Blitz Picks - Week 9

WEEK 1: 33-47, 70.2%
WEEK 2: 39-61, 63.9%
WEEK 3: 52-64, 81.3%
WEEK 4: 43-56, 76.8%
WEEK 5: 50-64, 78.2%
WEEK 6: 33-41, 80.5%
WEEK 7: 47-56, 83.9%
WEEK 8: 49-54, 90.7%
OVERALL: 346-445, 77.8%

The Blitz Picks were quite good, if I do say so myself, last week with a season high 49 correct and five wrong — good for almost 91%

Week 9 brings some more good matchups and touch games to choose!

*The spread is from PigskinPrep.com for 11-man games and Pigskin Prep and sixmanfootball.com for six-man games.

Reach out (email cody@bigcountryblitz.com) if you’d like to sponsor a week of content on bigcountryblitz.com and Big Country Blitz social media!

GAMES OF THE WEEK

Brookesmith leads series 14-11
Last meeting: Rochelle 58, Brookesmith 12 in 2023

We begin in Brookesmith, where the Mustangs have a big opportunity to be a playoff team if they can upset Rochelle. The Hornets shut out Lohn last week while the Mustangs got a forfeit win over Panther Creek. Rochelle is the pick in this one.

THE SPREAD PIGSKIN PREP: ROCHELLE BY 22
THE SPREAD 6MFB: ROCHELLE BY 45
THE PICK: ROCHELLE

Rule leads series 20-3-1
Last meeting: Rule 86, Paint Creek 40 in 2023

Paint Creek plays host to Rule in a Haskell County clash. The Bobcats have their backs against the wall if they want to make the playoffs, while the Pirates really need this one to keep their hopes alive as well. Paint Creek is the pick in a game that should go the distance.

THE SPREAD PIGSKIN PREP: PAINT CREEK BY 19
THE SPREAD 6MFB: RULE BY 45
THE PICK: PAINT CREEK

Series tied 4-4-2
Last meeting: Bronte 46, Blackwell 42 in 2023

These two teams have split their first two six-man matchups, and this one will be key in the District 6 race. Bronte sits in a first place tie with Trent entering this one, while the Hornets are 1-1 and desperately in need of a win to stay in the playoff chase. I’m leaning Blackwell in a tight one on the road.

THE SPREAD PIGSKIN PREP: BRONTE BY 4
THE SPREAD 6MFB: BRONTE BY 36
THE PICK: BLACKWELL

Loraine leads series 28-20
Last meeting: Loraine 59, Trent 0 in 2023

The Gorillas haven’t made the playoffs since 2012, and winning this one would go a long way towards getting the job done. However, Loraine has one of the best offenses in the area, and the Bulldogs are the pick in a shootout.

THE SPREAD PIGSKIN PREP: LORAINE BY 32
THE SPREAD 6MFB: LORAINE BY 45
THE PICK: LORAINE

Zephyr leads series 15-11
Last meeting: Zephyr 45, Blanket 8 in 2023

The top Sixman game of the week is unbeaten and 9th ranked Blanket at 6-1 Zephyr. The FM 1467 Battle will likely decide the District 13 winner, and the team that will avoid Oglesby in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams are solid on offense and defense, and it’s the Bulldogs recent big-game experience that makes me lean towards Zephyr in a very close contest.

THE SPREAD PIGSKIN PREP: ZEPHYR BY 1
THE SPREAD 6MFB: ZEPHYR BY 26
THE PICK: ZEPHYR

Abilene High leads series 6-5
Last meeting: Abilene High 42, Tascosa 20 in 2023

This one lost a little bit of luster when the Rebels fell to Monterey last week, and the Eagles high-flying offense should be able to keep rolling against a Tascosa squad giving up 28 points per game. The Warbirds are the pick in this one.

THE SPREAD PIGSKIN PREP: ABILENE HIGH BY 17
THE PICK: ABILENE HIGH

Ballinger leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Ballinger 45, De Leon 13 in 1954

Ballinger heads to De Leon in a battle of Bearcats at number four. De Leon has cruised past its first two district opponents by a combined 111-12. Ballinger is firmly in the playoff mix and should be able to keep it close, but De Leon is the pick.

