell (2-5, 0-2) at #10 Forsan (7-0, 2-0)

The Indians have to win to keep any hopes of the playoffs alive, but they will have to play their best game of the season by far to get the job done at tenth-ranked Forsan. The Buffaloes rallied past Anson last week and look to stay perfect to set up a district title clash against Hawley in the regular season finale.

THE SPREAD: FORSAN BY 38
THE PICK: FORSAN

#5 Cisco (6-1, 2-0) at Coleman (6-0, 2-0)

The game we’ve been waiting for in District 3-2A Division I is here as the Loboes visit Coleman. Cisco will put an amazing ten year district championship streak on the line against a Coleman team that has not been tested this season. Their closest game is a 24-0 win over Miles in week one that was called in the second quarter due to lightning. Cisco, on the other hand, has played and won overtime games against Breckenridge and Wall and joins Snyder as the only teams to stay within two touchdowns against Jim Ned this season.

THE SPREAD: CISCO BY 8
THE PICK: CISCO

Goldthwaite (3-4, 1-1) at Winters (1-5, 0-2)

The Blizzards need to win against a team ahead of them in the standings this week to stay in the playoff race. Winters lost on the road at San Saba, the first win of the year for the Armadillos, to put their playoff hopes in jeopardy, while Goldthwaite is coming off a 42-6 home loss to Coleman to drop to 1-1 in district play. Throw out a 48-7 win over 2A Division II Hico and the Blizzards are only averaging 7.4 points per game. They’ll need to get on track against the Eagles to have any shot making the playoffs for a fifth straight season.

THE SPREAD: GOLDTHWAITE BY 7
THE PICK: GOLDTHWAITE

Lockney (6-1, 1-0) at Hamlin (0-8, 0-2)

Hamlin would love to pick up win number one of the season and stay in the playoff race, but, first things first: score some points. The Pipers have been shut out in four straight and six of their eight games this season, and the 13 points they’ve put on the board are the second fewest in the state in 2A Division II (0-6 Benavides has scored six). Lockney enters the game tied with Roscoe atop the district standings. They have won six in a row over Floydada, Boys Ranch, Plains, Odessa Compass Academy, Memphis and Crosbyton after a season opening 31-7 loss to Ropes.

THE SPREAD: LOCKNEY BY 24
THE PICK: LOCKNEY

Crosbyton (4-4, 1-1) at Roscoe (6-1, 1-0)

The Plowboys renaissance season continues at home against Crosbyton. Roscoe fell to Hawley in week one but has reeled off six straight wins, including a 26-14 victory at Ralls last week, to put themselves in contention to win a district title for the first time since 2015. The Plowboys are heavy favorites to keep the streak rolling against a Crosbyton team that knocked off Hamlin last week to get to 1-1 in 5-2A Division II play.

THE SPREAD: ROSCOE BY 40
THE PICK: ROSCOE

Meridian (1-6, 0-1) at Cross Plains (4-3, 0-2)

Many years you only need one win to make the playoffs in a five team district, and this game is shaping up to be the battle for the number four seed out of 8-2A Division II. Cross Plains has opened district with losses to Hico and Santo and now gets to host a Meridian team that is coming off an 84-7 loss to Albany. The Yellowjackets have given up a lot of points this season, 320 — fifth most in 2A D1 — which should be music to the ears of a Cross Plains squad that only scored six against Hico and seven against Santo.

THE SPREAD: CROSS PLAINS BY 27
THE PICK: CROSS PLAINS

Aspermont (2-5, 0-1) at Roby (3-4, 0-2)

The Hornets come off the bye week with the playoffs still on their radar, but they’ll have to win at Roby to do it. The Lions have lost four in a row, including a 54-8 decision to Ira and a 47-0 loss to Hermleigh to kick off district play. Aspermont fell to Hermleigh 53-6 in their lone District 7-1A Division I contest.

THE SPREAD DCTF: ROBY BY 24
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: ROBY BY 40
THE PICK: ROBY

#10 Hermleigh (8-0, 2-0) at Rotan (5-2, 0-1)

The Cardinals and Yellowhammers meet in a crucial game for both team’s playoff aspirations. Hermleigh has been rolling folks this season, picking up eight 45’s on their way to an 8-0 record and a spot in the state rankings. Rotan has lost two in a row after starting the year 5-0, but went the distance last week in a 52-38 loss at #9 Ira. Call me crazy, but don’t be surprised if the Yellowhammers get a breakthrough victory under Dale Means and put themselves in position to make the playoffs for the first time as a six-man program.

