Army Strong Teams of Week 10
TexasFootball.com is proud to partner with the U.S. Army for the Army Strong Team of the Week throughout the Texas high school football season.
Each week, TexasFootball.com and the U.S. Army join together to select one team from every classification in high school football that demonstrated the qualities exhibited within the Army - those include leadership, commitment to excellence and a desire to make a difference as a member of a team. Each is awarded the Army Strong Team of the Week by local officials from the U.S. Army at a school assembly or pep rally.
CLASS 5A: Midland
Back in the summer, Midland was predicted to finish fifth in District 3-5A. But the Bulldogs proved all the doubters wrong this season by going 9-1 (4-0 in district) and finishing in a tie for first place in one of the state's toughest districts. Midland finished its surprising regular season Friday night with arguably its most impressive win, 42-35, over previously unbeaten Abilene Cooper. Running back Tyler Middleton led the Bulldogs with 235 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
CLASS 4A: Cedar Park
Cedar Park already had locked up a playoff spot heading into Thursday night's regular-season finale, but the Timberwolves wanted more. With a 35-21 victory over two-time defending state champion Lake Travis, Cedar Park won the District 25-4A title and completed a perfect regular season. Quarterback Brian Hogan threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more to lead the Timberwolves (10-0, 6-0).
CLASS 3A: Rockdale
For Rockdale, the playoffs started a week early. The Tigers had to beat state-ranked Caldwell, a District 23-3A rival, just to qualify for the post-season, and they did so in dominating fashion in a 38-15 victory. Rockdale's Daniel Brooks led the way with a rushing touchdown and an interception return for a touchdown. Rockdale (5-5, 3-2) was picked fifth in the district in the pre-season but finished as the district's third playoff team to reach the post-season.
CLASS 2A: Hughes Springs
Hughes Springs had to beat state-ranked Linden-Kildare to claim the District 8-2A DII title on Friday night. The Mustangs used a powerful running game led by running back Brent Giddings to achieve that goal with a 34-20 win. Giddings rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries to lead the Mustangs' offense. Hughes Springs finished a perfect 5-0 in district play and 9-1 overall.
CLASS 1A: Farwell
Farwell pulled off one of the biggest upsets of Week 10 when the Steers knocked off the top-ranked team in Class 1A Division II, Springlake-Earth, to earn the District 3-1A DII title. Farwell's 35-32 victory moved the Steers' record to 9-1 on the season and 4-0 in district play. The loss was Springlake-Earth's first of the year. Quarterback Landry Actkinson led the way for Farwell with three touchdowns passes, including two to Kolten Morris.
SIX-MAN: Paint Rock
Six-man football always features some of the state's highest-scoring games, but Friday's Paint Rock-Novice game took offense to a new level. Paint Rock emerged with a 112-109 victory that broke the state record for most combined points in one game. The two teams combined for more than 1,300 total yards, including over 800 for Paint Rock. Quarterback Tony Diaz rushed for 621 yards and 12 touchdowns.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Northland Christian
Houston Northland Christian got into playoff mood in its regular-season finale, pulling out a 42-35 win over Lutheran North to secure a berth in the TAPPS Division II playoffs. With the win, Northland Christian finished its regular season with a 7-4 overall record and 5-2 in district play. The Cougars will host a playoff game for the first time since 2006. Quarterback Jonathan Fleming led the Cougars with 199 passing yards and four touchdowns.