THE SPREAD PIGSKIN PREP: DE LEON BY 23
THE PICK: DE LEON

Series tied 2-2
Last meeting: Miles 63, Hamlin 8 in 2023

It's another key District 7-2A Division II game for Hamlin. The Pied Pipers came up short at home against Roscoe last week and now head to Miles. The Bulldogs shut out Cross Plains a week ago, and I give them the slight edge in game featuring a great offense against a great defense.

THE SPREAD PIGSKIN PREP: MILES BY 17
THE PICK: MILES

Hawley leads series 9-6
Last meeting: Hawley 28, Cisco 17 in 2023

This matchup has been one of the better ones in the Big Country over the past few years. The Loboes would love to be the first team to knock off Hawley this season, but the Bearcats are a complete team that should be able to stay perfect on the road.

THE SPREAD PIGSKIN PREP: HAWLEY BY 12
THE PICK: HAWLEY

Sweetwater leads series 10-3
Last meeting: Clyde 41, Sweetwater 7 in 2023

And our best game in the Big Country this week: Clyde at Sweetwater. The Bulldogs and Mustangs are the only two teams in 3-3A Division I without a district loss so far. Both teams whipped up on TLCA San Angelo, but the Mustangs’ win at Comanche last week makes me lean towards the home team in the one.

THE SPREAD PIGSKIN PREP: SWEETWATER BY 23
THE PICK: SWEETWATER

Photo: Skyler Blanton

THE REST OF THE SCHEDULE

Cooper (2-6, 1-3) at Wichita Falls Legacy (0-7, 0-3)
First meeting in series
The Spread: Cooper by 16

The Pick: Cooper

Big Spring (3-4, 0-0) at Andrews (1-6, 0-0)
Andrews leads series 25-21-1
Last meeting: Andrews 62, Big Spring 27 in 2023
The Spread: Andrews by 19

The Pick: Andrews

Photo: Getchasomepics

Burnet (5-3, 1-1) at Brownwood (3-3, 0-1)
Brownwood leads series 9-0
Last meeting: Brownwood 24, Burnet 10 in 2023
The Spread: Brownwood by 13

The Pick: Brownwood

Stephenville (6-1, 1-0) at Lampasas (7-1, 2-0)
Lampasas leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Lampasas 41, Stephenville 0 in 2020
The Spread: Stephenville by 21

The Pick: Stephenville

Photo: SMcCowen Sports Photography

Snyder (1-7, 0-2) at Seminole (7-0, 1-0)
Snyder leads series 11-1
Last meeting: Snyder 31, Seminole 0 in 2021
The Spread: Seminole by 67

The Pick: Seminole

Mineral Wells (5-2, 1-1) at Graham (6-1, 2-0)
Graham leads series 35-28-4
Last meeting: Graham 55, Mineral Wells 7 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Graham by 32

The Pick: Graham

Burkburnett (1-6, 0-2) at #2 Brock (7-0, 2-0)
First meeting in series
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Brock by 71

The Pick: Brock

Photo: Skyler Blanton

Comanche (4-3, 1-1) at Breckenridge (0-7, 0-2)
Breckenridge leads series 28-7-1
Last meeting: Comanche 31, Breckenridge 28 in 2019
The Spread: Comanche by 30

The Pick: Comanche

Jim Ned (4-3, 1-1) at TLCA San Angelo (0-7, 0-2)
Jim Ned leads series 2-0
Last meeting: Jim Ned 70, TLCA 0 in 2021
The Spread: Jim Ned by 72

The Pick: Jim Ned

Wall (7-1, 2-0) at Grape Creek (3-5, 1-1)
Wall leads series 19-1
Last meeting: Wall 67, Grape Creek 0 in 2023
The Spread: Wall by 41

The Pick: Wall

Merkel (0-7, 0-1) at Stanton (4-2, 1-0)
Merkel leads series 11-4-1
Last meeting: Merkel 34, Stanton 7 in 2023
The Spread: Stanton by 23

The Pick: Stanton

Early (1-6, 0-2) at Brady (6-1, 2-0)
Brady leads series 9-5
Last meeting: Early 69, Brady 8 in 2023
The Spread: Brady by 26

The Pick: Brady

Tolar (6-1, 2-0) at Clifton (5-2, 2-0)
Clifton leads series 2-0
Last meeting: Clifton 35, Tolar 21 in 2011
The Spread: Tolar by 17