THE SPREAD DCTF: HERMLEIGH BY 16
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: HERMLEIGH BY 45
THE PICK: ROTAN

Highland (3-5, 0-2) at Robert Lee (2-5, 0-1)

The Hornets finally get a bit of a break in their gauntlet of a schedule as they visit Robert Lee. The Steers are still in the mix for the playoffs, but will have to pull off some upsets, including in this game, to make that dream a reality.

THE SPREAD DCTF: HIGHLAND BY 26
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: HIGHLAND BY 45
THE PICK: HIGHLAND

Westbrook (3-4, 1-0) at Sterling City (7-1, 2-0)

The Wildcats face another huge test on their 2021 schedule as they visit defending state champion Sterling City. The Eagles handed Westbrook its only two losses of the season a year ago, so revenge has to be on the Wildcats minds as they hit the road for this contest. Westbrook is no stranger to tough competition this season — their four losses are all to ranked teams — but they haven’t been able to get over the hump quite yet.

THE SPREAD DCTF: STERLING CITY BY 12
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: STERLING CITY BY 45
THE PICK: STERLING CITY

Baird (5-1, 1-0) at #1 May (8-0, 2-0)

The Bears had hoped to make this a battle of unbeatens with the outright district lead on the line, but, after a loss to Fort Worth Covenant Classical last week, will just have to settle for this one being for the district lead. May has been dominant this season and will the biggest challenge the Bears have faced so far. The Tigers have only gone the distance in one game this season, 104-80 over #2 Sterling City, while Baird has been very good with three mercy rule wins over the past four weeks.

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

Santa Anna (6-2, 0-2) at Lingleville (5-1, 1-0)

The Mountaineers hope to snap a two-game skid as they visit surprising Lingleville this week. The Cardinals have won five of six after a 1-9 2020, including a 60-58 win over Gorman in their district opener last week. Santa Anna needs to win to have any chance of making the playoffs.

THE SPREAD DCTF: LINGLEVILLE BY 11
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: SANTA ANNA BY 1
THE PICK: LINGLEVILLE

Zephyr (0-8, 0-1) at #3 Jonesboro (8-0, 1-0)

The Bulldogs get set for their biggest test of the season as they visit #3 Jonesboro Friday night. Zephyr dropped a 60-15 decision to Lometa in the district opener last week, while the Eagles took care of Evant 70-8.

THE SPREAD DCTF: JONESBORO BY 91
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: JONESBORO BY 45
THE PICK: JONESBORO

Loraine (4-3, 1-0) at Olfen (0-6, 0-2)

The Bulldogs head to Olfen hoping to keep their district championship hopes alive. Loraine beat Trent 62-0 two weeks ago and were on a bye last week, while the Mustangs are coming off a 52-7 loss to the Gorillas their last time out.

THE SPREAD DCTF: LORAINE BY 61
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: LORAINE BY 45
THE PICK: LORAINE

Trent (3-5, 1-1) at TLCA Abilene (1-6, 0-1)

Both teams still have postseason dreams as they enter this District 6-1A Division I matchup. The Gorillas blasted Olfen last week to even their district record, while the Eagles dropped a 60-7 decision against Blackwell.

THE SPREAD DCTF: TRENT BY 22
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: TRENT BY 38
THE PICK: TRENT

Rule (3-2, 0-0) at Harrold (0-3, 0-0)

The Bobcats finally begin district play as they visit a Harrold squad that has only been able to play three games this season. Rule has lost two straight to Throckmorton and Loop, who are a combined 15-0 so far this season.

THE SPREAD DCTF: RULE BY 48
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: RULE BY 45
THE PICK: RULE

Lueders-Avoca (0-5, 0-1) at Moran (1-5, 1-1)

This game is another big one for both teams as far as the playoffs are concerned. The Raiders have yet to win this season, but can still reach the playoffs if they win out. Moran is in the same boat, but still must face unbeaten Throckmorton next week.

