Plano East (5-0, 2-0) at Allen (5-0, 2-0):
It’s been a long time since Plano East has beaten Allen, like as in since 1999. In fact during Allen’s 18-game streak over PEHS, the average margin of victory has been over 19 points. That fact is not lost on a talented Panthers squad who is looking to change the perception of being underachievers. The key for East’s big start has been a defense that is physical and plays with an edge led by DB Tyler Owens who recently committed to Texas. QB Brandon Mallory has been very efficient early in the year with a 5:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and the Panthers' feature playmakers at the skill spots to really test the Allen secondary.

Allen has been very on-brand all year, rolling to a 5-0 mark with the brutal efficiency that we’ve come to expect from a team that’s lost just three total games the past six years. If you are scoring at home, that’s a 96-3 record (Let that sink in). QB Grant Tisdale (Ole Miss commit) and WR Theo Wease (Oklahoma commit) are as good as advertised but what makes this Allen team special is superior depth at every position and the extremely high level of execution across the board. This is a team that does all the little things at an astonishingly high level. This is the first year in quite sometime where I’ve personally felt like Plano East has a puncher's chance in this game and it’s primarily because this looks to be a team that’s talented and mentally tough. Allen’s going to throw big haymakers and if the Panthers can weather the storm, they’ll have a chance to pull a late upset. But I’m not bold enough to pick against the Eagles and definitely not at Eagle Stadium.
Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 10

Odessa (4-1) vs. Odessa Permian (3-2):
There’s no doubt Ratliff Stadium will be rocking on Friday night as two of the state’s most bitter rivals from opposite ends of town hook up in the Little SWC opener. Odessa High has typically been dominated by its rivals from the eastside of town, but in recent years even in losses, the Bronchos have played Permian very tough. QB Trey Smith triggers a balanced offensive attack that is more run based, but the difference this year has been the emergence of WR Tyrone Caulfield, who’s been a threat that can take the top off the defense. Permian’s got two losses but are both close defeats to DFW powers DeSoto and Southlake Carroll. The Panthers rolled in their last outing two weeks ago blasting Los Fresnos 56-0 and haven’t been really pushed since the loss at Southlake. QB Peyton Powell and RB Ed Williams are as dynamic a 1-2 punch as you’ll see out in West Texas and although Powell has yet to have a breakout performance since moving in, he’s been very solid. I’m predicting on this big stage in front of nearly 20,000 fans that this could be the stage Powell is unleashed on. Combine that talent with Permian’s very fast and aggressive defense and I think MOJO takes the first step to a possible district title this week.
Stepp’s Pick: Odessa Permian by 11

Haltom (5-0, 1-0) at Euless Trinity (5-0, 2-0):
After dominating its first four opponents by a combined 220-73 score, Haltom remained undefeated last week but got a scare from Weatherford in a 39-29 victory. QB Michael Black again had a big night accounting for four touchdowns, but there has to be a little concern from the Buffaloes who started fast at 21-0 but then allowed Weatherford to roar back in the second half and tie the game up. They’ll need to play a flawless game to remain competitive with bruising Euless Trinity, who is fresh off a 70-28 rout of San Angel Central down in San Angelo.

The Trojans were simply too physical on both sides of the ball for San Angelo and although the defense allowed some yards to an explosive offense, they made plays in key moments which allowed QB Laki Ellis and a balanced Trinity attack to rack up the yards and points. Ellis threw three touchdown passes and completed all seven of his passes and if Trinity’s able to work the play-action passing game to that level of efficiency it's going to be a really tough team to beat and could again make a deep playoff run. Haltom has some explosive weapons at the skill spots and may even have a slight overall edge, but Trinity’s advantage in the trenches and experience in these big atmospheres will be incredibly valuable.
Stepp’s Pick: Euless Trinity by 18

Aldine Eisenhower (3-2, 2-0) at Spring Westfield (4-1, 2-0):
It’s a battle of old powers on the northside of Houston and a battle of 16-6A unbeatens as Ike treks a few miles north on I-45 to take on powerful Spring Westfield. The Eagles, after a slow start, have gotten things right in district play and took down Aldine MacArthur 38-14 last week behind the running of Deon Allen and Sevan Guidry who combined for 241 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Eagle defense was sensational in the win as well holding MacArthur to just 88 yards of offense. Westfield completed the sweep of its Spring ISD rivals last week pitching a shutout against Spring Dekaney with an easy 30-0 victory.

The Mustang defense held DeKaney to just three first downs for the game and only 52 total yards of offense. QB Ra’Quon Washington led the way with 190 yards of offense and a pair of touchdowns (One passing and one rushing) as Westfield led 21-0 at halftime and cruised in the second half. Expect a low scoring matchup. Both teams are extremely physical and this will be a fun atmosphere at George Stadium. The edge goes to Westfield who is more battle tested and a bit more balanced on the offensive side of the ball.
Stepp’s Pick: Spring Westfield by 17