DeSoto (4-0, 2-0) at Cedar Hill (4-0, 2-0): The “Battle of Belt Line” has zone title implications as the winner of this game locks up the top spot in their zone in 11-6A. Both teams have been outstanding early on, but the buzz in the DFW area is with DeSoto who has been flat out dominant early on. Last week the Eagles showed no signs of looking ahead to Cedar Hill as they routed Mansfield Lake Ridge, 42-0. Illinois commit QB Samari Collier had 370 yards passing and five touchdowns to lead the DeSoto offense, while the Eagles dominant defense allowed Lake Ridge just 85 yards of total offense. In fact, DeSoto’s defense has allowed a paltry 35 points through four games this year, giving credence that Claude Mathis’ squad may have one of the state’s most underrated defensive units. Cedar Hill has been very workman-like through their first four games. Carlos Lynn’s squad hasn’t just blown people away, but the Longhorns have a couple of outstanding wins on their resume going on the road and beating Arlington and Aledo to open the season. CHHS started slow last week, but turned things on in the second half of a 35-10 win over Waxahachie. QB Kaidon Salter, the Tennessee commit, had some struggles throwing the ball with a pair of interceptions, but even on an off night, he still tallied three total touchdowns. It was Kevin Young’s 61-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter that put the game away for Cedar Hill. Cedar Hill’s defense doesn’t get the headlines, but this is a solid group allowing just over 15 points per game. The difference is DeSoto’s talent at the skill spots. Aside from Salter, Cedar Hill really doesn’t have that go-to weapon, while Samari Collier has plenty of options to turn to. Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 9

Katy (5-0, 2-0) vs Katy Tompkins (5-0, 3-0): This matchup was supposed to take place a couple of weeks ago and then it’s been moved up a week from the reschedule date as Katy ISD massages the district schedule to work around teams dealing with Covid-19 issues. This is the one everyone has been waiting for. Katy has been a juggernaut of late and Friday may have been their most impressive effort to date as they went on the road and rolled past a good Dickinson squad, 49-7. RB Jalen Davis broke loose for a 69-yard touchdown run on the first play of the game and added a short scoring run in the second quarter as Katy raced out to a 28-0 halftime lead and never looked back. Sophomore QB Caleb Koger continues to improve throwing two scoring passes of his own and adding in a touchdown run as well for the Tigers. Katy’s defense limited Dickinson to just 201 yards of offense on the night as well as the Tigers have allowed just 10 points in the last three games. Meanwhile, Tompkins has been even better on defense, as they’ve pitched shutouts in their last three games. The only points they’ve allowed the last four weeks came via a kickoff return touchdown. Last week was more of the same for the Falcons, who blasted Katy Morton Ranch, 48-0, in a game that was well in hand by halftime. The Tompkins offense has been solid as they are led by Alabama commit QB Jalen Milroe, along with RB’s Sherman Smith and Tulsa commit Marquis Shoulders. Still looking for a breakout game offensively, they’ll need that breakout, especially from a young group of receivers to get past the monster that is Katy, who has just dominated Katy ISD opposition in the past dozen or so years. Tompkins played the Tigers close last year losing 35-30. They can’t afford to dig themselves a hole like they did last year. I don’t think they will, I expect this one to be close the entire way, but picking against Katy against another KISD school just isn’t happening for me until that streak is broken. Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 3

Amarillo (4-1, 2-0) vs Amarillo Tascosa (4-1, 2-0): One of the state’s great rivalries that doesn’t get the love it should is the annual grudge match between Amarillo High and Tascosa. With all the success Tascosa’s had as a 6A school the last two seasons, they’ve lost to the Sandies in back to back years despite being favored in both games. That just goes to show you the crazy and unpredictable nature of this showdown. Amarillo High went on the road last week and slugged it out with a tough Lubbock Monterey squad and escaped with a 24-7 win. QB Brock Wade, filling in for injured starter Will Maynard  was solid throwing for 242 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win. If Maynard isn’t able to go this week, the Sandies have to find a way to get RB Taevon Hood going and lean on him a bit more; he was solid in last week’s win with 66 yards on 14 carries. Tascosa had last week off due to Lubbock High’s forfeit due to Covid-19 protocols. The Rebels had no trouble blasting past overmatched Amarillo Palo Duro, 50-18, in their last outing as the vaunted rushing attack was clicking on all cylinders. Individually, Tascosa’s rushing numbers don’t blow you away but they are so balanced, they’ll roll out 4 guys who run for 75-plus yards per night. Major Everhart is the game-breaker for the Rebels, but Ken Plunk loves to rotate backs and wear teams down in the fourth quarter with that big offensive line and fresh ball carriers. The real surprise for THS this year has been their defense, which, aside from a tough loss to Midland Lee, have been very strong. That group has elite size and speed and has the ability to take this team to a Region I title once again. Amarillo High’s injury concerns on offense is not a good recipe in this showdown. We are going with the Rebels to get to 3-0 in district play. Stepp’s Pick: Amarillo Tascosa by 8

