Odessa Permian (7-2, 4-0) at Midland Lee (7-2, 3-1):
It’s a showdown for the District 2-6A title also known as the Little Southwest Conference, as first place Odessa Permian travels east to take on the Midland Lee Rebels at beautiful Grande Communications Stadium. Permian struggled for a little while against a Wolfforth Frenship squad that’s winless in district play, but the Panthers got things rolling down the stretch in a 38-10 victory. Texas-commit QB Peyton Powell did not play in the game last week and after falling behind 10-7 midway through the second quarter, MOJO got the offense going scoring 31-straight points as RB Ed Williams carried the load rushing for 103 yards and three touchdowns. Expect Powell to be back this week for the Panthers who will need all the offensive punch they can muster against the explosive Lee Rebels attack.
Midland Lee easily dispatched of crosstown rival Midland High last week 49-28 in the 2018 installment of the Tall City Classic. QB Felix Hinojosa returned from an injury and put together a flawless effort as he had 177 rushing yards and three touchdowns on only five carries. Hinojosa was perfect through the air also, completing all seven of his passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. This game will ultimately come down to which defense can step up and make plays and get the opposing explosive offense off the field consistently. On paper, Permian looks to be the favorite, but when healthy, Midland Lee is an incredibly tough out and a sleeper contender in Region I Division II. Don’t be surprised if Midland Lee pulls the upset at home and earns a share of the district title.
Stepp’s Pick: Midland Lee by 2
Arlington (9-0, 6-0) vs Arlington Lamar (9-0, 6-0):
It’s a huge season finale involving two Arlington ISD schools in what may be the biggest AISD matchup in the past 15 years. The city’s two most storied programs with the biggest fanbases meet up both at 9-0 with the District 4-6A title on the line. From a playoff perspective, this game doesn’t hold much intrigue as Arlington is locked into the top seed in Division II and Lamar is locked into the top seed in Division I, but don’t tell either school that, this one will be intense. Arlington comes in after cruising to a 45-16 win over Arlington Sam Houston last week. The Colts didn’t need a big game from QB Jhari Rogers as the supporting cast did more than enough to carry the load in a balanced win.
Arlington Lamar maybe had its best showing of the year last week as the Vikings ripped past a good Arlington Bowie squad, 49-14. WR Trevon West returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown to ignite Lamar, while QB Jack Dawson accounted for four touchdowns to lead the way for the Vikes in the lopsided victory. Both offenses are among the best in DFW, but in these big playoff type games it comes down to defense and the Arlington High defense has been the more consistent unit thus far.
Stepp’s Pick: Arlington by 6
Belton (7-2, 6-1) at Waco Midway (7-1, 7-0):
Waco Midway can wrap up another district title this week with its 34th straight district win if it can knock off an explosive Belton squad. The Panthers, who went into Temple last week and knocked off the undefeated Wildcats 31-28 will need to avoid a letdown this week as there’s no doubt Belton is good enough to push Midway. It was a physical, smashmouth brand of football that carried the day for Midway in its win last week as James Fulbright ran for 220 yards and two scores and Midway’s defense was outstanding against a high-powered Temple attack.
Belton in its first game without QB Connor Carouthers fared quite well as the Tigers demolished Waco High 63-7, as Denver Holman returned a kickoff and punt for a touchdown and WR Anthony Brown hauled in four touchdown catches to lead the Tigers. This one will come down to tempo once again. Last week, Midway lured Temple into its kind of game and the Panthers thrived. If Waco Midway does the same thing and keeps Belton off the field, it will secure another district title.
Stepp’s Pick: Waco Midway by 8