The Pick: Tolar

Photo: Skyler Blanton

Eastland (3-4, 0-2) at Dublin (0-7, 0-2)
Eastland leads series 39-18-2
Last meeting: Eastland 62, Dublin 7 in 2023
The Spread: Eastland by 19

The Pick: Eastland

Photo: Cassie Gang

Ozona (5-2, 1-1) at Colorado City (2-5, 0-2)
Colorado City leads series 3-1
Last meeting: Colorado City 24, Ozona 0 in 1985
The Spread: Ozone by 31

The Pick: Ozone

Photo: Skyler Blanton

Anson (4-3, 0-2) at Olney (2-5, 0-1)
Anson leads series 7-2
Last meeting: Anson 28, Olney 12 in 2023
The Spread: Anson by 32

The Pick: Anson

Photo: Skyler Blanton

TLCA Abilene (0-7, 0-2) at #1 Stamford (7-0, 2-0)
First meeting in series
The Spread: Stamford by 106

The Pick: Stamford

Bangs (2-5, 0-2) at #10 Hamilton (7-0, 2-0)
Series tied 8-8
Last meeting: Hamilton 38, Bangs 0 in 2023
The Spread: Hamilton by 48

The Pick: Hamilton

Coleman (0-7, 0-2) at Hico (5-2, 1-1)
Hico leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Hico 37, Coleman 15 in 2002
The Spread: Coleman by 5

The Pick: Hico

Harper (3-4, 0-2) at San Saba (5-2, 2-0)
San Saba leads series 5-3

Last meeting: San Saba 59, Harper 0 in 2019
The Spread: San Saba by 21

The Pick: San Saba

Haskell (4-4, 2-2) at Windthorst (6-1, 3-0)
Windthorst leads series 4-0
Last meeting: Windthorst 47, Haskell 7 in 2023
The Spread: Windthorst by 37

The Pick: Windthorst

Petrolia (4-3, 1-2) at Munday (4-4, 1-3)
Munday leads series 10-8
Last meeting: Petrolia 49, Munday 6 in 2023
The Spread: Petrolia by 11

The Pick: Munday

Photo: Julia Vega/@lionslifephotography

Cross Plains (3-4, 0-2) at #4 Albany (5-2, 2-0)
Albany leads series 29-2-1
Last meeting: Albany 49, Cross Plains 0 in 2023
The Spread: Albany by 46

The Pick: Albany

Winters (2-5, 0-2) at Roscoe (3-3, 2-0)
Roscoe leads series 14-13-2
Last meeting: Roscoe 41, Winters 22 in 2015
The Spread: Roscoe by 46

The Pick: Roscoe

Wortham (4-3, 2-2) at Goldthwaite (4-3, 1-1)

First meeting in series

The Spread: Goldthwaite by 17
The Pick: Goldthwaite

Bryson (4-3, 0-1) at Knox City (6-2, 2-0)
Knox City leads series 9-4
Last meeting: Knox City 58, Bryson 12 in 2021
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Knox City by 24
The Spread 6MFB: Knox City by 42

The Pick: Knox City

Newcastle (4-4, 1-1) at Northside (4-3, 0-1)
Newcastle leads series 12-7
Last meeting: Newcastle 63, Northside 0 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Newcastle by 38
The Spread 6MFB: Newcastle by 45

The Pick: Newcastle

Photo: SMcCowen Sports Photography

Roby (3-4, 0-2) at Hermleigh (6-1, 2-0)
Hermleigh leads series 17-8
Last meeting: Hermleigh 52, Roby 6 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Hermleigh by 45
The Spread 6MFB: Hermleigh by 45

The Pick: Hermleigh

Photo: SMcCowen Sports Photography

Westbrook (5-2, 2-0) at Highland (3-4, 1-1)
Highland leads series 11-9
Last meeting: Westbrook 46, Highland 0 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Westbrook by 45
The Spread 6MFB: Westbrook by 45

The Pick: Westbrook

Photo: SMcCowen Sports Photography

Rotan (3-4, 0-2) at Ira (4-3, 1-1)
Ira leads series 8-0
Last meeting: Ira 76, Rotan 0 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Ira by 37
The Spread 6MFB: Ira by 45

The Pick: Ira

Water Valley (5-2, 1-0) at Robert Lee (6-2, 2-0)
Robert Lee leads series 19-16
Last meeting: Water Valley 60, Robert Lee 0 in 2021
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Water Valley by 17
The Spread 6MFB: Water Valley by 28