Lindale (7-2, 5-0) at Kilgore (7-2, 5-0): A district title is on the line in East Texas as two of the top 4A-Division I teams square off for the district title. Lindale has dropped down from 5A and found plenty of success at the 4A level. They continued their run with a dominant 52-20 win over Palestine last week. Baylor commit Jordan Jenkins ran for three touchdowns, while utility man Arik Williams hauled in a touchdown pass and had an interception return for a touchdown to pace the Eagles. Kilgore also rolled to a win Friday night as the Bulldogs took care of Athens, 49-14. RB Trayveon Epps ran for three touchdowns and Donovan Adkins had a touchdown catch and a touchdown run; KHS scored six unanswered touchdowns after trailing early. On paper, these two are really evenly matched and are definite contenders in Region III. The edge goes to Lindale as the Eagles have a bit more balance on offense. Stepp’s Pick: Lindale by 6

Texarkana Pleasant Grove (7-2, 4-0) at Gilmer (8-1, 4-0): It’s time for the annual grudge match as Gilmer looks to end their three year run of misery at the hands of the Pleasant Grove Hawks. For years, Gilmer had dominated this series, but since PGHS’s rapid rise in 2017, they’ve had Gilmer’s number winning five straight, including back to back wins in the playoffs the last two years. However, this is a wounded Pleasant Grove squad; the Hawks’ two star defensive lineman - Texas A&M commit Marcus Burris and LSU commit Landon Jackson - are out for the year, and the offense isn’t the machine it has been in recent years. Gilmer, on the other hand, has shown the capability to have the dynamic passing game that the Buckeyes brought to the table during many of their title runs. Pleasant Grove rolled past cross-town rival Liberty-Eylau 47-6 last week as Nick Martin and Logan Johnson combined for 190 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Hawks defense held L-E out of the end zone as the only score was a defensive touchdown for Liberty-Eylau. Gilmer had no troubles last week in a 54-0 rout of Paris North Lamar. The Buckeyes were without QB Brandon Tennison, who was held out of the game due to precautionary measures, but it didn’t matter as GHS raced out to a 28-0 lead after one quarter and rotated in backups and JV players the rest of the night. Expect Tennison to play this week and expect Gilmer’s defense to be geared up to force Pleasant Grove to beat them with a passing game that’s been inconsistent at times this year. This one comes down to the wire and with the energy of the home crowd behind them, look for a Gilmer upset this week. Stepp’s Pick: Gilmer by 3

Winnsboro (7-1, 5-1) at Pottsboro (7-2, 5-1): The wild and crazy race in 5-3A Division I ends this week as Winnsboro will look to knock off the Cardinals and push to as high as the second seed come playoff time. Pottsboro, on the other hand, will need a win and a Mineola loss this week to secure the top seed, but a win guarantees the Cardinals at least the two seed. Winnsboro has rolled to five straight wins since dropping their district opener to Mineola. The Red Raiders were sidelined last week as Commerce had to forfeit their game due to Covid-19 protocols. Pottsboro dug themselves an early hole on the road last week, but the Cardinals rallied late for a 49-43 win over Mount Vernon. WR Titus Lyons had a monster day with 11 receptions for 203 yards and three touchdowns. QB Braden Plyler threw for 346 yards and five touchdowns with an interception and ran 36 times for 159 yards and two scores as well. Pottsboro’s offense is as good as any in the state, but the defense is struggling at the moment. Granted there are some elite offenses in this district, but in a brutal Region II, winning shootouts every week is not a good formula for success. Winnsboro has to use the same formula they used against Mount Vernon - control the tempo, be efficient on offense and get some timely stops - because if this game gets into a shootout, then a major edge goes to Pottsboro. Stepp’s Pick: Pottsboro by 10

Canadian (8-1, 5-0) at Childress (7-1, 4-1): This matchup has had the district title on the line more often than not the past few seasons. Technically, at least a share of the 3-3A Division II crown is at stake, but it doesn’t take away from the excitement surrounding Canadian’s visit to Fair Park Stadium. Both offenses are capable of throwing up 60 points any given night, and in Canadian’s case it could be 70 or 80! Last week the Wildcats blitz continued as they dominated Tulia to the tune of 70-0. QB Joshua Culwell threw for 307 yards and five touchdowns in the first half before sitting out the second half. Childress was idle last week after they rolled past Tulia, 48-7, two weeks ago. The Bobcats continue to get stellar output from freshman RB Dareon Mathis along with QB Collin Bishop and WR’s Devron Sims and Lamont Nickleberry. The key for the Bobcats in this one is trying to find a way to slow Canadian down a bit and actually make the Wildcats play a full four quarters; it’s been several weeks since Canadian has been tested. Canadian gets pushed for a while in this one, but in the end the offensive execution combined with an underrated defense gets Chris Koetting’s squad another district title. Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 18

