Edinburg Vela (3-0) at Los Fresnos (2-1):
The top matchup in the Valley sees Edinburg Vela head out east to take on the always-tough Los Fresnos Falcons. Vela knocked off McAllen Memorial 40-21 last week as QB AJ Sotelo threw for 169 yards and three touchdowns giving Vela plenty of confidence at a position that has been a bit in flux early on in the year. If the Sabercats can get that position settled, they have enough playmakers at the other spots to be a real force come playoff time.

Los Fresnos had no let down after an emotional come-from-behind victory in Week 2 as the Falcons rolled past an overmatched Edcouch-Elsa squad 42-13 in a game played on Thursday night. Expect Los Fresnos to hang around in this one, but their defense will certainly have a tough time slowing Vela and their multiple offensive weapons down. Look for the Sabercats to pull away late.
Stepp’s Pick: Edinburg Vela by 13

El Paso Pebble Hills (3-0) at San Angelo Central (2-1):
Pebble Hills has shown early that is may be the best team in the Sun City and have a chance to really make an impression this week by walking into San Angelo Stadium and knocking off the Angry Orange. The Spartans rolled past El Paso Chapin 34-14 a week ago on the strength of another strong night from RB Caleb Gerber. QB Sebastian Ochoa continues to improve in leading the PHHS attack. San Angelo Central, in its first game without star QB Maverick McIvor, got off to a slow start falling being 28-6 at the half and couldn’t dig itself out of that hole falling 37-22.

Central’s offense only gained 207 yards as two of its scores came on the defensive side of the ball, so the Bobcat attack has some work to do without a doubt. Expect a second game under center for sophomore QB Malachi Brown to go much better. He’s gotten a full game under his belt and seemed to settle down some in the second half. Add in the energy from the home crowd and San Angelo wins a close one.
Stepp’s Pick: San Angelo Central by 7

Austin Vandegrift (3-0, 1-0) at Pflugerville Hendrickson (2-0, 1-0):
Fresh off its hotly contested win over Round Rock Cedar Ridge, it doesn’t get any easier for the Vandegrift Vipers as they travel to the Pfield to take on Pflugerville Hendrickson in a battle of unbeaten teams.

Vandegrift trailed Cedar Ridge 14-0 going into the fourth quarter but showed how resilient it can be with a late rally to send the game to overtime. Isaiah Smallwood scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and then in overtime, Tim Barney nailed a 33-yard field goal to lift VHS to the win. Hendrickson, after seeing its game against Smithson Valley rained out last week, wasted no time asserting its dominance in an easy 64-14 win over Round Rock Westwood. Hendrickson rolled up 51 first half points and scored the first eight times the offense touched the ball in the easy district opening win. Hendrickson’s defense was suffocating and time after time put the offense in great spots to help build up the big lead. The key this week will be offensive consistency and balance from HHS. Vandegrift is tough on defense and Hendrickson will need to avoid mistakes and be balanced in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Pflugerville Hendrickson by 8