The Pick: Water Valley

Photo: Sasha Duck/Texas 1A Fan

Ranger (2-5, 0-1) at Baird (6-2, 2-0)
Baird leads series 16-9-1
Last meeting: Baird 63, Ranger 24 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Baird by 36
The Spread 6MFB: Baird by 45

The Pick: Baird

Lingleville (1-5, 0-2) at Gorman (2-5, 0-1)

Gorman leads series 7-1
Last meeting: Gorman 51, Lingleville 6 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Gorman by 8
The Spread 6MFB: Gorman by 34

The Pick: Gorman

Lometa (6-1, 1-0) at Jonesboro (5-1, 0-0)
Jonesboro leads series 9-0
Last meeting: Jonesboro 76, Lometa 28 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Jonesboro by 24
The Spread 6MFB: Jonesboro by 45

The Pick: Jonesboro

Photo: May Tiger Teams

Santa Anna (3-4, 0-0) at May (7-0, 0-0)
May leads series 20-10
Last meeting: May 51, Santa Anna 6 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: May by 45
The Spread 6MFB: May by 45

The Pick: May

Chillicothe (4-4, 0-2) at Benjamin (4-1, 1-0)
Chillicothe leads series 12-8
Last meeting: Benjamin 52, Chillicothe 0 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Benjamin by 45
The Spread 6MFB: Benjamin by 45

The Pick: Benjamin

Lueders-Avoca (0-7, 0-1) at #1 Jayton (8-0, 2-0)
Jayton leads series 10-4
Last meeting: Jayton 62, Lueders-Avoca 8 in 2019
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Jayton by 45
The Spread 6MFB: Jayton by 45

The Pick: Jayton

Moran (1-6, 0-0) at Woodson (4-3, 0-0)
Woodson leads series 30-11-4
Last meeting: Woodson 60, Moran 14 in 2021
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Woodson by 43
The Spread 6MFB: Woodson by 45

The Pick: Woodson

Throckmorton (0-7, 0-0) at Strawn (4-2, 0-0)
Strawn leads series 3-0
Last meeting: Strawn 67, Throckmorton 36 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Strawn by 45
The Spread 6MFB: Strawn by 45

The Pick: Strawn

Sidney (3-3, 0-1) at Rising Star (3-5, 0-2)
Sidney leads series 10-6
Last meeting: Sidney 45, Rising Star 34 in 2023
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Sidney by 12
The Spread 6MFB: Sidney by 16

The Pick: Sidney

Panther Creek (0-6, 0-2) at #2 Richland Springs (7-0, 1-0)
Richland Springs leads series 8-4
Last meeting: Richland Springs 1, Panther Creek 0 in 2019
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Richland Springs by 45
The Spread 6MFB: Richland Springs by 45

The Pick: Richland Springs

Pawnee (0-4, 0-0) at Cherokee (6-1, 0-0)
First meeting in series
The Spread Pigskin Prep: Cherokee by 45
The Spread 6MFB: Cherokee by 45

The Pick: Cherokee

COLLEGE

EAST TEXAS BAPTIST (4-1, 1-1) AT #5 HARDIN-SIMMONS (6-0, 2-0)
SATURDAY - 1 P.M.

HSU leads series 21-2
Last meeting: HSU 42, ETBU 27 in 2023

The Cowboys hope to make it a happy Homecoming as the face East Texas Baptist for the first of two meetings in conference play this season.

The Tigers have only lost once this season, 42-28 at Mary Hardin-Baylor.

THE PICK: HARDIN-SIMMONS

MCMURRY (4-2, 4-0) AT TEXAS LUTHERAN (5-1, 4-1)
SATURDAY - 4 P.M.

TLU leads series 21-15
Last meeting: McMurry 31, TLU 10 in 2024

The War Hawks will face TLU for the second time this season, likely with the SCAC championship on the line.

McMurry won the first meeting at home 31-10.

THE PICK: MCMURRY

NAVARRO (3-2, 2-2) AT CISCO COLLEGE (3-3, 3-2)
SATURDAY - 1 P.M.

After back-to-back losses the Wranglers return home to hopefully rebound against Navarro.

Cisco College was in the national rankings before falling to NMMI at home and Tyler on the road.

Now they really need to win this one to stay in the SWJCFC playoff mix.

THE PICK: CISCO COLLEGE