Cisco (6-3, 4-0) at San Saba (7-1, 4-0): Cisco finally gets the chance to test themselves against one of the real elite teams in Class 2A as the Loboes visit Rogan Field in San Saba, better known as “The Graveyard.” After a slow start playing 3A competition, Cisco got it going in district and that trend continued last week in a 48-7 rout of Goldthwaite. Jerrod Fisher rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns, while Hunter Long added balance throwing for 96 yards and two more scores. San Saba was tested a bit by Coleman last week, but the Armadillos pulled away in the second half for a 43-10 win. RB Stone Sears was outstanding again by rushing for 207 yards and a touchdown to pace San Saba. This one is going to be a knockdown, drag out, physical football game; both these teams employ physical styles, but San Saba always has the ace up their sleeve at home and I expect the ‘Dillos to find a way in what should be a classic. Stepp’s Pick: San Saba by 2

Wheeler (8-1, 3-0) at Wellington (8-0, 3-0): Can anyone in the Panhandle slow down the Wellington juggernaut in 2A-Division II? That question gets answered Friday evening as a strong Wheeler squad visits with a district title on the line. Wheeler got a tough test from Clarendon last week, but found a way to get it done with a 27-16 win. RB David Rascon and QB Heston Marshall carried the day for the Mustangs, combining for 323 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Wellington had the week off after beating Clarendon two weeks ago, 42-22. RB Marc Ramirez had a season’s worth of success in the win rushing for 303 yards and five touchdowns, while also chipping in 16 tackles on defense. Wellington’s strength in the trenches is the big edge in this matchup and the Skyrockets wear down a thinner Wheeler squad. Stepp’s Pick: Wellington by 11

Quick Picks

Bryan (3-1, 2-1) at Killeen Shoemaker (5-0, 3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Killeen Shoemaker by 15

Richmond George Ranch (2-2, 1-0) at Fort Bend Ridge Point (2-2, 2-0) Stepp’s Pick: Richmond George Ranch by 3

Austin High (4-1, 3-1) at Buda Hays Consolidated (3-3, 2-2) Stepp’s Pick: Buda Hays Consolidated by 4

San Antonio Brennan (4-1, 3-1) vs San Antonio O’Connor (2-2, 2-1) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Brennan by 6

Highland Park (3-0, 1-0) at Longview (5-1, 2-0) Stepp’s Pick: Highland Park by 6

Beaumont United (3-1, 3-0) at Port Arthur Memorial (5-0, 3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Port Arthur Memorial by 17

Manvel (3-1, 1-0) at Fort Bend Hightower (2-2, 1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Manvel by 3

San Antonio Brackenridge (1-0, 1-0) vs San Antonio Burbank (1-0, 1-0) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Brackenridge by 13

Greenville (3-1, 1-0) at North Forney (5-0, 1-0) Stepp’s Pick: North Forney by 21

Montgomery Lake Creek (5-1, 2-0) at College Station A&M Consolidated (5-1, 1-1) Stepp’s Pick: College Station A&M Consolidated by 8

Mission Sharyland (1-0) vs Mission Pioneer (2-0, 1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Mission Pioneer by 13

Pampa (8-1, 1-1) at Dumas (8-1, 2-0) Stepp’s Pick: Dumas by 14

Argyle (9-0, 5-0) at Paris (6-3, 3-2) Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 17

Livingston (7-2, 4-0) at Huffman-Hargrave (8-0, 4-0) Stepp’s Pick: Huffman-Hargrave by 16

El Campo (7-1, 4-0) at Needville (6-3, 4-0) Stepp’s Pick: El Campo by 12

Corpus Christi Calallen (7-2, 4-0) at Port Lavaca Calhoun (8-1, 4-0) Stepp’s Pick: Port Lavaca Calhoun by 2

Sanger (8-1, 2-1) at Celina (3-4, 2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 21

Rusk (5-4, 2-2) at Center (6-3, 2-2) Stepp’s Pick: Center by 12

Carrizo Springs (4-5, 3-1) at Hondo (8-1, 4-0) Stepp’s Pick: Hondo by 28

Raymondville (1-0) at Port Isabel (0-1) Stepp’s Pick: Raymondville by 11

Pilot Point (7-2, 4-1) at Brock (9-0, 5-0) Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 21

Woodville (6-2, 3-2) at Anahuac (5-4, 4-1) Stepp’s Pick: Woodville by 5

Lorena (6-2, 4-1) at Rockdale (6-3, 4-1) Stepp’s Pick: Rockdale by 6

Lyford (5-0, 2-0) vs San Diego (3-1, 2-0) at Kingsville Stepp’s Pick: Lyford by 12

Idalou (7-0, 4-0) at Lubbock Roosevelt (8-1, 3-1) Stepp’s Pick: Idalou by 16

Italy (8-1, 4-0) at Marlin (4-3, 3-1) Stepp’s Pick: Italy by 14

Thrall (5-4, 3-2) at Holland (7-2, 4-1) Stepp’s Pick: Holland by 9

Muenster (6-3, 2-1) at Petrolia (6-2, 2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Muenster by 10

Eldorado (4-5, 3-1) at Junction (5-4, 2-2) Stepp’s Pick: Eldorado by 17