THE SPREAD DCTF: LUEDERS-AVOCA BY 4
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: LUEDERS-AVOCA BY 45
THE PICK: LUEDERS-AVOCA

Woodson (3-3, 1-0) at Paint Creek (4-3, 0-2)

The Pirates have had a rough past three weeks after a great start to the season, but have a shot to get back on track this week against Woodson. The Cowboys find themselves currently in the district title race a half-game back of Throckmorton, while Paint Creek needs an upset win and some help to make the playoffs.

THE SPREAD DCTF: WOODSON BY 32
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: WOODSON BY 45
THE PICK: WOODSON

Blanket (6-1, 1-0) at Sidney (3-4, 2-0)

A district title is more than likely on the line in this one as the Tigers head to Sidney. Blanket shut out Rising Star for a win in their only district game so far, while Sidney has wins over Panther Creek and Rising Star to get to 2-0 in district after a 1-4 start to the season.

THE SPREAD DCTF: BLANKET BY 15
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: BLANKET BY 36
THE PICK: BLANKET

Rising Star (3-4, 0-2) at Brookesmith (1-6, 0-1)

The Wildcats look to snap a two-game losing streak as they visit a Mustang squad that has lost five in a row. Brookesmith faltered late and dropped its district opener to Panther Creek last week 44-39, now the Mustangs likely need to win out to make the playoffs.

THE SPREAD DCTF: BROOKESMITH BY 2
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: RISING STAR BY 45
THE PICK: RISING STAR

newman international mansfield (0-5) at ranger (3-4)

The Bulldogs play their final scheduled game this week as they look to wrap up their first season of six-man football with a win to get to .500, which would be a good feat for their maiden voyage in the classification. Ranger has back-to-back wins over Zephyr and Bryson the last two weeks.

THE SPREAD DCTF: N/A
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: RANGER BY 45
THE PICK: RANGER

Lubbock Christ the King (4-3, 2-1) at Abilene Christian (3-3, 2-1)

The Panthers host Christ the King Saturday in a big game for playoff positioning. Both enter 2-1 in district play. ACS has won three of four with the lone loss coming to Kingdom Prep 50-44. Christ the King has beaten All Saints and Amarillo San Jacinto the past two weeks, and their district loss was also to Kingdom Prep, but by a 47-0 margin.

THE SPREAD DCTF: N/A
THE SPREAD SIXMANFOOTBALL: ABILENE CHRISTIAN BY 24
THE PICK: ABILENE CHRISTIAN

SOUTHWESTERN (1-5, 1-4) at #8 Hardin-Simmons (5-1, 4-1)

The Cowboys took down East Texas Baptist 34-0 last week and now get set to face a Southwestern team that gave unbeaten Howard Payne its best game of the season. The Pirates held the Yellow Jackets to over 300 yards under their season average on offense, but gave up a late touchdown to lose 21-17. Hardin-Simmons heads to Howard Payne next week and will have to try to avoid a letdown in what lines up as a trap game against Southwestern.

THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS

BELHAVEN (4-2, 3-2) at HOWARD Payne (6-0, 5-0)

After a scare last week the Yellow Jackets put their perfect record on the line against a Belhaven team that is alone in fourth place in the ASC standings. Belhaven battled hard in a loss to Hardin-Simmons this season, and their clock-chewing running attack is the exact opposite of the high-powered Howard Payne attack. HPU still leads the conference in yards per game at 557 per game, but no longer leads the nation (they’re fourth) after a ‘not quite up to par’ effort in the win at Southwestern last week. They need to win this one to set up a showdown with rival Hardin-Simmons next week.

THE PICK: HOWARD PAYNE

McMurry (2-3, 2-3) at Texas Lutheran (1-5, 1-4)

The War Hawks continue to be a team on the rise, and they look for a second straight win as they head to Texas Lutheran this week. The Bulldogs are down this year, but have been in the playoff chase in the ASC the past few seasons. McMurry has lost four in a row in the series, including a 51-21 decision in the spring. For some reason, the War Hawks will be playing this game in Seguin for the fourth straight time.

THE PICK: MCMURRY

Cisco (3-3, 2-2) at #5 NMMI (6-0, 4-0)

The Wranglers take a two-game winning streak with them on the road to Roswell, New Mexico this week. New Mexico Military Institute checks in atop the conference standings and at number five in the national polls this week. They’ll be a big test for Cisco this week. The Wranglers have some momentum after beating Kilgore and NEO the last two weeks, but will have to play their best game of the season to win this one on the road.

THE PICK: NMMI

Blitz Picks - Week 9